ICBF are deeply saddened by the passing of our former Chief Executive, colleague and friend, Brian Wickham. Brian passed away on Sunday 20th August after a long battle with cancer.
From 1998 to 2012 Brian was the driving force in establishing our national, integrated database for cattle breeding in Ireland. ICBF was formed in 2000 to establish and operate the database as well as to provide genetic evaluations for Irish farmers. The EBI and €uro-star indexes came as a direct result of Brian’s determination and ability to take a long-term view of the industry and what it needed.
“One version of the truth…be bold and take a long term view.” – Brian Wickham
Brian was always so passionate about the role that cattle breeding could play in improving the profitability of farmers. His principled view of ensuring that the ICBF database was farmer owned and controlled, set Ireland in a unique position in terms of cattle breeding. He always found the positives, even in the most challenging of negotiations and his integrity was always beyond reproach.
We extend our condolences to Brian’s family and friends during this difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.
