The annual Irish Hereford photo competition is back.

The competition invites farmers, breeders, families and young photographers across the country to capture their best Hereford photographs for the chance to feature in the 2027 Hereford calendar and be in with a chance to share in an overall €1,700 prize pool, as well as raising funds for a very special cause.

Launching on World Photography Day (19 August), this year’s competition features three categories:

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  • Herefords – the natural choice, for pedigree Hereford animals.
  • The HEX factor, for Hereford-cross animals.
  • Under 18s category for younger photographers (either a pedigree or HEX animal).

    • The 2026 competition also marks the beginning of a new charity partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland, with all proceeds from the sale of the 2027 Hereford calendar going to the charity.

    Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children living with critical medical conditions, bringing hope, joy and lasting memories to children and their families.

    Since 1992, the charity has granted more than 3,600 wishes in Ireland, including 229 wishes in 2025.

    Conor Stone from Make-A-Wish Ireland with Tennyson Egar of Irish Hereford Prime at the launch of the competition on Patrick Farrell's farm.

    The charity receives no government funding and relies on fundraising and the support of individuals, communities and corporate partners to continue granting wishes to children across Ireland.

    Speaking at the competition launch on the Westmeath farm of Patrick Farrell from Cavehill Herefords, corporate partnerships manager with Make-A-Wish Ireland Conor Stone said: “A wish gives a child living with a critical medical condition something positive to look forward to, creating hope and precious memories for the whole family.

    "As we receive no government funding, partnerships and fundraising support are incredibly important in allowing us to continue granting wishes to children across Ireland.”

    Irish Hereford Prime’s Tennyson Egar welcomed the new partnership: “If you ever have a child whose wish is to be a farmer for a day, I think that’s one wish we’d definitely work with you to make happen.”

    Celebrating farming

    The competition itself celebrates not only the Hereford breed, but the farms, farmers and countryside around it.

    Every photograph entered must feature a pedigree Hereford or Hereford-cross animal, but entrants are encouraged to think beyond the animal itself, capturing the farm setting, the personality of the animal, the landscape around it or simply the right moment. Entries will be judged primarily on the quality of the photograph rather than just the cattle pictured.

    With plenty of potential subjects around him at Cavehill Herefords, Patrick Farrell encouraged other Hereford breeders to take part: “Sometimes it’s the setting, the light or the personality of the animal that makes the photograph.

    "You don’t need anything complicated – it can just be a case of catching them at the right moment.”

    How to enter

    Entering couldn’t be easier. Photographs taken on a camera or phone are welcome, with entrants able to submit a maximum of two photographs per entry, while still having the option of entering categories more than once.

    An independent judge will shortlist entries in each category before the finalists go forward to a public vote on the Irish Hereford Breed Society Facebook page from midday on 21 September until midnight on 1 October.

    First and second prizes, valued at €250 and €150 respectively, will be awarded in each category, with winners choosing between a SuperValu voucher or Farm Wardrobe voucher. An overall winner will also receive a €500 cash prize.

    All shortlisted photographs will go forward for inclusion in the 2027 Hereford calendar, which will be sold in aid of Make-A-Wish Ireland.

    Entries are open from 19 August until midnight on 14 September 2026.

    For more full competition terms and conditions, please visit www.irishherefordprime/makeawish-charity-calendar.