Hereford Breed Journal 2025

Hereford BREED JOURNAL 2025

Notify or register pedigree animals directly with the Hereford Cattle Society, straight from the appeliminating duplicate paperwork.

Register calves & animal movements direct with BCMS, Nifais & ScotEID. Record batch treatments efficiently.

management.

Acknowledgements

The Hereford Cattle Society President, Chairman and council would like to thank our members, clubs and associations, sponsors, judges and staff at the Hereford Cattle society for their continued support. Photography MacGregor Agri

Countrygirl

Alfie & Kathryn Shaw

Emma

Hereford

Society Matters

Within this section

● Chairmans's Focus

● Outgoing and incoming Presidents

● Meet the Council

● Annual Awards

● Letter from director of operations

● 50 years service - Beverley Turner

● Members Success

● Welcome to New Members

● National Beef Association

● In remembrance

● Overseas

● Linear Assessment

Society Matters

Chairman’s Focus

First, we must start by thanking Paul Sneyd, Director of Operations for his efforts and work for the past three years to drive the breed forward. It has been challenging at times with problems presenting themselves unannounced. However, he handled these with dignity and respect. We wish him the very best for his new role as commercial livestock director at Buitelaar Group.

As a society we have a zero-tolerance approach to negative and bad behaviour and would very much like to adopt a positive culture within our breed. Our common dominator is the Hereford after all.

We encourage an open dialogue across the breed society and will help to ensure that any challenges or disagreements are addressed in a constructive manner. We will continue with our regular meetings, feedback sessions, and Hereford Happenings to help keep you informed and aligned with the broader goals.

Like many organisations we are facing the same ongoing challenges within the agricultural industry such as inflation and government policies. There is a decrease in the amount of suckler herds across the country and in general cattle numbers are down. But this is not specific to our breed and provides us with a great opportunity to showcase the breed in all it’s glory.

In the past year we have reached some milestones including the record sale of Rempstone 1 Alpha who made 18,000gns at the Autumn Society Show and Sale. Internationally we have had a fantastic representation with Moralee, Spartan and Coxon Herds successful in the Europe section of the Hereford of the World Competition.

As a native breed we are still valued commercially in today’s market with the dairy x Hereford making a comeback. Dairy farmers are choosing to use a Hereford bull across their cows with a significant number of calves having Hereford breeding in them. Herefords are best known for their forage conversion which aids the decision making on any grass-based system.

We have exciting times ahead and I believe we still need to lead the breed and be at the forefront of genetics. We will continue to build relationships with other organisations and promote the breed on its USP’s – docility, longevity and edibility.

I would personally like to thank all the staff at Hereford House for their continued support, the council for the gusto they provide in getting the job done, and you the membership for remaining with the breed.

I wish you all the best for the year ahead and I look forward to networking with you in a social and business capacity.

Best wishes,

Hereford Cattle Society Chairman Phil Allman,

Steve Edwards, our new President for 2025

Steve

Edwards was elected as our President for 2025. He has been active within the breed for 54 years.

Steve brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise having worked across three prolific herds throughout his career. Starting out at Mrs Hardy of Beudesert Herefords, he then progressed on to Coates and family of the Costhorpe herd. His journey spanned across 30 years where he had many show and pivotal breed changing moments.

After the herd dispersed, he found himself with Mr Pete Cobley of the Kinglee enterprise where he manages the 30-cow herd, with much of the Costhorpe breeding

Society staff

coming with him. Now a breeder in his own right Steve is involved in syndicate Gensis Livestock alongside Pete and son Richard.

When asked about becoming the president, he said ‘I’m looking forward to networking with breeders old and new, and observing cattle at shows and

on herd visits. It is an honour and privilege to be asked and I am very much relishing the opportunity’.

Beverley Turner

Finance and Administration Manager

beverley.turner@herefordcattle.org 01432 272057

Tracey Thomas

DNA and Registrations Manager

tracey.thomas@herefordcattle.org 01432 272057

Emma Edwards

Marketing, Social Media & Features Manager

emma.edwards@herefordcattle.org 07486 023626

Steve Rivers

Publications, Advertising & Website Manager

steve.rivers@herefordcattle.org 07881 366860

Steve Edwards

Steve Edwards receives the presidents badge from outgoing president Allen Massey

A year of highs for Allen Massey

Allen Massey looks back on his year as President, reflecting on the honour of promoting the breed and meeting loyal members.

The year got off to a great start at the British Cattle Breeders Conference in Telford. It was so good to meet up with likeminded cattle breeders and I was encouraged by the number of young people involved in the Hereford breed, they are a credit to the Hereford Cattle Society.

Next came the Beef Expo at Junction 36 in Cumbria, a great promotion day with the stand busy most of the day. Special thanks to the Kemp family for providing quality cattle for the exhibition stand.

I was fortunate to be on the judging panel to select a team of Hereford Youth to represent the Society in the USA 2025, many thanks to Mr & Mrs Hodges and family for the hard work and effort in arranging this event.

May

In May I attended the Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland and was made welcome, enjoying a great showing of cattle.

Next on my schedule was Carlisle sale, entries were on the low side, but cattle sold well, I was especially pleased for the Wilson family. The following Saturday was Otley show, where Isla Soutter, one of our young members, did an excellent job of selecting in the classes, well done Isla.

25th May was Shropshire show, where I was pleased to see a good number of traditional entries.

June

Early June saw me travel to Cornwall show, it was my first time

at the show, and I appreciated meeting ‘new to me’ breeders, judged by Mr J Kemp who did a superb job.

I then attended Three Counties show, again a great showing including traditional entries, thanks to Mr M Shaw for judging (it was funny to see him sweat!).

Closer to home came my visit to Cheshire show where it was great to meet up with judge and my good friend Mr Robert Thomas.

Next was a trip to the Highland show, which I hadn’t been to for a long time. Another great selection of cattle, under the watchful eye of judge Mr George Harvey.

The following week was a first for me, making the journey to the Royal Norfolk show. The weather was hot and thanks to Philip and Laura Vincent and their fellow breeders for making me feel welcome in their hospitality tent.

The end of June saw me back in my hometown for Bury show, it was well attended and I felt it important to be supporting my local show.

July

Great Yorkshire show was next on the agenda. I take my hat off to the exhibitors who braved one of the wettest shows I’ve ever seen in my 40+ years showing. Carolyn

Fletcher braved the elements to judge in, what I imagine was similar, to the floods that floated Noah’s Ark! Well done to everyone who took part.

Back local again to Royal Lancs show, which hosted a fantastic showing of cattle, well done to the exhibitors.

On the road again, this time, my turn to judge at Royal Welsh show, Builth Wells. This was a great

honour for me and one I will never forget, having parents who came from down the road in Kerry village and grandparents from Newbridge on Wye. Very emotional!

My next trip was ‘over seas’ in Northern Ireland to judge at the National County Antrim show, massive thank you to the exhibitors who did an outstanding job at displaying Hereford cattle. Also, to the level of support I saw from the young people and, not forgetting the wonderful Irish hospitality and the Craic!

August

Another first for me was a trip to the Horned show. What a tremendous day and familyfeel in the tent and amongst the exhibitors, well done to judges, stewards and everyone else who took part.

Pembroke show was next on my journey, again, not large numbers of cattle but those who attended were of high quality; wishing them all the best and hopes for their

numbers to increase in the future. End of August saw Matthew Rollason, Paul Westaway and myself shortlisting for the Hereford Youth process hosted by Dunbia, Clitheroe. The standard was so high it was difficult narrowing them down to four to represent Hereford Cattle Society in the USA later in 2025. Thank you to Matthew and Emma Edwards for all your support.

September

September saw the annual Polled show. It was good to see so many cattle despite some cases of blue tongue, which impacted entries. Congratulations go to the Ludgate team with their successful bull.

October

The annual presentation dinner took place in Shrewsbury, well done to all the winners who received awards. It was an enjoyable evening for my wife Deborah and myself and thanks once again for the gifts we received - my presentation decanter and glasses are on proud display.

The day after the presentation was the Annual sale. It was heartwarming to see females selling well, and the highlight was from the Ludgate team who brought their prize-winning bull to a main society sale, and it selling so well. I would like to take the opportunity to say how professionally the bull was turned out, a credit to your hard work.

The end of year saw the English Winter fair cancelled; however, the Welsh winter fair went ahead.

It was a great display of Hereford cattle from A Jones and family of the Dendor herd.

A fabulous finish to the year was the calf show at Shrewsbury, thanks to all exhibitors. It was encouraging to see the calves out; they will hopefully have a great future in the years to come.

It has been a pleasure to serve the Hereford Cattle Society this year as President and to hand over my tenure to Steve Edwards. I wish him all the best and hope he has an even more rewarding Presidency.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Paul (all the best in your next opportunity), Beverley and Tracey for your help keeping me on track and getting me from A to B; also not just to thank them for the last 12 months, but the last 40 years.

I hope all the Hereford Cattle Society members have a fantastic 2025 and enjoy many successes as you take the Hereford breed forward.

New Breed Record at a Society Sale

Anticipation and excitement simmered as history was made at this year’s autumn show and sale, with the recently crowned 2024 bull of the year, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 setting a new breed society record. It was smiles all round as he was tapped out as the supreme grand male champion in the morning parade with judge Steve Edwards from Leicestershire complimenting the bull on his incredible top line and correctness of his structure.

Fetching an impressive 18,000gns he is the highest priced bull to be sold through the ring at a breed society sale.

Benefits

for members:

Support DNA testing for pedigree identification and disease services

Updates with the latest developments and research that may affect Hereford Cattle Management and promotion of regular Hereford Cattle Society shows & sales, along with the annual Awards Dinner.

Collects and compiles available performance data on Hereford Cattle

Collaborates with academic research wherever possible

An online database search facility

Annual Breed Journal

And much more...

1,204 Members

12 Associations & clubs

Dedicated support

Society Council

Elected from varying areas to represent members in meetings and events throughout the year. Meet the Hereford Society Council.

Philip Allman, Chairman West Midlands

pjallman2@gmail.com 07860 824703

David Makin

Midlands

adzorherefords@googlemail.com 079610 33283

Mike Shaw

Midlands & East Anglia

thornysure@gmail.com 07968 486823

Sarah Cowle

Midlands & East Anglia

mrscowle.meahcsc@gmail.com 07770 666887

Allen Massey

North of England

allenmassey15@gmail.com 07917 324471

Jackie Cooper North of England

jackie.jcrltd@outlook.com 07960 994376

Gerald Wood South West of England

geraldwood730@icloud.com 07721 068181

George Harvey Scotland

george-harveybros@outlook.com 07810 807824

Martin Jenkins, Vice-Chairman South of England

martinljenkins@aol.com 07785 388408

Non Thorne Wales

nonthorne@hotmail.com 07890 781323

Maddie Clarke

National Youth Director

maddieclarke@icloud.com

Annual awards –Triple wins and double success

It has been a busy show season with many breeders up and down the country participating to showcase their animals and herds, which has been inspiring despite the weather challenges.

The awards night, held at the Albrighton Hotel, Shrewsbury is a celebration of hard work and achievement. It’s great to recognise not just individual wins but also the overall commitment throughout the season from breeders who have been accumulating points to try and win one of the nine prestigious trophies on offer.

Much excitement and anticipation filled the room as everyone awaited the evenings proceedings, and first up were Tom and Di Harrison of the Moralee Herd, winning sire of the year with Moralee 1 RHS Prince KR R8. This March 2018 born bull was sired by Cornriggs 1 Knight Rider is out of Coley 1 Pippa 356. Having 33 progeny to his name, with many of his offspring being show winners and recently his daughters won the progeny group at the National Poll show this September, proving to be a prolific and successful sire for the Moralee team.

Tom and Di, the devoted husbandand-wife team, were invited to the front of the room for the second presentation of the evening, where they were honoured with the title of Show Herd of the Year. Achieving such an accolade is

impressive, but to earn it for the second consecutive year speaks volumes about their commitment and hard work. Their success truly demonstrates that perseverance and passion yield remarkable results.

Another remarkable triumph was celebrated by Simon and Gemma Hartwright of the Spartan Herd. Stockman Luke Murphy was present to collect the award for Poll Female of the Year for Spartan

Sire of the Year - Tom and Di Harrison with Moralee 1 RHS Prince KR R8

Show Herd of The Year - Tom and Di Harrison with the Moralee herd

Poll female of the year - SC & GL Hartwright with Spartan 1 Victoria's Secret

1 Victoria’s Secret. This exceptional show cow had a stellar start to the year at the Shropshire County Show, with her success only escalating as the season continued. She concluded her year in style, being crowned Reserve Supreme Champion at the National Poll Show, a testament to her outstanding performance and the dedication of her team.

What a fantastic achievement for Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 and the Ludgate family to win Poll Bull of the year. It’s always exciting to see a young bull make such a significant impact in the show circuit, especially with the support of dedicated stockman Joe Clarke. Winning both breed and interbreed titles is no small feat, and it was a proud moment for James and Joe to celebrate their hard work.

Unable to attend the evenings proceedings were PRJ & LR Vincent of the Pulham herd but were delighted to receive the accolade of Horned Herd of the year. Having exceptional success at this year’s National Hereford show with their own cattle and animals they have bred and sold on demonstrates the amount of hours Phil and Laura invest into showing and promotion, so it’s great to see them being recognised. This is also the second year in a row they have won this award, an amazing achievement for all concerned.

Returning to the front of the room for the third time that evening was Tom and Di Harrison of the Moralee herd to collect the trophy for the horned female of the year with Moralee Curly C1288. This young

heifer is no stranger to this award winning it last year, at just under one years of age. This show heifer won her class at the Royal Welsh Show and was reserve intermediate champion at the National Hereford Show.

Winning the Horned Bull of the year prize is quite an achievement, and this year it went to Edward Mills with Severnvale Rogue who is now in shared ownership with David Makin, ably assisted by Thea Woollatt. Rogue’s strong performance throughout

Poll Bull of the year & overall Bull of the year - M Ludgate with Rempstone 1 Alpha N688

Horned Female of the year - T & D Harrison - Moralee Curly C1288

Horned herd of the year - PRJ & LR Vincent with the Pulham herd

the show season has displayed consistency and it’s great to see the horned contingent being wellrepresented.

James Ludgate and Joe Clarke proudly took to the stage again to take the coveted prize of Bull of the Year. Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 a March 2023 born bull is out of Danish imported dam Rosenkaer Miss World and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, has been expertly shown

throughout the summer season, so it was no surprise to see them centre stage. The bull then went on to set a new breed record with achieving the highest priced bull being sold at a society sale, the following day.

Last but by no means least was overall Female of the Year, which went to SC and GL Hartwright with Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret. With Solpoll 1 Perfection as her sire and

Cleland 1 Glissade 26th as her dam, this 2020 born cow benefits from a lineage of top-notch genetics, so it was no surprise to see her clinch this significant award.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants. It’s inspiring to witness the strength and resilience within the breed, and it’s clear that everyone involved has put in a tremendous amount of effort, proving dedication at these events really highlight the passion of the community.

Female of the Year - SC & GL Hartwright with Spartan 1 Victorias Secret

Horned Bull of the Year - Edward Mills with Severnvale Rogue who is now in shared ownership with David Makin

From the Director of Operations

It is with great pleasure and a warm welcome to the Annual Review of the Hereford Cattle Society.

The last 12 months have certainly been a year to remember with some great highs and some sad lows, many of which are captured or referenced in this journal. Government policy remains a challenge for agriculture across all sectors and we must remain united in protecting our industry.

BCMS beef registrations year on year remain strong with a 6% increase which is remarkable in such a competitive market and this should not be underestimated. We must acknowledge and address the challenges that are faced by the suckler cow numbers and try and address these challenges. A concerning decline in suckler cow numbers continues at an alarming rate, but the society remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability across all sectors to ensure the breeds continued legacy.

EBV’s remain a big part of how our breed is judged along with the introduction of genomics several years ago to enhance the accuracy of these. We are now into our second year of linear classification with more and more breeders seeing the benefits of doing this allowing the breeder to make more informed choices of what they breed from. The society very much sees both genomics and linear classification working together and encourages the breeders to embrace the science. As we move forward purchasers are looking more and more to the data for said animals and this will only intensify.

The key objective of the society is to maintain the integrity of the herdbook and DNA plays a pivotal role in this. However the cost to the society is significant and Council

is very mindful of this and how they can reduce the burden to our members with out devaluing the breed.

This year we have worked on our 5 year strategy basing it around three core strategies:

Strategy 1 – Culture and Values

Strategy 2 – Future of the breed = Sustainability

Strategy 3 – Membership support and fun

A society loved by its members! A growing belief and confidence in the future role of the Hereford breed, reflected in a growing sense of belonging and commitment by its growing membership base.

To work on more Hereford cross calves being registered each year thus increasing the Hereford commercial market share.

To underpin this growth through closer working relationships with leading meat processors and retailers.

To position the breed at the heart of forage based sustainably reared beef. To evidence this positioning with estimated breeding value (EBV), linear scoring and genomic data.

The society intends to establish a culture and set of values that staff, council and members all embrace and to create a membership organisation that both pedigree breeders, commercial farmers and individual members all feel proud to belong to.

As always there has been a fantastic show season with great numbers of cattle forward which we are very grateful for those members taking the time and the cost associated with this in representing the breed so well.

The next steps in the evolution of the breed is to try and partner with institutions in helping us gain more relevant information for the breed around daily live weight gains, days to slaughter and carcass quality.

Our youth section remains strong

Paul Sneyd

and is the envy of the industry under the guidance of Emma Edwards who does a fantastic job of leading this for the society. This year was an exceptional year with the process of choosing the team to represent the society at the WHC 2025.

None of the achievements mentioned above would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our council, staff and you the members. Your commitment forms the cornerstone of our progress and success.

I wish you all well for 2025.

Beverley completes 50 years service to the Society

Beverley Turner, our Finance and Administration Manager completed 50 years service to the Society in July.

Leaving Kingstone School in 1974, Beverley sought a career in accounts and embarked on that career choice soon after, commuting from her family home in St Weonards, Herefordshire by bus to Hereford.

Starting as an office Junior under the mentorship of Lewis Thomas, she attended College in the evenings for courses on book keeping and accounting. At the time there were some 40 staff at Hereford House where records were manually processed and Pedigree Certificates typed on a mechanical typewriter.

The whole building at this time was occupied by Society Staff, then over the years with the introduction of computers and technology Bev saw the huge reduction in those

staff numbers and the letting of large parts of Hereford House to other businesses.

Bev, as she is fondly known by colleagues and members, is often the first port of call at the Society dealing with a vast and varied list of responsibilities from accounts, to lettings management and buildings maintenance to name but a few.

As well as talking to her by phone or email, members will have enjoyed her company and hospitality at many shows and events where her professionalism and incredible knowledge of the breed and Society are admired and valued by many.

During her tenure Bev has brought up two sons, Oliver and Matthew and helped her husband Nigel with the 610 acre family farm on weekends where they keep livestock in Cross Ash, Monmouthshire..

"I have enjoyed the variety of jobs and meeting so many people when attending shows and events" commented Bev, "I have also formed many long lasting and valued friendships with colleagues

and members who I enjoy keeping in contact with even after they have moved on from the Society or retired."

Bev enjoys walking and has taken part in the Venus Midnight Walk in Hereford several times in aid of St Michaels Hospice along with the Moonwalk in London and Three Peaks Trial in Monmouthshire. Not many people will know that she also keeps fit by doing 100 sit-ups every day! Yes every day!

The Society would like to thank Beverley for her long and continued service which she carries out with her never-say-no helpful attitude and professionalism.

Beverley with her colleagues c. 1980's, can you tell which she is?

Michael Church presents flowers to Beverley at the National Hereford Show

D.O.B: 14/11/23

Sire: Top Prize

Dam: Starlet V3 by Herbert

Braveheart, one of our top performance bulls bred to date. 680kgs at 360 days One of an impressive group of bulls for sale in 2025.

These 2 prize winners from the calf show along with the rest of the spring 2024 born heifers calves will sell in September in our first herd production sale!!

This will include the first daughters of Worldwide as well as daughters of Promoter, Top Prize, Humberto, Pacman & Stamina.

Thank you to all our purchasers and congratulations to all who showed our genetics, especially Dendor with the first progeny of Vanquish, his maternal brother Boomer will sell in our sale!

JOHN & WILLIAM MCMORDIE SOLITUDE, BALLYGOWAN, NEWTOWNARDS,

BT23 6NA Tel: 028 97528222 John: 07866125959 William: 07891903243

E-mail: johnmcm@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.solpollherefords.co.uk

Members Success

Celebration of breeders achievements within the industry

Nigel Owens, Farming Champion

NFU Success for Young Breeder

Hereford breeder, Nigel Owens was named Farming Champion of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024.

Nigel was recognised because of his honest and brave work on mental health and diversity. Raising awareness about the impact of TB, campaigning for Welsh and UK farmers, supporting the young farmers and being a sporting role model. Congratulations on the award Nigel from us all at the Hereford Cattle Society.

An ambitious young farmer has been named as NFU Cymru representative on the NFU's new Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme 2024.

Ben Chilman from Radnor will make up the union's eleven newly announced ambassadors from across England and Wales.

will play a vital role is conveying the story and value of British farming to the public.

A full-time farmer, Ben works at home on his family farm, a mix enterprise comprising of beef, sheep, free-range hens alongside the production of arable crops.

"I'm enthusiastic about promoting what farmers do and I'm looking forward to meeting influential people from the industry," Ben comments.

NFU President Aled Jones said: “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Naomi and Ben for being selected for the NFU’s Student & Young Farmer Ambassador programme. It is absolutely fantastic to have such vibrant and enthusiastic people wanting to work with the NFU and NFU Cymru to help us tell our positive farming story to the public, opinion formers and politicians, locally and nationally.

Courteenhall Farms wins Gold at 2024 British Farming Awards

With the forthcoming UK General election on the horizon, coupled with the continued push to keep food and farming at the fore front of peoples minds, the Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors will

Dr Johnny Wake of Courteenhall Farms has been named Sustainable Farmer of the Year and won Gold at the British Farming Awards, held at VOX Birmingham in October.

The awards, which have been running for 12 years and this year saw a record number of entries, celebrate excellence in the rural sector and were attended by 900 farmers and industry professionals from across the UK.

The Sustainable Farmer of the Year award recognises pioneering farmers who are safeguarding the land for future generations and are embracing sustainable farming practices which work in harmony with the environment.

Alongside his role at home, Ben hosts a podcast with fellow farmers, 'Ted' and 'Nog'. Orginally set up to help ease the isolation that plagues the farming community, this contributed to his success in 2022, winning Ag Student of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards.

Alongside Ben, representing NFU Cymru within S&YF Ambassador program, is Naomi Williams-Roberts, Marketing and Breed Development Manager for the Hereford Cattle Society.

Courteenhall Farms spans 1,800 acres and is a model of sustainable and diversified farming practices. The farm combines arable crops with innovative practices to strengthen environmental stewardship, community engagement, and financial stability.

They use key sustainable practices such as regenerative farming, circular agriculture, renewable energy, biodiversity and conservation, and community education.

The judges were impressed with the breadth of their 352-year-old estate’s sustainable enterprises which span across renewable energy and rainwater harvesting, regenerative farming practices which have boosted soil organic matter and various stewardship

“Farming is undergoing huge change, from significant changes in farm policy and support, inflationary costs of production impacting farm businesses, to the impacts of climate change and more regular adverse weather events, so it’s arguably never been a more important time to be able to tell the positive story of agriculture and showcase the massive show of support we are so fortunate to have from the public.

“I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with Naomi and Ben and it is remarkable to see how much they have already achieved despite their tender years. I can’t wait to see what impact they have in the coming year.”

schemes which deliver for nature.

Judges saw that “Courteenhall’s approach to sustainability has helped the estate make significant improvements in profitability whilst also improving soils and wildlife.”

Dr Wake, who grew up on the farm, gave up his full-time job as a doctor nine years ago to become

Managing Partner of Courteenhall and evolve it from being a business based around arable farming and residential property to one on a much more diverse and sustainable footing.

This has included building a wide variety of diverse and sustainable practices across the Estate’s farming activities, including investing in cutting-edge technology, increasing biodiversity

and a dedication to soil health to maximise use of natural fertilisers.

Traditional Hereford cattle and Rare Breed pigs have also been reintroduced to the land.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this award and it’s very exciting to be recognised for all the effort we are making to farm as sustainably as we can.

“But it’s a real joint effort and I’d

like to thank the whole team at Courteenhall who are endlessly amazing and who all share our values and ethos.

“At the heart of this is our mission statement - 'leaving a legacy to be proud of'. Any possible business decision is analysed from this viewpoint and looked at from a long-term point of view.

“Parallel to this runs sustainability. If we are not choosing sustainable options from a business, community and environmental point of view, we are not supporting our mission statement.”

photo at the Royal Norfolk in June 24

Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 crowned Miss Europe at Hereford Breeder.net awards 2024

Breeders and owners Tom & Di Harrison were delighted, proud and overwhelmed with this result.

This cow just keeps on givingthe accolade comes after being a successful show heifer in 2019 winning National Poll Show Junior Champion and Shrewsbury Christmas Calf Show Supreme Champion. She missed the Senior Heifer year in 2020 due to covid and returned to the show ring in 2023 as a 5 year old cow with bull calf at foot where she had a string of successes. This year she had April born twins at foot, but this didn’t stop her continuing the winning streak with more championships including breed and interbreed success.

"She is a dream cow - born to show but this winter she remains out in the field with the spring calving cows until they come in to calve in March" commented Tom & Di.

Pictured with bull calf Americano at foot wining first prize at Royal Highland show 2023

Scottish National Show 2024- Female & Reserve Champion with her twins

Junior Champion National Poll Show 2019

Senior Heifer year during covid

Milovaig 1 Vindicator wins Bronze in the Bull section at Hereford Breeder.net awards 2024

Martin Poyser and daughters of Coxon Herefords bought Vindicator in November 2022 from Calum Smith of Milovaig Herefords. This latest award caps two years of success.

The Poysers bought Vindicator to bring fresh blood into their herd and for Martins daughter Molly to gain confidence as a starting point to enter the show ring at the local shows. Molly had noticed him first and brought him to Martin's attention. They both really liked the look of him and went to view him and subsequently purchased him. Molly spent the winter getting to know Vindicator and started to work with him which has led to a very close bond between them both. They didn't envisage quite what happened with his success. The first show they took Vinny to was in Northumberland (May 2023) where he was placed 3rd in his class. This was Molly's very first time showing which led to her

entering the local shows in 2023. He attended Echt Show, Banchory Show, New Deer Show, Turriff Show and Tarland Show where he won Any Other Breed Champion at them all. He was placed reserve senior male champion at the Scottish National Show in Perth 2023.

After the success of 2023 they decided to withdraw semen from Vindicator. They entered the Royal Highland Show in June 2024 where he came second in his class. Following on from the Highland Show the season kept at a high with Vindicator winning Overall Cattle Champion and went on to win Supreme Champion at Echt show 2024. In a predominantly continental part of Scotland, they were the first any other breed champion to win the supreme championship of Echt show. A week later they then travelled 200 miles south to Biggar to the Hereford Scottish Nationals where Vindicator went on to win the overall Hereford Champion. Three more local shows followed in the summer where

they were placed any other breed champion again at all three.

Vindicator was eligible to enter Hereford Champion of the World and came 3rd in Europe. Needless to say they are just delighted with how he has done and who knows what 2025 will bring.

Semen is now available with UK Sires.

Vindicators breeding is the following:

Sire: Shraden 1 Perestroika

Dam: Milovaig Bonnie Belle 6th

Spartan 1 Victoria's Secret takes silver in the Miss Europe category at Hereford Breeder.net awards 2024

Victoria’s Secret has been part of Spartans show team for 3 years now ,sired by Solpoll 1 Perfection, who has sired numerous champions and is a stronghold in their herd. Victoria took to the Highland show in 2022 taking reserve junior female champion.

She returned in 2023 taking overall female and reserve breed champion, returning again in 2024 to take female and overall champion, also replicating this result a month later at GYS. To take the silver medal in the competition was just another fantastic result for Spartan, especially after being crowned Hereford Female and Polled Female of the UK 2024..

Bulls lasting legacy for breeders

The Bowendu breeders head stateside to collect global accoladewords

by Adam Bowen

When I went over to the Solpoll herd in January 2021 to look for a new stock bull. I knew Solpoll 1 Trailblazer was a great animal, but I don’t think we fully appreciated his potential.

