The new Certified Irish Angus Producer Group bonus structure has been developed around three strategic objectives:
- 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.
- 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.
- Supporting sustainability
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 to reflect the changes happening around the country and will be verified by genotyping only.
