Irish Simmental Yearbook 2026 - Flipbook - Page 4
President’s Address
William O’Halloran, President ISCS
Simmental Friends and Cattle Enthusiasts,
In introducing our Irish Simmental Annual reviewing the
years 2024 & 2025, I hope readers finds it reflective on the
years covered and that it will benefit breeders in decision
making with regards to their 2027 calf crop.
I know a lot of breeders will find it strange that this is an
online publication only, but Council took this decision
primarily in a move to reduce costs but also to create a
platform whereby our publications can be delivered annually
and more efficiently. Note this annual is designed as a
printable book should breeders wish to print, and it has the
advantage that it can be stored on your computer for quick
access.
As I enter my third year as President of the Irish Simmental Cattle Society, I want to take this
opportunity to reflect on the last few years and outline my vision for the coming years.
ICBF evaluations and their requirement for Suckler / Dairy schemes continues to play far too great
a role in breeding decisions. I acknowledge breeders must try and breed 5 Star animals, but I look
forward to the day when this in no longer the case and breeders can make breeding decisions
based on their actual experience rather that a computer-generated prediction.
To get us over the current impasse, I am delighted to say that the proportion of the current
Simmental population has greatly increased it star rating following the Index Beef Price Review
which was incorporated into the index in September 2025 and the indications are very positive
that a similar uplift will follow another Index Beef Price Increase in July.
When I study the direction, the Breed is moving in the UK and Scotland in particular, where
Simmental Bulls are now the most sought-after bulls for Suckler production, one has to wonder as
to why the situation is so different a few miles across the sea and southwards. To realise that a lot
of this demand in the UK is driven on Irish Genetics that ICBF deem is unusable in Ireland due to
their star rating is mind blowing. The Irish Beef Industry needs to set new goals quickly to rescue
the current downward trend in terms of carcass size as there is a danger that we could get to a
point of no return.
Imagine telling Michael O’Leary that he cannot use he preferred stallion choice on his grade one
winning mare and if he continued with his preferred selection, offspring would not be eligible
for entry into graded races in the future. Yet we are telling him that exact scenario in terms of his
livestock breeding policy. All Breed Society Personnel needs to continue to work hard to ensure
that we get change with regard to subsidy structure before it’s too late.
With regards to the ongoing Mercosur fiasco, I am proud to say that the Irish Simmental Cattle
Society led from the front on this issue and supported the movement to force the Irish Authorities
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