We only took Trailblazer to our local village show in 2022 as we needed him to get to work with the cattle. However, when we started to think about the 2023 show season, we knew he would be a key part of the show team alongside Bowendu Ruby 2nd who was successfully shown by Ethan Brook.

We clocked up some mileage last year, attending 15 shows throughout the season with Trailblazer picking up two interbreed championships, four breed championships, and three male championships. All of which we were massively proud of.

Being awarded breed champion at the Royal Welsh with Trailblazer and Ruby taking Female Champion was a highlight of the year for us as I don’t think you can beat winning on home soil.

However, this was even more spectacular as this was the start of

Trailblazers road to winning Reserve Hereford Bull of the World.

We thought the icing on the cake was winning joint bull of the year although, when we got the notification that Trailblazer had been awarded Champion of Europe, we were ecstatic and then he went one better taking reserve bull of the world. The breeders of the world competition has been something I have always watched and admired.

We knew the opportunity to go to ‘Cow Town’ in Texas wasn’t going to come around often and with help from some key members of the team we booked our flight. A special mention must go to Ethan here for staying back to look after the cattle.

Texas was nothing less than an action packed 7 days of ranches, shows, networking and a lot of travelling. We have to say a huge thank you to the organisers PJ and

Chris Budler for being so helpful and being excellent travel guides.

We kicked off our travels with a trip North to Bar A Cattle Ranch, near Nacona, alongside Belinda, Daniel and family from the Cloverlee herd based in Australia. Bar A Cattle Ranch was a short 100 miles (at least, PJ’s driving made it short) north of Fort Worth where the Alan family has been ranching since 2021.

The family made the decision to move their cattle and three companies from the Houston area due to the rising temperatures in Southern Texas making cattle ranching extremely difficult.

Alongside their cattle herd the family also operate a merchandise company and a semen business, with a keen interest in club calf bulls. Club calves, what we would consider commercial show cattle, can sell for over $200,000. With this year’s Forth worth Stock show champion selling for $340,000 with the record price at Fort Worth Stock Show for a steer being $440,000.

While at Bar A Ranch they explained how schools encourage youngsters into the livestock industry by having animals at the schools for children to work with and look after.

Later in the trip Mark and Caoimhe from the Hillockpoll herd, Jack Larking from Corndarragh herd and Damien, Emma, Liam, Abbi and Brandon from the JC Hereford herd joined us for another early start for

a road trip to Trans Ova Genetics. An industry-leading embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed semen, genetic preservation, and cloning company.

Cary Crow, Acquisition Manager at Trans Ova shared with us the history and ethos of the company and how they think the future of genetics will look. We also looked to see some of the laboratory work taking place before we headed over to Integrated Breeders Service.

We spent a few days visiting the 127th Forth Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, where again the hospitality was amazing. A fantastic show of all different breeds and hundreds of Hereford cattle being dressed, shown, and sold.

The show has a tremendous set up of large buildings where it was great to experience the excellent facilities and ventilation which you could see was putting animals at

general meeting and got to speak to ranchers of hundreds of Herefords and thousands of acres. There were some very impressive stockman and women who were so open and welcoming to us all. They showed a lot of interest in our farming practices and the size of the cattle we breed. The Texans tend to favour smaller cattle which

Rodeo at Dickies Arena was a highlight of the trip. Where again we got to meet some great people and sponsors of the Champion of the World competition.

We truly got the Texas experience watching calf roping, barrel racing, Mutton busting alongside all the award winners and sponsors. It was amusing to see youngsters trying to catch calves in “The Calf

Welcome New Members

Annual for year 2023/24

Anderson, C - Dunterley House, Bellingham,Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2JZ

Email: michelleande@hotmail.com

ARB Estates - Horseheath Lodge, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4PT.

Email: jo.stavenden@arbestates. com

Barrs of Broughton - Beth Haven Farm, Great Broughton, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, TS9 7EZ

Email: jabarr@hotmail.co.uk

Brooks, D - 40 Desertmartin Road, Tobermore, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, N.Ireland BT45 5QY

Email: davidbrooksfarm@gmail.com

Brown, G - Back O Hill Farm, Back O Hill Road, Torrance, Glasgow, G64 4DR

Email: gordon.brown@hotmail.com

Budgen & Sons, J & JBartley Forest Farm, Cadnam, Southampton, SO40 2NR

Email: bartley_forest_farm@ outlook.com

Caenog Holdings LLP - Pwll-y-cwm Farm, Rockfield, Monmouthshire, NP25 5SZ

Email: robin@caenog@gmail.com

Capps, R - Ciliau, Erwood, Builth Wells, Radnorshire, LD2 3TZ.

Email: guntower@icloud.com

Clarke, M - Graig Goch, Nebo, Llamwrst, LL26 0SY

Email: maddieclarke@icloud.com

Coney, T & K & Sons - Lower End Town Farm, Lampter Velfry, Narberth, Pembs, SA67 8UJ.

Email: tkconey@btinternet.com

Cooper, I - Green Lane Farm, Green Lane, Bollington, Cheshire, SK10 5LG

Email: ianc1969@gmail.com

Davies, A - Hayes Farm, Hayes Lane, Berrington, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8TL.

Email: davieshayesfarm@outlook. com

Davies, GE & TA - Carreg-y-Big, Cefn Coch, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0AW.

Email: ifdav@outlook.com

Davies, GJ & AP - Trefasser Isaf, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, SA64 OLP.

Email: gerwyndavies@outlook.com

Entwistle, PM & ST - Lentworth Farm, Abbeystead, Lancaster, LA2 9BE.

Email: jackientwistle@live.co.uk

Fleming, CT - Kittymuir Farm, Quarter, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, ML3 7XN.

Email: kittymuirfarm@outlook.com

Gibbins, L - Barn Farm, Leake Lane, Stanford on Soar, Loughborough, LE12 5QL

Email: l.gibbins1608@gmail.com

Graham, BJ - 42 Richmount Road, Portadown, Co Armagh, N Ireland, BT62 4JQ.

Email: richmountherefords@gmail. com

Hammett, P - Bridleways, Holyford Lane, Colyford, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6HW.

bridlewaysfarm@btinternet.com

Hanna, M - 21 Lisbane Road, Saintfield, Co Down, N Ireland, BT24 7BS

Email: hannachris946@gmail.com

Harvey, L - Lower Wangfield Farm, Wangfield Lane, Curdridge, Southampton, SO32 2DA.

Email: lharvey484@gmail.com

Hazeltine N - Perrylands Cottage, Peeks Brook Lane, Smallfield, Nr Horley, Surrey, RH6 9PP.

Email: nickhazeltine@icloud.com

Heath, J, O & A - Sheaf Farm, Broomheath Lane, Tarvin, CH3 8HD. Email: heath.elizabeth@yahoo.com

Holgate, CS & HW - Lluest Farm, Deri Ormond, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8PB

Email: holgate-lluest@supanet.com

Hope 4 U Farm Ltd - 49, Main Street, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland, BT76 0AA.

Email: hope4ufarmltd@outlook. com

Hosty, L - 12 Dale Road, Drighlinton, Cockersdale, West Yorkshire, BD11 1ND.

Email: harrietwoodhead1@gmail. com

James, Henrietta - Pipers Gate, Chapel Leigh, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, TA4 3RB.

Email: hettyjames124@gmail.com

Johnson, E - Hopershaw Hatch, Highams Hill Farm, Layhams Road, Keston, Kent, BR2 6AR. Email: ellice@highamsfarm.com

Jones, J - Tyn y Bedw, Aberhafesp, Newtown, Powys SY16 3LW. jakejones100@icloud.com

Legg, T & A - Smallmoor Farm, Midllezoy, Somerset, TA7 0PJ. Email: abigailvowles98@gmail.com

Lilley, S - Mill Cottage, 101 Catchems End, Brewood, Staffordshire, ST19 9DQ.

Email: simon.lilley@amey.co.uk

Lovegreen, J - Greenfield Farm, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0LE.

Email: jayne_lovegreen@msn.com

McConaghie, H - 134 Munie Road, Glenarm, Co Antrim, N Ireland, BT44 0BX.

Email: Hannah_glenarm@icloud. com

McGowan, P - Redfern Depot, 272 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2AB.

Email: Jack@paulmcgowan.co.uk

Merchant, I - 12 The Hawthorns, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2HF. Email: ieuandmerch@outlook.com

Parkinson, RR & Sons - Chesham Housde Farm, Crossmoor, Nr Kirkham, Preston, PR4 3YJ.

Email: parkinsonandrewj@hotmail. co.uk

Plant, G - Two Hoots, Shoulton, Hallow, Worcester, WR2 6PX. george.plant@icloud.com

Pollock, J - 60 Hogstown Road, Donaghadee, County Down, N Ireland, BT21 0NH.

Email: jonathanpollock16@gmail.com

Robinson, P - Blackden Cottage, Cross Lane, Holmes Chapel, Crewe, Cheshire, CW4 8DG.

Email: allischalmers4@gmail.com

Rogers, P - Redroofs Farm, North Road, Weston, Newark, NG23 6TS. Email: paul.rogers20@icloud.com

Scarisbrick Hall Ltd - Scarisbrick Hall School, Southport Road, Scarisbrick, West Lancashire, L40 9RQ. Email: aylmerz@ scarisbrookhallschool.co.uk

Seeconnell Herefords - 122 Clanvaraghan Road, Castlewellan, Co Down, N Ireland, BT31 9LA. Email: cathalmcmullan@konegroup. co.uk

Seymour, A - South House Farm, Soulby, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4PT. seymourfarm958@gmail.com

Strathisla Farms - Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH12 8RF. Email: adrian@strathislafarms.com

Theyer, J - Mill House, Little Clanfield, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2RX. Email: millfarmcomm@gmail.com

Thomas, A - Ffynnon Luan Farm, Maesybont, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 7HF. Email: jonathan@ajtltd.co.uk

Underwood Lodge Farm - Rearsby Lane, Gaddesby, Leicester, LE7 4XG. Email: underwoodlodgefarm@gmail. com

Watt & Son, DM - Hall Farm, Stirrup Street, Laxfield, Woodbridge, IP13 8EQ.

Email: jonathanrogerwatt@hotmail. com

Warrenhaven Farming - Warren Haven, Aylburtol, Lydney, GL15 6DX Email: admin@warrenfarm.com

Wear, Brenda R - Hilltop, Windover Farm Office, Butcombe, Bristol, BS40 7XG.

Email: Brenda.wear13@gmail.com

Weaver, W - Perrinpit Farm, Perrinpit Road, Frampton Cotterell, S Gloucester, BS36 2AT.

Email: williamweaver@live.co.uk

Wilson, A - Wester Cairnglass, Gollanfield, Inverness, IV2 7QS. Email: annawilson111@hotmail.co.uk

NBA update / news from Neil Shand

2024 was an interesting year! As we enter the New Year, the October budget is still the main topic of conversation. The negativity it has created has left an open scar across our industry, and there seems

to be little hope of it fading at the moment.

I'm pretty certain that, helped by the presence of so many farmers arriving in London and other cities, there will be some upcoming solutions to help soften the blow of the budget and the corresponding fallout in regard to inheritance tax and APR/BPR; any tweaks in the initial policy will likely be announced around the time of the spring financial statement.

Certainly, if the government were not previously aware of the strength of feeling within the industry, and how bruised we feel, they do now - it's been said many times, but the message of ‘all we want to do is feed people’ seems to be registering with the public. As well as the previously mentioned points in regard to the budget, the real financial concerns for next year will be the sudden drop off in BPS payments and the removal of ringfenced funding for agri budgets, with all the potential hardship that this could cause to small businesses. Quite simply, cheap food doesn't go hand in hand with zero support- government can choose.

Beef Expo came and went in a flash in April. It was a well-attended event, and although it took place on a date that wasn't ideal for the whole industry, it was the date we

had. There will be no Expo in 2025, but we'll be looking to repeat the success of 2024 at a more usual scheduled date in May 2026.

Bluetongue has created hardship for some of our members this year, and we are in regular discussion with Government on this topic. Keep an eye on social media feeds for regular updates on the current status. I would advise those in the higher risk areas to vaccinate cows and calves before spring turnout- there is a lot of pertinent information within the magazine related to bluetongue. Arm yourself with up to date information, and seek advice from your private vet. So far none of the vaccines have been the silver bullet, but one of them is looking extremely promising.

As for prospects for next year, I fully expect the first quarter - or at least the first half of the first quarter – will continue with a good demand for beef which will ensure the prices continue at current record levels. Although farmgate prices are at record levels, it is still difficult to create the confidence that encourages people to commit to large long-term investments.

Beyond the first quarter of next year, expect to see price challenges as the processors and retail sector look to cut their cloth. It’s not only farmers who will have to draw their belts in. Shareholders have become accustomed to decent returns, and priorities are likely to be reshuffled. We are currently trading in an environment where cattle supply and demand are moving further and further apart, and with no encouragement from any government in the UK to seek to address the critical mass lack of balance, problems are not too far in the distance.

Whilst we enjoy the unilateral support from retailers who use and provide only British beef, there may come a day when their ability to source it is challenged to a critical level. Every challenge creates an opportunity. With the current values of beef cattle, never

has there been a better time to expand - now would be the time to increase herd numbers - to invest in our future.

2024 came with plenty of challenges, and certainly many more lie ahead, but that’s farming! One thing you can be sure of is that the National Beef Association will continue to challenge and prod at this new government to try and improve the kick in the teeth that rolled from Rachel Reeves’ mouth on the 30th of October.

They've quoted - and continue to quote - that national security requires food security or food security is national security. We will do our utmost to ensure that collectively the government put their money where their mouth is.

We are now at the end of a year where beef trade has been very strong, and demand in the lead up to Christmas has been - to quote some retailers – exceptional. Perhaps it’s time to take some positive vibes and look forward into 2025 new year in an optimistic frame of mind.

I wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous 2025.

Neil Shand

In remembrance

With a profound sense of loss and utmost respect, we pay tribute to several esteemed members of our community who departed in 2024

David Fenton, Boresisle Herd

Rodney Goswick Westaway, Clipston Herd

Having joined the Hereford Cattle Society in 1988, David Fenton began farming with a small amount of land for livestock and purchased his first Hereford cattle.

Clipston Herefords, Market Harborough was established in 1962 by Rod’s father Raymond Westaway. Ray, and later with Rod, built up the Clipston herd into one of the leading and most respected herds in the breed.

When Ray passed away in 2004, Rod along with his wife Rose, continued to breed highly regarded, successful Herefords, focusing on their established female bloodlines using a mix of homebred and quality bulls from breeders in the UK, Ireland and Denmark.

A few years later, he moved into breeding original population genetics, the enterprise gradually building to become the largest herd of Traditional Hereford cattle in the country. In 2003, David opened the retail and processing arm of the business, Silcocks Farm Shop and Café, where the organic Boresisle Hereford herd would supply 50 to 60 steers a year alongside products from the farm’s small dairy herd of Ayrshires

Rod and Rose won the Midlands and East Anglia Herd Competition in 2005 and 2015, with Clipston cows winning the best cow suckling a calf prize in 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2023, a testament to the impressive cows that have been at the heart of the Clipston herd.

Bob Borwick, Mara Herd

Bob’s love of Hereford cattle began as Farm Manager for the Mackaness family at Preston Deanery in Northamptonshire in the late 1960’s where, along with his wife Margaret, they went to live at Preston Lodge Farm.

Clipston sires have performed for Rod and Rose along with their many customers. There are too many to mention, but to highlight a couple, Clipston Juggernaut, sire of two National Hereford Show Female Champions and Clipston Top Drawer T4 sire of Mara President Supreme Champion at the National Hereford Show in 2018. Rod has been a great supporter of the National Hereford Show, his father being one of its establishing members. Rod was President of the National Hereford (Show) Club in 2010. Two years later Clipston Pansy M9 won the Female and Reserve Supreme Championship at the prestigious event.

Rod was forward thinking, embracing developments such as scanning and in 2008 purchased his first polled bull to use across some of his horned females.

When the farm was split up in 1975, he continued to work for Charles Mackaness and together they started the “Prestone” herd, breeding under that prefix until the origination of Bob & Margaret’s own herd “Mara” (named after the Masai Mara in his native Kenya) in 1985. Bob was meticulous in the consideration of bloodlines and spent hours poring over pedigrees, deep in study of the breed’s herd books, always priding himself on the strength of the female lines used. Particular emphasis was placed on Tarrington breeding, which he described as “the cornerstone of the breed”, this formed a powerful and uniform base for the six female lines he kept and developed: Blossom, Bonny, Diadem, Dowager, Model, and Pansy.

Among others the bull Wabash Allen 1X was a firm favourite, being one of the first Canadian imports into the UK and bred entirely from the Tarrington ‘M’ family on his dam’s side, Bob ensured that this bull and in particular Tarrington March-On would appear as often as possible in the back pedigrees of his female lines and was integral to his breeding philosophy. Bob’s dedication to producing cattle of his favoured type regardless of the way fashion dictated, made him a well-respected personality within the breed, whose herd displayed a sought-after type and consistency.

and British Friesians, as well as sheep and pigs. In the pedigree world, Boresisle breeding has influenced countless herds and has always been a goto source to supply quality bulls and females to new and existing members. David himself served as Secretary of the Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club for many years, and his passion for the breed was exhibited in the numerous projects and initiatives he supported with the Club, always striving to bring in new members and raise the profile of the cattle. Much-loved husband of Juliet, a father and grandfather, David died aged 84, peacefully on 7th August at home in Tenterden, Kent.

prestigious titles including National Hereford Show Championships with the bulls Prestone Boxer in 1986 and Mara President in 2018. Mara females took the top spots in 2009 and 2010 under the ownership of Mrs Lesley Jackson, whose Sparkwood herd – along with many others – had the benefit of Bob’s extensive knowledge and mentorship.

The quality of Bob’s breeding and stockmanship was proven in the show ring again and again with numerous successes across five decades, winning several

Another breeder who became great friends with Bob is Paul Snell of Lowergrove Herefords:

“Bob imparted his passion of Hereford cattle to me and in particular his knowledge of pedigrees, this formed my own breeding strategy that continues today. His willingness to impart what he knew to those lucky enough to be considered worthy or indeed willing to listen, was a great credit to the man I was grateful to call my friend.”

Looking for something different Rod imported Venture Moler 989 from Denmark which won first prize at the Herning World Conference Show 2008, under John McMordie. Other notable imports include Moyclare Malcom bred by Michael Molloy, Offaly, Ireland and Solpoll 1 True Grit from John and William McMordie, Northern Ireland. As well as importing, Clipston bloodlines have been exported to Denmark and Ireland.

Visitors have always received a warm welcome at Grasslands Farm, with the opportunity to talk Herefords with great cattle breeders. Rod, along with his knowledge and wry sense of humour, will be missed by all those lucky enough to have known him. Rod passed peacefully away at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, Claire and Lucy.

Having gradually reduced cattle numbers in recent years, Bob saw to his renowned Mara herd’s final dispersal on 16th May this year. Unfortunately, he suffered a heart attack the very next day and sadly passed away at Northampton General Hospital following further complications on 28th May. His influence, knowledge and expertise in breeding Hereford cattle of the highest quality will continue to be seen for years to come. We express our deepest sympathies and send condolences to Margaret, Robert, Belinda and their families.

Rod, second from left with Clipston Pansy M9, Female and Reserve Supreme Champion at the National Hereford Show 2012

Frederick Glenville Goodall, Glenrose Polled and Roseglen Horned Herds

14th February 1936 – 30th January 2024

It was with great sadness that we record the death of Glenville Goodall on 30th January 2024. Last summer, Glenville had unfortunately been diagnosed with cancer tumours on his spine and spent his last 8 months in a hospital bed.

After leaving school as was the tradition in those days Glen went out to work to labour for local farms in the area and ventured to the Senni Valley to work for Mr Will Havard at Cwmbrynich, where he was first introduced to the beloved Hereford breed, there he would prepare bulls for the premier shows and sales. When Mr Havard retired Glen purchased a female from the dispersal sale, and this was the start of the Pedigree herd for Glen and Rose.

Glenville married Rose in November 1967 and made their home at Glyntywarch Farm.

Glen was a life member of the Hereford Herd Book Society with the Glenrose Polled and Roseglen Horned prefix’s and had a love for the Hereford breed where he maintained a small nucleus herd alongside the commercial suckler herd. He was a founder member and past president of Dyfed Hereford Breeders Club where he won the Dyfed Female and Male award on a number of occasions, regularly supporting the Dyfed Club Bull sales and topping the market, he also was a member of Powys Hereford Breeders club and together with Rose enjoyed the club’s social events and annual herd visits.

Glen & Rose took pride in presenting their calves for the Autumn Brecon & Radnor Suckler calf sales at Sennybridge Market and won the best group of 4 hereford x calves on numerous occasions when in those days there were over 1000 calves entered. Notable achievements included winning 2nd prize bull calf in the National Poll Show with Glenrose Sultan in 1981, Junior Female Champion at the Royal Welsh Show with Glenrose Serena. Roseglen Petunia was Senior Female Champion in the National Horned show at Tenbury Wells in 2009, her Bull calf was 2nd in the Calf Show in Shrewsbury later that year. Junior Male Champion at the Royal Welsh Show 2013. Glen

regularly supported the Hereford classes at the Annual Welsh Winter fair and was always promoting the eating quality of the Hereford beef.

Glen and Rose have won numerous awards for their pedigree herd and the most recent was at Sennybridge Show in 2022.

His daughter Tracey was also passionate about the breed and forever grateful to her father for taking her around the shows to take part in the leading competitions at the Three Counties Show and Royal Welsh Shows, where she led Vorn 1 United a bull that was raffled to raise money for Hereford United Football Club.

Glen took great comfort knowing that his legacy will live on in the safe hands of Barry and hopefully Cian and Aidan will be the 3rd generation of Goodall’s at Glyntywarch.

Glen’s other passion in life was his singing, he was a top tenor with Llandovery Male Voice Choir for over 35 years and the Cor Meibion De Cymru where he and Rose travelled to numerous countries. Not many things would stop Glenville from farming, but he would down tool for the choirs. After a hard day’s work he enjoyed going to practice and then socialising after.

Glenville was a humble, hardworking gentleman, some have referred to him as a machine and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A man with great work ethic carried out with hard work and commitment. Glen is survived by his loving wife Rose of 56 years, 2 children Tracey and Barry and 5 grandchildren Emma, Ryan, Craig, Cian and Aidan.

Alan Pittam, an appreciation

Midlands & East Anglia Association's long serving secretary, Alan Pittam, passed away after a long illness on 15th October and we cannot let this sad occasion pass, without recording the appreciation of their members, and many others, for all the time and effort he put into the role.

Alan, came to the Hereford world quite late in his working life, when he joined Philip T English’s, Churchlands Estate, where he soon made his mark with their cattle in the showring and quickly made many friends within the breed.

The previous, long-standing secretary of the MEAHBA, Ted Hewitson, had for many years expressed his wish to retire, but a successor was hard to find until Alan appeared. It was at the 2004 AGM, that Pete Dowlman commented he had found a willing volunteer, and proposed Alan, who was prepared to take on the post of Secretary/ Treasurer. Ted was a hard act to follow, but Alan settled into the role with ease and soon made the role his own, with his friendly personality and very efficient and organised manner. He was to hold the position for the next sixteen years and was still as enthusiastic in the last year as the first, despite major health problems for him and his wife, Joy making life difficult.

Alan quickly settled into the secretary role and as well as taking on the organising of an already full programme of events, he started to plan for new activities.

He soon realised there was a need for training members for show preparation, which he was sure would have been a great benefit to him when he started at Churchlands. Alan was an active member of the Hereford Stockman’s club, and together they organised show preparation and training workshops, starting with three in the first year in our area, followed by more workshops in other areas. They were a huge success, particularly encouraging younger members to take part. Alan was very keen to enthuse and support young people within the breed and these workshops were often claimed to have been the beginning of the ‘Hereford Youth’. There are certainly many successful young breeders today who were on those first courses, that Alan helped to organise.

Another venture, that Alan organised was MEAHBA's Hereford Steak Competition. This had been suggested by a committee member, but Alan was responsible for making it happen. He took on the organising of the competition, which involved collecting the steaks, many from outside of our area, then delivering them to a restaurant somewhere in the Midlands, where they were judged by a Michelin Star Chef. The competition ran for many years and helped to raise the profile of the great eating qualities of Hereford beef.

However, the activity that Alan and Joy will be most remembered for will be the hospitality stand that they started at the summer shows. There was always a welcome to Breeders and Stockman, not just those with Herefords, but all breeds to join them, for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The stand became a welcome

feature to the cattle lines at many shows, and now is sadly missed. Alan started the stand from the boot of his car, but soon needed a trailer which was full to overflowing with display boards, Hereford merchandise and the green gazebo. The weather didn’t bother him, if the show had no tents, then the gazebo went up, even in the heaviest of storms. It provided a welcoming beacon to anyone who was in need of a warm drink, sustenance or just a friendly face to chat about all things Hereford.

Alan recalled that in their busiest year they attended fifteen shows, as well as many other cattle events within the area. They were always to be seen at the Poll show greeting people and selling Hereford publicity items.

At the 2010 AGM, members decided that they would like to follow the trend and hold a calf show. The first MEAHBA calf show was held at the Newark Showground in 2011, and ran, annually, with great success, for six years. Alan with his usual enthusiasm, was the first name on the sub-committee formed to organise the show and he was always ready and willing to take on any task that he was asked to do.

Alan was always very efficient and organised and liked to keep all MEAHBA members informed with what had been going on in the Hereford world in our area. As a result, twice yearly he produced a very comprehensive newsletter, listing all the prize winners at our area shows, as well as other reports on various events.

When he had an idea, he would pursue it until it happened. He was keen for the Association to visit Hereford herds and shows, outside of their area and organised several trips for members. The first was visiting the South of England for a weekend, then Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland, next the Southern Irish National Show at Tullamore, both as a joint venture with the South of England, followed by visiting the Danish National at Herning and the last one, a weekend trip to the South West. All were extremely well run and organised by Alan and many members have fond memories of these trips, to this day.

One of his proudest moments was MEAHBA winning the first competition for the Thomas Duckham Epergne Trophy, which was to be repeated twice more in the next

three competitions. Alan’s contribution to Association life enabled the MEA to win the Trophy three times in four years, a record that has never been repeated and now never will be, due to the repurposing of the Epergne Trophy.

Even in the latter years, when his health was starting to fail, he was still a bundle of energy and continued to fill his time with Hereford activities, as well as other past times. He was President of the Northamptonshire Football Association, having been a member of the association since 1971, and contributed to many roles and committees. He was awarded a 50-year long service award in 2011.

Alan was also a very keen gardener, the garden at 38 Ashby Road was filled with colour, all summer long. He also found time to keep an allotment and he and Joy were almost self-sufficient with vegetables and fruit.

Alan has left a huge hole in the life of the Association and he will be greatly missed. Many breeders speak of Alan as the person that helped and encouraged them the most, when they first became involved with Hereford cattle and his friendly smile and genuine interest in

people and their cattle will be hard to replace.

The MEA association is a poorer place without Alan. So many members can look back with gratitude and fondness and remember so many great times and occasions, thanks to the enthusiasm and tireless work of Alan and Joy Pittam.

Terry Perkins, Englefield Herd

Written by Ian Perkins

Terry started his life on the 28th of November 1943 and was born at Mohuns Ottery Dairy Farm, in Luppit. A tiny village about 3 miles from the market town of Honiton in East Devon. Being born on a farm and into a farming family may well have set out how his life would unfold.

When Terry was about six, his father moved the family from Devon to the Cotswolds where he had a new job, again in farming. Growing up in the countryside between Cirencester and Cheltenham, he realised that it was the farming life for him and he worked alongside his brother Colin for many years before Terry took up the position as Herd Manager at Mayridge farm in the spring of 1970.

38 years after arriving at Mayridge the dairy cows were sold, and Terry established the Englefield Herd of Pedigree beef. This was a brand-new enterprise for him, but he soon adapted to it and a new breed of cattle, Herefords. As the herd became more established and with the help of Simon and Trevor they entered four or five agricultural shows each year where they had a lot of success with the cows and the bulls leading to a great success in selling the progeny from the herd.

