Post published:10/12/2025
Post category:Beef / Dairy / Industry / News / Updates

Recognising and rewarding quality in our beef industry

ICBF in collaboration with FBD and six of the main Meat Processors in Ireland, came together this year to honour a new cohort of farmers leading the way in beef production through the 2025 ICBF Beef Quality Awards. Recognising excellence across all beef systems, the awards showcase the farmers who are embracing data, innovation and high-genetic-merit animals to deliver better beef for processors, consumers and the future of the sector.

The awards highlight the powerful impact of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) — a tool that is rapidly becoming central to buying and finishing decision making on Irish farms. By identifying animals with superior carcass traits, improved feed efficiency and earlier finishing potential, the CBV offers farmers a clear roadmap toward more profitable and sustainable beef production.

Each of the award winners have demonstrated their ability to consistently produce high quality beef, highlighting their passion and commitment to the sector. shown a strong commitment to using genotyping, performance recording and CBV-based decision-making to improve the quality and consistency of their cattle. Whether selecting calves at birth, sourcing high-value dairy-beef animals, or managing finishing systems with precision, these farmers stand out as early adopters of a smarter, genetics-first approach. Their achievements serve as a blueprint for others and set a benchmark for excellence that will help shape the future of the national herd.

The awards also highlight the strength of collaboration across the industry. Supported by FBD and a group of Ireland’s leading meat processors, namely ABP, Ashbourne, Dawn, Foyle, Kepak and Liffey, the initiative ensures that genetics and performance are recognised not only on the farm but throughout the supply chain. With rising interest in beef sustainability and efficiency, the alignment between farmers, processors and breeders has never been more important.

Along with celebrating this year’s winners, the awards also acknowledge the contribution from the participating processors to the National Genotyping Programme (NGP). This support has been vital, enabling genotyping to be delivered at scale and keeping costs accessible for farmers. It also signals a strong, shared commitment across the supply chain to improving the consistency, efficiency and marketability of Irish beef — ensuring that high-quality data drives real genetic and economic progress on farms.

The ICBF Beef Quality Awards 2025 celebrate not just outstanding cattle, but the people, families and farms working every day to move Irish beef forward.

To learn more about CBV and what it can do for your cattle business please click here or call ICBF on 023 8820452.

Over the coming weeks, ICBF will feature a detailed profile on the 24 x award winners on our website and social media platforms.