Despite being just three years in existence, Dúnmasc Genetics are no strangers to award success. The progressive business was nominated in two categories at this year’s Agrinusiness Awards while their roll of honour also includes the 2015 Emerging New Business (SSA Awards) and Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (Laois) accolades.
On Tuesday, December 8th last the cream of Ireland’s Agribusiness industry were recognised and celebrated in front of an audience of industry professionals at the inaugural Agribusiness Awards which were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dublin.
The Agribusiness Awards were launched to recognise and celebrate the most innovative organisations and individuals that have contributed to Ireland being viewed as a global leader in this sector.
Dúnmasc Genetics were up for two awards, in the ‘Use of Technology’ and ‘Innovation’ categories and Managing Director Stephen Dowling, who set up the business three years, ago told Irish Tractor & Agri magazine: “It was a great achievement to get that far.
“In relative terms, we’re a small business and it can be at times difficult to compete against bigger companies but we feel we’re innovative in how we go about running our company and the nominations back that up.”
Initially, bovine embryo transfer and ultrasound scanning were the core components of the business, but the past few years has seen Dúnmasc Genetics diversify its services, as it expanded into artificial insemination (AI), hoof trimming and the distribution and sales of AI straws.
In addition, Stephen and his experienced staff provide a range of training courses with the needs of the farmer in mind. Their aim is to provide practical training, as well as develop the farmer’s knowledge in their chosen area of training.
As a pedigree breeder or farmer, your herd is a major asset that offers huge potential. Work with Dúnmasc Genetics to unlock that potential and make gains in terms of quality and productivity.
Their business is based on genetic merit.
For dairy farmers, they can help you improve milk quality and herd classification. For suckler farmers, they can work with you to increase weanling or beef production. They can help by providing proven bloodlines so that you can breed with confidence.
Based in one of Ireland’s agricultural heartlands, Co. Laois, they provide top quality bovine genetics and fertility management services to farmers and breeders throughout Leinster, Ireland and beyond.
They source semen and embryos from proven herds and export them all over the world. Their services include flushing, freezing and transferring embryos. They can also provide bovine pregnancy scanning, training courses and their product range includes the HerdInsights and semen sales.
“The use of technology nomination was more linked with what we do around embryo transfers, the skill and technology we use to be able to breed and transfer embryos,” Stephen explained.
“We’ve also developed a mobile app which is all about making life easier for farmers. They have constant access through their mobiles and can generate their own programme through the app while we use push notifications to keep them updated. It’s a basic app at the minute but we’re looking at ways of improving it.”
Dúnmasc Genetics’ laboratory is in Dunamaise just outside Portlaoise and the Dowling family is steeped in farming and still run a busy farm beside the famous Rock of Dunamaise historical site.
Stephen brings with him years of experience in farming allied to extensive training in the field of bovine genetics. After studying for two years in Kildalton Agricultural College, Stephen developed his interest in genetics and undertook further training in AI. He then went on to undergo specialist training in the area of embryo transfer with Rafter D Genetics, Texas in the United States.
As an Embryo Transfer technician, he believes ongoing training is required to regularly update his skills in line with scientific developments and best practice. A family-run affair, his mother Antoinette looks after the sales and administration functions.
Their custom built laboratory is designed with both tailored analysis and practicality in mind; they are the first company to combine embryo transfer services and semen distribution in Ireland.
Regulated to the appropriate standards and legislation according to The Council Directive 89/556/EEC and SI19 of 2009 and approved and licensed by the Dept of Agriculture, the lab is equipped accordingly, using equipment like microscopes, freezers and cryopreservation units.
Their residential service with a focus on nutrition, fertility and flushing programmes offers their customers an extra level of service if required. Their aim is to help you get the most from your herd.
Traceability is a major issue for the agricultural community today so Dúnmasc Genetics source semen and embryos from sources they know and trust. As farmers themselves, they understand their customers requirements.
“We’re a family-run business with a commitment to providing only the highest quality products and services,” Stephen added.
“Every year we’re gets busier and busier. We’re a growing company with loyal customers from all over the country and we’ve also being doing a certain amount of export since 2014. We’re very experienced at what we do and we enjoy a high level of interaction with customers. Our team knows what they are talking about and the advice they offer is second to none.
“We’re continually looking at ways of expanding the business. We have beef cattle catalogue and are looking at setting up a dairy catalogue to have ready for the Spring market.”
Dúnmasc Genetics believe in quality for all farmers and breeders, both in Ireland and abroad. They welcome enquiries from other countries who want to improve their herd’s productivity and efficiency from their selection of proven bloodlines and animal health monitoring systems.
They provide the perfect combination of science and expertise to help you make the most of your herd.
Dúnmasc Genetics
Rockview
Dunamaise
Portlaoise
Co Laois.
T: +353 (0)57 864 6688
M: +353 (0)86 360 7641
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 2, February 2016