Terry was extremely proud of what the Mayridge team had achieved, he worked closely with the Hereford Breeders Association and became chairman of the South of England Association where he met many likeminded farmers all of whom had a passion for the breed.

It is fair to say that Terry loved farming and in particular cattle. Many people have commented over the years about his knowledge, and he was passionate about animal welfare.

Terry loved to laugh and at almost every supper he

would have a funny tale to tell about something that had happened that day or a joke to tell. He was a terrible teller of tales and jokes, and without fail he would make himself laugh halfway through and there were many occasions where no one heard the punchline.

Terry often found himself in the limelight either on tv jumping out of the way of a stolen Range Rover as it rampaged across the fields and smashed through one of the gates at Mayridge on a very early episode of police camera action, or on Meridian and National News.

At home and away from farming Terry was a great family man, always supportive of his wife Dinah and children Kate and Ian. He was a great gardener and grew an abundance of flowers and vegetables. He also had a great passion for gadgets and had an inquisitive mind. St. Marks Church in Englefield played an important part in his life, as did the community.

Alzheimer’s arrived and changed the world for Terry and the family, and he will be remembered as a loving, gentle and positive person with a beaming smile on his face.

David Gatehouse, Caecottrell Herd

On Tuesday 20th August 2024, the Hereford breed lost a life long supporter and the area of Talgarth and beyond one of its most colourful personalties. David Llewellyn Gatehouse had been born at Caecottrell Farm, Llangorse at the end of July 1944 to parents, Llewellyn and Mabel. The number of times that David left this area of Wales during his eighty years were very few, he dedicated his whole life to his family, farming and the community.

From an early age, he and his younger sister, Diana would be well occupied on the family farm in the pursuit of raising livestock, cattle, sheep and often some pigs, tending to crops and harvest and leaving things better than they had been found. On leaving school, Diana elevated to take on high responsibilities within ICI but David stayed in his homeland to further nurture the family farm. He continued to do this with great distinction and later after marrying Anne Ralph of Gwernvale, Chrickhowell they brought up their four children maintaining the family hallmarks of hard work, sound results and achievement. This younger generation have made their mark: Edwina is a solicitor, Gaynor an accountant, youngest daughter, Eluned, a nurse whilst son Llewellyn now leads the farming activities and maintains the family traditions of excellence. David was justly proud of the achievements of them all and also those of his six grandchildren.

The Caecottrell Hereford Herd was founded in 1956 using the assistance of near neighbours, the Griffiths family of Crickey. The cattle developed using the best genetics available and the herd into an important enterprise building up to some forty cows, supplying breeding bulls and females into the livestock industry of the county of Brecon and beyond. It has always been maintained as a no-nonsense, sound outfit, the types chosen much suited to the upland styled farming of the area. Animals were entered into the bull sales of Hereford and Sennybridge and often exhibited especially within the locality but also at nationally recognised events. In 2003, the herd’s senior stock bull, Lawford Lionel took the Reserve Male Championship at the National Show at Tenbury. He came out in fine form at over nine years of age! He had been bred in the name of John Wright at Westwood and this specimen was one of a long line of successful sires associated with the herd there that made their mark for the Gatehouse family.

Another speciality that the Caecottrell Herd perfected was the supply of exhibition styled steers that made great names for themselves in local and nationally acclaimed events. This was often completed in the hands of great family friend and top livestock exponent, Gilbert Brooke of Alfrick, like the Westwood Herd also situated in Worcestershire. The levels of expertise

around all of these successes were best illustrated and brought together when David, Anne and the family were awarded top place in The Dovecote Park sponsored Welsh Suckler Herd Competition. The judges were Shropshire based Aberdeen Angus breeder, Alan Chilton and Brecknock’s own, Gethin Havard. The adjudication gave credit for the type of cattle, the stockmanship and the tidiness and management of the farm. The award was presented at The Royal Welsh Winter Fair of 2002.

David was dedicated to the farming industry and was particularly active in supporting his fellow operators. He gave great time to working with industry trade organisations and the top officers within them, He would meet with fellow farmers, politicians or get to the head of a protest march, no matter what the setting the understanding and message would be the same, he would take the practical, common-sense approach and push the argument home.

In his later years, suffering with physical difficulties and although not being able to attend events, he stayed much involved with taking-in all the news and exchanging opinions with his many contacts, if not in person via the well-used telephone. Since August 2024 many phone companies with have noted a decline in usage!! Numerous people will have cherished the times in his company and he will be much missed at all levels of the community, by farming life and especially his family.

David’s passing was at the time of the last full moon of the summer, the largest of the year. This is known as the Sturgeon Moon, or The Blue Moon, thus forming the phrase, ‘once in a blue moon’. This could be considered most fitting given that David was a one-off himself, a once in a blue moon type of man. He made his mark, had influence and will be long remembered.

David Gatehouse, centre, presented with the award for Welsh Suckler Herd of the year 2002

Philip John Vaughan Thomas, Weston Court, Pembridge

05-02-1949 - 19-11-2023

Philip inherited his love for Hereford Cattle from his father, the late Geoff Thomas, whose amazing memory made him an expert in all aspects of the breed. Being proud of his herd, he treated each animal as his favourite pet as he knew them all by name as well as their history.

A regular visitor at many of the summer shows, Philip made the cattle lines and the Hereford cattle in particular his first port of call. He knew many of the stockmen and greeted them as old friends, always advertising Kington Show and how he would hope to see them showing their animals there. Our local show at Kington was obviously the pinnacle of his year and he served as Chief Cattle Steward for over thirty years, arriving on the Showground before 7 a.m., he would always greet every stockman by name and a with a welcoming hand shake. His motto was “Keep the stockmen happy and they’ll come again to support Kington Show”

2017 was a very proud year for Philip when he was elected President of the show. It was doubly proud because his brother, Rob, was President of the Hereford

Philip died at home on 19th November, 2023. He had suffered with Motor Neuron Disease for fifteen months.

Harry Elliot, Cornriggs Herd

Harry was a familiar face on the show circuit, but so were his sandwiches! Jan, his wife was always packing him off with too many in his show box, and he was keen to spread the love. Harry worked best on a full stomach and a quick show box snooze, and this respite fuelled his passion to do well in the showring.

His bull Cornriggs 1 Knightrider was his most famous bull having sired over 100 progeny and playing his part in siring show and sale champions. It was evident that Rider was one of his biggest achievements. Not leaving out all his beloved cattle and breeding, Harry was known for producing top quality cattle with many finding their way into people’s herds.

Farming was not his first career and was a joiner by trade. He had a successful occupation carving out business and in his later years built not one but two holiday cottages on his farm. This was a true testament to his skills and determination. However, the pull of the breed never left him, and he was truly besotted with all that Herefords could offer. So much so, that he was always on the phone to someone, excitingly accounting a funny moment he’d experienced with his own animals or promoting the next upcoming show.

An avid contributor to the North of England Hereford Association, Harry was a very jovial person who liked to involve members in all the goings on. Not only was he famous for his infectious smile and an abundance

of sandwiches, but Harry was also very apt at making marmalade. He was a regular champion with his home produce, something the marmalade and his cattle had in common.

Harry passed away from an ongoing heart condition and he will be sorely missed in the cattle and marmalade world.

Cattle Society that year and he came to Kington to judge the Hereford cattle classes.

David Carroll, Udel Herd

During the summer of 2024, Europe lost one of its foremost and most influential Hereford cattle breeding exponents. David Carroll passed on Saturday 6th July bringing to an end his 80 years and lifelong association with the white-faced breed. The family have farmed at Coole for several generations, historically using Shorthorns within their cattle enterprise. In 1919 David Carroll, grandfather to our David, acquired a Hereford bull from the Dublin area. This was one of the first Hereford sires ever seen in this part of Ireland. The sire made a big impact. Since then only Hereford bulls have been on the family farm and undoubtedly the original move made a huge contribution with regards the expansion of the breed in the south-east of the Country.

David’s grandfather and father, James, then commenced the Carrollstown Hereford Herd in 1935. The first cow acquired was sired by a Tarrington bull and in calf to a Weston sire. There’s nothing like starting with top genetics! Mr Carroll senior, had instructed his son to visit T W Jefferies of the Carrigbryne Herd near to Adamstown, Co Wexford, to acquire a breeding female. The main criteria was that whatever was chosen the price should be no more than £20. Carrigbryne Beauty was selected at £14, around £1300 in 2025 equivalent values but usefully had a heifer calf at foot and in calf again!

This selection policy and attitude, together with all future developments would establish the family’s reputation as stock breeders and being up there with the best. The herd progressed steadily and at all times keeping a firm eye on market requirements and trends. During the late 1970’s the Carrolls benefitted from being involved with the Irish Breed Development Programme and used a number of the Canadian bulls acquired for the work. However, in 1980, with David taking more control of the breeding policy, some changes ensued. The herd was built up to 60 breeders and the first Poll Hereford breeding was introduced. The farm had developed a busy beef feeding unit and in a practical move to better stock the yards and more easily allow for the introduction of brought-in cattle, the absence of horns would be seen to be advantageous.

David and Mary had made regular visits to the English Royal at Stoneleigh and had watched first hand the improvement in the Poll Hereford entries. Thus, the Udel Herd was formed, the prefix using the initials of the names of their children. This was much mirroring grandfather’s pioneering attitude and most certainly led to developing one of the trailblazing breeding operations in all of Ireland. There were hardly any Poll Hereford breeding herds in The Republic up until that time and in building to some seventy-five cows and searching the World for the type of sires to make an influence, this herd played a big part in developing the modernday Hereford. In the first instances semen was used from Vorn 1 Easter Boy, HHBS January Sale Champion

1978 acquired by MMB for 7100gns. Championship winners were raised from this experimentation.

In 1980, three in calf heifers were acquired from the McMordie’s Solpoll Herd of Co Down, each producing bull calves that impressed with their progress. One of the first bulls to reach the farm at Campile was Vorn 1 JustThe-Job, sired by Aqua Hollow Talent 24K, who not only succeeded as a sire, but also and for two consecutive years during the mid 80’s was Breed Champion at The Dublin Show. He was followed by Costhorpe 1 Armour, a son of three times English Royal Champion, Remitall Monarch 16M.

David became more determined to bring-in the top influencers that he could find and further bulls included the bloodlines of the World’s best by following such sires as WSF PRL Justa Banner, Verlou 107H Muchmore 26M and the American bred, BT Butler 452M. In the early 1990’s. Udel 1 F8 Knight Flyer was bred, coming from the PRL 930K Riser 353N line. He was growthy, thickly built and strongly made. Through his semen he was well used around Europe and made a great name for the Carrolls’ herd.

It wasn’t only North America that provided the genetics. From the mid 1990’s Australia and New Zealand were searched-out and in 1993 the use of Koanui Blueprint was secured, a grandson of BT Butler 452M through the male tail line. Through viewing videos and then travelling to the other side of the World, David did a deal on the acquisition of this sire’s European rights. The bull did such a sound job in producing females with great milk, construction and femininity.

During 1997/98, Daithi, David’s son, spent a year in Australia and viewed Doonbiddie Hustler taking the All Breeds Award at the Canberra Royal when eighteen months of age. Reporting home of the find, it wasn’t long before David made the trip down-under and eventually secured the rights to use the bull. This sire has been much used in the UK through numerous generations and has had a profound effect with regards to the direction that the Poll Herefords around the home nations have taken. A little later another Aussie bull was chosen and added to the mix. This one, Yalgoo Boulder Z250, marketed in association with Anthony and Tom Honner of South Australia brought in some differing bloodlines and aided muscle, milk and other maternal attributes. More bloodlines were added from Australia including Kidman Blue Chip, bred by the Carlow family in New South Wales. He sired a number of successful cattle, not least Udel 1 BC Freemantle, born in the autumn of 2012. His pedigree was full of these top imported bloodlines, his own sire-line tracing back to the Feltons-Prospector breeding, and he became the standard measure for the Carroll family and of what was to follow. Freemantle was a top show bull and a successful sire.

Over the years David Carroll’s breeding and introductions have taken many national awards, not only for the Udel Herd but for numerous other breeders throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Udel bred bulls known as A La Carte, Tolkien, Trailblazer, Veteran, Vindicator, Webb Ellis, Windjammer, WWW Dot and many others have all made their mark.

In July 2015 the Carroll family staged a Production Sale of some 40 young breeding females, not least to celebrate 80 years of the existence of their Hereford herd. Buyers were serviced from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and all other parts of The Emerald Isle. It was undoubtedly a successful opportunity for spreading the Poll Hereford throughout their Country. At €4100, the highest price attained and with the sale average of over €2560, it was a reasonable mark-up in value on the Herd’s original purchase over three quarters of a century earlier! More recently sires bred at Allendale by the Day family of South Australia have made their contribution.

David and Mary didn’t only travel on bull selection missions but also to many exhibitions around Ireland and the UK taking-in judging appointments. David was highly regarded has one of the most astute show ring judges and through his work many of the breed’s leading breeding animals have been identified. Amongst the many appointments at which he officiated were, The Three Counties (2009), The English Royal (2006) and The National Calf Show when held at Myerscough College in 2003. Prior to this in 2002 he judged at The National Show at Tenbury and many of his winners that day were some of the best remembered examples and also the most successful in terms of their subsequent breeding achievements.

The Carroll family have made significant contributions

David Gillon

David Charles Gillon was born on the 22nd of December 1946 to William (Bill) and Sarah Gillon and a few years later they welcomed his brother John.

Bill was a Police Officer, and his job took them to the Bonny Isle of Rothesay where David and his brother attended school. David enjoyed the outdoor life of fishing; building dens and hill climbing to name a few, he was also an avid member of the Scout movement.

David left school at 15 wanting to go to sea but Bill asked him to get a Trade, so he served his apprenticeship at the local Smiddy he completed this and joined the Merchant Navy as an Engineer on the Tate & Lyle shipping line, he served 16 years and absolutely loved the job seeing the world but was sadly made redundant. David moved to Glasgow settling in Newton Mearns and joined Eastwood District Council/ East Renfrewshire in 1980 as a Council Officer, he was a much-valued staff member till he decided to retire in 2007, during this time he was also involved with an auxiliary Navel group in Greenock.

David worked alongside Sheena Smith, and they became firm friends, through this friendship he was welcomed into the Smith family by Douglas and

to the great farming of Co Wexford and beyond. They continue to do so by still running a sixty plus Hereford cow herd that includes fifteen female families, including the ‘Lovely’ tribe derived from that first purchase in 1935, readily marketing bulls into the pedigree and crossbreeding outlets. These sales are much boosted by commercial producers keen to be involved with the ability to assist in providing some of the 100,000 head of cattle into the market generated by the likes of Irish Hereford Prime. They also farm in a very productive manner with malting barley of high quality dominating their cropping plans. By David’s own admission, and he once quoted, ‘We have gambled, made mistakes and taken large financial risks, but this is part of following a dream!’ It is this sort of attitude that marks out the best of operators. In David Carroll, much like his ancestors before him and of the younger generations that will follow, we have been most fortunate to have enjoyed the work of one of the World-wide livestock industry’s best operators, with his expertise, his modesty and his great achievements.

Sheena. David spent many Sundays at the Farm and every Christmas and New Year getting involved in family life. David was undoubtedly so proud to be Calum and Iona’s Godfather and was very much involved in everything they achieved, he was more like a Grandpa and never missed milestones in their lives, this is where his love of shows and agriculture started.

David would attend many shows with the Smith family always cheering them on with his camera in hand. David was also a much-appreciated supporter of UK Hereford Youth. He’s a very much missed member of the family.

David with son Daithi and Grandson David with their Herefords in the background

Tommy Williams, Plaswarren

The area of Rhosgoch, near Painscastle, Radnorshire lost one of its greatest characters in the passing of T D R Williams in September 2024. Born, brought up and remaining for his whole life at Plaswarren Farm, Tommy, as he was mainly known, it appeared, was an everpresent supporter of his community.

His whole life centered around the farm and its surroundings. The 220 acre (87h) holding, situated at from a thousand to twelve hundred and fifty feet above sea level (305 to 380m) and typically receiving fifty inches (1250mm) of rainfall per year, influenced, shaped and moulded his total ethos of living, working and servicing in all that was around him. His father died early in life but together with his long-lived mother, she surviving beyond one hundred years, carried on the family traditions in and around this upland farm.

Their much admired Hereford herd shared the grazing of the improved pastures with a flock of typically three hundred breeding ewes. Their lambs were taken to slaughter weights and mainly sold through the local livestock auctions. The family business of P E Williams and Son founded the Plaswarren Herd of Herefords in 1967.

Over the succeeding years numbers were added and mainly by taking-in foundation females from eight to ten mainly Welsh Border based herds, not necessarily the fashionable operators of the time but from those that could supply practical, value-for-money types that would suit their system. By the early 1970’s the Williams’s were regularly registering up to twenty calves per annum but in 1973 they took the step to venture into Poll Hereford bloodlines.

This policy became the norm from then on, the replacement females mainly sourced from within the herd, but the sires that produced them representing a wide range of genetics. These bulls would usually be purchased at The Hereford Society sales. Again, value-

for-money would be essential but the best that could be afforded was of paramount importance. As a result most of the top names in respect of sire breeding herds would have placed a bull at Plaswarren.

In turn, the herd sold the occasional pedigree breeding bull but many a sound commercial sire and good numbers of breeding females directly from the farm. Any surplus would be fed to handy weights and found a home with a local butcher or from time to time offered as valuable forward stores. The herd hardly ever presented cattle at shows or collective sales but certainly gained great success and reputation in herd competitions. Such were its qualities, on a number of occasions the Windycreek Herd would have taken the best herd award in the Powys Breeders’ Club competitions. Also, it should be particularly noted that Tommy served his time in office with this popular organisation, in excess of forty years as Chair, for instance!

During his later years, Tommy was assisted on farm by his nephew, Clive Nixon, he carrying on the traditions of farming, husbandry and custodianship by this dedicated family. We are all left with the memories, the anecdotes and great experiences of knowing the hitherto always present stock breeder. Undoubtedly, there was only one Tommy Williams!

Herefords Overseas

An update from Hereford organisations around the world

IrelandFinland

The Irish Hereford Breed Society has had a very successful 2024, with many new members joining the society and a successful year of sales being completed. We remain the second biggest beef breed used in Irish dairy herds, meaning that Ireland’s recently expanded dairy sector is a major market for Hereford breeders.

We have warmly welcomed 2024 and the year 2023 is in the books. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the events of the Finnish Hereford Association.

During 2023 we had our traditional two general meetings and published a magazine. The Hereford breed was on display in Okra farm fair and in Koneagria farm machinery show.

Spring Hereford bull sales 2024

Hereford breeders in Ireland had a good spring for selling bulls. The society sales kicked off with the Premier sale in GVM Tullamore on Saturday 23rd March. The quality of bulls presented following the onfarm pre-inspection was second to none and obviously greatly received as only three of the 28 lots for sale retuned home unsold. The average price was €4,000 and 90% of bulls were sold on the day with the top price being earned for Reserve Champion – Griananpoll 1 Whizkid who was purchased by a Pedigree Hereford breeder for €6,000.

Our annual national Hereford show took place in the beginning of November in Ilmajoki organised in cooperation with the Finnish Angus Association. The show, that was judged by Danish breeder Anders Mortensen, was received with a great turnover of participants, with six classes of heifers, bulls, and cows.

A new feature this year was the introduction of a production competition where cattle were submitted to compete based on weight of weaned calves (cows) and average daily weight gain of offspring (bulls).

This competition was established to emphasise the productivity

National Hereford Show 2024

The National Hereford Show 2024 was again held at the National Livestock Show - Tullamore Show on Sunday 11th August. The show was a great success with 100 Hereford cattle exhibited and a continuous large crowd of spectators. It was our pleasure to welcome Mr. Robert Wilson from Romany Herefords, Scotland, to join us and judge the National Hereford

2024. Robert executed the task with great precision and consistency and was very assertive in his choices - while also being very fair to each competitor. We are grateful to Robert & his family for making the journey & joining us at our National Show.

and to ensure participation was possible even without halter training.

The 2023 National Female Champion was Ohra-Ahon Vergo bred and owned by Anniina ja Pekka Lahtinen and the Male Champion was AT Ukki, bred and owned by Jyri Tanner.

Supreme National Hereford Champion: Jack Larkin, Ballydaly,

Hereford junior activities included a junior handler workshop before our show, where two junior handlers’ classes were held.

Tullamore, Offaly. Hillockpoll 1 Ivy. 20611. DOB: 21/12/2021. Sire: Normanton 1 Laertes. Dam: Hillockpoll 1 Ann.

It is inspiring to see so many talented young breeders stay active and develop their skills.

Supreme National Hereford Reserve Champion: Avril Crowe, Curraun, Mohill, Leitrim. Curraun Tequila. 70505. DOB: 19/12/2022. Sire: Allowdale Rambo 738. Dam: Kilsunny Doreen’s Omega.

International cooperation in 2023 included participation in NAV workshop and Nordic Hereford associations’ meeting Denmark. In spring Finnish beef cattle breeders received their first genomic breeding values.

Writers: Taru Luomajärvi and Senja Vehkaoja

Show

Spring Premier Sale Champion

2024 – Cloonfree Hotspur with breeder John Mullooly, John Boddy (IHBS President), Judge Seamus Nagle, Tennyson Egar (Irish Hereford Prime) and Maeve Mullooly. Sold €4,000.

National Hereford Show Champion 2024 – Hillockpoll 1 Ivy

Supreme Hereford Female Calf Champion 2024Shiloh-Farm Just the One ET with breeder Sarah Murray and Tennyson Egar, Hereford Prime.

The National Hereford Calf Show 2024

The National Hereford Calf Show 2024 was held on Saturday 16th November in GVM Tullamore. The event was very successful with over 90 calves exhibited making for good competition across all classes. The National Hereford Calf Show has become an excellent shop window for Pedigree Hereford breeders to showcase their young stock. The Pedigree class judge was Mr. Tom O’Riordan, from Co. Cork, doing an excellent job judging the 10 classes.

Supreme Hereford Female Calf Champion – Sarah & Heidi Murray, Shiloh-Farm Just the One ET, 08/11/2023, Panmure 1 Henry, Grianan Prim 854.

Supreme Hereford Male Calf Champion – Shane McKiernan, Drumcarbin Rory, 02/01/2024, Allowdale Rory 594, Bellingham Nevin.

Genetic Gems 2024

The fourth annual Genetic Gems Sale was also held on Saturday 16th November in GVM Tullamore. The sale saw 60% of females sold, top price of €5,200 and an average sale price of €3,965.

Supreme Hereford Male Calf Champion 2024 - Drumcarbin Rory with breeders Shane & Freya McKiernan, Tennyson Egar, Hereford Prime, Tom O’Riordan, judge and Lesley Lewis, Dovea Genetics.

Heifer Show & Sale 2024

The Irish Hereford Breed Society held its first ever stand-alone heifer show and sale on Saturday 14th December in GVM Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly. A quality showing of 18 heifers (all eligible for export) were turned out for the sale, with a representation from all four

provinces making the journey.

The pre-sale show went off very smoothly, with judge, Mr. Philip Lynch tapping out Monaghan breeder, Nigel Heatrick’s in-calf heifer, Glaslough Yoselin as sale Champion. This powerful heifer was sired by Cill Cormaic Quinlan and out of homebred cow, Glaslough Texas.

Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 357 sold for €5,200

Heifer Sale Champion 2024 – Glaslough Yoselin with breeder Nigel Heatrick and Judge Philip Lynch. Sold €4,400.

Heifer Sale Reserve Champion 2024 – Shiloh-Farm Jasmine PH with breeder Sarah Murray and judge, Philip Lynch. Sold €4,250.

Standing at Reserve Champion was Sarah and Heidi Murray’s maiden heifer, Shiloh-Farm Jasmine PH. This stylish Corlismore Cormac daughter, out of Shiloh-Farm Heather had previously come out on top in a very competitive show class.

The sale was a flier, finishing with 17 of 18 sold to an average price of €3,170. Sale Champion, Glaslough Yoselin went on to sell for €4,400, with Reserve Champion ShilohFarm Jasmine selling at €4,250. Top price on the day was Appel 1 Molly 15 from Cork breeder, John Appelbe who sold for €4,500.

Irish Hereford Prime Beef Sustainability Program

As the largest Hereford producer group in Europe, Irish Hereford Prime aims to position itself to better supply exactly what the market needs. The consumer

Finland

In Finland, 2024 has been yet another active year for Hereford breeders.

Our yearly events include spring and autumn meetings for our association. These are usually a great way to invite people to discuss current developments within our breed.

Our magazine, 'Productive Hereford 2024', was published in spring and we had our stand in the Farmari agricultural exhibition in Seinäjoki and in the Helsinki agricultural machinery trade fair.

This year we received and gifted a new calf in our chain calf chain to an active junior member. Unfortunately the previous heifer that had been gifted as a part of this chain, died due to complications in calving.

Luckily we were able to find a replacement heifer from the same pedigree. (Female calf is gifted to a junior member of the association

now demands more sustainable environmentally friendly beef, which ultimately drives what the Irish beef producer supplies at farm level.

With further new bulls added in 2024 the panel of seven bulls continues to grow. The AI usage of the first six bulls currently available in our program this Spring was very positive which bodes well for the number of these cattle available for slaughter in 2026/2027. The reliability of the performance figures for the

bulls in our program has increased considerably following the widespread on farm usage and performance recording with five of the bulls now fully proven for dairy cow calving ease and gestation length. The results of the first progeny from our program that are being slaughtered in late 2024 and into 2025 will come on stream, which in turn will further improve the reliability of terminal traits of the bulls selected in conjunction with Dovea Genetics.

and the first female calf of this heifer will then be the calf that is gifted to a next junior. Thus, it forms a chain of Finnish Hereford Junior pedigree owned by active members.)

Other events include a production competition that was now organised for a second time. In

this competition farms can enrol their cattle in specific classes where success is based on their offsprings’ growth. This year we will have our show as an in farm show. It is our first time doing this and we are excited to have a judge from the UK visit the seven farms that are participating.

Two of the Irish Hereford Prime Beef Sustainability Program siresAwebegpoll 1 Fisher - HE9777 & Crowenstown Hanley - HE1503

AT Range Rover at the Farmari agricultural exhibition this summer. Photographer: Laura Kuuluvainen.

Netherlands

Founded in 1993 we have a membership of 138 active members at the time of this writing. The association aims to promote the Hereford breed in the Netherlands and to promote the breeding of pedigree Hereford cattle. In addition, the association brings about co-operation between members of the association.

The association is managed by a six-member board and has a breeding committee which deals with breeding issues and, for example, organizes the purchase of semen nationwide.

Besides the annual general members’ meeting, seasonal meetings are held twice a year: a Spring Day in spring and an Autumn Day in autumn. On these days, one of the breeders often opens up his farm for a company visit with a guided tour giving an insight into each other’s way of working with the Herefords. In addition, an entertaining activity is arranged and there is plenty of opportunity on these days to make contact and share information with each other.

We also have an active website, where members can read articles, view news items and place their own advertisements for buying or selling animals. In addition to this digital world, a paper membership magazine is published twice a year.

The DHS also organizes an annual show, the National Hereford Show where breeders can register in advance. Normally, the National Hereford Show is organized on location where breeders have to bring their animals. However, this year the show could not take place in this way due to the risk of the bluetongue virus. Therefore, the association held an online photo show.

To enter this online show, members had to send in three pictures of their animal. One from the side of the animal with the head to the right, one picture taken from the

front and one picture from the back of the animal.

There were 7 different animal categories to compete in:

7-12 month female and male

1-2 year female and male

2 year and older female and male Cow with calf

In the category cow with calf the judges had to assess both the calf and the cow. The quality of the combination of these two was decisive.

A total of 19 members of the DHS submitted 74 photos of their best animals, which took quite some time to judge.

The judges were Di Harrison (Moralee Hereford) whose vote counted for 40 percent, our new herd inspector Jan Smeenk whose vote counted for 20 percent and the members of the DHS whose votes counted for 40 percent. They

all had one week to do the judging and send in the final results.

The DHS board worked out all results and from all the category winners, Di Harrison chose the male and female champion of the Netherlands.

Male champion became Nordbaek Northwind, a 6 year old bull owned by Stefan Denen, Hereford Stable De Esch.

Female champion became Lindelaar Herd Clara, a 4.5 year old cow owned by Rick Eikelboom, Hereford stable Stal Eemster.

