25 CENT / KG BONUS CONFIRMED – 23rd September 2024
The Irish Hereford Prime beef producer group have today announced an increased bonus of 25c/kg for the autumn and early winter period. The increased bonus will be available at all ABP Group and Kepak Group sites throughout Ireland for both qualifying steers and heifers.
Announcing the higher bonus of 25c/kg for all Hereford cattle pre-booked this autumn and early winter period, Niall O’Mahony, chair of Irish Hereford Prime said that “the extra bonus available for Hereford cattle in the coming weeks is just reward for our members who target the finishing of their animals at the times of the year when demand for our beef is very high from our premium customers”.
The increased Autumn / Winter 2024 off-season bonus is available from October 14th 2024 to the 15th of November 2024 (Week 42-46) with only animals booked in by the 30th September 2024 eligible to receive the 25c/kg bonus.
Demand for Irish Hereford Prime beef from its customers at both a retail level in Supervalu stores and in restaurants throughout Ireland is standing the test of time, with the producer group in existence for 27 years. A rise in beef sales with European buyers in recent years has seen the group continue to increase the number of cattle going through the scheme on a weekly basis, with a consistent 52-week supply from members now essential for these customers.
GUARANTEED HIGH BONUS
One such member is John Fraser from Stradbally in Co. Laois who supplies Hereford cross heifers and steers regularly. When it comes to finishing cattle, John always looks to maximise the profit of his animals. He aims to achieve the top prices possible. John highlights that the “added costs associated with finishing in the winter period need to be avoided if possible” and he feels that “the increased pre-booking bonus is very worthwhile and will push him into earlier finishing of his Hereford animals when there is the guarantee of receiving a higher bonus for his Hereford cattle.”
The additional higher bonus of 25c/kg for the period up until the 15th of November is a further sign to all farmers that the demand for branded Irish Hereford Prime beef is very strong. While increasingly meeting sustainability targets at farm level with cattle finishing at younger ages, maintaining carcase weight and conformation specifications is essential into the future.
FINISHING YOUNGER
According to Niall O’Mahony, “rewarding farmers who produce the right type of cattle at the right time is crucial for both our members viability and that of our brand in the marketplace. The increasing demands for product with high sustainability credentials puts our beef in a very good place due to the Hereford breeds natural early maturing and easy fleshing abilities. Finishing Hereford cattle at a younger age is clearly what the market requires, with the Hereford breed traits exceling at this”.
The Hereford Beef Sustainability programme in conjunction with Dovea Genetics is beginning to show real potential. To date there have been seven Hereford bulls selected and are being tested through the ICBF Gene Ireland Dairy Beef Programme. These bulls are available commercially to all suckler and dairy farmers via Dovea Genetics. The breeding policy of the program makes easy calving, short gestation Hereford bulls available to meet the huge demand at farm level, while also ensuring high terminal carcass performance to deliver a Hereford beef animal that continues to achieve targeted improvements.
The producer group recognises that an increase in the rate of genetic gain is linked to profitability, sustainability, and climate efficiency. A reduction in the age at slaughter while maintaining animal daily liveweight gain will ensure lower overall methane emissions per kilogram of beef produced, thereby strengthening the sustainability pillar on which the Irish Hereford Prime brand is built.