A prize fund of €37,700 has been confirmed for ABP Ireland's Beef Bulls of the Future Championships at 2026 Iverk Show.

The Iverk Show, which is marking its 200th anniversary this year, will take place at Piltown, Co. Kilkenny on August 22.

Building on the success of the inaugural Beef Bulls of the Future Championships in 2025, this year's programme will feature both bull and heifer categories.

ABP said this reflects the growing importance of genetic merit and breeding quality within the Irish beef sector.

ABP

Alongside the established bull categories, ABP has introduced an expanded range of heifer classes this year.

€7,000 has been allocated to the heifer championships "to reflect the growing importance of female genetics in herd development".

The competition will once again be delivered in partnership with Certified Angus, Irish Hereford Prime and Iverk Show.

ABP said it expects around 120 bulls and 80 heifers, representing up to 10 pedigree beef breeds from across Ireland, to compete at the 2026 championships.

The event now ranks among the largest prize funds for a pedigree beef competition anywhere in Europe.

Championships

Stephen Connolly, agri-sustainability manager with ABP Ireland, said the company is delighted to continue its partnership with the Iverk Show and to support pedigree breeders.

"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," he said.

The 2025 championship saw 108 bulls exhibited across eight beef breed.

Supreme Champion was awarded to Tara Jubilee Eric A073, a September-born Angus exhibited by well-known pedigree breeder Malachy Tighe from Co. Meath.

The Reserve Champion title went to Gurteragh Superstar 1156 PH, an August-born Hereford exhibited by Michael O’Keeffe, Co. Cork.