New Breed Bonus
New Breed Bonus 2026
Irish Hereford Prime and ABP Announce New Breed Bonus Structure Worth Up to 20c/kg
Irish Hereford Prime, in partnership with ABP Food Group, has announced details of a new and enhanced bonus payment structure for its producer group members. In addition to the existing qualification criteria and base breed bonus, members can now avail of:
10c/kg standard bonus
5c/kg sustainability bonus
5c/kg genetics bonus
This provides a total potential bonus of up to 20c/kg on qualifying Hereford animals supplied to ABP. The revised structure reflects a continued commitment to rewarding farmer performance while aligning with evolving market demands for high-quality, sustainably produced beef.
ABP Agri Sustainability Manager Stephen Connolly said:
“The results from the trial work on the ABP demo farm over the last ten years have demonstrated to us the value of using the best Hereford genetics and the difference that it can make to a farms overall performance”.
New Breed Bonus 2026
Strengthening the Hereford Program
The Irish Hereford Prime bonus has long provided a reliable return for farmers producing in-spec Hereford cattle. Under the revised structure:
The existing 10c/kg breed bonus remains unchanged across ABP and Kepak sites.
Additional payments are introduced to incentivise sustainability and genetic improvement. The programme aims to future-proof the Hereford offering in line with customer expectations.
Key Pillars
Enhanced Bonus Structure
The new payment model is built around two additional strategic pillars:
1. Supporting Sustainability on Irish Farms
The sustainability pillar is applied on a whole-farm basis and rewards participation in environmental improvement practices.
To qualify for the 5c/kg sustainability bonus, farmers must:
- Sign up to the AgNav sustainability platform here
- Develop a farm sustainability plan
- Select and implement three voluntary sustainability actions
Examples of actions that farmers can choose to implement include the use of protected urea, liming, incorporating clover, reducing chemical nitrogen usage, and adopting low emission slurry spreading practices.
Timeline requirement:
Completion of the selected actions must be demonstrated by 2029
This pillar supports farmers in improving environmental performance while maintaining profitability.
2. Driving Genetic Improvement
The genetics pillar is applied on an individual animal basis, encouraging the use of higher-performing Hereford cattle.
To qualify for the 5c/kg genetics bonus:
From September 2026:
Animal must have:
- A recorded sire, or
- Be genotyped
From 2028, animals must achieve a Commercial Beef Value (CBV) of at least €100. From 2029 onwards, this CBV requirement must be verified through genotyping only and will be subject to annual review and adjustment. This approach is designed to promote improved farm profitability, enhance carcass performance, and reduce both finishing time and associated feed costs.
Performance Evidence – Value of Genetics
ICBF data demonstrates the financial benefit of improved genetics:
- €65 higher calf price
- €90 higher weanling price
- €140 higher store price
- 18kg heavier carcass weight
- 24 days shorter finishing period
- €169 additional profit per animal finished
This reinforces the importance of selecting high CBV, genetically superior animals.
Standard Breed Bonus – Unchanged Criteria
The existing 10c/kg Hereford breed bonus remains in place, subject to the following requirements:
- SBLAS approved farm
- HE or HEX on animal passport
- Maximum of four farm residencies
- Minimum 70 days on quality-assured farms
- Including at least 60 days on the presenting farm
- Carcass weight: 240–380kg
- Conformation: O= to U+
- Fat score: 2+ to 4+
These criteria continue to ensure consistency and quality within the Hereford supply chain.
Commitment to Farmers
The revised structure highlights Irish Hereford Prime’s commitment to delivering a competitive and transparent bonus system, supporting on-farm sustainability improvements, encouraging genetic advancement and efficiency, and meeting increasing consumer demand for premium, sustainably produced beef.
By combining base and performance-based bonuses, the programme aims to maximise returns for farmers while strengthening the Hereford brand into the future.
Summary of Payments
- Base Hereford Bonus: 10c/kg
- Sustainability Bonus: 5c/kg
- Genetics Bonus: 5c/kg
- Total Potential Bonus: 20c/kg
For more information email