The Irish Limousin Cattle Society has announced the appointment of Ronan Murphy as its CEO.
The “highly experienced” business leader has worked in many industries in senior roles and brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience of animal breeding and production to the role.
Ronan is currently working as a consultant and before this, was the CEO of Horse Sport Ireland.
He previously held the position of CEO in Weatherbys Ireland, where he served on the board of four of Weatherbys’ companies. Prior to that, he worked in Hermitage Genetics, a Kilkenny-based company specialising in performance genetics.
Breed societies adapting to changing needs
Ronan is a Wicklow native and graduated from UCD with a master’s in animal science.
President of the society, Trevor Masterson, commented on the announcement:
“Ronan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having successfully developed animal breeding businesses in both the porcine and equine industries.”
“The role of a cattle breed society is changing; the whole ecosystem we exist in is transforming.”
“The societies that adapt to the changing needs will be the ones to grow and flourish. Our breed society has become a big business and has over 2,500 members.”
“We need to be proactive and deliver services to our breeders and our main customer groups, the suckler and dairy farmers who purchase our bulls and heifers.”
Limousin genetics powering ahead
He said the dairy sector is a growing market for Limousin bulls in recent years, and its recently launched LimoShortGestation programme is the “first” step in the process to deliver bulls that meet market needs.
Of late, we have seen the notable success of Limousin genetics in Britain. A Limousin heifer, Wilodge Poshspice, sold for a record 250,000gns at a sale in Carlisle recently, smashing the Limousin world record.
“Like many businesses, we must think global, not local. While our breed, like all breeds, face challenges, there are also massive opportunities. Technology is impacting all sectors, and as a society, we must embrace and leverage these opportunities. The Limousin Council and I are looking forward to working with Ronan.”
Murphy said it is a privilege to be appointed as CEO at this “exciting and strategically important time” for the Limousin breed in Ireland.
“The Limousin breed has made a massive contribution to the profitability of Ireland’s suckler and beef production enterprises since its introduction in the 1970s, and is the continental beef sire of choice for the growing Irish dairy industry.”
“We will continue to build on these excellent foundations, adapt to market requirements and demonstrate and promote the versatility and genetic advantages of the Limousin breed.”
“I am looking forward to working closely with the president, council, members and the team at the ILCS to deliver our strategic and innovation plans and to ensure the continued success and development of the commercially important Limousin breed to the benefit of all stakeholders in the quality beef production industry in Ireland.”
Ronan will take up his new position in the middle of April.
