New group will promote AI

EFFORTS to promote AI last spring appear to have halted the long term decline in the use of artificial insemination, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.

Now, a group containing representatives from ICBF, AI companies, Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture and Food, and the farm organisations has been formed to further improve farmers’ understanding of the benefits of AI, and achieve an extra increase in the use of AI.

ICBF chief executive Brian Wickham has been chosen as its chairman. Plans are being prepared for a survey of farmers, promotion of beef AI this autumn, and dairy and beef promotions in 2007.