The event was hosed by Teagasc in association with ABP food Group and the farm was described as "one of the most profitable suckler systems in the country", according to Teagasc.

The farm system is delivering almost €4,500/ha in beef output while maintaining tight control on costs to achieve a net margin before premia of €1,457/ha.

The suckler herd on the farm entails over 50 high-performing suckler cows alongside 230 mid-season lambing ewes.

His suckler herd is built around Simmental and Limousin-cross genetics, with breeding focused firmly on fertility, milk, and carcass quality.

The farm is involved in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme and, boasting incredible views of the surrounding countryside, was described as "the perfect setting on a sunny evening" for the on-farm event last Friday.

Discussions on the evening included an overview of the farm's production, with a focus on how Pringle is achieving an impressive net profit of over €1,450/ha.

The farm brings all herd and flock progeny through to finish.

Lambs are slaughtered at Irish Country Meats (ICM) and the young bulls and heifers produced on the farm are slaughtered at ABP through the Advantage Beef Programme.

Other discussions during the farm walk included:

Biodiversity;
Replacement heifer management;
Reseeding;
Grassland management;
Cow type and breeding;
Sheep enterprise management;
Beef finishing.

The beef finishing stop on the farm walk showcased an impressive shed of under-16-month bulls on the final phase for finishing.

The final talk of the evening was a finishing demonstration from ABP Waterford's John Kelly, who gave a practical demonstration on selecting fit animals for slaughter and the desired carcass specifications.

He also discussed the Advantage Beef Programme that John Pringle is a part of and how he is qualifying for an additional 20c/kg Sustainability Bonus on eligible cattle as well as the advisory and support available to farmers from the advantage team.

Pringle also recently bought a new stock bull and received €500 through the ABP Bull Improvement Initiative.

The event then finished up with burgers and chips sponsored by ABP to round off the evening.

Farmers who have any questions on the Advantage Beef Programme can reach out to any of the ABP Advantage team or their nearest ABP factory outlet.