'We've had calls from breeders finding it difficult' - ITBA start webinar series

Friday will see the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association hosting the first of three national webinars, designed to impart as much information as possible to breeders and get feedback on what more they can do to ensure efficient representation.

The first of these, between 2pm and 4.30pm, entitled 'operating in the current climate', will highlight some of the key challenges breeders are facing and how best to overcome them.

Throughout 2021 ITBA concentrated its efforts to assess the service they provide to breeders and produce a template for future-proofing the association by undertaking a strategic review.

The ITBA's chief executive Shane O'Dwyer said: "I wish to take this opportunity to thank the many breeders for their invaluable input and assistance during this process.

"Our review hopes to refine and develop our internal workings, futureproof council, which is the engine room of the association, and our committee structures, while improving our engagement with stakeholders.

"Our chairperson John McEnery along with myself will discuss the challenges facing the association going forward. We are keen to encourage as many breeders as possible to become more involved in the association."

O'Dwyer continued: "The last year has caused a lot of anxiety for breeders trying to trade in a Covid environment. As if this is not challenging enough, they are faced with the outcome of Brexit.

"We have received many calls from breeders who are finding it extremely difficult to navigate their way through all the changes and increased administration.

"With this in mind we have pulled together a stellar panel to discuss these challenges and see if there is anything the ITBA can do to streamline things better.

"The ITBA and wider industry has worked tirelessly to address traceability, welfare and anti-doping over the last number of years and we look forward to discussing this with HRI’s director of welfare and bloodstock John Osborne."

The webinars are billed as an opportunity to find out more about legislation, the introduction of the digital passport and transport and taxation implications of trading in this environment.

O'Dwyer added: "As an association we have taken an active role in addressing the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. We are looking at various funding opportunities to carry out an assessment of soil health and carbon calculation, waste management, water quality and existing land usage on stud farms.

"As fellow recipients of the foal levy, the Irish Equine Centre is doing a lot of work in the area of sustainability and biodiversity and I look forward to Alan Creighton providing an update on best practice and funding opportunities available for breeders everywhere."

To register for the webinar, which will be delivered in three sessions (ITBA Update, Operating in today's environment, and Sustainable options for breeders), email Kerry Ryan at kryan@itba.ie or call the ITBA headquarters on 045-877543.

There is further information online.

Read more

Logician proves a head-turner in Doncaster

Winter Million bumper star Our Jester and his fittingly unconventional pedigree

On the roads of Normandy: Five nuggets from my weekend on the Route des Etalons

Goffs UK announces appointment of Bernard Condren as head of sales

How the shrewd Fiona Denniff has been rewarded for constantly backing her stock