Irish Hereford Prime, in partnership with ABP, recently hosted a Farm Walk on the farm of producer group member Nigel Donaldson and family in Annayalla, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
The event brought farmers together to learn practical approaches to profitable and sustainable beef production, with experts speaking about genetics, calf health, water quality, grassland management and the recently introduced Irish Hereford Prime.
Hosted on the Donaldson family’s mixed dairy and suckler farm, the event combined real farm performance with technical advice from Irish Hereford Prime, ABP, ICBF, Bord Bia and Animal Health Ireland. Attendees moved between a series of discussion stations where each topic was explored using practical examples from Nigel’s own farming system.
The opening focused on Nigel’s spring-calving enterprise, where 42 dairy cows and 20 predominantly Hereford suckler cows are managed across a fragmented 180-acre farm. AI is used extensively within the dairy herd, combining high Dairy Beef Index (DBI) Hereford sires with strong replacement breeding, while all cattle are finished through the ABP Advantage Beef Programme. Regular reseeding and grassland management continue to underpin animal performance across the farm.
Speaking during the event, Nigel highlighted the value of seeing practical systems in operation.
Every farm is different, but there is always something to learn from seeing how someone else manages their system. If farmers can go home with one or two ideas they can apply themselves, then evenings like this are worthwhile.
Animal health formed another key part of the programme, with Michelle McGrath from Animal Health Ireland discussing the importance of calf management from birth through to housing. Topics included colostrum management, nutrition, biosecurity, disease prevention and reducing stress at key stages of the animal’s life. The emphasis throughout was on establishing strong foundations early to maximise lifetime performance and minimise health challenges later in the production cycle.
Genetics and performance were central themes throughout the evening. Niall Killraine from ICBF demonstrated how Commercial Beef Value (CBV) and sire selection are increasingly influencing profitability, with improved genetics delivering benefits including heavier carcass weights, reduced finishing ages and improved overall efficiency. Using Nigel’s own herd performance, attendees were shown how higher genetic merit animals can contribute to improved financial returns over time.
Stephen Connolly from ABP outlined the continued development of its Advantage Beef Programme, highlighting the practical support available to participating farmers alongside the financial benefits of performance-focused beef production. Data from Nigel’s farm demonstrated the value of combining genetics, management and performance recording, with cattle meeting programme criteria generating additional returns through the sustainability bonus.
Water quality and environmental management also featured prominently. Farmers heard about the Farming for Water EIP from ABP’s Jenny Cumiskey and the range of practical measures available to improve water quality while maintaining productive farming systems. Nutrient management planning, rainwater management, fencing, alternative drinking points and hedgerow establishment were among the initiatives discussed, reflecting the increasing focus on integrating environmental improvements into everyday farm management.
The farm walk also provided an opportunity to explain the recently introduced Irish Hereford Prime Breed Bonus structure, developed in partnership with ABP. Tennyson Egar from Irish Hereford Prime outlined the bonus structure; worth up to 20c/kg, the revised payment recognises not only the production of qualifying Hereford cattle but also rewards farmers for adopting measurable sustainability actions and improved genetics. And explained how the new structure is designed to support both farm profitability and continual improvement in herd performance.
Beyond the technical content, the event created valuable opportunities for discussion between farmers, advisors and industry representatives. Throughout the evening, attendees shared experiences, compared production systems and discussed practical solutions that could be applied within their own businesses. The evening concluded with attendees enjoying Signature Tastes Irish Hereford Prime burgers, provided by SuperValu, while continuing discussions and networking.
Farm walks continue to play an important role within the Irish Hereford Prime producer group, bringing together farmers and industry specialists to share knowledge and practical experience. By combining technical expertise with real farm performance, events such as this provide farmers with information they can take home and apply within their own systems, supporting the continued improvement of profitable, efficient and sustainable Irish beef production.
