Kepak recently hosted four of its award-winning farmer suppliers to their Head Office in Clonee, to celebrate the newly launched ICBF Beef Quality Awards, recognising excellence in beef production and the use of genetics to build more efficient, profitable, and sustainable beef systems.
The awards, launched by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon at ICBF’s Tully Performance Test Centre in Co. Kildare, are a collaboration between the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), FBD Trust, and six leading Irish meat processors. They spotlight farmers who are using the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) to make measurable improvements on their farms.
Dairy farmer, Laurence Walsh is one of the award-winning suppliers to the Kepak Watergrasshill plant. He runs a mixed livestock system in Waterford, comprising 25 suckler cows, 90 dairy cows, and an ewe flock. Laurence finishes all his own stock, prioritising efficiency and profitability through strong genetics and grass-based management. CBV plays an important role in his finishing strategy, improving kill-out percentages and reducing days to slaughter.
“At Kepak, we see first-hand the advantages of sourcing cattle with strong genetic merit,” Mick O’Dowd, Head of Agribusiness at Kepak, said. “From improved efficiency and carcass quality, to reduced environmental impact. We’re delighted to support the ICBF Beef Quality Awards and to celebrate farmers who are embracing innovation to secure a more sustainable and profitable future for Irish beef.”
The Beef Quality Awards underline what can be achieved when science, data, and industry collaboration come together. By embracing CBV and participating in the National Genotyping Programme, farmers can make more informed breeding and buying decisions, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and profitable beef production.
