To mark the 70th anniversary of Macra na Feirme and the launch of Herdwatch, FRS presented Macra’s Agricultural Affairs Committee members with a free one year subscription to their Mobile Herd Manager at the committee’s latest meeting in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. Fabien Peyaud from FRS demonstrated the key features of this new innovative herd manager to the group of 20 committee members who represent Macra groups from around the country, with Macra CEO, Edmond Connolly, Macra President, Kieran O’Dowd and Agricultural Affairs Committee Chairperson Sean Coughlan also in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of Macra, Edmond Connolly, CEO said ‘we were delighted that FRS came along to show the group what Herdwatch can do to make life so much easier on the farm and are grateful for their kind gesture of a free subscription. After using the mobile herd manager myself I am thrilled to have the facility of my herd in my hand and to manage my fledgling Pedigree Angus herd. I am awaiting the birth of the first calf from a new addition to my herd and will be registering it through Herdwatch and I have to say I am looking forward to doing that. Embracing something new can be empowering.’
Sean Coughlan said "It's interesting to see how mobile technology is evolving with the development of products that are relevant to farmers on the ground"
Fabien was able to show a preview of the next major Herdwatch update due in a few days, which will enable the easy recording of weight and breeding events (insemination and scans). These events will automatically be passed on to ICBF.
‘1,500 calves have been registered via Herdwatch in the last few weeks and the feedback from users has been very positive. I am inspired by the way farmers have taken the step forward to embrace a new way of doing things and I am confident that this will continue as farmers see for themselves how Herdwatch will improve the daily management of their herd.’ said Fabien Peyaud, FRS IT Manager and Herdwatch developer. ‘We welcome Macra to the fold and can see the motivation within Macra to embrace new things, which is why this organisation is celebrating the successes of 70 years.’ said Peyaud.
The Macra organisation was instrumental in the birth of FRS Farm Relief Services 35 years ago, so further celebrations of this special link and 70th Anniversary are planned, with an upcoming special Herdwatch deal for Macra members, so watch this space ;-)
Kieran O'Dowd, Macra President, Fabien Peyaud, FRS/Herdwatch IT Manager, Edmond Connolly, Macra CEO, and Peter Byrne, FRS Network CEO at a recent meeting in Roscrea.
Macra Agricultural Affairs Committee Chairperson, Sean Coughlan (in green), Fabien Peyaud from Herdwatch (standing) and commitee members during a Herdwatch presentation at their latest meeting in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.