We hope to be able to host a physical show again in 2025 on the 4th of October. It will be our 25th National Show. Because Di Harrison was asked to judge our show in 2024, she has been asked again to judge the show in 2025.

Henk Kuipers (Chairman DHS)

Nordbaek Northwind

Lindelaar Herd Clara

South Africa

The past 18 months have been incredibly harsh on beef producers in South Africa with beef prices down 25% year on year, and reaching levels last seen 7 years ago. This drop in prices has been seen across all types of cattle from weaner calves produced for the feedlots, slaughter cattle destined for the market and then, in turn, the drop has also been reflected in the sale prices of pedigree Hereford bulls. It appears as if the market has bottomed out and beef producers are now hopeful that 2025 will be kinder to them.

The South African Hereford Society has a stable core

of registered breeders, (approximately 35) who are committed to supplying the genetic needs of our commercial farmers. Hereford bulls are a good choice in these commercial cross breeding programs given the purity of the breed and its genetic distance from popular local female lines. Popular local female lines would be the Zebu or Indigenous African breeds in the warmer climates and British Beef or Composite types in the temperate climates.

The Hereford breed is one of 40 registered breeds of cattle in South Africa and, in order to remain relevant to commercial beef production, breeds need to evolve continuously and meet the needs of the commercial farmer’s requirements or risk becoming irrelevant in the country’s beef production. The Hereford breed has been doing

this for 107 years now in South Africa, and is one of only 7 breed societies to offer Genomic based EBVs which have been running since June 2022.

The adaptability of the modern day Hereford, bred to survive in the harsh African climate is the cornerstone for our breed’s success. These cattle demonstrate a remarkable ability to thrive in a diverse range of climates across the country, from areas with as little as 200mm of annual rainfall to the wetter climates boasting annual rainfalls in excess of 1000mm. Temperature extremes fluctuate from minus 20 degrees to 45 degrees Celsius.

We wish all our overseas associates a wonderful 2025, may it be a phenomenal year for Herefords!

On November 3, 1924,

the Argentine Hereford Breeders Association was born, one of the richest and most traditional livestock entities in our country.

Celebrations that will be guided by the expansion of our historic concept “The breed without limits”, which demonstrates its strength in all latitudes and climates of the country, achieving performances without borders and taking its formidable genetics from Argentina to different countries of the world.

“The Association’s activities will be very varied and will be present in all regions of the country. In addition to the traditional exhibitions and auctions, there will be tours of Patagonia, Córdoba, San Luis, Buenos Aires and Mesopotamia. “We are incorporating many young people through talks at universities, where we explain how an Association works and how we contribute to the genetic improvement of national livestock,” said its president, Agr. Eng. Jorge Collinet.

During the month of September 2024 we celebrated our centenary by holding the traditional National

Hereford Exhibition at the Palermo site.

The celebration included herds from all parts of the country, including animals from Patagonia, coming from Río Negro, Chubut and Tierra del Fuego, which took four days of travel to be present at one of our main events of the year.

For the first time in our history, non-pedigree males and females stepped onto the Palermo arena, which together with the pedigree animals, showed how the association’s selection plans guide the way to improving the breed.

Santiago Bordaberry, a renowned Uruguayan breeder, officiated as a judge for the pedigree animals, while Serafín Sillero did so for the non-pedigree animals.

The presence of the president of

the nation, Mr. Javier Milei, filled the Palermo stands with expectation at the time of the awarding of the grand champion pure pedigree male. It was he who handed the trophy to the top winner, an act that he repeated with reserve grand champion. The visit of the president, accompanied by part of his cabinet, shows the importance of “the pampas” for our country and the national livestock sector.

In total, 56 farms and owners came to show their genetics in these memorable days for our breed. Many of them exhibited for the first time, while others returned after several years.

An unforgettable moment, and one that will be remembered throughout the years, was the closing that took place in the central ring after the judging days. Elbow to elbow, each exhibitor held in their hands their centenary flag, immortalizing a photo that will undoubtedly be the central image of our future.

Hungary

The past year has brought many challenges and opportunities similar to previous years for our association and its members.

Among the primary challenges for our breeders are extreme weather conditions, environmental changes, and global warming. In addition, rising costs, declining income, workforce attrition, and market exposure place significant burdens on our members. Welfare and CAP subsidies in the beef cattle sector have contributed to optimizing costs for beef cattle breeders. Although the decline in the Hereford breed population has continued to slow, despite our best efforts, we have not yet succeeded in halting or reversing this unfavourable trend. Therefore, our primary goal is to promote greater awareness of the Hereford breed.

To strengthen the Hereford breed domestically and promote beef cattle breeding, we have created a new website dedicated to issues surrounding sustainable beef cattle breeding and management. Here, we share the latest information and research results with stakeholders in the beef industry. We would like to emphasize that achieving sustainability is a common interest and responsibility of society as a whole. We have also strengthened our marketing efforts to inform producers, consumers, and market participants about facts

related to beef cattle breeding, beef production, and the role of the Hereford breed in sustainable farming practices in Hungary.

This year, our association’s professional and field day focused on demonstrating sustainable beef cattle breeding, management, and beef production, as well as promoting beef consumption. The event was enriched with presentations, cooking competitions, and quizzes, with a particular emphasis on engaging younger generations.

In collaboration with domestic universities, we are examining the relationship between reproductive traits, which significantly influence profitability and sustainability, and sharing practical research findings

with our breeders.

Starting this year, in addition to previous microsatellite studies, we have begun SNP testing of domestic herds. We hope that within a few years, all Hungarian Hereford foundation herds will have SNP data available.

We remain committed to promoting the Hereford breed in the future. We strive to genetically develop and increase the number of Hungarian herds. Our goal is to support Hungarian Hereford breeding through all available means and to reverse the declining trend in the Hereford population. We look forward to the future with confidence and hope that our professional efforts will serve our members and the breed.

Uruguay

The Society Hereford Breeders of Uruguay (SCHU) continues to pave the way for efficient and sustainable livestock farming, guided by a strategic plan focused on innovation and sustainability.

This year, we have intensified our efforts in globally relevant areas, such as feed conversion efficiency and methane emission reduction. These advancements not only highlight the role of Hereford in Uruguayan livestock farming but also position Uruguay as a global benchmark in sustainable meat production

Purpose

The SCHU’s purpose is to contribute to the development of the Hereford breed and national livestock farming through :

• Promoting, fostering, and disseminating the Hereford breed in Uruguay and internationally

• Researching and innovating genetic selection tools while providing essential information for the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of livestock farming

• Creating spaces for integration, training, and solutions for our members

and industry stakeholders

• Generating and promoting marketing channels to strengthen the Hereford brand

Values of the Society Hereford Breeders of Uruguay:

• Innovation

• Respect

• Q uality

• Excellence

• Integrity

• Empathy

• Honesty

• Transparency

Feed Conversion Efficiency and Methane Emission Reduction

At our Central de Pruebas Kiyú, research on feed conversion efficiency has enabled us to produce more beef with less feed, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Thanks to advancements in genetics, we have successfully selected animals that optimize pasture use and reduce the amount of feed needed to reach market weight, consequently lowering methane emissions

Specific Details of These Advances:

• Feed Conversion Efficiency :

• Use of the Residual Feed

Intake (RFI) index to identify more efficient animals, achieving lower feed intake without compromising weight gain.

• Efficient animals consume up to 16% less feed and emit proportionally less methane

• Implementation of monitoring systems like GrowSafe and 10-week evaluation trials to identify outstanding animals .

• Methane Emission Reduction:

• Application of GreenFeed technology to evaluate emissions during digestion .

• Reduction of up to 6% in methane emissions in more efficient animals

• Positive impact on global sustainability and compliance with greenhouse gas reduction goals

• Genetic Innovations :

• Integration of genomic tools in trials to select animals with desirable traits from an early stage.

• Synergy between sustainability and productivity through advanced genetic programs

Germany

2024 was a very intensive year for the German Hereford Breeder and the German Hereford Association.

In February the year started traditionally with the Beef cattle bull sales in various areas in Germany, the Hereford-bulls averaging € 2.400 at these sales. This was less than last year, but due to Bluetongue, there were restrictions in exporting cattle to other countries. So, it was not possible for us to supply enquiries from other countries this year.

At the National Beef cattle heifer sale, in April, four Hereford heifers were offered averaging € 2.675.

The Hereford year continued with our annual breeders meeting and AGM. On the weekend from the 30th August to the 1st of September, we visited the farm of the Kienow family in Brandenburg. The Kienow family run their farm part time, selling their beef direct to the customer.

The next thing on the list was our national show, which took place in Erfurt, during the Grüne Tage Thüringen exhibition. Together with five other beef breeds (Dexter, Galloway, Saler, Welsh Black and Mini-Zebu) ca. 280 cattle were at the show. Due to the Bluetongue restrictions in Germany we had only twenty animals in the Hereford competition.

The Hereford cattle were judged by Mr. Torsten Kirstein from Masterrind.

In the heifer class the winner was HKL Vroni, shown by her breeder and owner Roland Klüber. HKL Vroni is a daughter of the bull RZW Tibor, a Tuesday son.

Winning female in the cow/calf class was HKL Binca from Roland Klüber. HKL Bianca, is a daughter of the bull Rosenkaer Olymbrio.

In the Hereford bulls, the victory went to the bull Jakob von Gut Royum form Carsten Rust (Breeder: Jens Reimers). Jakob is a son of the bull Bojskov 1 James.

The year 2024 ended for the German Hereford Association with Eurotier in Hannover in November.

We were a part of the booth of the German Livestock Association.

At Eurotier we had our National Champion bull Jakob on display. This event was very successful for

us with a lot of people

booth.

We are looking forward to 2025, hopefully with no restriction due to bluetongue.

visiting our

Carsten Schmidt

Canada

The Canadian Hereford Association has been working on several new projects this year to offer value back to breeders.

Alongside an update to the Association’s online registry system, the CHA has been pursuing the development of a Herefordbranded digital herd management tool called Hereford X. The program will allow breeders to keep all of their purebred records in one place along with data on feeding, breeding, treatments, and more. Plus, the system will have the capability to communicate with the new CHA registry system so that breeders can enter their data in one location and streamline the record keeping process.

In addition, the CHA has been collaborating with the Canadian Angus Association on a heifer development project. This project seeks to develop a genomic panel for Hereford/Angus cross females to allow commercial producers to select for better replacement females in a crossbreeding program. Traits of interest in this project align with the priorities of the CHA’s strategic plan, including carcass merit.

Morale and attendance have been very strong at cattle shows and events this fall. In early November, the Alberta Hereford Showcase offered a lottery of Hereford influence heifer calves, seeing 17

youth win a heifer to boost their up and coming breeding programs.

The show also offered the Choice Cut Carcass Competition, in which all of the yearling bulls entered were ultrasounded and the top bulls in ribeye area, marbling, lean meat yield, and overall carcass merit were recognized.

At the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, a Hereford bull won the Supreme Champion title, marking the second year in a row that the breed had a Supreme Champion at the event.

Farmfair International celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with the Western National Hereford Show. Canadian Western Agribition saw the Grand Champion Hereford Female and Bull achieve top ten standing in the Beef Supreme.

The Canadian Junior Hereford Association hosted its annual junior show, Bonanza, in Brandon, Manitoba during July 2023. In 2025,

Bonanza will be hosted in Olds, Alberta from July 22-26.

This fall, the CHA and CJHA are preparing to fundraise to send a team of Canadian youth to the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition in the USA next year.

Cattle prices across the country remain strong and comparable to the levels of last year. Most of the country was fortunate to receive plenty of moisture in the spring and early summer, but western Canada experienced a major heat wave in July and August that set back crops and limited pasture regrowth for the end of summer and fall.

Fortunately, forage supply and prices have reflected the benefits of the early rain. The spring sales saw strong demand for Hereford seedstock, and as many producers look to build back their cow herds following years of drought, there is strong potential for successful fall sales.

USA

Progress by Design

Hereford builds demand in the United States.

by Wes Ishmael

Beef cow numbers in the United States continue to decline, due to widespread, multi-year drought and lagging profit prospects. In fact, the 28.2 million beef cows at the beginning of 2024 represented the smallest U.S. herd since 1961. Beef cow slaughter and the number of heifers entering feedlots for beef production suggest an even smaller beef cow herd at the beginning of 2025.

Even so, more registered Hereford bulls sold at auction year over year and for a higher average price during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). AHA field staff reported 7,182.3 bulls, bringing an average price of $6,751 (US$).

“Commercial U.S. cow-calf operations continue embracing more Hereford genetics as they strive for increased production efficiency and economic sustainability,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. He explains there is a growing industry appetite for more heterosis within the U.S. beef cow herd.

Keep in mind the U.S. beef cow herd became increasingly straightbred Angus over the past few decades, due in part to producers’ quest for increased carcass quality and the related premiums. This resulted in increased consumer beef demand. However, based on various industry data, the push for more carcass quality through straight breeding also came with static or declining beef cow herd performance, such as declining reproductive efficiency, weaning weights and weaning weights per cow exposed.

Closing the carcass quality gap

During the same period, Ward notes, AHA members improved the breed’s carcass quality dramatically while maintaining Hereford’s inherent

breed advantages, including docility, fertility, feed efficiency and longevity.

Hereford’s average marbling expected progeny difference (EPD) 24 years ago was 0.06. Today it is 0.13. The latest set of steers from the AHA National Reference Sire Program at Olsen Ranches, Harrisburg, Neb., graded 100% Choice and Prime: 51% Prime and 98% in the upper two-third of Choice or higher. These steers were sired by 14 different Hereford bulls and out of straightbred commercial Hereford cows. These steers’ feedlot performance was exemplary with average daily gain of 4.3 pounds and an adjusted feed-to-gain ratio of 6.1 pounds of feed per 1 pound of gain.

In the same vein, participation in the AHA Hereford Feedout Programs continues to grow. This past fiscal year, 103 adult producers and National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members enrolled 2,379 head, gaining valuable insights for themselves and the breed.

Hereford continues to increase its value and service to U.S. commercial cow-calf producers, fueled by the dedicated efforts of

breeders and guided by the AHA Strategic Plan, according to Ward.

The Strategic Plan’s vision is as powerful as it is simple: Establish Hereford genetics as the essential component of the U.S. beef cowherd.

“Hereford opportunity in the United States will accelerate even more as producers begin rebuilding the nation’s beef cow herd,” Ward says.

Please join us

International Hereford friends can see and hear more about Hereford’s historic opportunity in United States during the World Hereford Conference scheduled for Oct. 23-26, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. Tours before and after the conference provide opportunity to see Hereford at work in different regions of the United States.

“We are incredibly excited to host our international Hereford family and share with them the amazing hospitality they always extend to us,” Ward says.

For details about the World Hereford Conference and to register, please visit worldherefordconference.com.

Demand continues to grow for Hereford genetics in the United States.

Hereford-sired black baldy females earn strong buying interest from U.S. commercial cow-calf producers.

Denmark

Danish Hereford History entered a new era when the Danish born Rosenkaer Miss World son, 18 month old Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 was awarded the title of Bull of the Year when the British Hereford breeders where gathered at the Hereford Cattle Society's annual prize giving. Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 was also awarded the title of Poll Bull of the Year.

This is the first time that a Danish bred cow has bred the Bull of the Year in the homeland of Herefords.

At the cattle society’s auction the day after, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 was declared Grand Overall and Senior Male Champion and was sold for a record of 18,000 guineas to Welburn Herefords. This is a new sale record for the Hereford Cattle Society’s auction.

Bent Sørensen, Rosenkaer Polled Hereford, bred Rosenkaer Miss World and sold her to James Ludgate, Rempstone Herefords in 2018 for 7,000 pounds after she had won the title of Supreme Champion at the Danish National Show.

In 2018 Rosenkaer Miss World also won the interbreed competition for best female and later on in December 2018 she was awarded the title of Hereford – Miss Europe 2018, by the Hereford breeder.net.

15 years ago the export of Danish Hereford cattle to Great Britain was unthinkable for the majority of Danish breeders. Since then there has been a lot of British breeders who have bought pedigree Hereford animals in Denmark because of the top pedigrees from all over the world, high veterinary status and unique pedigrees from all over the world. Many of the imported Danish

animals have been successful thus influencing the Hereford Cattle Society’s annual prize giving.

In 2013 SMH Castro 0001C ET bred by Jens Michael Jensen, Soendermarkens Hereford was ’Sire of the Year’ and in 2019 Jens Michael also bred SMH King Size 87K which also became ‘Sire of the Year’ 2019.

In 2019 ‘Poll Bull of the Year’, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12 was a son of SMH King Size.

In 2023 the ‘Female of the Year’ Coley 1 Duchess 609, a daughter of Solbakkens Patrik which was bred by Gillian and Flemming Andersen, Solbakkens Hereford.

The National Hereford Show.

At the National Show in Herning the 4th to the 6th of July 2024 there were 76 catalogue numbers from 24 breeders. 24 bulls, 33 heifers and 19 cows with calf.

The Danish Hereford association had invited for the first time ever a judge from Argentine, Ricardo Cantarelli.

Breeders from Germany and Holland and helpers from England and Canada gave an international touch and the National Show next year will be held on 3rd July to the 5th July 2025.

The Supreme Champion was the 31 month old Grand Champion and Senior Bull, Nordbaek

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 out of the Danish cow Rosenkaer Miss World. Photographed at the National Poll Show where he was Supreme Champion

Supreme Champion and Grand Champion Bull at the National Show in Denmark, Nordbaek Validated R248

Validated R248 which is the result of an embryo import from Canada. Dam is Remital Wst Polly20X sired by Remital Super Duty 425. Nordbaek Validated was shown by Nordbaek Hereford.

The Reserve Grand Champion bull was the 11 month old Calf Champion, Moeskaer 1907, exhibited by Moeskaer Polled Hereford. He is the result of an embryo import from Canada, siren is Remital W Haymaker ET 35H og dammen er Harvie MS unlimited 132B, which is after Harvie Dan T Bone 196T..

The 3 year old Cow Champion, Woodland Stardust Amethyst, from Woodland Hereford was awarded the title of Grand Champion. Woodland Stardust Amethyst is the result of an imported embryo from New Zealand. The sire is the Australian bull Mount Difficult Centennial L18 and the dam is Otapawa Amethyst 1045 which is sired by Otapawa Magician 9003.

The Reserve Female Grand Champion was the 17 month old Junior Champion Moeskaer Bailey 1875. She is the daughter of Moeskaer Keyman 1003 ET and Moeskaer Baily 1730, which is after the American bull CRR 719 Catapult 109.

All Breed Youth Show

For the second year running the National Show hosted a youth show for all beef breeds, All Breed Youth Show, for young people from the age of 6 to 30 years old. There were 139 animals representing 13 beef breeds. The Hereford breed had 42 exhibits. The judges were the internationally known PJ Budler from the USA who judged the extensive breeds and William McLaren from Scotland, who judged the intensive group. This event was a huge success.

Export

This year Herefords have been exported to France, Belgium, Poland, Italy and Germany. Herefords have exported more animals than any other beef breed.

Hereford for crossbreeding.

The Danish Hereford Association has been working hard to get more focus on and knowledge of the high potential of using Herefords as a dairy cross alternative. At the present time Belgian Blue is the favorite. The slaughter calf units which operate with Hereford cross agree on their potential.

Dairy units say that they give easy calving, strong calves with a good will to live, high drinking ability, high growth rate, easy to manage and a low death rate.

The Hereford Association has regularly had articles published in the leading farming magazines. The goal of these articles is to accentuate the qualities of Hereford cross calves in dairy production and create a market for Hereford semen. At the present time we are obtaining more data from the dairy farmers and the slaughter calf units so that the results can be compared with other beef cross breeds.

Scandinavian cooperation.

NAV, the Nordic breeding values, has become a permanent part of breeding in Denmark.

NAV is the result of a cooperation between Denmark, Sweeden, and Finland to strengthen our indexes by using all the available genetics. The common genetics we have will make a basis for the good and sure indexes because the same bull will have calves born in all 3 countries.

Hereford as a partner in Nature Protection.

The Danish Hereford Association in co-operation with the Danish Angus Association are involved in a project with a number of other partners to promote biodiversity with balanced, fruitful meat production in Denmark. In Denmark there is a decrease in a number of different species of wild plants and insects and one of the reasons is the lack of grazing animals because it is not a lucrative production area. In the next few years there will be a large increase in grass areas due to new restrictions from the government which have the intention of protecting our water environment. This will increase the need for grazing animals.

The idea is to develop a genetic trait which has an economic index with a reference to natural grazing based on grazing possibilities, effect on biodiversity, cattle attributes and ability to look after the areas. A value with properties which improve the animals ability to look after the land, help the farmer to farm the land and increase his earnings whilst producing high quality meat production which consumers can buy with a good conscience.

Grand Champion Female at the Danish National Show, Woodland Stardust Amethyst

Australia

Breeding for the Future: Herefords Australia's Sustainable Vision

The past year has been one of transition, achievement, and strategic progress. Having commenced as the new CEO of Herefords Australia in August, I have dedicated my time to understanding the business, engaging with members, and working closely with the team and Board to execute our strategic goals effectively.

One of those key strategic goals is sustainability; of the organisation, our members, the breed and the industry at large. As such, we are focussed on growing the Hereford breed’s market share by highlighting its sustainable characteristics: fertility, superior eating quality, and reduced days to slaughter.

A significant milestone was the October release of two new Herefords Australia BREEDPLAN indexes: the Sustainability Production Index and the MSA Production Index. These indexes align with our breed’s strategic direction, enabling producers to achieve improved sustainability outcomes and meet consumer expectations regarding eating quality.

Building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Michael Crowley, carcase data records have grown from 15,000 to nearly 40,000, and together with samples collected and analysed from cooperator herds, these expand our reference population for eating quality traits and enable more accurate genomic predictions. The implementation of the Sustainability Production Index and MSA Production Index further enhances our genetic improvement programs, empowering producers to make informed breeding decisions.

This year, the Hereford breed shone brightly with some exceptional achievements

celebrated. At the Royal National Agricultural Paddock to Palate competition, Devon Court Herefords excelled in the MSA eating quality and weight gain classes, further solidifying Herefords' reputation for superior carcase attributes. Similarly, Herefords emerged victorious in the QLD Norman Hotel’s “Battle of the Breeds” competition for a second consecutive year. This recognition resulted in Hereford steak prominently featuring on the Norman Hotel’s menu, boosting breed promotion.

October saw the inaugural Rural Bank Future Leaders and Breeders Forum in Brisbane, QLD, targeting 20-45-year-old beef enthusiasts. This successful event inspired participants with knowledge and renewed enthusiasm for the beef industry. Events like these ensure the Hereford breeds future is in capable hands.

The year was marked by other significant events. Beef Australia 2024, attended by nearly 120,000 local and international visitors, provided an excellent platform to showcase Herefords' global leadership in sustainability and genetic advancements. We were honoured to host our international guests from the American Hereford Association, Executive Vice President Jack Ward, who judged the Hereford and Poll Hereford entries at Beef Australia, and Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement Shane Bedwell.

Soon after, Jack and Shane also shared valuable insights at the Herefords Australia Breed Forum held during the 59th National Show & Sale in Wodonga, Victoria, highlighting the global appeal of Hereford genetics.

The upcoming year promises to be momentous, with several key events already in the calendar. The Harris Farm Markets Herefords Australia National Youth Expo, scheduled for July 10-13 at the Canberra Exhibition

Park, will look to build on the raging success of the 2024 event which saw 150 participants demonstrate the younger generations growing interest in the Hereford breed. The National Show & Sale in Wodonga will celebrate its 60th anniversary, taking place on May 14-15, and four talented youth members will represent Herefords Australia at the Herefords World Conference Young Breeders Competition in Kansas from October 18-26.

In October 2025 I will be attending the World Hereford Conference in Missouri and look forward to meeting many Hereford breeders, members, and international Hereford associates. These opportunities for collaboration and shared learning will strengthen our global ties and further reinforce our ability to promote and leverage the Hereford breed’s exceptional qualities.

I look forward to continuing to champion the Hereford breed’s strengths and sustainability credentials in 2025.

Alastair James CEO, Herefords Australia

Australian CEO Alastair James

Associations and clubs around the world

World Hereford Council – secretary general - Larry Feeney

Email: worldherefordcouncil@gmail.com

Member countries

American Hereford Association

Jack Ward, Executive Vice President Box 014059, 1501 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108-1222, USA

Phone: 1-816-842-3757

Fax: 1-816-842-6931

www.hereford.org/

Email: aha@hereford.org

Asociacion Argentina Criadores de Hereford

Manuel Obarrio 2948, C1425CQB - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Mr Juan Manuel Aloe, General Manager

Phone: 54-11-4802-1019

Fax: 54-11-4802-1019

Email: info@hereford.org.ar www.hereford.org.ar

Herefords Australia Ltd.

Alastair James

General Manager

Locked Bag 7, Armidale NSW 2350, Australia

16 Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350

Australia

Phone: 02 6772 1399  Mobile: 0447 949 650

Fax: 02 6772 1615

www.herefordsaustralia.com.au

Email: ajames@herefordsaustralia.com.au

Canadian Hereford Association

Mr. Michael Latimer, Executive Director 5160 Skyline Way N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6V1, Canada

Phone: 1-403-275-2662

Fax: 1-403-295-1333 www.hereford.ca

Email: mlatimer@hereford.ca

Danish Hereford Association

Formand: Mr W Kristensen 0045 40196310 www.hereford.dk

Email: formand@hereford.dk

Animal Breeders Association of Estonia

General Manager: Tanel Bulitko

Hereford Director: Mr. Aigar Suurmaa 79005, Rapla County, Estonia

Phone: 372-4873-181

Fax: 372-4890-680

Hereford Director: Mr. Aigar Suurmaa Phone: 372-742-1575

Fax: 372-742-2879

Finnish Hereford Association

Chairman:Kai Pastell Innilantie 113, 37500 Lempaala, Finland www.hereford.fi

Email: hereford@hereford.fi

Association Hereford France

Pascal Bastien, President 10 rue de la fontaine, 57170 BAGNEUX, France

Phone: +33 615177610 Pascal Bastien

Email: pascal.bastien@orange.fr  www.hereford-france.com

German Hereford Association

c/o Carsten Schmit

Neuer Kamp 38, 30900 Wedemark, Germany

Fax: 49-5130-925023

www.hereford-germany.de

Email: info@hereford-deutschland.de

Dutch Hereford Association

Henk Kuipers

Horstingerend 7, 7843 TE Erm, The Netherlands

Tel. 0591-564135

www.hereford.nl

Email: henkensonjakuipers@kpnplanet.nl

Hungarian Hereford

Association

Dr. Istvan Marton, General Manager H-7400 Kaposvar, Denesmajor 2, Hungary

Phone: 36-82-3-16-610

Fax: 36-82-510-046

www.mhagte.hu, www.hereford.hu

E-mail: hereford@t-online.hu; info@ mhagte.hu

Irish Hereford Breed Society

Ms. Molly Kiernan, Acting Secretary Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Phone: 353-44-48855

Fax: 00-353-44-48949 www.irishhereford.com

Email: irishhereford@gmail.com  Kazakhstan Hereford Association

Ataibekov Bakyt, Chairman Idrissova Lyazzat, Director Kenesary 40, Street Business center “7th Continent” office 1205. 12 Floor 010000, Astana city, Kazakhstan

Phone: +7 771 532 22 00, +7 717 227 90 06, +7 771 755 55 37 (Director). www.hereford.kz

Email: info@hereford.kz, ilb@hereford.kz

New Zealand Hereford Association Inc.

