Formation

The lead-up to the formation of ICBF involved three key studies with associated reports.  The Nagle Committee early in 1995, the Enrst & Young Report late in 1995 and the Interim Planning Board in Sept 1996.

ICBF operated with an interim structure from 1997 to 2000.  During this period alternative structures for ICBF were reviewed, and rules drawn up for the Society to be registered as a Friendly Society.  The current structure was agreed and rules adopted at a Special General Meeting on 27th July, 2000.

On 17th June 2003 the rules were amended to comply with the requirements for a charitable exemption from the Revenue Commissioners.

Structure

• Four categories of member – Herd Book, Milk Recording, Artificial Insemination, Farmer Body (IFA & ICMSA).
• Members are allocated shares in proportion to their level of activity within each group - registrations, milk recorded cows, and inseminations respectively for Herd Book, Milk Recording and Artificial Insemination.
• The Board decides admission to membership.
• The Board can form committees as required.

 

Objectives

The rules of ICBF state that the main objects of the Society shall be:

To achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the national cattle herd for the benefit of Irish Farmers, and the Dairy and Beef industries and Members by collecting, collating and distributing available information and data of practical and scientific interest, by promoting the exchange of all such information and data amongst breeders of cattle in Ireland

This will be achieved through the following subsidiary objects:

• Leading in partnership with its members the development of cattle breeding in a way which will best serve the national livestock sector.
• Providing member services that facilitate members of the Society in the provision of services to cattle farmers that ensure the breeding of cattle that better satisfy future market requirements for cattle derived products.
• To publish information that will assist cattle farmers and the cattle breeding industry to monitor national progress in cattle breeding and that will identify those individual cattle with the greatest potential to contribute to the future interests of the national livestock sector.
• Undertaking in conjunction with its members and non-members such lawful activities as the Board determines necessary to ensure cattle utilized for commercial purposes in Ireland are of the greatest merit.   

 

Dated 31st July 2006