Farmers can draw down a bonus of up to 25c/kg for Hereford cattle under an Irish Hereford Prime CLG-led initiative.
The Off-Season Bonus Scheme will run from March 20th, 2023, to May 19th, 2023, at all ABP Group and Kepak Group sites throughout Ireland for qualifying steers and heifers.
Animals that are not booked in before February 17th, 2023, will not be eligible for the higher off-season bonus, which generally varies from 20-25c/kg, and therefore, the standard bonus of 10-12c/KG will apply.
The higher off-season bonus scheme rates are payable in addition to the applicable quality assurance payment.
A spokesperson for Irish Hereford Prime has stated that the bonus is limited to existing Irish Hereford Prime members only, and bookings – dates and numbers must be accurate – will be on a first come, first served basis for each week.
As each week is filled, a statement from the spokesperson outlined, the next available week will be offered.
Participants have to submit a cattle booking form – spring/summer 2023, along with an ICBF and Bord Bia information release authorisation forms before a closing date of Friday, February 17th, 2023, at 6 pm.
Factories involved:
ABP Group:
- Bandon;
- Cahir;
- Clones;
- Nenagh;
- Rathkeale;
- Waterford;
- Slaney.
Kepak Group:
- Athleague;
- Clonee;
- Kilbeggan;
- Cork.
A spokesperson for Irish Hereford Prime said:
“With beef prices across the board rising considerably over the past 12 months, the promise of this higher additional bonus for Hereford cattle comes as a strong signal that demand for Irish Hereford Prime beef from its customers in Ireland and throughout Europe continues at a pace.”
‘Strong’ demand for beef
Niall O’Mahony, chair of Irish Hereford Prime, said that he is “confident that this additional bonus for the period will come as further evidence that the branding and promotion of a premium product are essential to growing market share for Hereford beef.”
He commented: “We have seen the number of Hereford qualifying cattle through the producer group continue to grow.”
“Demand for our beef is very strong. We are increasingly meeting sustainability targets at farm level with cattle finishing at younger ages, while maintaining carcase specifications, and our beef genetics sustainability program is beginning to show real potential.”