Mrs Posy Moody, General Manager Hereford House, Box 503, Feilding, New Zealand

Phone: +64 6323 4484

www.herefords.co.nz

Email: manager@herefords.co.nz

Norway Hereford Association

Mr. Inge G. Kristoffersen, President

Storhamargata 44, 2317 Hamar, Norway

Phone: +47 915 45 613

www.hereford.no

Email: post@hereford.no

Email: inge.g.k@online.no

The Norwegian Breeding Association

Storhamargata 44, 2317 Hamar, Norway

Director: Halvor Nordli

Phone: +47 952 90 855

Fax: +47 62 53 82 41

Email: tyr@tyr.no

Paraguay Hereford Association

Oficina de Registro Genealogico de la Asociación Rural del Paraguay

Ing. Carlos Pedretti, Ruta Transchaco Km. 14 ½

Mariano Roque Alonso, Asunción, Paraguay

President: Dr. Silvia Gosling

Phone 011 595 21 754272

E-mail: polledhereford90@gmail.com

South African Hereford

Breeders Society

Contact: Liezel Grobler

P.O. Box 20165, Willows, BFN 9320, South Africa

Phone: 051 410 0958

Fax: 086 218 8246

www.hereford.co.za

E-mail: liezel@studbook.co.za

Promotions: Lizette Vermaak

Phone: 082 412 2868

Email: herefords@vodamail.co.za

Swedish Hereford Association

Magnus Johansson, Chariman

Hollstorp Hagalund, 355 91 Växjö, Sweden

Phone: +46 470 749 461 or +46 768 303

600 www.hereford.nu

Email: magnus.johansson@hereford.nu

Swiss Hereford Association

Walter Faessler, President Interessengemeinschaft

Schweizer Herefordzuechter, c/o Walter Faessler, Barenegg, 9633 Baechli-Hemberg

Switzerland www.swisshereford.ch

Email: barenegg.hereford@bluewin.ch

Hereford Cattle Society (UK)

General Manager

Hereford House, 3 Offa Street

Hereford, HR1 2LL U.K

Phone: +44 1 432 272 057

www.herefordcattle.org

Email: hello@herefordcattle.org

Sociedad Criadores de Hereford del Uruguay

Dr. Alejandro Costa Irigoyen, President Mercedes 855 Esc 605

CP 11.100, Montevideo, Uruguay

Phone/fax 0059 2908 7579 - 2901 0437 www.hereford.org.uy

Email: info@hereford.org.uy

Non-member countries

Associação Brasileira de Hereford e Braford

Luciano Augusto Sperotto Terra, President

Av. General Osório 1094

Caixa Postal 483, Bage - RS - Brasil

Phone: 55 (xx)(53) 3312 8726

Fax: 55 (0xx53) 3242 1332

www.hereford.com.br www.braford.com.br

Email: hereford@braford.com.br

Asociacion de Criadores de Hereford de Chile

Fernando Schuck R, President Casilla (P.O. Box) 703, Osono, Chile

Phone: 56-64-234388

Fax: 56-64-238408

E-mail: fschuck@surnetlibre.cl

Czech Republic Hereford Association

Czech Beef Cattle Association

KAMIL MALÁT, CEO

Těšnov 17, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

Phone: +420 221 812 865

GSM: +420 724 007 860

email: info@cschms.cz

Hokkaido Beef Cattle Club c/o Yuji Ikeda - Shintoku Animal Husbandry Experiment Station

Tokiwa 5-46, Shintoku-cho

Hokkaido, T088 2313, Japan

Phone: 1566-4-5321

Fax: 1566-4-6151

Mexican Hereford Association

Octavio Bermudez, President Bosque de Yuriria 2701-2, Fracc. Sicomoros

Chihuahua, Chih. 31260, Mexico

Phone: 52-410-7493

Polski Związek Hodowców I Producentów Bydła Mięsnego

(Polish Association of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers)

ul. Rakowiecka 32, 02 - 532 Warszawa

Poland

NIP 527-20-04-291

Phone: (+48 22) 849-19-10

Fax: (+48 22) 849-32-32

www.bydlo.com.pl

E-mail : bydlo@bydlo.com.pl

Herd Book Society of Zambia

Hereford Breed Section

Mrs. Joan Holmes, General Manager

P.O. Box 50146, Lusaka 15101, Zambia

Phone/Fax: 260-1-251149

Zimbabwe Hereford Society

Mr. Phil Rogers, Chairman

P.O. Box FM80, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Phone: 263-09-229-588

Fax: 263-09-74839

Email: herefordzw@hotmail.com

Linear Assessment

With linear assessment being available for Herefords since May 2023, NBDC (National Bovine Data Centre), reports that many of the herds that had classified for the first time in 2023, again classified in 2024.

Following over 50 years of classification for dairy cows, beef breeds were introduced to the scoring system in recent years..

When scoring suckler cows they are broken down into four main boxes being

• Body Conformation- which makes up 25% of the final score,

• Beef Character- which also takes into account Breed Character, this box also makes up 25% of the final score.

• Legs and Feet- this important box has a weighting of 30% of the final score,

• Mammary- has a weighting of 20% of the final score,

These four composite boxes are made up of different Linear Traits which are measured on a 1 to 9 scale.

The four composite boxes are never scored in the high eighties and over ninety unless the linear traits are close to ideal.

gender, ensuring that the herd is housed with their respective calf genders. At the weaning stage, a deliberate and gradual separation process is employed. Using livestock barriers, the young stock is divided from their mothers for a period of seven to ten days. This method allows for a controlled and progressive weaning process, enabling the young stock to return intermittently to help facilitate the gradual drying off of the cows as well as minimise stress for both parties.

When the time comes for the calves to be separated from their mothers, they are relocated to a separate shed and drafted into gendered groups.

Where as so many indexes is a prediction, classification is actual and NBDC believe that is why they both work well together as a management tool for breeding more

profitable long living cows.

For example, when purchasing a future Stock Bull, the buyer can see the classification of the mother and sometimes three or four generations.

NBDC believe that the cow family needs to be at least in the high VG’s which means the high eighties and into EX which means 90 and above.

Some of the other benefits include identifying the best females in your herds to breed replacements and of course cows that are scored the highest points more often than not make the highest prices at sales if you sell them.

NBDC have been very impressed with the majority of the Herefords that they have already scored. The breed certainly has longevity has a lot to offer the beef industry as a suckler cow and her ability to graze whether on the hills or on the lowlands and classification will prove to be another management tool to enhance the many virtues of the breed.

gendered groups. All breeding cows are housed together awaiting turnout.

All heifers undergo a comprehensive health regimen. They are vaccinated for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), tagged, and undergo testing. This is all done so there is no chance of bringing these diseases in from other holdings.The farm maintains a Johnes high health herd status, regularly testing for

A Breeders Perspectve - Jim Speirs

"I think it's really just the start with the linear scoring. I like the idea of having an independent opinion on cows from someone that has seen hundreds of other hereford cows so you get a good and fair view as to where your

Leptospirosis, although vaccination is unnecessary as the results consistently come back clear. Bulls undergo semen testing at 17 months of age. Allan holds the

herd is compared to others.

Ideally I'd like to see generations of female lines scoring excellent and then you can see the consistency of certain cow families passing on their strong maternal traits.

I like the fact that individual linear traits are scored. This allows you to look in more detail at the way a cow is put together. When our herd was classified it was hard to argue with the scoring or point of view from Meurig. I might have a favourite cow or one I think is the best but when you look at all the traits individually then it changes your point of view. There's always room for improvement somewhere with a cow.

Then breeders can look at certain traits when selecting their next bull for breeding. For example you may want to improve udders or milk in the herd so select a bull from a dam with a Mammary score of 90 or over. You know its actually an udder thats been looked at rather than based on some random figures which rely on breeders to input them correctly.

belief that conducting this test any earlier would be overly invasive.

Bulls scoring below 3 in the semen test are promptly deregistered, ensuring that only animals with satisfactory reproductive capabilities contribute to the breeding program. This meticulous approach reflects the commitment to maintaining the overall quality and effectiveness of the herd’s

This isn't the only answer but with linear scoring, ebvs and the eye of a good stock person we should see an improvement in the breed. And it won't take many years before breeders are seeing that progeny from "excellent" cows are selling for more money and pushing the breed forward."

JOIN THE PREMIUM CATTLE HEALTH SCHEME

Disease Control for

• BVD, Johne’s Disease, IBR, Leptospirosis and Neospora

• Remove costly disease from your stock

• Provide health assurance for your customers

• Safeguard the health status of your herd

• CHeCS Bovine TB Herd Accreditation programme

At the forefront of animal health. A leading scheme with nationwide coverage and competitive prices. fb.com/SRUCVets@SRUCVets

SRUC Veterinary Services Greycrook, St Boswells, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EQ T: 01835 822456 / E: HealthSchemes@sruc.ac.uk / www.cattlehealth.co.uk

In vitro production of embryos – what’s the deal?

Multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET), also known as conventional flushing, is an increasingly popular technique employed on some beef and dairy farms to accelerate genetic progress by increasing the number of offspring that can be produced in a dam’s lifetime. Trained technicians carry out this procedure on farm, but it is limited to mature animals that are cycling normally and do not have any issues with their reproductive tract. Animals are put on a superovulation programme to maximise the number of eggs released. When they come on heat, they are inseminated 2-3 times. Then seven days later, the developing embryos are flushed from the uterus, examined under a microscope and graded. They can then be transferred fresh or frozen into a recipient dam. This technique can be repeated roughly every 6-8

weeks and will yield, on average, 4-5 embryos per donor.

In vitro production (IVP) is an alternative option to MOET which can be carried out every two weeks and will yield a similar number of embryos (4-5), although it is not uncommon for beef animals to produce over ten embryos per collection. This technique must be carried out by a vet, as it involves inserting a needle through the wall of the vagina to collect eggs directly from the ovary. The collected eggs are matured overnight and then fertilised in the lab, then incubated for seven days, after which point they are at the same stage as those collected by MOET, so can be transferred either fresh or frozen for implantation at a later date.

IVP can offer a number of benefits over MOET, namely that it can be

carried out on pregnant animals (up to about 100-120 days of pregnancy), and can also be used in females before they reach puberty. It may be the only option for animals that fail to conceive naturally or that do not respond well to conventional flushing, such as those with scar tissue from bad calvings or surgery. IVP is also useful where semen is rare or in short supply as very small volumes are required. One straw of semen can be used on several donor cows and there is also the option to split a collection between two bulls if a donor responds particularly well. Advances in the technology now mean that IVP can be carried out on-farm for those that are not near a collection centre, which has significantly improved access to this service across the country.

Emma Stuart, BVM&S MRCVS"

SPARTAN

TYPHOON

Bull of the Year & Polled Bull of the Year 2022

VICTORIAS SECRET Female & Polled Female of the Year 2024

Hereford Beef

Within this section

● Ask the Butcher

● Beef Expo - Best Stand

● Dunbia update

● Ripple Beef Marketing Update

● Hereford Producers

Ask the Butcher

Tony Perkins Butchers, Dereham, Norfolk

Having met Tony in Autumn 2024, it is clear he is passionate about meat quality, his customers and his business. This shone through in his ability to talk about how his business began, how it’s evolved and the type of animals he looks for. Here he answers some quickfire questions for us to get to know him better.

Please give a brief overview of your business, how you started out and where you are today?

The business is 20 years old this year. I took over the shop when the previous butcher retired. I was working for him as a manager, and it was a natural step to take. Today, we have two shops and employ 16 people with a turnover in excess of £1.25 million per year.

What do you look for in a beef carcase?

I look for a good, shaped carcase that will give me a good yield. A good covering of creamy coloured fat and good marbling in the meat, this is what we know gives good flavour.

What is your opinion on native versus continental breeds in relation to meat quality?

We have used continental breeds and traditional breeds and they both have advantages and

disadvantages. There will always be a compromise between the amount of meat on a carcase and the flavour that comes from it. Personally, I like the flavour of the native breeds especially when they have been treated well. From the farm to slaughter and then to me, the butcher, we all play our part in how the beef tastes. If one part of the process is not taken care of, it will affect the taste of the beef dramatically. I am very particular about this and how important that is.

Where do you source your meat from?

We buy Hereford beef from a farmer less than five miles away from the shop. Clive and his wife Paula have respectable ethics and good husbandry skills with the animals. During our business relationship, we have also become good friends. I think this is an added bonus on top of a really good working relationship.

Have you seen an increase in sales since covid?

Initially, we saw a dramatic increase in sales. It was almost overwhelming the number of enquiries for home deliveries. We were well set up to adapt for this really quickly and soon had things under control. Since then, there has been a gradual decline in demand for this service. As people go about

their daily lives, they would naturally fall back into their old habits. We did however keep the facility open for customers and I’m happy to say quite a lot have carried on using us. Lots of comments like “you can taste the difference” and “shan’t be going back to the supermarket” are commonplace.

Describe the three best traits in a quality steak?

If I were looking for a really good steak, the first thing I would like to see is a layer of creamy coloured fat around the outside no more than 15mm thick. The next thing I would look for is some marbling within the meat itself and finally look at the colour. The meat shouldn’t be too dark or too light. I would like to see a nice deep red or burgundy colour.

Of course, these are all good to the eye, but they do not rely on taste. The most important aspects of taste are 1; tenderness (all steaks should be tender) 2; flavour (there should be a really good beefy flavour if cooked properly). 3; succulence (most people forget how important this is. We don’t want a dry and chewy steak)

What is your favourite cut of meat to eat?

There are lots, but if I had to pick one to survive it would probably be Beef Brisket. Very versatile and a rich beefy flavour. Can be used all year round but preferred by me in a pot roast. The smell in the kitchen when you’ve been out in the cold all day and come back indoors is something to behold. Delicious!

Do you think farm assured animals are important?

Yes, I do. As it stands there aren’t many other ways to ensure we have good standards of husbandry and practises. We are widely regarded as having some of the best food practises in the world and Farm Assured is a rubber stamp on it. It conveys confidence in the buyer. Until someone comes up with anything better, we should use it.

Finally, how can we promote buying trends to customers on supporting local and home-grown businesses?

The best way in my experience is to sell the story. All the produce in my shop has a back story. From mother in laws Christmas pudding recipe to the time we won area champion for our black pudding. From Clive’s new bull producing some great calves to Peters pigs having great conformation winning the rosette at the local agricultural show. We regularly feature these things on our social media pages. They are part of our story.

Best Breed Society Stand at Beef Expo 2024

The National Beef Association’s 2024 Beef Expo took place on Saturday, 27th April, at North West Auctions near Kendal.

The event brought together the very best in British cattle in the National Commercial Cattle Show, and the 13 attending breed societies showcased the very best pedigree cattle. With a large trade exhibition and a seminar programme focusing on the future of the beef industry, the 2024 Beef Expo has been hailed a huge success.

A true celebration and exploration of everything the British beef industry has to offer, this year’s event was timed to coincide with British Beef Week. For the first time this event which was very well attended, was free for visitors to attend and Beef farmers travelled the length and breadth of the UK to gather at J36, Crooklands Rural Auction Centre.

The National Commercial Cattle Show, featured over 100 head of cattle with the main commercial classes expertly judged by Northamptonshire farmer Frank Page. Lincolnshire’s Jonathan Lyon was responsible for judging the baby beef and young handlers classes.

This year’s NBA Beef Expo saw a record number of more than 100 trade exhibitors and 13 Breed Societies attend the event, to help highlight the latest research

developments, technology, and innovation in the industry. The Best Breed Society Stand award was presented to Hereford Cattle Society, Datamars was awarded Best Indoor Trade Stand, and Agri Lloyd scooped Best Outdoor Trade Stand.

To packed audiences, the seminars included panellists from the three main political parties, Sir Mark Spencer, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; Daniel Zeichner, Shadow Minister for Farming, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs; and Tim Farron, MP and Westmoreland, Furness & Eden Liberal Democrats, discussing farming, food & finance; leading supermarket procurement directors debate how best to build from farm gate to baskets; AHDB hosted a discussion on whether or not suckler cattle can thrive in a subsidy-free landscape; and

Farmers Weekly unveiled the insights from their ‘State of the Industry Survey’.

In summing up his seminar, Andrew Meredith, Farmers Weekly Editor, who presented results of the comprehensive survey on the British Beef Industry said, “The Farmers Weekly Survey was completed by over 1100 respondents, with findings showing an industry that is going through rapid and significant change. Many are scaling up, many are cutting back, and concerns about profitability abound. High prices for finished cattle are welcome but the cashflow needed to get them to that position is a challenge.”

Discussing the day’s successes, NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand said: “I can only thank everyone, on behalf of the NBA and the organising committee, for coming in great numbers, and I really hope everyone had a great day. We really appreciate all the support we’ve had from stand holders, sponsors, and cattle exhibitors, it makes the whole event worthwhile; thank you, very much. We held the event the last weekend in April, as a one off as it was the only suitable date this year and we will attempt to move the date back towards the end of May in 2026.”

Lisa Bennett, North West Auctions, presents the Best Breed Society Stand award to Paul Sneyd and Allen Massey

Dunbia value youth

The next generation of farmers is integral to Dunbia, as it is their success which underpins the long-term security of the beef and lamb supply chain. Each year, we actively engage with a number of stakeholders to deliver various youth and business development programmes which supports both our current and future farmer suppliers.

As many readers will be aware, Dunbia’s alliance with U.K. Hereford Youth (UKHY) has grown into one of our most established and trusted partnerships. In 2022, Dunbia was proud to sponsor the inaugural Hereford Youth Ball in Birmingham which raised over £10,000 for charities and the Hereford Youth Travel Bursary. More recently in 2024, Dunbia has taken an active role in supporting UKHY in the lead up to the 2025 World Hereford Conference. Throughout the year, 10 applicants have undertaken a thorough selection process to earn a place at next year’s conference in Kansas, USA. Here, they will represent the U.K. as they compete against other breeders from around the globe in a number of team challenges.

In August, the applicants visited Dunbia Sawley in Lancashire, with the aim of enhancing their understanding of the commercial beef industry. The day saw them tour the lairage, slaughter, chilling and deboning facilities and included technical sessions from AHDB on carcase grading and specifications. Later in the day, the applicants visited the market town of Clitheroe to take part in an ‘Apprentice-style’ activity. Here, they were split into teams and tasked with collecting consumer data from members of the public to design and pitch a beef retail label to the judges. The activity was designed to test their personal and professional abilities, including teamwork, resourcefulness and creativity, along with communication

and presentation skills.

Dunbia Agriculture Manager, and member of the judging panel, Matthew Rollason, said “The selection process was always going to be tough, but what became clear was the calibre of applicants and their dedication to the cattle industry made choosing the final five an incredibly hard job. The enthusiasm and knowledge was evident from all of the candidates and the successful team will no doubt showcase these skills in America”. We hope that Dunbia’s sponsorship will enable them to network and learn from some of the very best cattle breeders in the world and utilise these learnings in their own farming operations back home. We wish Ethan, Iona, Will, Cara and Emma all the very best for their trip.

Dunbia and our customers are also heavily involved in many other youth initiatives around the U.K. The Wales YFC Lamb Initiative provides the opportunity for YFC members to supply their lamb into a retail customer, providing financial support direct to the young farmer and the YFC organisation, supporting a range of educational activities and events. It builds positive relationships across the supply chain, whilst keeping young farmers engaged and at the forefront of the industry. Additionally, Dunbia’s Llanybydder site hosts the YFC red meat master class each year, which is held in conjunction with Rural Advisor. Here, YFC lamb suppliers are invited to a full day event to learn more about

their supply chain including market insights and business profitability, followed by a tour around one of Europe’s largest lamb processing sites.

Additionally, 2024 saw the launch of the Future Farming Fund by another of our customers within their dedicated U.K. beef and lamb group. Young farmers within this group were allocated funding towards a soil health project in addition to having their farm biodiversity mapped. The mapping allows the farmers to establish a baseline of what nature already exists on their farm and identifies practical ways to enhance biodiversity, in a way that is right for them. Dunbia has coordinated regular meetings for the group with a focus on areas including animal genetics, biodiversity, grassland management and soil health.

In Northern Ireland, it has been another busy year working with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU). Dunbia’s site in Dungannon has hosted two virtual, and two inperson Live to Dead competitions where the participants are tasked with matching live animals (beef and lamb) to their correct carcasses and completing a quiz on animal husbandry. At Balmoral Show, our annual ‘guess the weight of the carcase’ competition in collaboration with YFCU, was well supported, with over 600 entries received.

If you want to learn more about how Dunbia is supporting the next generation, head to our social media channels and follow #FarmGreen.

A Vision for Hereford Beef

Following the successful branding of British Herefords in 2023, award-winning design and marketing agency Ripple has continued to develop the vision for the brand further.

This year, the challenge was to enhance the visibility and identity of Hereford Beef, crafting a refreshed, cohesive image that aligns with its heritage while positioning it as a premium, modern offering.

Ripple’s team dedicated themselves to developing a distinctive identity that included expanding on the brand print assets, creating a fully redesigned website, and constructing a robust digital platform for British Herefords. The result? A brand that encapsulates the essence of British Herefords in the contemporary market.

Aislinn Wylie, Ripple’s Head of Marketing, reflected on the journey: “Working alongside British Herefords this year has been incredibly rewarding. Building on the unique identity established in 2023, we’ve developed a new logo and website to reflect everything British Herefords represents. We’re excited to see the brand launch in the coming year!”

Honouring Heritage with a Modern Touch

The refinement of the British Herefords brand and certification stamp was a meticulous process. Ripple’s team focused on preserving the heritage and trust

associated with the breed while introducing a contemporary aesthetic. This balance of tradition and modernity ensures that the updated brand position resonates across diverse platforms, from packaging to digital materials.

A Digital Hub for All Things Hereford

A major milestone was the launch of a fully redesigned website. Ripple created a user-friendly, feature-rich platform that serves as a central hub for British Herefords. Whether you’re a member, a stockist, or a curious visitor, the website offers valuable resources and insights.

Every aspect of the website redesign was executed with care, beginning with a detailed audit of the existing site. Content was reviewed, updated, and migrated to align with the new brand identity. From the intuitive interface to the engaging content and visual design, the website reflects the values of British Herefords while delivering an enhanced user experience.

Key new features include a “Find a Restaurant/Stockist” locator, downloadable recipes, and a “Become a Member” portal. These updates aim to foster deeper connections between the brand and its audience while providing practical tools for stakeholders.

Expanding the Digital Footprint

Ripple also implemented a comprehensive digital strategy to strengthen the online presence of British Herefords. A dedicated LinkedIn page was established to connect with professionals in the agricultural and hospitality sectors, while an official YouTube channel now hosts premium content showcasing the versatility and

quality of Hereford Beef. Ripple created all branded assets, ensuring consistency across banners, video intros, thumbnails, and more.

Growing Membership and Engagement

To attract new members, Ripple devised a membership growth strategy. This included personalised email campaigns that highlighted the benefits of joining British Herefords, alongside a streamlined registration process. Promotional materials for major events, such as Beef Expo, were also developed, including leaflets, banners, and digital presentations to engage potential members.

Internally, Ripple crafted communication plans to HCS members about the brand launch, to ensure our bestplaced advocates of the Hereford breed are well-informed on developments. Externally, outreach campaigns targeted new audiences with tailored messaging and activities designed to increase brand awareness and loyalty.

Looking Ahead

Through a combination of strategic planning, creative vision, and collaborative effort, Ripple has successfully redefined British Herefords. From a modernised logo and user-friendly website to expanded digital platforms and targeted campaigns, the brand is poised for a bright future.

As the British Herefords story continues, Ripple remains committed to evolving the brand, creating impactful campaigns, and connecting with a growing community. Together, they are ensuring that Hereford Beef stands out as a symbol of quality, tradition, and innovation in the market.

Hereford Producers

Farming is perhaps one of the oldest industries in the world and one that has lasted the test of time, moving from strength to strength, constantly evolving. Now more than ever British farmers are engaging with the public, inviting them to share their day-to-day life, via social media, TV programs, books or on farm visits. The pandemic gave a new appreciation of the fact that we are a small island and farmers were there, as they always have been, ready to step-up and support a nation who needed feeding.

The Hereford Cattle Society has set up the ‘Hereford Producer’ to promote and highlight the hard work of our network of farmers and showcase the quality of the produce they provide. If you are choosing to eat less meat, let the meat you do eat come from a source with low food miles, high welfare, a great story and a friendly smile. We’re proud to present to you the ‘Hereford Producers’.

Roughmoor Meats

Roughmoor are based in the rolling Herefordshire landscape at Upcott Farm, where the cattle are accompanied by sheep, cereal crops and cider orchards. The family has been farming here for over 100 years with three generations currently working together across the business. They bought their first Herefords in 2006 and never envisaged those first four cows growing to the 75 cow herd they have today.

Offering 5kg and 10kg beef boxes for sale via Facebook and local advertisements, made up of a mixture of steaks, mince, stewing steaks and roasting joints, Colin and Henry are more than happy to accomodate any specific requests.

The business chose Herefords for their docility, as having safe cattle is important for them. "There's no better sight than looking across the field and seeing uniformly marked cattle, their deep plum colour and white markings really stand out!" remarked Colin. "Herefords require little upkeep and certainly don't get pampered here and their ability to thrive in any environment is exceptional."

With sustainability and environmental impact in mind, more than ever it is so important to support your local food producers like Roughmoor. As a nation we offer the highest welfare standards possible and their beef is born, reared and finished on the farm. From field to fork in under 30 food miles - they use a local family run

abattoir and butchery.

Roughmoor customers say that the beef is succulent and melts in the mouth, tasting the difference from supermarket beef. The majority of their customers are returning customers which puts the cherry on the cake for them to know people want to keep coming back for more.

To order beef from Colin and Henry email: roughmoormeats@gmail. com or alternatively call Henry on 07765978972

•

•

•

•

•

Rockland Herefords thrive on recording and using raw data

Learning from pig and dairy industries drive Rockland Herd profitability

Humble beginnings

Clive is no stranger to animal production and started his career working in the pig industry. This may seem an unusual career for someone who does not stem from an agricultural background, however, visiting his local livestock auction market in Norwich as a child, sparked an interest that developed into a lifelong passion. He started as a drover, washing out lorries and learning all he could about the livestock industry.

This later led to a job managing a pig breeding and finishing unit where the pigs were run on both an indoor and outdoor system. Wanting to pursue the dream of keeping his own livestock Clive purchased his first cattle in 1994, these were 2 black and white Hereford heifers.

Herefords the right choice

To establish a herd is no mean feat and as money was tight, Hereford cross bred calves were bought in to generate an income quickly. Calves were then sold on or retained in the developing herd. 2010 saw the introduction of the first pedigree Herefords and so their journey began.

When asked on why the Hereford breed, Clive answered with one word. Grandad. His grandad kept Herefords near Clipston in the

1970s, close to the home of Rod and Rose Westaway of the Clipston herd. This knowledgeable and kind couple took Clive under their wings and as such became great mentors to the newly established Rockland herd. All of the first pedigree cows purchased originate from Clipston and along with Dieulacresse bulls created a sound foundation for the herd.

Clive and Paula were so proud of their evolving herd that they embarked on yet another experience and ventured into the world of showing. By their own admission, it was a quick and steep learning curve, and they made their debut at South Suffolk Show with home bred bull Rockland Kaiser. On the day many Hereford breeders were kindly on hand to offer up advice and guidance. The Bidmeads came away with a first in their class and reserve male champion under their belt, this only fuelled them further and they had officially caught ‘the show bug’. Their second show proved to be just as successful as they

took home the accolade of Male Champion and were soon regulars at Tenbury Show, taking up to eight animals at any given time. Pre covid they stretched their legs and were prominent on the showing circuit. Showing stock has enabled them to sell bulls into some well-established, high-profile herds. This hard work doesn’t come

without help and a real team effort prevailed, Paula in charge of show prep, daughter Evie show handling and Clive’s long standing friend Adrian helping throughout the year. Clive and Adrian now organise and man the Hereford breed stand at The Royal Norfolk Show, an opportunity to share their passion for the breed and help educate the public about the production of beef.

Herd management

Currently the herd has three pedigree stock bulls, Rockland Top Gun, Dieulacresse Vinny and junior bull Rockland Bilbo Bagins. The pedigree bulls are selected for conformation, frame and locomotion but most importantly growth and muscling.

Three bulls are required due to the field sizes mostly only suitable for stocking with smaller groups of females. The majority of grazing consists of water meadows,

however there are two fields suitable for outwintering most of the cattle. The finishing cattle and show animals are housed throughout the winter months. The herd is evenly split into Autumn and Spring calving, this helps to

Farm Facts

• 200 acres

• Grazier - We are not tenant farmers but we do rent grazing

• 40-45 breeding females

• 50/50 crossbred & pedigree Herefords

• 3 pedigree bulls

• 50/50 Autumn/Spring calving

keep a steady flow of calves for rearing on into the butcher’s shop. Stock sold for breeding are tested for IBR, BVD, Johnes and Lepto and bulls leave with a Pre-Breeding Exam Certificate. Only the best bulls are offered for breeding the rest are steered. The herd is currently in a four yearly tb testing area.

