Irish Hereford Prime in association with ABP Food Group is hosting a farmer information evening at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday, January 29, at 7:30pm.

The free event will feature a number of speakers who will focus on key topics relevant to modern-day beef farming including genetic advancements, animal health, market trends, and funding opportunities for farmers.

There will also be a panel discussion with management advice and tips for beef farmers as well as beef-market insights being discussed on the night.

The key speakers on the evening are as follows:

Bord Bia senior manager for meat and livestock, Joe Burke;
ABP's agri-sustainability manager, Stephen Connolly;
Irish Hereford Prime member and beef farmer Dwayne Stanley;
Brittas Ormonde veterinarian, Eamon Ryan;
Teagasc/Local Authority Waters Programme - Water EIP guest speaker.

ABP's Stephen Connolly will discuss the latest developments from the ABP Demo Farm and the processor-led sustainability initiative the Advantage Beef Programme.

He will explain how farmers can source dairy-beef calves with a higher genetic beef potential and the performance of a range of Hereford-sired calves involved in research trials on the ABP Demo Farm.

This session will highlight the critical role of genetics in achieving sustainable, profitable beef production.

Speaking ahead of the event, Connolly said: "ABP has a strong relationship with Irish Hereford Prime dating back since the producer groups' establishment in 1997.

"We are delighted to support this Irish Hereford Prime event, and we encourage any farmer interested in rearing calves in 2025 to come along.

"The Advantage Beef Programme team will be there on the night to talk to farmers about the key elements of a successful and profitable calf to beef enterprise," Connolly said.

As well as this, veterinary specialist Eamon Ryan will discuss some practical veterinary advice and health tips that farmers can implement on their own farms.

The discussion will also address the upcoming changes to veterinary medicines legislation and explain what they mean for farmers' daily operations and compliance.

Also on the evening, farmers can find out if their farm is eligible for funding through the Water Environmental Innovation Partnership (EIP).

It will be explained how these grants can support farmers in improving sustainability and efficiency on their farms.

A working example of what the process entails will be explained, with practical applications that are in place, on the farm of guest panelist Dwayne Stanley.

Bord Bia's Joe Burke will deliver expert analysis on the outlook for the beef market, including future trends and opportunities to help farmers make informed decisions and plan ahead with confidence.

Speaking ahead of the event, Burke said: "The market outlook for Irish beef appears positive for the year ahead on account of robust consumer demand and tighter supplies of prime cattle anticipated in the UK and EU markets."

The latest Irish Hereford Prime Producer Group initiatives will be explained on the night. These initiatives are designed "to add value and to support our members", according to Irish Hereford Prime.

Chair of Irish Hereford Prime, Niall O’Mahony, said: "As a beef producer group over the last number of years, we've worked hard on trying to improve the lot for our members. The event on January 29 promises to give them some key insights into what is possible on their farm".

Spot prizes on the night will include:

Two Hereford-cross calves;
Free AI straws from Dovea Genetics bulls in the beef sustainability programme;
Calf rearing bundle;
Irish Hereford Prime jackets;
Irish Hereford Prime Beef Box.

A one-time 60% discounted lifetime membership of Irish Hereford Prime is on offer also and refreshments will be served on the night.