Certified Irish Angus, ABP and Kepak announce tiered Bonus structure to reward quality, genetics and sustainability.

Certified Irish Angus in partnership with leading beef processors ABP and Kepak, has announced details of a new and enhanced bonus payment structure for its farmer members. In addition to the agreed QPS base price, members can now avail of a €0.10/kg standard bonus,  €0.05/kg genetics bonus, and €0.05/kg sustainability bonus for Angus animals that meet set criteria*.The payments will reward high farmer performance and signal a long-term commitment from processor partners to meet the growing consumer demand for quality beef that is sustainably produced.

Soaring popularity of Angus

Over the past quarter-century, the dependable bonus paid by ABP & Kepak to members of the Certified Irish Angus producer group has played a central role in the considerable growth of the Angus breed in Ireland. Over the past 10 years, annual Angus births have increased by a staggering 82% from 346,772 in 2016 to over 601,754 in the first ten months of 2025, reflecting strong farmer confidence in the breed and in the consistency of the bonus payments delivered by ABP and Kepak.

 Speaking about the initiative, Charles Smith, General Manager, Certified Irish Angus said, “The historical partnership we have had with ABP & Kepak has given our members the confidence to invest, innovate and improve their herds, knowing there is a fair and reliable return for producing quality cattle. Working together, we have delivered value right along the supply chain. As we look to the future, the Certified Irish Angus bonuses will continue to encourage best practice at every stage of production to deliver additional value throughout the supply chain from conception to consumer.”

Certified Irish Angus enhanced bonus

The new Certified Irish Angus Producer Group bonus structure has been developed around three strategic objectives:

1. Protecting and enhancing the Angus Bonus programme

The programme will continue to deliver a robust and consistent bonus payment system, safeguarding the long-term value of Angus cattle produced by Certified Irish Angus Producer Group members.

2. Driving genetic improvement

Research and trial data consistently show that higher genetic merit cattle deliver greater profitability through improved performance, heavier carcass weights, and reduced age at finish. The new bonus structure actively promotes:

• Improved breeding standards within both Pedigree Angus breeding herds & Dairy farms using Angus bulls or Artificial Insemination
• Greater clarity for finishers purchasing calves and stores
• Enhanced overall quality and consistency of Angus cattle entering the supply chain
• The adoption of CBV at farm level and supports the national genotyping programme

ICBF slaughter data for 2025 showed that Angus steers in the Top 20% for CBV had 21kgs greater carcass weight than the bottom 20%. This equated to €170 higher finish price at 27 days younger finish. This reduced slaughter age aids in reduced feed costs and increased profit margin per day.

3. Supporting sustainability on Irish farms

Recognising the importance of environmental performance, the programme also incentivises participation in the AgNav sustainability tool, supporting farmers in understanding and reducing farm emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability. AgNav is a free, digital platform for farmers developed by Bord Bia, ICBF and Teagasc and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It can provide farm-specific sustainability action plans to farmers to reduce emissions and improve water quality.

Enhanced Bonus Payments

In addition to the agreed QPS base price, Certified Irish Angus Producer Group members can now avail of the following bonuses*:

• €0.10/kg standard bonus for Angus animals that pass Certified Irish Angus inspection
• €0.05/kg sustainability bonus for animals supplied by members enrolled in AgNav who have undertaken a minimum of three sustainability actions
  • From 2029, farmers must demonstrate completion of three selected actions to qualify

• €0.05/kg genetics bonus for Angus animals with a recorded sire or that are genotyped
  • From 2028, animals must achieve a CBV above the bottom 1/3 of Angus cattle. Currently this value will be above €100.
  • From 2029, this threshold will increase and will be verified by genotyping only

Commitment to farmers

Building on a unique partnership that spans more than 25 years, the new structure reinforces the long-standing commitment of all three organisations to delivering a secure, transparent and reliable bonus for farmer members that produce Angus cattle for Certified Irish Angus brand.