All heifers retained in the herd are scanned for IMF, eye muscle and back fat this includes the cross bred heifers. The raw data is used to determine if heifers are selected to stay in the herd for breeding or to be finished for the butcher.

However, heifers retained in 2024 were actually sold due to such high demand.

Growing stock are at grass to build frame then brought into the yards to be finished on a 14% barley blend. They have transitioned from using mineral buckets to administering boluses 6 monthly to ensure every animal receives the required vitamins and minerals plus each animal has a magnet (Bovimag) placed in their rumen to prevent hardware disease.

Clive has taken much of his cattle management strategy directly from the dairy industry and believes the beef industry can learn a lot from them.

Farming and friendship

Clive’s move away from using EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values) to considering genomics in livestock breeding reflects his desire to adopt a more efficient and forward-thinking approach. His background in the pig industry gave him a strong foundation in datadriven decision-making. He said the dairy sector has been at the forefront of genomic technology, using DNA-based tools to improve herd genetics more rapidly and

accurately. By drawing from this successful model, Clive sees an opportunity to fast-track genetic improvement in other livestock sectors.

Clive and Paula have made a shift in their farming model, previously selling the majority as stores they now sell finished cattle directly to a local butcher, Tony Perkins. This highlights a strategic move

towards more sustainable and localised food production. This model not only benefits them financially, but it also fosters a strong, long-term business relationship with Tony Perkins. The fact that Tony approached the Bidmead family to establish the connection speaks the value they saw in each other’s operations from the beginning, which has

clearly translated into a productive partnership over the past five years.

Selling around 40 animals a year to Tony aligns with a growing consumer demand for locally sourced meat. By keeping the supply chain short, both Clive and Tony can reduce food miles and additionally, using a slaughterhouse just 15 miles away is another practical decision that reduces transportation time, costs, and environmental impact, while also maintaining a close-knit supply chain. By keeping all these steps local, Clive and Tony are able to provide a more traceable and higher welfare product to consumers, which is an increasingly important selling point in today’s market.

Data and figures

Clive’s focus on data and figures is a key factor in his ongoing efforts to improve his enterprise. By using metrics such as weight gain, FCR, slaughter age, and killing-out percentage, he’s able to fine-tune

his operation and ensure that each decision is informed by solid numbers.

Cattle are weighed every 10-14 days, and this helps him to make timely adjustments in their diet, care, and management. This level of monitoring is essential for optimizing Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG), which is one of the primary indicators of the cattle’s performance.

Top-quality silage provides the essential nutrients for his cattle to grow efficiently, with Top Gun achieving a DLWG of 2 kg per day. The cattle are typically slaughtered at a deadweight of 350-400 kg, from 16 months of age with a killing-out percentage of 53%. This means that for every 100 kg of live weight, Clive can expect to yield around 53 kg of meat after slaughter. The goal is to achieve an R4L classification, the EUROP classification system is used to grade the conformation (meat quality) and fat cover of cattle. An R4L grade indicates that the cattle have a good conformation

(muscle development) and a suitable level of fat cover. With 80% of Clive’s cattle currently reaching this target, he is maintaining a high standard of finish, which is essential for both the butcher and consumers who expect highquality meat. The butcher and Clive review the price per kg regularly in line with the current market value, however the price Clive receives is unaltered by the classification, it is just a personal goal to achieve correctly finished cattle. Clive visits the butcher’s chiller weekly to view the carcasses, comparing what was seen and felt when the animal was alive to the carcass on the butchers hook. It is also an opportunity to gain feedback from Tony, this helps inform management choices and maintains an excellent relationship between Rockland Herefords and Tony Perkins Butchers

Ultimately Clive, Paula and the team at Rocklands are passionate about their end product, whether that’s in a showring or a butcher’s shop.

ALDERVILLE HEREFORDS

Photos: Emma Dexter Photography

Within this section

● Consistency the key at Pulham

● Commercial Dairy Breeders Alan and Derek McCrea

● How do Hereford genetics measure up

● 5-Year Strategic Plan

● Wythenshaw Community Farm

● World Hereford Conference

● Mental Health in Agriculture

● The Humble Stockman

● The Polled Hereford Story

● BREEDPLAN COP Star ratings

● Ask the Vet

● Andrew Dougan, a passion for Herefords and his Deli

● UK Hereford Youth

Consistency breeds continued success at Pulham

The Pulham herd have won the Midlands and East Anglia area herd competition for 5 consecutive years, were runnersup in 2024 and were runners-up in the last 2 National Herd competitions. Philip and Laura put this consistent performance down to the consistency of their cow herd.

When Philip and Laura established the herd in 2007 they were inspired by Colin Clarke’s article “Blossoms – a bit of luck” and were determined to introduce this great breeding family into their herd. The couple quickly became fascinated in Hereford breeding and purchased old Herd books and journals to trace family lines.

The obsession with the Blossom family continued with Laura creating a family tree of the Badlingham Blossom’s, starting from the original Blossom down to the 160th. Along with being an interesting source of information, this family tree was a learning tool in understanding the breeding methods used by the inspirational Colin Clarke and his contemporaries.

Farm Profile

Acreage: 170

Free-range layers: 28,000

Hereford Breeding Females: approx. 45 (Split 60:40 Horned/ Polled)

The Vincent’s were lucky enough to spend time with Colin when they were starting out in the breed and he helped them to purchase their second stockbull Sarabande Huggy Bear, who contained Blossom breeding.

Females have been purchased from various herds, predominately off farm, over the last 18 years, with the Blossom, Hazel (Badlingham), Pansy, Tiara, Diadem (Clipston), Dowager (Haven), “Princess” Pansy (Border), Olive, Curly (Lowesmoor), Starlet (Solpoll), Julia and Lucy (Romany) being classed as fully established.

Photos: MacGregors

The Vincent’s passion for breeding and consistent performance of cattle has been behind their female purchases. Extensive research was completed prior to viewing females on farm, so that purchases were not made on the visual appearance of the animal alone. Consideration was taken into how productive female relatives were and how many of their progeny had either been retained or sold to pedigree herds, bulls contained in the pedigree and show successes etc.

All of the established families play an important role in the herd and all have brought different qualities into the herd, but Philip and Laura feel that the impact of the Clipston cattle must be especially acknowledged. Many purchases have been made from Clipston starting in 2007 through to 2024, with the sad passing of renowned Hereford breeder Rodney Westaway.

Many enjoyable hours have been spent walking the fields of Grassland Farm and talking Herefords with Rod and Rose

over the years and the Vincent’s appreciate the knowledge that was shared with them and the opportunities they had to purchase some outstanding females.

Some favourites include Clipston Diadem M12 who was spotted as a baby heifer calf and joined Pulham as a six year old cow. “Diadem” bred Pulham Diadem 6th, the Vincent’s record breaking Designer Genes heifer sold for 13,000gns. Clipston Pansy B3, a daughter of Clipston Pansy K15 who had been Laura’s favourite cow at Clipston for many years, won the National

Clipston Pansy B3

Laura & Philip with Pulham 1 Achilles at Shropshire County Show 2024

Winners of the Midlands & East Anglia Herd Competition - 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, Runner-Up 2024 National Herd Competition Runner-up - 2021 & 2023 Horned Herd of the Year - 2023 & 2024

White House

Dam: Pulham 1 Curly 3rd

Pulham 1 Olive 7th Breed & Native Champion Bucks, Female Champion Shropshire

Dam: Pulham 1 Olive 1st

Pulham Baron First & Junior Male Champion National Hereford Show

Dam: Pulham Princess Pansy 5th

Pulham Tiara 11th First & Res. Junior Female Champion National Hereford Show

Dam: Pulham Tiara 3rd

Gageboro Alfred

Dam: Gageboro Tingle 2

Sire: Allowdale Rory 594

Pulham 1 Achilles Male & Native Champ. Norfolk, Male Champ. Bucks

Hereford Club Virtual Show in 2021. Clipston Tiara P17, who produced six tremendous calves including the successfully shown Pulham Norfolk, who has worked in 3 pedigree homes and Pulham Tiara 5th, who was sold as a heifer to James and Ellen Lake at DGS 2019 and won the female championship at the National Hereford Show, Tenbury as a cow in 2023.

It is important to Philip and Laura that their horned and polled cattle look like one herd, their consistent results in herd competitions suggesting they have met this aim. They would describe their Herefords as “meeting in the middle”, their horned cattle being relatively modern in type and their polled cattle not being too extreme and being easy fleshing.

These qualities are particularly present in the Olive and Curly families, the first polled females that were purchased in 2012. Whilst the whole herd consistency and type is the Vincent’s priority, rather than individual animals, they do enjoy showing and believe it is beneficial to their business.

2024 saw Pulham 1 Olive 7th and Pulham 1 Achilles, out of Pulham Curly 3rd, both born in September 2023 and sired by Appel 1 Kaboom have very successful seasons. Olive secured the Vincent’s first Interbreed Supreme Championship at their first show of the year, South Suffolk and finished at their last outing, Bucks Show by taking the Hereford and Native Interbreed Championships. Achilles was Male Champion at Royal Norfolk and won the Native Male Interbreed title.

Achilles is now being used at

Pulham and his calves are eagerly anticipated. Philip and Laura are hoping Achilles will continue to add consistency to the herd as his pedigree contains two of the Vincent’s previous stock bulls, Appel 1 Kaboom and Romany 1 Machine along with one of their best performing polled cows.

The plan is to introduce another homebred polled bull into the herd, Pulham 1 Baratheon. Baratheon has so far had one show outing where he picked up a red rosette at Bucks County. Baratheon is sired by previous stockbull, Solpoll 1 Sympa and is out of an Olive female. The use of both Achilles and Baratheon showing the Vincent’s faith in their Olive and Curly lines.

In recent years horned stock bulls have been sourced from the Republic of Ireland. Gageboro Alfred has exciting calves on the ground and the Vincent’s are keen to start using their most recent

purchase, Newland Gino, who was Male Champion at the Irish National at Tullamore in 2024.

Semen has also been imported in conjunction with Edward and Ben Lewis at the Haven from Mawarra Herefords in Australia. Mawarra Influential progeny has been very successful at the 2023 and 2024 National Hereford Show, Tenbury, including Pulham Admiral in 2023 taking the top spot, a first for the Norfolk based team.

The Vincents have shown that in a relatively short time, with thorough and detailed research of bloodlines, along with consistency of breeding, top results follow both in the showring and the performance of the Herd overall. Investing serious time into research from many sources aids selection before even viewing potential purchases. The closeness in type of their horned and polled cattle ensures unity in the herd moving forward.

Newland Gino – New stockbull at Pulham bred by HP Murray, Westmeath, Ireland

Early maturing traits are a superpower

Alan and Derek McCrea from Bready in Co Tyrone milk 170 cows and finish cross bred Herefords on an annual basis.

Home farm

The brothers have clearly been strong advocates for the Hereford breed, recognizing early on the numerous benefits of producing high-quality beef. This stems from their father as he has been using Hereford genetics since the 1930’s. Their commitment to these genetics has been instrumental in shaping their beef farming operations and achieving success in the industry.

Hereford bloodlines have played a central and enduring role in the family’s beef farming enterprises, shaping their success across various aspects of the industry. From finishing crossbred cattle to exhibiting top-tier elite fatstock and expanding into pedigree breeding, the breed has been the constant foundation driving the family’s operations.

The Hereford breed indeed stands out for several key traits that make it an ideal choice for premium beef production, and these qualities have likely played a significant role in the McCrea brothers’ success in the industry. One of the standout characteristics of the Hereford breed is its ease of calving, which is a crucial factor for farmers. Hereford cows are known to be efficient and capable of calving with minimal assistance, reducing the risk of complications and the labour required during calving. Hereford calves are known for their strong vigour, they’re quick to stand up, get moving, and begin sucking from the cow.

As the McCrea brothers have found, Hereford cattle are consistently reliable in terms of calving ease, temperament,

Photos: Alfie Shaw, Agri Images

and overall productivity. This consistency is a major advantage compared to other breeds, which when worked with have encountered issues that Herefords have consistently overcome.

Separate production lines

Striking a balanced approach, with a focus on both dairy and beef production, ensures efficiency and consistency throughout the business. Friesian cows are the breed of choice for the dairy side of the business and currently 170 are in production. Known for their high milk production and efficiency. Heifers from this herd are kept as replacements to ensure a steady supply of milkers maintaining a fresh generation of cows in the milking herd.

On the beef side of the operation, the McCrea’s purchase Hereford store cattle weighing around 400kg. These are then kept and pushed on, finishing on the farm reaching their optimum slaughter weight. Heifers reach this at around 20 months of age with the males taking 4-6 months longer, but still reaching early maturing weights compared to that of other breeds. All the beef bred calves born on

the farm are sired by Hereford bulls, with these being purchased from Dungannon bull sales.

The family’s approach to finishing Hereford cross cattle has several environmentally beneficial aspects, particularly in terms of reducing the carbon footprint associated with beef production. The target deadweight of between 320350 kg is within an optimal range for producing high-quality beef while avoiding the overextension of feeding and management resources. By achieving market weights earlier, these cattle are consuming food for a shorter

period, which directly impacts their feed conversion efficiency.

A significant advantage of early maturing Hereford cross cattle is their ability to achieve target weights more quickly while still producing high-quality beef. This shorter production cycle helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the farm’s beef operation by reducing feed consumption over the cattle’s lifespan and cutting down on methane emissions, as methane is primarily produced during digestion and is emitted more in older cattle with longer finishing times.

The McCrea family’s ability to consistently finish and sell between 150-180 Hereford cross cattle annually, averaging just over 20 a month, provides a stable foundation for the farm’s profitability. Their operational model allows them to efficiently manage their cattle, maintain regular market presence, and align with sustainability goals, ultimately making their beef farming enterprise both economically successful and environmentally conscious.

Pedigrees make an appearance

Another family member showing curiosity in the beef enterprise is Emma, Dereks daughter. The passion and enthusiasm which has been passed on with equal fervour from her father and uncle. She has worked with both on the family farm from a very early age, getting her own sense of the benefits that Hereford cattle bring to a beef production enterprise.

This led on to her halter training and then exhibiting top quality Hereford beef animals at a selection of Northern Ireland’s elite fatstock shows and sales, including the Royal Ulster Beef and LAB Event.

“Working on the home farm has given me the opportunity to show

commercial cattle. However, I always wanted to exhibit pedigree Herefords., and the opportunity arose earlier this year at Limavady Show. I came third in the cow and calf class.”

Breeding pedigree Hereford cattle remains at the very top of Emma’s wish list. She got her first experience of what’s involved back in 2018 when purchasing a Ruby daughter from the Ardstewart herd. She intends to expand the herd, learning more about the breed and will continue to assist on the farm when needed.

Introduction of new schemes

The Hereford incentive scheme makes a real difference when it comes to delivering that extra margin back to the farmer with both Dawn Meats and W D Meats paying a premium for Hereford beef. They also sponsor the Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association and play an active role in encouraging members and the wider commercial industry to consider using Hereford bulls in the dairy and suckler industries.

A new initiative from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs named the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme aims to encourage farmers to reduce the maximum

age at which they slaughter their cattle, therefore hoping to reduce the carbon footprint of the beef industry. Farmers will receive a payment based on the age of the animal slaughtered. In 2024 animals slaughtered under the age of 30 months earned the farmer an extra £75 per animal. In 2025 the payment remains the same but the age to slaughter reduces to 28 months, and in 2027 will reduce down to 26 months.

By implementing this scheme, the government hopes to achieve a tighter and more efficient beef production system, helping to reduce gas emissions in the livestock industry, therefore contributing to the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 targets.

The Hereford breed offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for beef producers. With their early finishing traits, feed conversion efficiency, ease of management, and quality carcass, Herefords can provide sustainable, high-quality beef while also helping farmers improve profitability and farm efficiency. As demand for high-quality beef continues to rise, encouraging more producers to adopt Hereford genetics can help drive the success of the beef industry, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.

How Do Hereford Genetics Measure Up?

Did you know that as well as using EBVs provided through BREEDPLAN, you can also look up your Herefords through AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations?

We use national data, covering all breeds and even crossbreds, from BCMS and many major beef abattoirs, to measure genetic potential for five carcase and three maternal traits. For more info, visit ahdb.org.uk/knowledgelibrary/national-beef-evaluations.

Because the National Beef Evaluations cover all breeds, (totalling over 20 million animals), we can track how the genetics of the UK herd changes over time and also see where the Hereford breed fits. In this article, we will focus on days to slaughter and see how the genetics affecting how quickly our cattle finish have changed over the last 20 years.

Why days to slaughter?

Days to slaughter is an important target for rearers and finishers. Reducing days to slaughter reduces input costs, which is great way to make a farm more profitable. In recent years, beef retailers and processors have also become more interested in days to slaughter. This is because a reduction in days to slaughter is linked to a reduced carbon footprint, where stores that finish more quickly tend to produce less methane over their lifetime.

In order to finish cattle more quickly, some famers might

consider changing feeding practices or moving to a more intensive system. However to others, this is not a realistic option. Moving from a grazing to housed system can (although not always) have negative consequences on the ecology and biodiversity on farm. This means we need another option. Selective breeding has been identified as a great strategy to reduce days to slaughter. By using better genetics, you can produce calves that finish more quickly within your farming system.

How do we measure genetics?

The following graphs show average genetic potential for days to slaughter. We measure this using EBVs from the National Beef Evaluations, which use real slaughter data for 4.7 million animals (as of December 2024) as well as pedigree data from BCMS and breed societies, to predict genetic merit. Importantly, these

EBVs are corrected for a variety of non-genetic factors, including finishing herd, sex, carcase weight and EUROP grade, to give us a better idea of pure genetic potential for speed of finishing.

Suckler trends

Across all UK suckler cattle, we see a slight improvement over the last 20 years. The average calf born in 2023 had the genetic potential to finish 11 days earlier than the average calf born in 2004. Considering just Herefords, we see a very similar trend. The average Hereford calf born in 2023 had the genetic potential to finish 14 days earlier than the average calf born in 2004. These results also show that Herefords tend to have better genetic potential for days to slaughter compared to the overall suckler average. For suckler calves born in 2023, the average Hereford calf has the potential to finish 5 days earlier than the overall suckler average.

These results are supported by the National Beef Evaluation breed rankings, where the Hereford breed ranks joint 3rd for days to slaughter, alongside Simmental, Charolais and Beef Shorthorn (as of December 2024).

Suckler Days to Slaughter Genetic Trends

Average Suckler

Hereford Suckler

To see the full rankings, visit ahdbbeef.egenes.co.uk/breedrankings.

Beef x Dairy trends

As well as being an important breed in the suckler industry, Herefords bulls are a popular choice for dairy farmers to breed beef x dairy calves. The most recent data suggests that Herefords are the third most common beef sire breed for beef x dairy calves, after Angus and Blue (ahdb.org.uk/news/ long-term-trends-in-breedingchoices-on-the-dairy-farm).

These Hereford x dairy calves make up a significant proportion of animals with Hereford breeding. For calves registered with a Hereford breed code in BCMS, over half (55%) of those born in 2023 had a dairy dam.

Using the National Beef Evaluations, we can also track how the genetics of these beef x dairy calves change over time. Again, we have seen improvements over

Average Beef x Dairy

Hereford x Dairy

the last 20 years. For Herefordsired calves, the average calf born in 2023 had the genetic potential to finish 22 days earlier than the average calf born in 2004.

In the past, the average Hereford x dairy calf was slightly better than the overall average. However in the last 5 years, the acceleration in genetic gain in other breeds used as beef x

sires has meant that this is no longer the case. We expect that this acceleration in other beef

In the past, the average Hereford x dairy calf was slightly better than the overall average.

However in the last 5 years, the acceleration in genetic gain in other breeds used as beef x dairy sires has meant that this is no longer the case. We expect that this acceleration in other beef

breeds is likely due to breeding companies investing in genomics to produce beef sires designed for integrated beef schemes, meaning that they are now using growth rates in breeding goals. Hereford breeders could also speed up the rate of improvement of the breed by using the EBVs available through BREEDPLAN and the National Beef Evaluations.

By Harriet Bunning, Beef Genetics Expert at AHDB

dairy

5-Year Strategic Plan

5-Year Vision

A society loved by its members!

A growing belief and confidence in the future role of the Hereford breed, reflected in a growing sense of belonging and commitment by its growing membership base.

To work on more Hereford cross calves being registered each year thus increasing the Hereford commercial market share.

To underpin this growth through closer working relationships with leading meat processors and retailers.

To position the breed at the heart of forage based sustainably reared beef. To evidence this positioning with estimated breeding value (EBV), linear scoring and genomic data.

The society intends to establish a culture and set of values that staff, council and members all embrace and to create a membership organisation that both pedigree breeders, commercial farmers and individual members all feel proud to belong to.

5-Year Goals

1. To promote member’s welfare and mental wellbeing as a core mission of the Society.

2. To promote and develop the commercial strengths of the breed to encourage, producers, processors and retailers to see the Hereford as the breed of choice.

3. To encourage as many breeders as possible to record their data with a target of an up lift in this area of 5% in the next 5 years.

4. • Look to increase our current society membership numbers from 1400 to 1500

• Achieve a membership base of commercial producers of 500

Summary Strategic Plan

To deliver the goals around three core strategies, as follows:

Strategy 1 - Culture & Values

Strategy 2 - Future of the breed = sustainability

Strategy 3 - Membership support & fun

Strategy 1. Culture & Values

To establish a strong and positive culture that promotes member’s welfare and mental wellbeing as a core mission of the Society. To create a society loved by its members!

The improvement of the culture is the number one priority for the Society. Currently, a culture of negativity, bickering and organisational politics is dragging the Society down and is in urgent need of turnaround. On this basis, the leadership will set an example by establishing and committing to the following set of values.

A Accessible

Treat everyone equally. Encourage everyone to join in from all strands of the Society. Have an open and transparent council and staff team.

G Goals

To be the best Hereford Cattle Society possible within the resources available.

R Respect

Respect at all times. Respecting the Society, breed values, membership personal motivations and values & traditions of the organisation.

E Enjoyable

To make membership fun. To make enjoyment the main reason people want to join the Society.

E Educational

To be a Society where members can grow in their

knowledge and love of the breed. To create learning resources that members can use to establish successful pedigree herds and beef rearing enterprises.

The values of the Society will be lived out and communicated at all times to members. Key actions will include the following:

• Behaviour at council meetings including the signing of a code of conduct.

• Behaviour at regional meetings.

• Council members and staff setting an example at all events and meetings.

• Calling out bad behaviour when it is seen and reinforcing the values of the Society.

• Communications strategy to include a distinctive presentation of the AGREE values on email footers, show banners, meeting slides, membership packs, newsletters and website.

• A campaign to launch the initiative based around the message of ‘a new voice emerging’.

Strategy 2. Future of the breed = sustainability

To position the breed at the heart of grass fed sustainably reared beef. To launch a commercial beef scheme and evidence the breeds positioning by embracing genetic data.

Sustainability will be built around three major areas:

Social

• Farmers & producer partnership

• Beef scheme

• Link ages to retailers & consumers

• Grass fed ethics

Environmental

• Regenerative farming

• Soil health

• Grassland management

• Animal welfare

• Carbon & methane measurement

Financial

• Beef scheme

• Sustainability index = beef from grass

• Animal health

• Finishing process from 30mths to 24mths

• Profitability

To deliver this strategy the following goals and actions will be taken:

• To work closely with retailers, processors and producers to promote the breed.

• To encourage as many breeders as possible to record their data with a target of an up lift in this area of 5% in the next 5 years.

• To position the breed at the heart of forage based sustainably reared beef. To evidence this positioning with estimated breeding value (EBV), linear scoring and genomic data

To support the goal of grassfed sustainable Hereford beef, the Society set out the following goals:

• Birth weight. 40kg to 45kg

• Mature cow size. 650kg to 700kg

• Daily Liveweight Gain (DLWG). 1.2kg

• Commitment from the

Key metrics

Membership:

• Breeder

•

•

•

membership to increase data recording – Up lift of 5%

• Promotion and education of Breed Plan including Estimated Breeding Values (EBV), Linear Scoring and Genomic data.

• Promote traits for pelvic measurement for ease of calving.

• Promote docility and ease of handling index.

Strategy 3. Membership support and fun

To promote member’s welfare and mental wellbeing as a core mission of the Society. To establish a strong and positive culture, launching an affiliate commercial farmer membership and all together growing the Society to 2,000 members.

The Society is built on the love of the breed. This means that activities that focus around sharing this passion are well liked by members. These include herd visits, workshops, shows, pictures, cattle data, youth events and social activities.

Linked to the current culture, outlined in Strategy 1, members seriously dislike politics, arguments about the future of the breed, infighting, regional or interest group rivalry, cliques and poor communications.

The Society will build a membership engagement plan around the following core pillars:

YE June 2023YE June 2029

Commercial registrations per year192,000292,000

Pedigree calf registrations per year8384 ?

Beef Scheme funds £0 ?

Total funds £746,633£850,000

Net surplus

Social - Why?

Focus on enjoyment & wellbeing

• Social events

• Herd visits

• Social element linked to every gathering

Technical - What?

Focus on the animal

• Breeding data

• Performance

• Animal welfare

• Sales

• Shows

Educational - How?

Focus on sustainability

• Profitability

• Grassland

• Soil

• Regenerative farming

• Carbon & methane

Hereford Youth

Harness Hereford Youth to inspire and change the Society.

Build a programme of Social, Technical and Educational activities for Hereford Youth alongside the mainstream programme.

One-year action plan

Strategy 1

• Produce marketing material to support the messaging.

• Communication to the membership

• To ensure it becomes part of our culture

• Code of conduct for members and staff

Strategy 2

• Breed standard

• Update our breeding programme with Defra Strategy 3

• Engage better with our membership

• Look to do workshops

• Update of our website with more member information and support – Wellbeing page!

• Ensure we are emphasing the benefits for members

Wythenshawe Community Farm

Wythenshawe community farm aims to educate children and adults alike on food production and provide experiences on a commercial farm in an urban area.

Emma and Steve take a visit to fully embrace what the site has to offer.

Wythenshawe –community

Located on the edge of Manchester, Wythenshawe Park has a total of 280 acres, which is made up of many enterprises. The beautiful landscape is home to a children’s play area, baseball field, tennis courts, cycle hub and football pitches. Then there is the bee club, horticultural centre, café and of course the farm.

In 2023 there were 1.2 million

visitors to the site with a mixed demographic due to its location. Just over 75,000 of those visitors went to the farm alone. The best part about this attraction is the fee – it’s free!

Wythenshawe – farm

Last year’s president Allen Massey has been working on the farm as a manager for twenty-seven years, a role he takes very seriously. Alongside Allen there is one other full-time worker, two part time staff and seasonal casual staff. Allen, as

the manager was responsible for designing the farm centre, project management developments and implementing the education centre and facilities.

This working farm is dedicated to offering a genuine, hands-on experience of farm life by opening its doors to visitors, volunteers, and educational groups. From April to October, the farm is open daily from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm, and during the winter months, it stays open until 3:00 pm. The farm’s ethos is rooted in making the

Farm Facts

• 25 Hereford cows

• 140 acres grassland

• Further 120 acres rented on the edge of Cheshire

• Hereford prefix Wythen

• Stock bull – Maxstoke 1 Archie

• Herefords slaughtered at 15-16 months of age for the farm shop

agricultural process transparent and accessible, allowing guests to see firsthand how a real farm operates. Seasonal educational boards around the farm offer fascinating insights into farming practices, livestock care, and the natural rhythms of the agricultural cycle.

Volunteers, education and community spirit

Volunteers are essential to the day-to-day operations of this commercially managed farm, with between 30 and 40 individuals actively on the books at any given time. The volunteer team includes both retired adults looking for meaningful ways to spend their time and young people eager to gain hands-on work experience in agriculture.

This group creates a strong sense of community, and through their involvement, the farm offers valuable opportunities for people to gain skills and experience within the agricultural industry.

The farm plays an important role

in supporting local education, with placement students from colleges such as Myerscough and Reaseheath coming for their compulsory work experience. Manchester College also contributes, with a member of staff on an animal care course completing their work placement at the farm.

