Kepak recently hosted four of its award-winning farmer suppliers to their Head Office in Clonee, to celebrate the newly launched ICBF Beef Quality Awards, recognising excellence in beef production and the use of genetics to build more efficient, profitable, and sustainable beef systems.
The awards, launched by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon at ICBF’s Tully Performance Test Centre in Co. Kildare, are a collaboration between the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), FBD Trust, and six leading Irish meat processors. They spotlight farmers who are using the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) to make measurable improvements on their farms.
Mick O’Dowd, Head of Agribusiness at Kepak, commented:
“At Kepak, we see first-hand the advantages of sourcing cattle with strong genetic merit. From improved efficiency and carcass quality, to reduced environmental impact. We’re delighted to support the ICBF Beef Quality Awards and to celebrate farmers who are embracing innovation to secure a more sustainable and profitable future for Irish beef.”
Celebrating Kepak’s Award-Winning Suppliers
Suckler Farmer – Finishing Own Stock:
Paul Ronan – Kepak Kilbeggan
Paul and Mark Ronan operate a 70-cow Limousin-cross suckler herd near Mullingar. Their streamlined suckler-to-beef system focuses on genetics and grass, with calving starting on St Patrick’s Day and cows turned straight to pasture. Stock bulls are selected using CBV data for easy calving and strong carcass traits, and all cattle are finished off grass in their third summer for processing through Kepak Kilbeggan.
Paul and Mark Ronan operate a 70-cow Limousin-cross suckler herd near Mullingar. Their streamlined suckler-to-beef system focuses on genetics and grass, with calving starting on St Patrick’s Day and cows turned straight to pasture. Stock bulls are selected using CBV data for easy calving and strong carcass traits, and all cattle are finished off grass in their third summer for processing through Kepak Kilbeggan.
Suckler Beef Finisher:
Patrick J Finnerty – Kepak Athleague
In Roscommon, PJ Finnerty runs a mixed enterprise of 500 ewes and a beef system finishing 100 sucklers alongside purchased heifers. Using CBV scores when sourcing Charolais, Belgian Blue, and Limousin-cross heifers, PJ targets animals with proven carcass merit. His system consistently delivers U-grade carcasses at an average of 379kg, slaughtered largely off grass in Kepak Athleague.
In Roscommon, PJ Finnerty runs a mixed enterprise of 500 ewes and a beef system finishing 100 sucklers alongside purchased heifers. Using CBV scores when sourcing Charolais, Belgian Blue, and Limousin-cross heifers, PJ targets animals with proven carcass merit. His system consistently delivers U-grade carcasses at an average of 379kg, slaughtered largely off grass in Kepak Athleague.
Dairy Beef Finisher:
John Crimmins – Kepak Clonee
John Crimmins from Co. Meath runs a calf-to-beef system finishing around 100 cattle annually, alongside some tillage. He buys in dairy-cross calves and weanlings through the Twenty20 Beef Club, using CBV to guide selection and improve slaughter performance. His approach delivers better grades, higher kill-outs, and quicker finishing.
John Crimmins – Kepak Clonee
John Crimmins from Co. Meath runs a calf-to-beef system finishing around 100 cattle annually, alongside some tillage. He buys in dairy-cross calves and weanlings through the Twenty20 Beef Club, using CBV to guide selection and improve slaughter performance. His approach delivers better grades, higher kill-outs, and quicker finishing.
The Beef Quality Awards underline what can be achieved when science, data, and industry collaboration come together. By embracing CBV and participating in the National Genotyping Programme, farmers can make more informed breeding and buying decisions, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and profitable beef production.
Dairy Farmer – Finishing Own Stock:
Laurence Walsh – Kepak Watergrasshill
Laurence Walsh runs a mixed livestock system in Waterford, comprising 25 suckler cows, 90 dairy cows, and an ewe flock. Laurence finishes all his own stock, prioritising efficiency and profitability through strong genetics and grass-based management. CBV plays an important role in his finishing strategy, improving kill-out percentages and reducing days to slaughter.
Laurence Walsh – Kepak Watergrasshill
Laurence Walsh runs a mixed livestock system in Waterford, comprising 25 suckler cows, 90 dairy cows, and an ewe flock. Laurence finishes all his own stock, prioritising efficiency and profitability through strong genetics and grass-based management. CBV plays an important role in his finishing strategy, improving kill-out percentages and reducing days to slaughter.
Learn more about CBV at www.icbf.com and log into your HerdPlus account.