Kepak’s Watergrasshill site is inviting farmers to a dedicated farm walk on Wednesday, 13th August at the farm of long-standing livestock suppliers Brian and Noelle O’Keeffe from 6-9PM. They run a mixed dairy beef and tillage farm in Glanworth, Co. Cork (Eircode: P51 Y953).
The event will focus on practical steps farmers can take to improve farm efficiency, meet evolving customer demands, and build resilient beef businesses. Topics will include market insights, animal health, genetics, and funding supports for sustainability.
A strong speaker line-up from across the industry includes:
- Market Trends & Customer Demands – Chris Watson, Kepak Commercial Sales Director & Joe Burke, Senior Manager for Meat & Livestock, Bord Bia
- Genetics & Cattle Selection – Chris Daly, ICBF; Craig Buttimer & Edward Quinn, Kepak Procurement Team
- Animal Health & Vaccination Protocols – Pat Noonan, Millvalley Veterinary Clinic; Emma Sargent, Ruminant Area Veterinary Manager. MSD
- Sustainability Supports & Funding – Luke McDermott & Seamus Shealy, Kepak Sustainability Team
The event will also mark the formal launch of Kepak’s new sustainability approach, Forward Together With Every Step. This platform reflects Kepak’s commitment to supporting farmers in making sustainability practical, achievable, and rewarding. It focuses on sharing knowledge, offering support, and creating opportunities; on farms, across operations, and in communities to help build a more resilient and profitable future for Irish beef farming.
Edward Quinn, Kepak Procurement Manager, commented: “The team at Kepak Cork is looking forward to hosting this farm walk in partnership with Brian and Noelle O’Keeffe. Kepak Cork works with an extensive network of supplier farmers like the O’Keeffe’s, many of whom have been with the company since its inception. These long-standing relationships span across Munster and beyond, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of livestock.
“The farm walk will offer an opportunity for farmers to hear from industry experts on the direction of the beef market, customer requirements and the importance of optimising genetics and herd health for sustainable and viable farm performance. It’s also a chance to learn more about the many supply options Kepak offers to support sustainable and profitable beef farming.”
Host farmer Brian O’Keeffe added: “We’re delighted to host this farm walk with Kepak and are looking forward to welcoming the farming community in Munster, our neighbours and friends to our farm. We’ll be showcasing what we’ve done to promote on farm efficiency, as well as the steps we have taken to ensure we can continually breed profitable and productive animals that make sense for our farm operation”.
“We hope it’ll be a valuable and enjoyable evening for everyone.”
The event runs from 6:00–9:00 PM and is free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to Register Here
Refreshments will also be served.
The farm walk will take place on the O’Keeffe farm on Wednesday, 13th August from 6-9PM time in Glanworth, Co Cork (P51 Y953).