A young beef and sheep farmer group recently met for a knowledge transfer (KT) event, which took place on two beef farms in Co. Meath.

The group of young farmers are all involved in the 2026 Kepak Young Farmer Forum, an initiative being run by the beef and lamb processor, in association with Musgrave.

The group visited two sites in Co. Meath; the Kepak Farm located near Dunboyne, as well as Teagasc Grange, which is a national research and innovation centre for Irish beef cattle production.

The key focus points of the event were how genetics, sustainability measurement and Teagasc research are influencing profitability on farm as well as the role of sustainability in access to premium beef markets.

The day started off at the Kepak finishing farm, where farm manager Sam Myles was joined by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation's (ICBF's) David Kelly as well as Warrendale Wagyu programme manager Cathal Doyle.

The impact of breeding decisions and livestock and management systems on cattle performance and also on market opportunities for the subsequent produce were explained by the three speakers.

Role of beef genetics in meeting consumer requirements discussed on Kepak farm

A key theme emerging from the discussions was the growing influence of genetics in meeting customer requirements.

The Kepak Young Farmer Forum heard how genetic tools such as the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) as well as the different breeding sub-indexes are helping farmers to produce cattle that are more efficient, profitable and environmentally sustainable.

It was also emphasised that farmer-programmes such as the Twenty20 Beef Club, Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, and other value-added programmes are increasingly rewarding farmers for producing animals carrying the traits demanded by processors and retail customers.

Wagyu sires in dairy-beef systems

Cathal Doyle from Warrendale Wagyu gave an overview of the programme and the market outlets for farmers supplying dairy-cross Wagyu beef.

He looked at how consumer demand continues to evolve and how genetics can help farmers to target specific market opportunities.

The Warrendale Wagyu programme specialises in supplying premium markets and is an example of the increasing link between breeding decisions on the farm and the requirements of customers further along the supply chain.

AgNav

The event also explored the role of AgNav as an on-farm sustainability measurement and verification tool.

With retailers and foodservice customers placing a greater emphasis on sustainability credentials, the young farmer group heard how accurately measuring and demonstrating environmental performance is becoming increasingly important.

It was highlighted that the ability to verify progress through emissions data and sustainability metrics is expected to play a growing role in securing access to premium markets and future bonus structures.

Teagasc Grange

The second half of the day took place at Teagasc Grange, where Teagasc researchers showcased some of the latest developments from the beef sustainability research trials taking place on the farm.

Attendees received updates from researchers including:

Michael Fagan;
Peter Doyle;
Jamie O'Driscoll;
Emily Roskam.

Latest findings and data on suckler-beef systems, dairy calf-to-beef production and ongoing methane emissions trials were all discussed by the researchers.

The research work being undertaken at Grange is aiming to help farmers identify practical solutions to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and maintain the competitiveness of Irish livestock systems.

From animal performance and feed efficiency to methane mitigation strategies, the research trials being undertaken aim to provide farmers with science-backed tools that can be adopted on commercial Irish beef farming systems.

Many of the sustainability measures being promoted - such as animal genetics, livestock health and production efficiency - have the potential to improve farm sustainability from both an environmental and financial perspective.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between farmers, industry, and researchers in ensuring Ireland remains competitive and a global leader in sustainable beef production.

As customer expectations continue to evolve, the combination of genetics, data-driven decision making, and practical research will play an increasingly important role in supporting both farm profitability and environmental progress.