The Irish Simmental Cattle Society has appointed a new general manager.
Leitrim native, Deirdre McGowan, moved to fill the new position at its Tullamore-based office on February 7th, 2022.
She hails from near Mohill, where her family breed pedigree Limousin and Shorthorn cattle.
Deirdre studied ag science at Waterford IT and qualified from UCD with a B.Agr.Sc degree.
She then secured an M.Sc in Agri Biotechnology (first-class honours) from Dundalk IT.
She has judged the Shorthorn breed and young handler classes and has exhibited cattle at livestock numerous shows.
Furthermore, she has also worked as an inspector and school competition coordinator for Certified Irish Angus.
Before joining the Irish Simmental Cattle Society, she worked for Aurivo Co-op marts, Ballymote & Mohill, and the Midland & Western Livestock Improvement Society.
Previously, she was an agricultural consultant in Co. Donegal, where she facilitated five beef KT groups.
Simmental Society
Following her appointment, Deirdre said:
“The Simmental breed is renowned for its excellent maternal abilities and commendable growth rates for their age.”
“These traits are vital for economically sustainable and environmentally-friendly beef production, which is important in today’s climate.”
“I look forward to working with the council of the Society and its members to promote the Simmental breed’s importance in both the beef and dairy herd.”
Experience
Commenting on the appointment, Emmanuel O’Dea, president of the Irish Simmental Cattle Society, said:
“We are very impressed with the energy and enthusiasm that Deirdre has towards the role.”
“We feel that her experience as a pedigree breeder, combined with education and experience in the mart/beef sector, gives her a great skillset for the varying challenges that the role will bring.”
“We look forward to working with her to establish the Simmental breed as having a key role in improving the carbon footprint of both our dairy and suckler beef,” he concluded.
