L-R Arthur Callaghan and George Mullan (ABP) with Nick Whelan and Chris Frizzell (Dale Farm)

Two of Northern Ireland’s major agri-food businesses, Dale Farm and ABP, have joined forces to launch an initiative aimed at building a more sustainable beef product from the dairy herd.

‘Horizon’ is the first collaborative scheme of its kind in Northern Ireland and will provide a guaranteed market for beef sourced from dairy calves selectively bred on Dale Farm member farms. Underpinned by leading genetic research from ABP’s R&D farms across the UK and Ireland, Horizon will seek to respond to the increasing market demand for quality Northern Irish beef, sourced securely, within a  shorter supply chain and a reduced carbon footprint. Animals will be bred following strict protocols resulting in a product ready for market four months below the UK average. This earlier finishing will ensure a significant reduction of emissions per animal within the scheme, resulting in a more carbon efficient and lower cost of production model overall.

ABP and Dale Farm  have built Horizon around environmental sustainability, product quality and farm-to-fork traceability, with a support package provided to all participants to ensure high standards are adhered to.

Nick Whelan, Group Chief Executive of Dale Farm commented:

“Dale Farm’s core purpose is built around protecting the generational sustainability of our farmers’ businesses. This partnership with ABP will offer our members the opportunity to create a sustainable outlet for dairy bred male calves and through the creation of a fully integrated supply chain, will enhance production efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint at farm level,” Nick Whelan said.

George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland added: “Horizon will help create a sustainable future for Northern Irish Aberdeen Angus beef by fulfilling customer and consumer requirements for a product that adheres to stringent animal welfare and traceability standards and has the added competitive advantage of a reduced carbon footprint.”