Irish Hereford Prime, in association with Kepak, is set to host an information evening for beef farmers at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, on Monday, February 24, from 7:30p.m.

The theme of the free-to-attend event is: 'Farm Smarter, Not Harder: Maximise Your Beef Gains' and is aimed at beef farmers who are "looking to enhance their operations and maximise returns", according to Irish Hereford Prime.

The information event will hear from a series of speakers with a panel discussion focusing on key issues relating to modern beef farming including genetic advancements, veterinary health, market trends, and funding opportunities.

The speakers and topics at the event will include:

Mick O’Dowd: Head of agribusiness at Kepak Group;
Oisin Farrell: Irish Hereford Prime member and beef farmer;
Peter McCann: Park Veterinary Centre, Ballymahon, Co. Longford;
Teagasc/Local Authority Waters Programme – European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Grants;
John Lynch: Beef specialist, Dovea Genetics;
Seamus McMenamin: Sector manager for livestock at Bord Bia.

Kepak's Mick O'Dowd will detail Kepak's fully-integrated Twenty20 beef programme in association with Tirlán.

Peter McCann will detail some practical veterinary and health tips that farmers can implement on their farms and address the upcoming changes to veterinary medicines legislation and explain what they mean for daily farm operations and compliance.

Farmers can also find out if their farm is eligible for the Water Environmental Innovation Partnership (EIP) funding and learn how these grants can support farmers in improving sustainability and efficiency on their farm.

Dovea Genetic's John Lynch will detail sire advice in the context of Hereford genetics and where it may fit into a dairy-beef system and how it can help to drive the profitability and overall sustainability of a beef enterprise.

Bord Bia's Seamus McMenamin will give an expert analysis on the outlook for the beef market including future trends and opportunities to help farmers make informed decisions and plan with confidence.

A one-time, 60% discounted lifetime membership of Irish Hereford Prime is on offer on the night and there will also be a range of spot prizes available including:

Two Hereford cross calves;
Free AI straws from Dovea Genetics bulls in beef sustainability programme;
Calf rearing bundle;
Irish Hereford Prime beef box;
Irish Hereford Prime jacket and beanies.

Refreshments will be served on the night and farmers who are interested can confirm their attendance on the Irish Hereford Prime website.