Glanbia and Kepak have launched a calf-to-beef programme for 50,000 calves that will see dairy and beef farmers join their Twenty20 Beef Club.

Bonuses and top-ups of up to €0.47/kg will be paid on top of the beef price for farmers in the Twenty20 club who comply with rules on quality assurance, breed bonuses and digitisation of records.

Farmers can opt for a €770 advance payment per calf to help cashflow. This will be paid at €35 per animal per month between month three and month 24 of the animal’s life.

Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, pictured speaking at the launch of the Glanbia Ireland (GI) and Kepak Group calf-to-beef programme.\ Finbarr O'Rourke

A minimum of 25 calves of any dairy breeds – except Jersey or Jersey crosses – will qualify.

Twenty20 farmers must buy farm inputs from Glanbia, creating a “closed loop” supply chain which the Kepak CEO John Horgan believes will achieve a premium.

The Twenty20 beef club has been heralded by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and agri-leaders as a pioneering collaboration.

Read more

Glanbia and Kepak want 6,000 calves in year one of Twenty20 calf-to-beef scheme

Kepak/Glanbia Twenty20 Beef Club: what you need to know