Simmentals were originally in Ireland since 1971. The breed originated in the Simme Valley in Switzerland and in the last century spread throughout Europe to become the predominant breed in countries like Austria and Germany where it is known as Fleckveih and in France where it is known as Pie Rouge and numbers over 2 million.
The first importation came from Austria in 1971 and was later followed by six more importations and smaller consignments from Germany, France and Switzerland to total over 1,000 head.
The Irish Simmental Cattle Society was founded in May 1971 and membership is open to breeders who own at least one pedigree Simmental female.
For more than 20 years the World-Simmental-Fleckvieh-Federation has been the foundation for extremely successful international operation. In very close co-operation it makes a valuable contribution to the worldwide success of the Simmental breed.
Through the sharing of experiences on an international basis by the member countries results achieved in the various countries are subject to continuing progress.
The current countries within the World-Simmental-Fleckvieh Federation are:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
