Charles Gallagher appointed as chief executive of the IHFA

THE Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) has announced the appointment of Charles Gallagher, Ballycarroll, Portlaoise, Co Laois, as its incoming chief executive.

A native of Co Donegal, he is an agricultural science graduate from University College Dublin and has worked at senior management level in the Irish and multinational breeding industry.

He is the Irish manager for American Breeders Services (ABS Ireland) for the past number of years, advising milk producers on the optimum choice of genetics.

Mr Gallagher is a founder member of the Laois Offaly Holstein Friesian club and served as chairman and secretary.

He is also a member of the IHFA stock judging panel. He will take up his new position before the current IHFA chief executive Kevin Dillon retires.

Mr Gallagher will be available to assist the IHFA during the World Holstein Friesian conference and dairy show From Grass to Glass (October 9 -10), which takes place every four years.

The IHFA is hosting the event this year for the 40 member countries at the INEC Conference Centre, Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney followed by World Conference Show in the Green Glens, Millstreet.

It covers all aspects of science and technology and consists of eight informative sessions for the dairy industry.

The conference is being sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in association with AIB Bank, with financial support from Dairymaster, Keenan Systems, Baileys and Kerry Group.

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association is a member-owned organisation directed by a board elected from 3,700 members in 15 areas.