The programme is open to beef, dairy and suckler farmers and will see the beef processor pay an additional 20c/kg on all animals reared to agreed protocols.

A contractual agreement is available to participating farmers from ABP on bonuses, and a minimum base price for animals meeting the required specification.

Participation in the Advantage Beef Programme is subject to the cattle meeting the following requirements:

The programme’s pricing structure is as follows:

The pricing structure of the programme will be reviewed on an annual basis.

The Advantage Beef Programme aims to have all 2023-born calves genotyped prior to finishing.

Calves born in 2021 will not need a minimum genetic merit threshold and do not need a sire recorded to be eligible for the programme.

A target of 20% of animals will be genotyped in year one of the programme and a sire must be recorded for calves born in 2022 if they are to be eligible.

To participate in the programme, farmers must be involved in oneof the following environmental or biodiversity schemes:

Additional environmental or biodiversity schemes may be included following the introduction of the new CAP and will also be accepted.

In addition to being a member of one of the above schemes, the criteria below is also required:

The animal health and welfare requirements are outlined below in line with the Bord Bia Quality Assurance (QA) Standard:

Requirements regarding management and feed are outlined below. Farmers are free to purchase feed from a supplier that suits them best so long as it is from a Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) or a Bord Bia approved mill.

The carcass specifications for an animal to become eligible is as follows:

Prior to purchase of Young Bulls for the programme, a farmer must agree with their factory site and a maximum of 10% of young bulls under 16 months will qualify for the programme.

All cattle in the programme will recieve the sustainability bonus for carcass confirmation from an E to a P however, the target is to achieve a P+ grade or greater and a fat score between a 2+ and a 4+.

The Advantage Beef Programme is the application of over seven years of research and a natural next step following the abolition of milk quotas and the resulting increase in the numbers of dairy-beef cattle in Ireland.

The beef processing enterprise began working with Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) in advance of the abolition of milk quotas in an effort to look at ways of improving the genetic make up of dairy-beef calves to improve their suitability for beef production.

There were two elements to the research, the first involved genetic research and its application across different herd types while the second looked at a more efficiencies through farm-rearing systems.

This second approach involved the application of the principles of ABP’s Blade Farming Model which has been in operation for over 20 years.

Today, over 4,000 animals have been involved in the research and ABP has also developed a second demonstration farm in the UK with its research partner - Harper Adams University.

The data and results from both farms is clear: Animals of higher genetic merit reared in a more efficient manner result in better outcomes for the environment and improved financial returns for the farmer.

The Advantage Beef Programme is an all inclusive scheme with the aim of helping to build a secure, sustainable business model for Irish beef farmers and their families.

The scheme, which is open to dairy, beef and suckler farmers is an integrated sustainable beef production scheme which is based on genetic enhancement and improved rearing efficiencies.

It guarantees participants an industry first, sustainability bonus of 20c/kg on the adherence to various breeding and rearing protocols.

Its focus is on all-year-round cattle production and is aimed at producing cattle at a younger age and as a result, reducing emissions.

The key components of the Advantage Beef Programme are as follows:

More information on the Advantage Beef Programme is available by clicking here.