IHFA board member resigns citing transparency concerns

Donohoe highlighted specific concerns regarding the breed society, including a desire for more promotion of pedigree bulls over SRM bulls and issues with traits such as short teats, rump feet, and legs, which he believes require engagement with stakeholders. He feels that the key objective of helping members progress their herds is not being adequately addressed and that the views of members and the process of democracy have been dismissed.

These resignations follow a period of tension within the IHFA over the past year. In 2025, members raised significant concerns about a proposed project involving the development of a nucleus herd and an IVF breeding service, intended to increase genetic gain. This led to a group of 'concerned members' gathering and sending over 100 letters, including individual herd numbers, to the IHFA, requesting an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) late last year. Subsequent reports indicated that concerned members claimed the IHFA was undermining transparency, while other members demanded transparency regarding the GenÉireann project. An EGM eventually gave the board approval to evaluate the GenÉireann initiative.