Introduction of IP to our Terms & Conditions of Trade

Over the past 25 years, Irish AI companies such as the National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC), Progressive Genetics and Munster Bovine, have been at the forefront of improving the genetics of our national dairy and beef herds. This collaborative effort, supported by Teagasc, DAFM, ICBF, Dairy Co-ops and Meat Industry Ireland (MII), has led to significant progress in herd quality, sustainability and genetic merit, benefiting Irish farmers by increasing productivity and profitability.

Currently, Irish genetics are accessible to large international players, who could potentially gain control over our genetics by purchasing progeny from our bulls. We must address this risk now, ensuring our genetics do not leave Ireland and become inaccessible to local farmers.

To safeguard the future genetic quality of our national herd, ensure continued access to high-merit semen at a fair price for Irish farmers and maintain the export of Irish breeding cattle we are introducing Intellectual Property (IP) rights for certain Irish bovine genetics. This step aligns with international best practices, as all major global AI companies have incorporated IP rights into their contracts and terms for semen sales. The introduction of IP supports the Irish AI industry in continuing to explore new technologies and advancements in genetics.

These IP changes (Terms & Conditions) will be reflected in our updated Terms & Conditions of Trade for the sale of semen, embryos and offspring from our IP identified AI sires to other AI companies. We ask that these updated terms be respected when selling to other AI companies. These new terms will not affect ‘farm to farm’ sales, mart sales, factory sales or the sale of natural service stock bulls. For 2025, IP identified AI sires is limited to G1 Dairy and Beef bulls, (G1 are sires where semen is released for the first time in 2025). For a list of IP identified bulls please visit our website www.progressivegenetics.ie.

To ensure continued access to high-quality genetics for Irish farmers, we are making a cross-licensing arrangement available to participating Irish AI companies and market prices will continue to be paid for the purchase of bulls from farmers. We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to protect and enhance the genetic resources that are vital for Irish farming. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 046-9541230.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we will ensure that our genetics remain a valuable resource for Irish farmers and for generations to come.

Full Listing of IP Protected Beef Sires

Full Listing of IP Protected Dairy Sires

Terms & Conditions

Updated Terms & Conditions: Terms & Conditions