The farm is also a welcoming space for individuals with additional needs and disabilities, offering respite and the chance to engage in hands-on experiences they may not otherwise have. Many of the student volunteers who pass through this program go on to pursue careers in agriculture, either on farms or within the wider industry

In 2000, a 180-acre dairy farm was rented to accommodate an increase in cow numbers, which helped generate additional income for the business. The expansion was made possible thanks to the generous support of local feed companies, who helped manage feed costs by offering reduced prices and flexible payment plans. Local businesses also played a crucial role, providing surplus food waste—such as vegetables—free of charge to feed the cattle and pigs. This collaborative spirit from the community enabled Wythenshawe to remain financially self-sufficient while steadily growing the business.

Hereford Influence

The Hereford breed has been the financial backbone of the farm. With the farm not being council-

owned, it was essential for the operation to remain self-sufficient, and the Hereford cattle played a crucial role in ensuring this independence. Herefords were first introduced in 1996 with Clive and Sylvia Richards of the Lower Hope herd donating the farms first cow LowerHope 1 Coronation. Following this act of kindness, and sparking excitement, Dendor 1 Gladioli 2nd from Dennis and Aled of the Jones family was purchased. Sired by Costhorpe 1 Destiny, these cows became the foundation of the herd. Gladioli was selected from twenty other females, in the Welsh hills and displayed all the traits attributed to a Hereford, docility, hardiness and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The added bonus was she was halter broken and so a showing debut was made.

As the showing bug gathered momentum so were the volunteers. Awards won within the North of England association competitions and shows started to line the office

shelves. For the first few years, AI was used on the cows as part of their breeding program. Once a substantial number of cows were on the farm, Barbern 1 Ultra Red was purchased. He provided a good and consistent stamp across his progeny. He also ventured into the show ring and won Cheshire and Great Yorkshire show respectively. Bulls are changed every two to three years and in the late 1990’s Dendor 1 Bonanza was bought in to take the helm. He was used across the nine pedigree cows for future breeding but also on black and white commercial dairy cross cows, providing a stable and reliable source of income.

Herefords on TV

The 90’s proved to be a successful year for Wythenshawe as not only did the breeding programme continue, exciting opportunities presented themselves in the form of television work. The Herefords were featured in films, on adverts and with our very own Hereford girl Sara Cox on a magazine style show. The extra revenue this provided secured further expansion for the community farm. The farm’s success with livestock led to further opportunities, including the farm’s poultry being featured in the film Robin Hood.

Farm Shop

Opening just before covid, the farm shop wanted to sell a small selection of produce. Wythenshawe farm shop then unfortunately had to close due to the pandemic. It later reopened

and is now growing from strength to strength supplying local visitors the opportunity to purchase home grown Hereford beef, sausages from Large White x Welsh pigs plus lamb which is outsourced but locally grown.

Other offerings include seasonal products such as pumpkins with carving events for the children and Christmas trees. Around 450 trees are sold each year, plus wreaths and other Christmas gifts. Local jams and honey are very popular, as is the eggs from the hens and vegetables grown on site. The shop has proved to be very popular with the regular farm visitors, but the customer base come from Manchester which is 9 miles away. Sales increase over the school holidays with 2 -3 Herefords going through the shop in the summer.

Future ambitions

Since its establishment in 1984, Wythenshawe Farm has come a

long way, evolving into a thriving, self-sustaining enterprise deeply rooted in its community. But there are still many ambitions and visions that Allen and his team wish to achieve. The first being building more sheds. This would provide a much-needed muck store, due to ever changing government regulations. It would also free up some space and allow show and sale bulls the luxury of single accommodation.

Increasing visitor numbers is also high on the agenda. The target is to reach the 100,000 mark. Manchester council will help to promote this milestone, and the expanding Facebook presence also assists in engaging followers in the daily farm antics and farm shop offerings. This will not only expand the reach to non-farming families, but will help educating children on where their food comes from and hopefully entice them to sample the home grown produce.

Finally, one of Allen’s goals is for his team and volunteers to assist with showing the farm’s cattle at local agricultural shows. Not only is the hard work at home enjoyable, but it becomes even more rewarding when rosettes are won. These successes also have a positive impact on the farm’s shop sales, particularly when the animals come from a prize-winning herd.

It is clear that from visitor attraction numbers and farm shop sales, this urban commercial farm certainly bridges the gap between the urban and rural divide.

World Hereford Conference

The World Hereford Conference is a prestigious event that takes place every four years, bringing together Hereford cattle breeders, enthusiasts, and industry experts from all corners of the globe. Each conference provides a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, discussing advancements in breeding practices, and celebrating the Hereford breed’s significance in the global agricultural landscape.

The next World Hereford Conference is in October 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas and will be an incredible event for anyone involved in or passionate about Hereford cattle. It is a great opportunity for Hereford breeders to experience all that the American agricultural industry and hospitality has to offer. It is a great opportunity to engage in discussions that will shape the future of Hereford cattle production.

See opposite for a brief Schedule and keep an eye out for news in our e-newsletter Hereford Happenings and website throughout the next few months.

WHC UK 2028

The UK hosting the World Hereford Conference in 2028 is a huge milestone, and it’s especially exciting that it will coincide with the 150th anniversary celebrations of Hereford cattle in the UK. It’s going to be a momentous occasion, not only for Hereford breeders but also for the wider agricultural community. The UK has a long and rich history with Hereford cattle, and this 150-year celebration is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the breed’s contributions to the agricultural industry, its evolution over the years, and its continued importance in modern farming practices.

With the UK being the birthplace of the Hereford breed, the conference will provide a great opportunity to showcase the country’s innovative breeding practices. Delegates will likely have the chance to visit Hereford farms across the UK and see how UK breeders are continuing to lead the way in genetics, cattle welfare, and sustainable farming practices. There will be gala dinners, ceremonial speeches, and other celebratory moments designed to honour the legacy of Hereford cattle and the people who have worked to improve and promote the breed over the years.

WHC 2028 Organising Committee

Chairman – Matthew

Rollason

Mike Shaw

Ben Lewis

Emma Edwards

Mark Roberts

James Ludgate

David Makin

Statement

The UK Hereford Cattle Society is delighted to announce that the 2028 World Hereford Conference will be hosted by the United Kingdom.

This historic milestone, marks the 150th anniversary of the world’s first recognised Hereford breed society, established under the patronage of Queen Victoria in 1878.

Taking place in the summer months of June and July, the 20th World Hereford Conference will be a forum for cattle breeders and industry professionals to explore the homeland of this iconic British breed and discover its unique heritage and attributes that continue to connect the global cattle community. While celebrating our past, there will a strong emphasis on the important role Hereford genetics have to play in the sustainable beef systems of the future, with science and innovation at the heart of the conference.

Delegates will be treated to an exciting itinerary that will feature some of the UK’s most established and progressive Hereford herds, as well as leading agricultural shows, technical seminars, social events and young breeder competitions.

We look forward to sharing more details when possible and hope you will be able to join old friends and new, in the United Kingdom in 2028.

Matthew Rollason

Organising Committee

Chairman

Past World Hereford Conferences Gallery

WORLD HEREFORD CONFERENCE

BRIEF SCHEDULE

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country Young Breeders Competition, Manhattan, Kan.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country Young Breeders Competition, Manhattan, Kan.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

Pre-tour | Herefords in Big Sky Country Young Breeders Competition, Manhattan, Kan.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

World Hereford Conference Welcome Reception, Kansas City, Mo. Young Breeders Competition, Kansas City, Mo.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

World Hereford Conference Sessions, Kansas City, Mo. Young Breeders Competition, Kansas City, Mo.

Herefords in big sky country

Oct. 16 – 21, 2025

Breathtaking wideopen spaces and skies stretching for miles encapsulates the beauty of Montana. This pretour will take attendees on an experience seeing Hereford cattle, agriculture history and U.S. landmarks.

Sandhills Sights ANd Mountain views

Oct. 26 – 29, 2025

The sandy soil coupled with the rolling hills have deemed the land of Nebraska the Sandhills. Attendees will depart Kansas City, Mo., on a scenic drive through the Sandhills and will complete the tour taking in astonishing mountain views.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

World Hereford Conference Sessions, Kansas City, Mo. Young Breeders Competition, Kansas City, Mo.

World Hereford Conference Closing Reception, Kansas City, Mo.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

American Hereford Association Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Mo. Young Breeders Fitting and Showing Competition, Kansas City, Mo.

American Royal National Junior Hereford Show, Kansas City, Mo.

International Genetics Sale, Kansas City, Mo

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025

American Royal National Hereford Show, Kansas City, Mo. Depart for Post-tours

Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

Post-tour | Sandhills Sights and Mountain Views Post-tour | Southbound to Cowtown

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

Post-tour | Sandhills Sights and Mountain Views Post-tour | Southbound to Cowtown

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Post-tour | Sandhills Sights and Mountain Views Post-tour | Southbound to Cowtown

Southbound to Cowtown

Oct. 26 – 29, 2025

History and Herefords mixed with some of the most iconic stops on any tourist’s agenda. Flying south to Cowtown, attendees will make stops in the Lone Star and Sooner states on their way to Oklahoma City, Okla.

Young Breeders Competition

Oct. 19 – 26, 2025

Each country represented at the World Hereford Conference can bring a team of four young breeders to take part in the Young Breeders Competition hosted at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., Oct. 19 – 22, 2025, and Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 22 – 26, 2025.

Mental health in Agriculture

Mental health challenges are a growing concern within the agricultural and rural sectors.

Stigma Around Mental Health

In many agricultural communities, there may still be a stigma surrounding mental health issues, with many people feeling that they must “tough it out” and not seek help. It is a growing concern in the UK, with farmers and those working in the sector facing unique challenges that can impact their well-being. In particular, the agricultural community has a higher rate of suicide compared to other industries, which has led to increased awareness and efforts to address these issues. In fact, in 2023 there were 36 suicides registered (Office of National Statistics).

Farmers in the UK are some of the

most resilient and experienced, but this industry is still one of the most hazardous to be in, accounting for 1% of workers but having a huge 18% fatality rate (HSE). That equates to a massive loss to the industry but most importantly, loved ones, friends and family.

One of our members Nigel Owens knows only too well the pressures of farming, balancing jobs and prioritising family. Here he tells us a little about his mental health experiences.

‘What people need to realise with mental health is it can affect anyone, and if left untreated it can be a silent killer. The sooner you accept and identify the issues, the more chance you have with recovering. I have found with my own personal experiences that once I worked out what the causes were I was then able to do something about it. You must learn to deal with self-acceptance, don’t be afraid to ask for advice and learn to speak up. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, as the more people that reach out and admit they’re struggling, the more stories that are shared the more other

people will see it is ok, and it will encourage others to open up’. Nigel Owens, Mairwen Herefords.

This reluctance to talk about mental health can prevent individuals from reaching out for the support they need. However, there are many charities out there that offer workshops and counselling services, provide support networks and financial support.

Will Evans, a farmer from Hexham, father of four girls and a Farmers Weekly columnist has openly spoken about his personal struggles.

‘I’ve been very encouraged lately about how far the conversation around poor mental health in farming has advanced. No longer do people talk about it in hushed tones or behind closed doors like it’s something to be ashamed of; instead, it’s widely and openly discussed at meetings, conferences, and in the farming press, letting individuals who are struggling know that it’s ok to feel like that, and they’re not on their own. You’d seek help if you were physically ill, so why wouldn’t you if you’re mentally ill too. I did, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, my family, and our farm’. Will Evans, farmer.

Many factors contribute to the

Nigel Owens

Will Evans

increasing rates of mental health struggles among farmers, livestock breeders, and those in rural communities.

Volatile Weather Conditions:

Extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and unpredictable climate patterns, can cause significant stress for farmers. These conditions directly impact crop yields, livestock health, and the overall productivity of farms, leading to financial instability and heightened anxiety.

Loneliness and Rural Isolation:

Many individuals working in agriculture live in remote areas, which can lead to feelings of isolation. The lack of social interaction and support networks can intensify mental health issues, making it difficult for individuals to reach out for help or share their struggles.

Farm Inheritance Tax: The recent introduction and pressure of farm inheritance tax can add another layer of stress. Succession planning and the passing down of family farms is a complex issue, and the financial burden of inheritance tax can create tensions between family members and potentially threaten the future of farming operations.

Economic Pressures: Farmers are also often at the mercy of fluctuating market prices for their products. This unpredictability can lead to significant financial stress, making it difficult to plan for the future or secure a stable income. Add to this the rising cost of inputs like feed, fuel, and equipment, and the financial pressure becomes even more intense.

Workload and Physical Strain:

The demands of farming can be physically and mentally exhausting. Long hours, heavy physical labour, and the constant need to be available for animals and crops can lead to burnout, which contributes to mental health struggles.

www.yellowwellies.org

Campaigns to get involved with

In particular, the agricultural community has a higher rate of suicide compared to other industries, which has led to increased awareness and efforts to address these issues. Initiatives like Farm Safety Foundation’s “Mind Your Head” campaign and The Farm Mental Health Network aim to provide support, raise awareness, and reduce stigma around mental health in farming.

Various charities and organizations, such as The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Farming Community Network (FCN), provide confidential support and resources to those struggling with mental health issues.

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is a charity that provides support to farmers and farmworkers across the UK. RABI offers both financial and practical assistance, ensuring that those in need within the farming community have access to the help they deserve, regardless of their age or circumstances.

The Farming Community Network

This is a voluntary charity that provides support to farmers,

agricultural workers, and their families across the UK. They offer a broad range of assistance, covering mental health, physical health, family issues, and more.

FCN’s main focus is to support people working in the farming community who might be struggling with various challenges— whether it’s the stresses of farm life, financial difficulties, health issues, or family pressures.

You Are Not Alone (YANA)

Offers mental health support for people involved in farming and other rural businesses.

Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies)

This organisation works throughout the UK to address both farm safety and mental health, aiming to reduce fatalities and injuries while

also tackling the stigma around mental health within the farming community.

DPJ Foundation

This foundation provides crucial support to people in agriculture and rural communities who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Founded in 2016, the DPJ Foundation works to raise awareness about mental health in farming and rural communities, and it offers a range of services to help those in need.

We Are Farming Minds

We Are Farming Minds is a fantastic initiative that focuses specifically on raising mental health awareness within the Herefordshire agricultural community. The charity was created to address the mental health challenges faced by those working in farming and rural communities in the region. Remember - If you ever need help, to talk or just seek advice then don’t be afraid to reach out to any of these listed organisations – they will only be too happy to help. Talk to friends and remember someone is only a phone call away.

Mallowburn Herefords

From the Northumberland hills

The Humble stockman

For many stockmen, their job involves long hours, physically demanding work, and a continual learning process to adapt to changing conditions and techniques.

A stockman’s role is much more than just a job - it’s a dedication to the land, the livestock, the employer, and the agricultural way of life. Their commitment extends far beyond day-to-day tasks, encompassing a deep sense of responsibility toward animal welfare, the success of the farm or estate, and the broader agricultural community. Often, the efforts of stockmen can be overlooked, yet their contributions are vital to the productivity and sustainability of farming operations.

Here we look at two long standing stockmen, stalwarts of the breed, where they shed a little insight into their careers and extended farming families.

Gerald Cox

On the 4th August 1954, Gerald was born in a farm workers cottage at Free Town, Hereford. His father Albert was an under stockman working there at the time and his mother worked on the land, alongside other employees’ wives, helping with any seasonal work that was required. Because of this, he spent many days with his brothers on the farm entertaining themselves in the hops and apple fields, playing games and probably causing some mischief!

Aged 14, he was approached by Mrs Bradstock asking whether

he would like a Saturday morning job in the summer, working in the gardens. The job evolved into the winter where he found himself in the cellar, splitting blocks, filling log baskets and keeping everything topped up.

‘I was considering a future of becoming a chef, due to my love of cooking, but it seemed life had other plans for me’

At just 15 years old, Gerald left school and immediately immersed himself in the hard work of hauling straw bales during the summer months. As the harvest season came to an end, he transitioned into hop picking, which showcased his willingness to work and learn. His dedication and strong work ethic didn’t go unnoticed, and before long, he was offered a permanent, full-time position. This marked the start of Gerald’s journey at Free Town.

Working alongside his brother Des gave him great pleasure and they would both frequently help with the cattle including mucking out ten bull pens, three calf houses and calf pens every day. The head stockman at the time was Ed Groves and he frequently requested Des and Geralds assistance in exercising the bulls on long walks, alongside their dad, making it a real family affair. Work was hard with chopping down kale in the snow to feed out wintered cattle, and collecting mangles from the fields to bring in for the housed cattle.

I worked a 44-hour week, and I earnt £5.50. In comparison today, I can earn that and more by 9am Monday morning.

After fifty years’ service, Ed Groves retired and Geralds father became the head stockman, making Gerald the understudy, learning from his father. Most of his time was taken up with cattle work, with some

Gerald Cox was presented with an award to recognise 50 years of service at Free Town Herefords

assistance on the farm. Showing cattle was part of this routine and Geralds first show was at Shropshire and West Midlands. The memories, guidance, large volumes of whiskey and overall stockmanship paved the way for Gerald and his showing career. Lifelong friends were made, some have since passed but many stockmen are still here with him today.

Following continuous ill health, Gerald took the helm from his father as head stockman, something he was very proud to do. Mr Tom Bradstock assumed this would be the case and welcomed him, with Gerald having the privilege of showing many animals under the Free Town prefix, winning many accolades including the National Horned Show and the Royal.

A huge achievement was taking Free Town Maximus and Free Town Praise to the Royal Show and winning both the male and female championships consecutively, with Maximus and Tom Bradstock taking the overall supreme championship.

To see Mr Bradstock tapped out as supreme champion, the man who gave me the opportunity to have this as a career, was a very proud moment.

Since his employment at Free Town, eleven full time workers have now gone, with Gerald being the only employee, alongside Richard and Tony. The farm has doubled in size, and so has the introduction of machinery and diversification. Gerald has always had a home on the farm, and in 1985 he

married Shirley Jenkins, where she soon moved into the workers cottage, and a year later their twin daughters, Rebecca and Dawn were born, causing Gerald more sleepless nights than cows calving!

Over the years Gerald has experienced many highs and lows. The funniest and most painful low was losing arm muscle off the bone, thanks to a lamb jumping up and hitting him, which resulted in surgery to put him back together. An amazing high was leading an impeccably behaved bull through the streets of Ledbury in a carnival – what a sight to see.

Educating the next generation has always been a passion of his and stems back to his fortunate start and he has been involved with the Elms School in Colwall for over twenty years. Staff member Toni Spatcher first approached Gerald regarding showing, and in particular two heifers. After Gerald’s guidance these two heifers took home the junior female and reserve female championships, and cemented a relationship and showing passion between the two.

Gerald owes his fitness to riding his bicycle half a mile each way to the farm and has done so since the beginning. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2017, but thanks to the prompt surgery and location of the cancer it was soon nipped in the bud, and has not returned.

Just as well as in 2019 a grandchild

was born and Florence, whose love for Herefords matches her grandads, but is it any wonder when her bedroom is the one that Gerald was born in?

Gerald has completed a total of fifty five years’ service at Free Town, making memories and breeding cattle – something he fondly thinks about.

Steve Edwards

Born in 1947 in Hereford, Steve was raised by his two aunties in Leominster, which was as far removed from the typical rural upbringing that might have set him on the path to an agricultural career. Despite this non-farming background, Steve went on to have one of the most successful careers within the Hereford breed, making significant contributions to the industry. His achievements in Hereford cattle breeding have made a lasting impact, and he is known for his dedication and innovative approaches to the livestock sector.

As a teenager, he gained practical experience on local farms, which likely laid the foundation for his later success in the breed and broader agricultural industry.

His early duties such as milking cows, feeding calves, and helping with steers and fat stock for commercial showing, gave him hands on knowledge of livestock management, which would have been invaluable as he developed his career. These early years provided him with insights into animal care, breeding practices, and the commercial aspects of farming. John Dryden the manager, became his mentor and helped to shape Steves future.

It was also at this time he met Sandra, who then went on to become his wife, life-long partner and supporter. Many a time Sandra was persuaded to help Steve on the farm and became excellent at holding a torch to allow Steve to clip cattle for local fatstock shows. These mixed farming enterprises also kept racehorses, and often Steve would assist with all the duties that were associated with the preparation and training for point-

to-point races. Steve is still now an avid fan of this sport and enjoys reading books on the horses and trainers that make this competitive industry what it is. Not too dissimilar to the world of showing!

Steve’s path into the world of Hereford cattle continued to take shape thanks to his connection with Sandra and her family. Sandra’s father, who was the head mechanic at Eyton Hall Estate worked for Frank Dale and played the next key role in his development. Living in a tied house on the estate, Sandra’s family was closely connected to the estate’s farming operations, which included Hereford cattle.

Another pivotal opportunity at Beaudesert Herefords in Hockley Heath where Miss Poole offered Steve a job, proved to be highly successful. During his time with Beaudesert Herefords, Steve’s dedication and skill helped him achieve notable successes at bull sales, where he won championships. These victories not only raised the profile of the herd but also established Steve as a talented stockman within the Hereford community.

Additionally, his success at showing cattle brought home many awards, which further cemented his reputation as a skilled breeder and exhibitor. These victories at agricultural shows demonstrated his expertise in selecting and presenting top-quality Hereford cattle.

As a result of his growing recognition, Steve began to attract the attention of other breeders and stockmen, which opened the door to even more opportunities, making him a sought-after individual.

Pictured at the National Hereford Show 2011, Gerald Cox with the Senior Male and Grand Male Champion Free Town Fortune discussing form with Judge, John O'Connor

Roy Bradshaw was next in line to offer him a job proposition with a Hereford herd in Lincolnshire but unfortunately the living accommodation was too far in distance from the farm. The practicalities of raising a family on the farm began to take on more importance as two young boys, Tim and Richard, and the considerations of their schooling became another focus. Roy had no hard feelings and accepted Steve and Sandras decision to not accept the offer, and he recommended him to another up-and-coming breeder Mr Harry Coates. Roy facilitated a job interview and soon the Edwards’ found themselves living in Cosby, Leicestershire and taking on the herd in 1977.

On his arrival there were roughly 100 cows and Steve improved and developed the herd through his vision over the duration of many years. Harry trusted his judgement and allowed him to experiment with genetics.

A defining moment in the herds breeding program came in 1981, when the Coates family, under Steves guidance made the decision to import the bull Remitall Monarch from Canada, marking a turning point in the herd’s development. It was a bold move helping to introduce new and improved genetic traits into the herd, which would have long-term benefits in terms of size, performance, and overall quality. The impact of Remitall Monarch was immediate and by the end of that summer, team Costhorpe had achieved exceptional success in the show ring by winning the Royal Highland, the Royal and the Royal Welsh shows consecutively.

Remitall Monarch went to even greater heights in 1982 by winning both the Royal Show and the Poll Show, making them prestigious victories.

His genetic program became increasingly renowned for producing high quality, growthy cattle that consistently performed well in show rings and in bull sales across the country. In 1989, additional Canadian semen was introduced, and Remitall Teamster

came into the herd, another significant move that further enhanced the genetic diversity and quality of the cattle. Another noteworthy bull that made advancements was PRL Riser, and in one year three animals, all won their classes at the Royal which were all sired by this bull.

In 1995, the Canadian genetics in Hereford breeding truly began to make their mark, with the birth of the newest bull, Costhorpe 1 New Edition. This was a significant milestone for both Harry and Steve. The bull quickly became one of the standout sires in their herd with New Edition being a powerful representation of both Harry’s passion for Herefords and Steve’s expertise. The result was a bull whose offspring would go on to excel in both commercial and pedigree breeding.

‘I firmly believe that the Canadian semen rescued the breed, with in my opinion the best bull I ever bred being Costhorpe 1 New Edition’

Over the years this imported semen allowed the Coates family to reach new heights and break records, however other breeders were in hot pursuit. By Steves own admission and ably ‘advised’ by his protégé Richard, three of the other highly admired home bred bulls were Voyager (a Doonbiddie Hustler son), Klondyke and Diamond. With all the success, however, came the lows, as only a true stockman can experience and in 2007 the Costhorpe herd disbanded, after his thirty years of service. That didn’t come without new highs though as new breeder Pete Cobley bought the herd and so the Kinglee Herd was born.

Steve wasn’t short of work, and although Sandra was considering early retirement, he had other ideas! And so began the next stage of his career as a freelance stockman. He advised Mr Cobley on the breeding behind the cows and slowly over time he condensed the herd size down to a manageable and quality driven unit. His efforts hadn’t gone unnoticed and began assisting Ernie Colledge of the Hawkesbury herd, quickly getting results with Ernie winning the Royal with two females. This put Steve Edwards total Royal championships up to ten, winning with eight males and two females.

Steve continues to use his knowledge and expertise to assist and guide new and existing breeders around the country and further afield.

Commitment, contribution and loyalty

The careers of both Gerald and Steve are a testament to the value of commitment and passion in the agricultural industry. They demonstrate that the true success of any farm or breeding program is down to their dedicated work, and stockmen who may not always be in the spotlight, but whose efforts are vital to the farm’s long-term success.

The dedication shown over many years to the Hereford breed and their employers truly characterises the commitment and hard work that can sometimes be underappreciated of these humble stockmen.

Steve Edwards with 1985 Royal Show Champion Remitall Monarch and owner Harry Coates being presented with the trophy by President Ray Westaway

The Polled Hereford Story

by Clive Davies

The American Polled Hereford project commenced one hundred and twenty five years ago, it is seventy five years since their introduction in Britain and seventy years ago that the first importations were made to forward plans at home. These happenings are topics that have involved brave decisions, much hard work and created success. Some associated events are brought together here in a timeline. Throughout, the naming prefixes, 1, 2 and 3 are used to identify the various strains of cattle.

1900

Warren Gammon, a farmer and lawyer of Des Moines, Iowa, USA contacted 2500 American Hereford breeders to request information of any pure bred cattle that had naturally developed without horns. He had earlier seen a display of polled beef cattle at an exhibition and in considering some of the theories of Shrewsbury born, Charles Darwin was interested in pursuing the challenge of developing the Hereford breed following these principles.

1950

Fifty years into the project Polled Hereford genetics had spread to most parts of the beef producing world and were having an impact. They had not yet been introduced to the UK or Ireland but a group of British breeders, centred around the Welsh Border were forming their own plans and using the Galloway bull, Ambassador of Knocknarling, to develop a British-type hornless Hereford. Over a fifteen month period from January 1951, he produced eight bull calves and fourteen heifer calves from five participating well respected herds. One bull calf and one heifer were used to develop the programme, they being mated to horned Herefords. At about the same time a small group of farmers in Gloucestershire managed to acquire and import some semen from the American born Polled bull, CMR Advance Domino 81. This experiment resulted in a bull calf and he was named, Coln Arthur. Both of these projects were assisted by the famed animal physiologist, John Hammond. Over the next few years both of these projects gained momentum and interest grew. The work began to effect some changes and developments within both the Hereford Herd Book Society (HHBS), as the Hereford Cattle Society was originally known, and within Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, that then existed. Both entities were watching progress and had to agree that the developments had a future. Over the next few years The British Polled Hereford cattle gained numbers and also plans were made for the importation of breeding animals of the American strain.

1901

Gammon identified thirteen cattle of Hereford breeding that were hornless. These founded the Polled Hereford Registry and were used to help create the breed. Two early influences were the bulls, Giant and Variation.

1911

Warren Gammon had ran the administration for the cattle breeders involved but now handed over the affairs to his son, Bert O Gammon who continued in the capacity of Secretary until he retired in 1946 by when the Polled Hereford headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri were established.

British Polled bull, Wroxall 3 Domino (2nd generation)

1955 1956

It was deemed for several reasons and mainly relating to those of animal health status that New Zealand would be the best country from which to source Polled Hereford stock. In September of 1955 a bull and three heifers arrived. The bull, Toko Excelsior, was homed near Berkhamsted on a farm ran by the animal health company, Cooper, McDougall & Robertson Ltd. He was to be used on mainly horned bred cows to produce the first generation of Polled offspring. Meanwhile the British Polled Hereford project continued with the first aim being pursued of attaining fourth generation progeny, 15/16 Hereford.

1958 1957

The first Poll Hereford export. Grafton 1 Roland from His Grace the Duke of Grafton to what was then called, Southern Rhodesia. Over the next few years other breeders sent animals to Africa, South America and Europe.

From July 1st the HHBS took control of all record keeping associated with all groups.

