ABP has announced a total prize fund of €37,700 for the ABP Beef Bulls of the Future Championships at the Iverk Show 2026, in partnership with Certified Angus and Irish Hereford Prime.

This prize fund positions the competition up there with some of the largest prize funds for a pedigree beef competition anywhere in Europe.

This year, the event will include an addition of heifer female classes and an overall heifer championship.

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ABP said it “is proud to support the Iverk Show for its bicentenary celebrations through the continued development of the championships, which will form a central part of the milestone event”.

Some 120 bulls and 80 heifers are expected at the show, representing up to 10 pedigree beef breeds from across Ireland, according to ABP.

ABP said that the championship in 2025 showed great genetic excellence, with “supreme champion awarded to Tara Jubilee Eric A073, a September-born Angus exhibited by well-known pedigree breeder Malachy Tighe from Co Meath, whose herd is widely respected within the Angus breeding community for its consistent focus on performance and index.

“The reserve champion title went to Gurteragh Superstar 1156 PH, an August-born Hereford exhibited by Michael O’Keeffe, Co Cork,” APB said.

Launch

Speaking about the launch, agri sustainability manager with ABP Ireland Stephen Connolly commented: “ABP is delighted to continue its partnership with Iverk Show and to support pedigree breeders in developing the next generation of high index pedigree bulls and heifers.

“Our research clearly demonstrates the significant benefits that improved genetics can deliver in terms of farm efficiency, animal performance and environmental sustainability.

"Through initiatives such as the ABP bull improvement programme, we remain committed to helping farmers access superior sires that provide long-term value for their farms and for the wider beef sector.”

The 2026 programme is set to feature an overall expanded structure, particularly for heifer classes, with €7,000 allocated to the heifer championships to reflect the growing importance of female genetics in herd development.

ABP said: “The championships provide breeders with a high-profile platform to showcase elite cattle, compete for significant prize money and secure one of the most sought-after titles in pedigree beef showing.”

The ABP Beef Bulls of the Future Championships will take place at Iverk Show in Piltown, Co Kilkenny, on Saturday 22 August 2026.