ICBF

06/06/2026

SCEP 2026 weighing is a key requirement under the scheme.

This article outlines the main requirements, including deadlines, weighing rules and how to submit weights to ICBF.

The submission deadline is 1st November 2026.

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SCEP 2026 weighing requirements: key dates, deadlines and rules, when to weigh calves and submit weights to ICBF to maximise payment.

03/06/2026

Want to stay on top of your herd’s reproductive performance?

This quick guide walks you through accessing your Weekly Fertility Report and, more importantly, interpreting the key figures. From submission rates to conception performance, understanding this report can help you make more informed decisions on farm and drive better results.

👉 Watch now to learn how to get the most from your data
👉 Log in to your ICBF account to view your latest report

02/06/2026

Higher CBV = Higher Profit Potential

ICBF research shows that calves with a higher Commercial Beef Value (CBV) deliver:
✅ Better carcass performance
✅ Improved feed efficiency
✅ Stronger overall profitability at finishing

The CBV gives farmers a clear, €uro-based insight into an animal’s genetic potential — helping you make smarter, more profitable purchasing decisions from day one.

📈 If you're buying or rearing dairy-beef calves, CBV is one of the most powerful tools available.

👉 Read more: https://www.icbf.com/higher-cbv-dairy-beef-calves-more-profitable/

Higher CBV dairy-beef calves deliver €113 more per carcass, finishing earlier and meeting factory specs across sire breeds.

02/06/2026

Dairy Gene Ireland 2026 🐄

Over 493 herds took part this year, with 19,466 straws dispatched and 53 young bulls tested — continuing to drive genetic progress across the national herd.

The Dairy Gene Ireland programme gives farmers access to high EBI young bulls, helping improve herd performance while contributing valuable data to national genetic evaluations.

It’s a key part of delivering more efficient, profitable and sustainable dairy systems across Ireland.

👉 Read more about how the programme works and the benefits for your herd here: https://www.icbf.com/dairy-gene-ireland-breeding-programme-2026/

Dairy Gene Ireland 2026: how the programme works, key figures, and benefits of high genetic merit dairy bulls.

29/05/2026

The National Genotyping Programme (NGP) continues to go from strength to strength, with Spring 2026 marking the busiest calving season since the programme was first launched in 2023. Strong farmer engagement and increasing adoption of DNA calf registration are driving significant progress towards a fully genotyped national herd.

26/05/2026

The May 2026 evaluation figures are now available for all dairy and beef animals. The ICBF Animal Search, Active Bull Lists and Stock Bull Finder have all been updated. Farmers subscribed to the HerdPlus service can view their animal’s new evaluation figures through the various online profiles.

23/05/2026

Spring 2026 has been the busiest calving season yet for the National Genotyping Programme (NGP), with record participation from farmers across the country.

With over 1.1 million cows now in the programme and faster turnaround times for results, genotyping continues to deliver real benefits on farm – from improved accuracy to better breeding decisions.

Read more about the latest NGP update 👇
https://www.icbf.com/ngp-delivers-results-for-farmers-2026/

The National Genotyping Programme (NGP) continues to grow across Ireland in 2026, delivering faster results and improved breeding decisions.

20/05/2026

A brilliant turnout at Brian Jordan’s Co. Longford farm walk — and a great on-farm example of how CBV-led breeding decisions can translate into real, measurable performance.

Attendees got a close look at how a combination of targeted genetic selection, strong day-to-day management and a structured finishing system is delivering consistent, high-quality beef output on the Castle Forbes Estate.

Thanks to Teagasc Roscommon/Longford and for the collaboration, and to everyone who came along.

📸 Photos: Sonja Smith

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

📈 Higher CBV = better performance. But what does that look like in practice?

At the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm, a clear focus on CBV is delivering:
✅ Heavier carcasses
✅ Improved calf quality
✅ Stronger overall profitability

Hear from Teagasc, Dawn Meats Group and the Farm Manager as they explain how breeding decisions and CBV are driving real results on the ground.

👉 Read more: https://www.icbf.com/cbv-dairy-calf-to-beef-system-tipperary/

Discover how CBV is improving calf quality, carcass weight and profitability at the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm.