As an AI (Artificial Insemination) technician and a relief milker, Tipperary woman Breda O’Dwyer, is said to be outstanding in her field.
Having milked the cows on her ex-husband’s farm, and then taken over AI duties at her father-in-law’s suggestion, she went on to earn a living from both areas.
“I did the milking on the farm, and when we went to cut costs, my father-in-law suggested that I take over the AI. When my husband and I separated, the company that supplied the straws, Eurogene, rang to ask why I wasn’t continuing with my orders.
“When I told them I no longer had cows, they offered me a job. I did the Department of Agriculture exam to work for a company, and started working as an AI technician. That was about 17 years ago.”
She didn’t make too many waves, she said. “Farmers realised I was strong – after I got the job, I did a course in fitness training at University of Limerick. They saw I could do the work, and I never had a negative reaction. I built up lots of clients.”
After about two years, there was, she said, a slight falling away of clients.
This, I think, was because some of them thought that if a woman could do it, that they could do it. But they started getting me back again, as they realised I was doing it all year and so was well used to it, whereas they were only doing it for a short while.
There was a bit of curiosity initially, but knowing that she had tackled AI on the family farm reassured farmers.
Combining the AI job with relief milking and fitness training keeps her calendar full throughout the year. “I’m very busy at the moment with relief milking. Match days and holidays keep me in demand.
“It’s hard for farmers to go on holidays or away for a night with their girlfriends or wives. Most people get holiday pay but farmers have to pay €40 to €60 per milking to get away.”
Taking over milking is a huge responsibility she said. “However, farmers trust me – they know I have good judgement.”
Discretion and her bubbly personality help. “The farmers love a chat. If they’re in bad form when I turn up, they’re smiling by the time I’m finished the work. I’m very obliging but, at the same time, I don’t take rubbish from anyone. I tell the truth, but I don’t carry stories from farmer to farmer. I discuss different topics, and get their opinions on them.”
Despite the risk of injury and exposure to all sorts of weather, she relishes the outdoor life and the interaction.
The saying ‘If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life’ is true. I don’t wear overalls, just jeans and a t-shirt, and I always have spare clothes with me.
“You get all sorts in your hair and on your clothes, but it all washes off. As regards the risk of injury, you have to be alert,” O’Dwyer added.
Her four children have a love of farming, but none have followed in her footsteps. “They enjoy farming, but all have different jobs. I remember my daughter, when she was younger, hiding my AI equipment when her boyfriend was in the house, because she didn’t want him to know that I stuck my hand up cows’ bums.”
She has yet to meet another female AI technician. “There are none working with Eurogene, and we have around 180 technicians around the country.”