Introducing the Board Members of the IRDBF
Board Member and President is Graeme Hamilton of Australia. Graeme was determined to be a dairy farmer since early childhood, following in the family footsteps. Graeme first became enthralled by red dairy cows in his teenage years, and that eager interest has never waned. Graeme has an enduring belief that greater collaboration between the various red dairy breeds is necessary, and will lead to growth opportunities for breeders. For the red breeds to prosper, individual breeders must see tangible rewards for their breeding endeavours. It is the task of the IRDBF to foster this improved cooperation.
Email: graeme@hamiltonsrun.com.au
Mikko Kemppainen of Finland was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2025. He grew up on a small family dairy farm which later came to be part of larger farm in conjunction with two other farmers. Mikko has a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and is working on the family farm. Since 2023 he has been a delegate to Faba, and Viking Red Breed Committee.
Gabrielle Steiner of New Zealand is a new young face to the Board from 2026.
As a young breeder Gabby and her partner own around 40 Ayrshires with plans of expanding their numbers when they are able to have a farm of their own. Gabby has been involved with the red breed since she was born, she is a third generation Ayrshire breeder and has loved them since before she could talk. Gabby has worked with a few reputable studs in New Zealand gaining as much knowledge as she can before she goes out on her own. She started her own stud in 2020 ‘Simplee Ayrshires’ with several animals registered. She looks forward to helping the future of the red breeds and understands how important the youth community is to further our mission.
Photo supplied by Gabrielle Steiner.
Lorenz Engelbrecht of Germany is a new face to the Board from 2023.
He was born and raised on his parents' farm in Angeln in northern Germany, near the border with Denmark. From an early age he was interested in breeding cows, especially Red Angler cows.
After Lorenz finished his education he took over from his parents on the farm in 1998, where he lives with his wife and their two children. Currently they are milking 140 cows, most of which are Angler cows.
All heifers are genomically tested. The Engelbrecht farm has two bulls in AI teams namely ALERIO and BAMBUS P.
Lorenz became a Board member for the Angler Breeding Association in 2013, and its Chairman in 2016.
Havard Melbo Tajet of Norway is a new face to the Board from 2023.