You may think your Hereford animal looks 'pretty as a picture' but would others agree?

Now is the time to find out, as Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society launch their annual Hereford Photo and Calendar Competition, with the aim of raising funds for the children's charity Make-A-Wish Ireland.

The competition encourages entrants from all walks of life, from farmers to photography enthusiasts and the younger generations.

Winning entries will get to share of the €1,700 prize pool.

Aspiring photographers have until Monday, September 14, to get their photos in.

Entrants can only enter two photos per submission, but multiple entries are allowed.

The photos will be shortlisted by a judging panel before being put to a public vote on Monday, September 21 until October 1, on the Irish Hereford Breed Society Facebook page.

There are three categories: a pedigree Hereford section; a Hereford-cross section; and a section for under-18s, which must feature a photo of either a pedigree or Hereford-cross animal.

The winner from each category will receive a €250 voucher, with an overall winner receiving a €500 cash prize.

Runners up will receive a €150 voucher. The recipients will have a choice of either a SuperValu voucher or Farm Wardrobe voucher.

All shortlisted photos will also be up for inclusion in the Hereford 2027 calendar, from which all proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Ireland charity.

Entrants are advised by Cavehill Herefords, Patrick Farrell, that there is more to every photograph than just the animal, with a big focus on the quality, landscape, and the animal's personality.

"You don’t need anything complicated – it can just be a case of catching them at the right moment," he explained.

Make-A-Wish

Commenting at the launch of the event at Patrick Farrell's farm, corporate partnerships manager with Make-A-Wish Ireland Conor Stone said:

“A wish gives a child living with a critical medical condition something positive to look forward to, creating hope and precious memories for the whole family.

"As we receive no government funding, partnerships and fundraising support are incredibly important in allowing us to continue granting wishes to children across Ireland.”

Irish Hereford Prime’s Tennyson Egar welcomed the new partnership.

He added: “If you ever have a child whose wish is to be a farmer for a day, I think that’s one wish we’d definitely work with you to make happen."

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children living with critical medical conditions, bringing hope, joy and lasting memories to children and their families.

Since 1992, the charity has granted more than 3,600 wishes in Ireland, including 229 wishes in 2025.

Entries for the Irish Hereford Photo and Calendar 2026 Competition can be made via the Irish Hereford Breed Society's website.