Next Gen Herefords held their first event of the year last Wednesday 9th March – an information webinar which was held online and seen 44 attendees.

Dr. Paddy Buckley – IVP

The webinar kicked off at 8pm with an introduction from Eoin Lynch. Mr. Paddy Buckley then joined the meeting and gave a very informative presentation about the IVP Embryo transfer – the process involved, costs, what type of animals are suitable, timeframe involved and the reliability of the technology used. This method of embryo transfer is new to Ireland but is working very well and has proven it’s success rate across the globe in the run upto it’s introduction to Ireland. There are many advantages of using this method including; more flexibility with donors, one semen straw can be used on upto eight donors, can be carried out without the use of hormones and it is more welfare friendly for the donor – to name just a few. Anyone who is interested in trying IVP or want to know more about what’s involved – Paddy Buckley can be contacted directly by email: paddy@abreeds.ie or by mobile: 087 1033081.

Breed Improvement Scheme Sires

The second part of the webinar involved a presentation on a number of Breed Improvement sires and a look at their progeny on the ground. The group discussed in detail; Pute Nascar N13, Battalion Undertaker, Karoonda Sampson, Haven Kingpin, Battalion Frontier, Kaludah Powerhouse & Kaludah Jolly. Several breeders submitted photos and videos in the run upto the evening which the Next Gen Herefords compiled into a presentation slideshow. Michael Barrett led the discussion by outlining the background of each bull and showed videos and photographs of themselves and their progeny to the group. Breeders on the call were then invited to share their opinions and experience with the various sires and their recommendations. There was lots of great information and honest feedback shared during this feature which is good help to breeders on the ground considering what sires to use to match their cow type and to satisfy the market their supplying. The slideshow can be accessed here;

ihbs-breed-improvement-scheme-information-webinar-1-1DOWNLOAD

The event was a great success all round with lots of useful information shared among the group and lots of learnings for new and young breeders. The group also held a raffle on the evening for all attendees. The draw took place the next day on Facebook and the winner of Four Breed Improvement Straws & a Next Gen Herefords Hoodie was; Darragh Kelly.

Many thanks

Many thanks to the Next Gen Herefords for organising the event, to Dr. Paddy Buckley for presenting his knowledge and experience, all breeders who shared imagery and information and to all who attended the event. Next Gen Herefords hope to hold another Webinar later in the year to check in again with breeders using the various Breed Improvement bulls and share the results.