Our Background

Gerard.

Gerard has worked in over 30 Countries, in the course of his 30 year career with CBF and the Bord Bia – the Irish Food Board.  For the last 10 years he held the position of Director of Meat & Livestock, responsible for the Strategic development and Marketing of the largest sector in the Irish Food Industry.  Previously he was Director of the Dusseldorf office, with responsibility for Central European Markets.  Prior to joining CBF – The Meat and Livestock Board, Gerard had been Secretary of the Irish Limousin Society.

During the 7 years living in Germany, there were many visits to Austria to view and select Fleckvieh Simmental cattle to improve the home herd.   Shortly after returning to Ireland in 1995, Gerard was elected to the position of President of the Irish Simmental Society.  (His father Tom, had previously also served as President, and brother David was Chairman of the South Eastern Simmental Club.) 

Gerard left Bord Bia (and the 5 hour daily commute to the Dublin office) in the spring of 2013 and  by autumn the decision was made to change the farming system to dairying.  See “Celtic Herd” for details.

Gerard, together with his late father Tom and brother David, have been noted Judges at shows and sales throughout Ireland for decades.  In addition, Gerard has had the honour of judging Beef Simmentals at a number of International events, including:

  • The  Royal Ulster Show, Balmoral, Northern Ireland, 2011
  • The German National Simmental Show, 2012
  • The Austrian Beef Breeder’s show, 2013
  • The Scottish National Simmental Show, 2014
  • The European Simmental Congress Show, Switzerland, 2015
Gerard has served on many Boards and Committees over the years:
Current:
  • NCFRS (National Co-Op Farm Relief Services). (Indipendent Board Member and Member of the Remuneration and Finance Sub-Committee.
  • Mountrath Livestock Co-Operative Mart - Chairman.

Previously:
  • Irish Simmental Cattle Society - President.
  • UECBV (European Union Meat & Livestock Traders Association) Board Member.
  • Agri Aware - Board Member
  • Beef Expo Organising Committee - Chairman
  • ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) - Board Member
  • AHI (Animal Health Ireland) - Board Member.

Angela.

Angela is a qualified General Nurse, Midwife, Chiropidist, Orthopedic Nurse, and has worked in Saudia Arabia and Iraq as well as Germany and Ireland.

Angela managed the farm for about 10 years while Gerard commuted to work in Dublin, and is still fully involved in the daily running of the farm, handling much of the calf rearing, DIY AI and healthcare of the animals .   Her medical background is also usefull in dealing with any veterinary issues.  On a day to day basis, Angela also handles much of the semen sales and delivery arrangements.

Angela served on the Irish Simmental Council for 6 years, and held the office of Vice-President. 

  • Angela is currently one of the NDC (National Dairy Council) Farmer Ambassador's, representing the face of farming to consumers, with a particular focus on Sustainability.
  • Angela also serves as the only farmer representative on Bord Bia's GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL, advancing the interests of Irish farmers among a Council otherwise consisting of the Global leaders in Foodservice, Manufacturing and Retail.
  • Angela has been widely interviewed on radio and TV, progressing the voice of sustainable dairy farming through Dual-purpose cattle.  Her contributions have been aired on Ear to the Ground, Morning Ireland, and Countrywide.