The fortunes of the Poll Hereford breeding project, in using the cattle derived from Coln Arthur and the imported animals, were encouraged by the group known as The Poll Hereford Breeders of Great Britain Ltd. They had maintained the early breeding records registry and at Thame Show in September of this year staged the first exhibition of Poll Herefords. The day’s champion was Coln 2 Bachelor, a three year old son of Coln 2 Arthur. Earlier in the year a ‘one off’ importation of twenty two Polled Herefords from America had arrived. During the next few years further stock were imported from Australia, New Zealand and especially Canada that over time have supplied the biggest numbers.

1959 1960

Knightwick 3 Count, bred by T L Walker & Son, Worcester, a fourth generation animal became the first polled bull to be awarded a first prize at the HHBS October Show and Sale at Hereford from a class of 34 entries. He sold at 510gns to Galtee Breeding Station, Ireland.

A major year for the sales of Poll Herefords. At HHBS April Sale two bulls made four figure prices. First prized, Harnhill 1 Tim was bought by Bob Carrington of Bishopstone, Hereford at 2000gns and Harnhill 1 Rip sold at 1200gns to Cerezo Estates and Farming Co Ltd of Newark Nottinghamshire. Both bulls had been sired by BPF Pawnee Perfect and consigned by R G Henley of Cirencester. Interest was growing.

This was just the start, however. On 16th May due to company changes the herd amassed at Berkhamsted was sold on farm. The result was a Breed record dispersal sale average, 84 lots of Poll Herefords levelling at £699 16s. There were nineteen four figured priced animals. The top was 3400gns for the Canadian import, Starway 37K bred by B B Warnica. This senior bull went to Lord Brocket, Aldersend. Tarrington, Hereford. Brocket claimed several lots, so did many other breeders. They were keen to acquire these imported bloodlines but without the need to go through the hoops of direct importation. In October, F J Honor of Eastleach Ltd, Cirencester organised a reduction sale and there the 91 lots sold, imports and homebred, averaged £355, again with cattle going in all directions. It proved a very successful year, not only in business terms but probably more importantly with getting the project moving.

American import, BPF Pawnee Perfect

1962

At the HHBS April Sale, which was strangely held on 1st May, the Poll Hereford bull, Kingsfield 1 Star, consigned by famed livestock supplies company, Osmond & Sons Ltd of Grimbsy, won the Championship. He was purchased for the equal top price of the day by Major G North of the Tiverton Herd for 800gns, The overall sale average was just short of £197 for 239 sold. 36 polled bulls made up of both strains had sold to average £230 11s 3d. Conclusion, several steps forward!

1967

The heifer, North Clifton 1 Lass 14th bred and exhibited by Cerezo Estates Ltd of Newark, was adjudged Female Champion at the English Royal and was also awarded the breed’s Female of the Year Trophy. She was sired by one of the top American bulls imported, the £8000, Gay Hills Victor 46. In September the National Poll Hereford Show was expanded and moved to Moretonin-Marsh. The leading Scottish stock breeder, Bob Adam of Newhouse fame judged and the Champion was Windycote 1 Preston exhibited by Frank Gittoes and family of Talgarth, Brecon.

1969 1970

To conclude a decade of great development the steer, Crickley 1 Balzer from Oscar Colburn and family, Gloucestershire won the Supreme Championship at The Royal Smithfield Show.

The first British Polled semen was exported, to Denmark. There was a positive start to the decade that would see rapid expansion of UK polled cattle numbers and often through the conversion of horned herds taking in polled genetics. Many of these ‘first cross’ animals were highly regarded.

1973

Knightwick 3 Ganger was sold at 1020gns at HHBS January Sale to T E Gwillim & Son, Ffostill, Talgarth, this being the first British Polled four figured transaction and acquired to develop the Tyrbryn Herd.

1963 1965

Ganho 3 Valiant was the first British Polled bull to be exported. He was shipped to Bulgaria.

1972

Knightwick 3 Crosby, sired by the horned bull, Atok Kruger was awarded the Breed and Beef Interbreed Championships at The Three Counties Show at Malvern. Picton 3 Monarch was the winner of the young bull class at Malvern and a few weeks later at the English Royal Show. At 10 months of age he weighed 1130lbs (515kgs). Additionally, young bulls of this strain were regularly performing very satisfactorily at central testing stations, demonstrating well above average growth rates.

At the Royal Show, the yearling bull, Crickley 1 Diffident became Reserve Male and Reserve Supreme Champion. The Crickley Herd also took both Group of Three classes. Diffident was also Supreme Champion at The National Poll Show and in October was sold in a Herd Production Sale, at Crickley Barrow. He was the top seller at 6500gns and for the sixty-one head sold, the event returned the average price of just over £1146. This result was the third highest to date after the famed sales at the Vern in 1961 and 1966. The Poll Herefords were firmly on the map!

Tyrbryn 3 Impartial was awarded the Breed Championship at the Royal Ulster Show. He was the first polled animal to take the award and exhibited by J Hall Fraser who had established the Glencrow Herd in 1961. The herd would have similar success the following year with a young home-bred bull, Brigadier, a son of Impartial.

BC 1 Kindle was Reserve Male Champion at the English Royal from a breed entry of 237 animals. Bred by Bob Carrington of Bishopstone, Hereford he was exhibited by David Standerwick of Devon. At the National Poll Show, this bull was Supreme Champion with BC 1 Leonard the runner-up. One week later, Leonard was Supreme Champion at Kington, the first Poll to win at the historic event that had fielded Hereford Cattle classes since 1919.

North Clifton 1 Lass

1974

With the Kington success and Supreme wins at Shropshire and Royal Highland, BC 1 Leonard was crowned the Hereford Bull of the Year. The first Poll bull to achieve this award, presented since 1955. British Polled bulls much dominated the busy Edinburgh October Sale taking Champion and Reserve in the show and selling well considering that autumn’s commercial beef trade was in the doldrums. 244 Hereford bulls sold there to average £591. Five of the British Polled strain won classes with ten sold at four figures. The event’s top seller at 1600gns was the Reserve Champion, Tyrbryn 3 Mizer bred by the Gwillims but exhibited by John Tait of Midlothian. The Champion, Hyde 3 Hercules from E B Walker & Co of Worcestershire sold at 1400gns.

1975

For the first time The Big Cup at the January Sale was won by a Poll bull, Beaudesert 1 Hypericum. Exhibited by Annette Hardy of Hockley Heath, Warwickshire and presented by Steve Edwards. This team had come close to such success during the previous two years and maintained their reputation by selling at 3000gns. During the summer show season, Beaudesert 1 Jubilant was a consistent performer and took the Reserve Male Championship at The English Royal.

September witnessed one of the most significant phases of modern-day British Hereford breeding, although not so widely acknowledged at the time. Jonathan Fox, the famed breeder from Justamere, Canada had been appointed to judge at both The National Poll Hereford Show and Kington. He was looking out for cattle with a bit more growth and certainly less waste than had hitherto been acceptable. His winners were mobile and clean lined. The three year old heifer, Crickley 1 Primrose 22nd was Female and Supreme Champion coming from H A Colburn & Son of Northleach, whilst the Canadian bred, RW Beau Blazer 18B, exhibited by B Blandford & Sons of Ledbury, Herefordshire took the male honours on his only showring appearance. At Kington the Moreton Reserve Male Champion, BC 1 Nicola was promoted to top spot, exhibited by the pioneering Herefordian, Bob Carrington. Young bulls from Crickley dominated the junior male sections at both events, most of these winners, like Primrose carrying the breeding of the homebred Crickley 1 Progress who carries three crosses of BPF Pawnee Perfect. Seasoned winners were left in the wake but the experience, although quite controversial then was a sign of the times ahead: the need for greater efficiency.

At the October sales at Edinburgh, Hubert Gwillim, Ffostill offered a consignment of strong British Polled bulls. Four of them were exhibited in one class of 39 entries and remarkably took the top four placings. The best of them, this class winner topped at 1400gns and the eight he brought out averaged £1150. E B Walker of the Hyde Herd sold their five British

BC 1 Leonard

Crickley 1 Progress

1975

(continued)

Polled bulls to average 1375gns these topping at 3000gns with Hyde 3 Jupiter, taken by breed stalwart, Lady Marion Philipps of Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire. The overall sale average was £801 for the 270 bulls sold. The British Polled strain had a great following in northern Britain and undoubtedly due to the qualities it possessed from its Galloway ancestry. For another ten years or so many chose what these cattle could offer but over time and not least because of the change to what became the more fashionable cattle, their numbers reduced but the strain did not disappear.

1976

Polled bulls were performing well at the sales. At Balmoral in Northern Ireland the McMordie family were getting into their stride taking the Championships at events and at the February Sale of 180 entries were the first to break the four figure barrier when their bull, Solpoll 1 Jingo made 1080gns. Whilst, at Edinburgh in October, the breed sold 279 bulls to average £1005, the first four figure average. Top price was Windycote 1 Knight from Frank Gittoes. He sold at 5500gns, a centre record. Fellow Breconock breeder, Hubert Gwillim was not to be left out, this time he sold his eight bulls for 12400gns! However, bear in mind that in this era UK inflation rates were around and about 12% per annum and the bank base rates well into double figures!

1981

1978

The Poll Hereford cattle were still regularly coming to the top of the sales lists. At HHBS in January, Vorn 1 Easter Boy, from the Vaughan family of Bodenham not only became Champion but lead the auction at 7100gns, the highest price for a Poll Hereford up to this time and ever at the prestigious January event (this major and much enjoyed event for the breed lasted until 1995 having been introduced in 1919). He was bought by the Milk Marketing Board for their widespread AI stud. The Reserve Champion was Vorn 1 Fort Worth and he made the second highest price of 3200gns. Both were sired by Myles 1 Hercules bred by Robert Dykes and family of Tranent, near Edinburgh.

It was the Royal Show that provided the headlines when the first Poll Hereford to take the Breed Championship was selected. The yearling Canadian import, exhibited by H W Coates of Leicestershire was the chosen one: Remitall Monarch 16M, February 1980 born. Throughout his life and beyond he made a great name for himself in breed history. During his showring career he took the Royal Championship three times (’81, ‘82 and ‘85), the first Hereford bull in near fifty years to do so and uniquely, the Breed’s Bull of the Year trophy three times (’81, ‘82 and ‘85). On top of that he proved to develop a significant sire line and contribute much to the influential Costhorpe Herd. More headlines were created at the Edinburgh October Sale when the McMordie family of Co Down, Northern Ireland took the Championship with Solpoll 1 Pioneer and he sold to Circle 7 for 10000gns.

1979

At the Edinburgh October sale there was the indication that less Hereford bulls were required and with this the numbers sold were less than 200. However, the average increased to £1150 and this was much helped with two five figure prices. The Champion, Orari 1 Nithdale, consigned by Graham and Rosa Peacock from their Yorkshire based herd developed on New Zealand bloodlines primarily from her father (he ran the Nithdale Herd, the most southerly positioned in the World), sold at a record breaking 11000gns and to Circle 7, a syndicate of Welsh Border breeders. Second highest was the more Canadian bred, Swinbrook 1 Ninety that at 10000gns stayed with a group of south-west Scotland breeders.

1980

The January Sale provided another Champion from Upper Moor, Bodenham, this time, Vorn 1 Grand Slam, again sired by Myles 1 Hercules and much like the 1978 leader made 7000gns to MMB. Crickley 1 Tactician was Reserve Champion and sold for the second highest price of 3250gns. The last four January events had produced top sellers in the six to seven thousand pound bracket and the last three were Poll Herefords. This strain was selling well at other centres and making the top prices.

There was great celebrations at the English Royal in July. For the first time since 1967 a Poll Hereford female took its section’s championship but the trophy headed back to the same sideboard!

Cerezo Estates, North Clifton 1 Playful 5th was the winner, a three year old heifer with her second calf at foot. A great illustration of the more productive modern-day cattle.

In a similar vain Hereford bulls were succeeding in MLC Recorded Classes. At the Royal Show the Lowesmoor Herd of Wally Clark and family of Tetbury, Gloucestershire notched up another win, this time with Lowesmoor 1 Spectacular. The competition was judged combining visual assessment together with performance figures. This was the third such class win in four years for Lowesmoor bulls, together with many other leading awards, and all of them sired by Birdseye William 19E, a sire purchased at a Canadian Agribition.

1984 1985

During the summer show season there were numerous tussles along the way resulting in a good half dozen different Poll Hereford animals winning the principle championships. Also, by the end of the year, all the winners in the Herefords of the Year competitions were representatives of the strain. In amongst them and taking the top spot at the Royal Highland Show was the Canadian import, Kilmorlie 430H Banker 56N. Bred in Ontario, Canada by George Hervey he was owned by a syndicate of breeders spread throughout England that included Cumbria Cattle Breeders, run by Bryan Walling and Bob Hudson and from near the south coast, Reg Hutchings of the Fisher Herd. Banker not only took the Breed Championship but the Individual Beef Interbreed prize also. He contributed to the development of these herds and was widely used through AI programmes.

In July, Remitall Monarch 16M took his third Royal Championship win but before retiring from showring activity he entered one more competitive class and fittingly was awarded the Overall Beef Interbreed Championship.

1988 1989

As the decade closed out, reflection would show that it was The Moving Time. The cattle had changed into specimens with more growth and this was largely due to the use of imported bloodlines. Investors into the Breed had spent tens of thousands of pounds but equally had seen their share of the British beef market decline. The British Polled project had steadied but those that stayed with it could boast some sound, solid, practical cattle. The Poll Hereford was beginning to dominate the breed numbers and with some exceptional operators involved they were trying their best to succeed. During the 1980’s there was expansion of the Poll Hereford into Ireland and being lead by dynamic stock breeder, David Carroll of Co Wexford. His Udel Herd was to become a major player and not least when acquiring the semen rights of a bull spotted during the late 1980’s in Australia, Doonbiddie Hustler.

At the Royal Show, Stoneleigh many worldwide visitors enjoyed a special turnout of the Hereford Breed from which the Poll Hereford Champion took all before him and won the Individual Beef Interbreed prize. It was Louada 930K Sensation that attracted the judges, bred by Wilber Donaldson in Canada and exhibited by James and Donald Biggar of Chapleton fame, Scotland.

2002 1999

This decade had tested Hereford breeders and all cattle farmers. BSE had taken its tole and extremism began to dominate the White Faced show classes. If your beast was the tallest it stood a greater chance, more weight at the point of sale appeared to assist returns and EBV systems were introduced. All these scenarios encouraged more costly inputs and reasonable financial margins were becoming harder to find. Would the breed’s famed resilience emerge in the new Century?

Another spanner hit the works with a widespread Foot and Mouth disease outbreak within Britain during 2001. As things cleared into 2002 the Hereford breeders got back into action and at The Royal Show the two Champions paraded to win for the breed , The Burke Trophy. The first time since 1979 and the first time to include Poll Herefords and two great specimens made up this team: Onondaga 9E Pure Gold 5J, Canadian bred and exhibited by Jack Henry of Brighouse, Yorkshire and Baldinnie 1 Oakland 4th from Scottish enthusiasts, Margaret and John Cameron of Fife. The rest of the decade continued with traceability becoming the watchword. With some beef marketing schemes developing the future was looking brighter. More emphasis was also being placed on breeding better for the marketplace.

2005

The year provided many successes for the current band of breeders. The Royal Champion was, and for the second year running, Costhorpe 1 Voyager, now accounting for the eighth Stoneleigh Champion for the herd. This one a son of Doonbiddie Hustler.

The autumn sale at Hereford proved a more successful event than in recent times and particularly for two well established Scottish operators. The Romany Herd of the Wilson family of Cowbog, near Kelso provided the Male and Female Champions, both selling readily. However, the top priced animal at 6000gns was Panmure 1 Admiral consigned by Mrs Jessie Cant and her team from Arbroath, Angus. The buyer was Mike and Hazel Timmis and their family of the long established Shraden Herd in Shropshire and at a value around twice as high as any recent offers.

2016

Halfway through this decade the Breed was certainly better making its presence felt and one star performer was Normanton 1 Laertes who in being awarded the Beef Interbreed Championship at both the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Welsh Show (the English Royal having gone following the 2009 event) and then claiming the Championship at the National Polled Hereford Show, this its 60th anniversary year and 50th at Moreton, he had been noticed by many beef breeding protagonists and highly praised.

Compiled using the averaging of 3 reports

Another great specimen emerged during the summer of the year, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688, bred by the Ludgate family of Thame, Oxfordshire, winning many awards including The National Polled Show and the Breed Bull of the Year and then in claiming the Championship at the Society’s Autumn Show, he took The Big Cup and sold for a Society’s Sale record of 18000gns, surpassing the previous best of 12500gns set in 1946!! This record breaker was sired by the top rated Dendor 1 Nairobi bred by the highly successful Jones family of Caersws, Newtown, Powys.

The British Polled strain were not to miss out, however. At the Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury in December, the impressive Ashdale 3 Queen 956 at just seven months of age was crowned Grand Female Champion! She was exhibited by the Thorne family of Studdolph fame who registered their first British Polled calf in 1958.

This quick run-through of seventy five years of bovine development has offered an illustration of some challenging occasions, many better times and numerous pleasant memories. The period has involved many skilled operators, more than have been mentioned but each of them playing their part. Polled Herefords have become a much utilised part of the cattle breeding scene within Britain and Ireland as well as around the World. Like the Hereford Breed generally, they have withstood the demanding decision making processes but come through with all to play for into the future. That will be the important matter now, the influence that can be made through the times ahead and the work and stamp that can be continued by the famed White-Face.

Brandy is Pure class His dam pictured below a maternal sister to the Award winning Hollybush1 Viscount (Pictured in the logo) For sale: Buster, Brandy & Bentley For sale: Solpoll Viscount

Buster is built like a tank! Just like his dam!

welcome: Pulpits Farm, Little Hereford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4AU

BVD Accredited; Member of HiHealth Herdcare scheme; Johnes- level one

Visits

BREEDPLAN COP Star Ratings

Improving Your BREEDPLAN

Completeness of Performance Star Ratings

ABRI Extension Services

With the quantity of performance data submitted to BREEDPLAN a key factor underpinning the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs, Hereford breeders are encouraged to submit performance data for all traits that are of economic importance to them and/or their bull buying clients. The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance product has been developed to assist breeders quantify the amount of pedigree and performance data that they record for each calving drop. This article will describe the Completeness of Performance product, outline how the Completeness of Performance star rating is calculated, and provide some strategies to assist Hereford Cattle Society members improve their star ratings in the future.

The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Product

The BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance product assesses the quantity of pedigree and performance information that has been submitted to BREEDPLAN by an individual seedstock herd. There are two components, being:

1. A BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Report. This is produced annually for all BREEDPLAN herds in the July analysis, and also in each analysis that the member has submitted performance data for.

2. A Completeness of Performance star rating. This is updated annually for all BREEDPLAN herds in the July analysis.

Understanding the BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Star Rating System

The star rating for each BREEDPLAN herd is calculated based on the proportion of calves within the herd born in a fixed 5 year period that have performance recorded for each trait. Currently this is the 2018-2022 calving drops (as the 2023 and 2024 drops are not yet old enough to have been fully performance recorded for all traits). Each herd receives a star rating on a 0 to 5 scale (including half stars), where five stars is considered the gold standard.

Each herd receives a total score out of 200. For the Hereford Cattle Society, members are allocated a maximum of 50 points for animal data, a maximum of 50 points for weight traits, a maximum of 40 points for ultrasound scan traits, a maximum of 45 points for birth traits and a maximum of 15 points for fertility traits. Within each of these trait blocks, points are allocated for individual traits. For example, the 50 points for weight traits is made up of a maximum of 12.5 points for each of 200, 400 and 600 day weights, and mature cow weight. The total points you receive, up to the maximum, is determined by the percentage of calves recorded for the trait in question. The total score out of 200 is then converted into a star rating, using the system shown in Table 1. The full scoring system, including maximum points allocated for each trait,

can be found on page 20 of your Completeness of Performance report, which is available to download via your member services area on Internet Solutions.

Table 1. Each BREEDPLAN herd receives a total score out of 200, which is then converted to a star rating between 0 and 5.

Improving Your BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Star Rating

The strategy that an individual Hereford breeder can take to improve their Completeness of Performance Star Rating will vary from herd to herd. However, once you have downloaded your most recent Completeness of Performance report from your member services area on Internet Solutions, you should firstly turn to page 6 of your report to get an understanding of your total score in each of the trait blocks.

The example shown below in Figure 1 is of a 3 star Completeness of Performance herd, which has received 48/50 points for Animal Details, 20/50 points for Weight

1. An example

Traits, 0/40 points for Scan Traits, 40/45 points for Birth Traits and 2/15 points for Fertility Traits. While it may be possible for this herd to make some improvements in their recording for animal details and birth traits, to make the greatest impact on their future star rating, they would be best to focus on improving their recording for weight, scan and fertility traits.

Once you have an idea of the traits blocks you can concentrate on to make the greatest impact on your star rating, head to the graphs further along in your report. These graphs outline the percentage of each calving drop which have been recorded for each trait. In the case of our example herd, the graphs show that they are doing a reasonable job of recording 200 and 400 day weights for each calving drop; however, there is scope to improve their recording of 600 day weights (including pregnant heifers) and also to start recording mature cow weights (at the same time as collecting 200 day weights on the cows’ calves). Additionally, they are not recording any ultrasound scan data on any of their calves, so, if carcase

attributes are of importance to them and/or their clients, this is one area where they may wish to begin collecting performance data. Finally, the graphs show that they do not consistently collect scrotal circumference measurements on their male calves each year. In this situation, it would be recommended to buy a self-tensioning tape (e.g. Reliabull) and collect scrotal circumference measurements on their bull calves each year when they are around 400 days of age (and already in the yards being measured for their 400 day weights).

Additional Resources

The ABRI Extension Services team has published two short videos, each approximately 10 minutes in length, which provide further detail on understanding BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance and improving your BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance star rating. These are available via our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube. com/@ABRIExtensionServices). Additionally, we will be discussing this topic in more detail at a webinar on Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 7.30 pm GMT, as part of our BREEDPLAN Winter Webinar series.

Congratulations to 4.5 & 5 Star Completeness of Performance Herds for 2024

4.5 Star Herds

DJ Makin  - ADZOR

Mr & Mrs B Rimmer  - BARBERN

Mrs CS Fletcher  - BARWISE

submi6ed. In such situa+ons, it is highly recommended to find and submit the missing analysis in BREEDPLAN.

Another thing to look out for is any ‘gaps’ in the data. For example, in Figure 2, the breeder routinely collects 200 day weights on the majority of their calving drops each year. However, there is one year where only around 40% of the calves have received a 200 day weight. This may be a case where the 200 day weights of both heifer and bull calves have been collected, but only one sex has had the 200 day weights submitted. In such situations, it is highly recommended to find and submit the missing data for analysis in BREEDPLAN.

Resources

JD Moorhouse  - CATO

Mrs E Jackson  - EVETER

RA Bradstock & Partners  - FREE TOWN

JR Whitlow  - HIGHHOUSE

MJ Clark  - LOWESMOOR

TD & WT Livesey  - NORMANTON

JM Cant & Partners - PANMURE

T & M Goodwin & C Powell ROUGH MOOR

WP & K Wason  - SALTIRE

5 Star Herds

DJ Deaville  - ALDERVILLE

Roy & Pat McClenaghan BROOKFIELD

JT & JS Douglas  - ERVIE

R & J Irvine  - GRACELAND

Holme Lacy Campus  - HOLME

LACY POLL

Mr & Mrs D Kelly  - NETHERHALL

A McMordie  - SOLITUDE

J & W McMordie  - SOLPOLL

‘gaps’ in your performance recording can highlight performance data that you have collected but has not been submi6ed.

Figure

of a 3 star Completeness of Performance herd, showing their total score for each trait block.

Figure 2. Identifying ‘gaps’ in your performance recording can highlight performance data that you have collected but has not been submitted.

Ask the Vet

Ask the Vet

Nick Gibbon BVSc DBR MRCVS

Nick Gibbon, Belmont Vets, Hereford

Nick is our society show vet, assisting on bull inspections and female quality. We had a quick catch up with him on his thoughts on the last twelve months.

With offices in Hereford, Bromyard, and Ledbury, servicing a variety of agricultural enterprises, Belmont vets have been pivotal supporting farmers with their animal health since 1919.

Do you have preference on a cattle breed and why?

Please give a brief overview of your business, how you started out and where you are today.

Belmont Farm and Equine vets started as a practice in the centre of the city of Hereford over 100 years ago. In fact, the original site was no more than 200 yards from where Hereford House is today. The partners of the business moved it to a premises on the outskirts of Hereford at Belmont Road where its current name comes from. As a practice the vets would have serviced some of the most prestigious, founding herds of the breed, helping to breed and export Herefords all around the world. Until the early 2000’s the practice was mixed with a big farming client base, but the needs of farming meant that it had started to become departmentalised and eventually split into large and small animal departments. I joined the practice in 2013 having worked in Newcastle Emlyn and Cheshire in cattle practice. At the time we were 8 vets and one TB tester working out of Hereford and a small office in Bromyard. In 2018 I completed the Diploma in Bovine Reproduction and also became a director of what is now Belmont Farm and Equine vets. Today we employ 28 vets, TB testers and a data scientist covering the whole of Herefordshire and parts of the surrounding counties. We are very proud to be providing a service to the Hereford breed in its heartland.

For those of you who have sold as society sales you may be familiar with Nick Gibbon. Joining Belmont in 2013, Nick previously worked in West Wales and Cheshire, and holds a keen interest in ruminant systems, looking to assist clients in creating a sustainable business supported through high animal health and performance - he’s a great partner to have at our sales! Performing the presale checks, Nick covers all aspects from teeth to testicles and helps to uphold the quality of stock the sales are renowned for. Nick may be a familiar face to those who have sold animals at the society show and sales, whilst he undertakes the pre-sale examinations.

We catch up with Nick to chat about a few commonly asked questions.

Jumping straight in, methods change throughout the years. What is your current advice with castration?

Interesting question! Males can be castrated by a vet at any age under local anaesthesia and pain relief but as the beast gets older; the risk of blood loss and potential complications increases steadily and the negative impact upon the animal in terms of pain and welfare becomes more pronounced. There is very little evidence that animals fattened slowly on forage based systems (24 months +) benefit from being kept entire from any age over 7 days old and similarly limited evidence that steers fattened faster benefit.

Having worked with various different types of cattle farming systems over my career this is not an easy question to answer! Breeds are very system and environment specific. The Hereford is a cow with; by far the best temperament of any beef breed, good calving ease, the ability to thrive on poor quality fodder and fatten on very little starch and should be much more widespread as a suckler cow than it is today. Eating quality is also outstanding and hopefully these fantastic traits will see the Hereford high on the list of preferred AI sires and suckler and dairy bulls for years to come. In my opinion, the breed needs to focus collectively on some core values and traits to help ensure it continues to push forward.

There has been a lot of movement restrictions and talk on Blue Tongue these last few months, what’s the latest and how has it affected your work?

In most instances the older that beasts are castrated, the further it knocks them back and the cost of castrating bulls as they get older increases, making the economic argument for it weak. With these things in mind; In a pedigree setting, some bull calves will exclude themselves from selection at birth due to various traits and genetics and these calves are best rung as soon as possible. Calves that are left entire should then be assessed at 100 day weight and possibly castrated at this point if they don’t make the grade while they are still with their dams. Anything that is left entire beyond this that doesn’t hit breeding bull quality could be castrated provided the facilities are good at 8 to 10 months of age, ideally while still on the cow and away from the point of weaning to minimise stress.

answering questions as they come in. Beef cattle, overall, are mildly impacted by the infection, with most infections going unnoticed but act as a large reservoir of virus that can then pass to sheep via the midge. Sheep are affected more severely. It is very hard to gleam exactly how severely they can be affected and colleagues in the East of the UK have reported flocks with positive surveillance blood tests that have seen no disease. This could be due to low viral load i.e it’s less established in the UK; or a variety of factors like better health and nutrition than continental flocks. When the weather warms in the spring, we may see the disease start to spread again. Often, we are asked about vaccination. A general licence is required for use and two injections are needed for cattle to achieve immunity, so some preparation is needed. Vaccine availability is currently good, however if the disease spreads rapidly in the spring this may not be the case and if you are very risk averse/have very valuable pedigree sheep alongside your cattle then it would be recommended that vaccination of both be considered.

As a vet for our society sale, you assist with examining sale cattle.

Bluetongue has certainly been a buzzword for the last 6 months. The UK has seen relatively little of the severe disease that is reported on the continent and currently (as of January 2025) the spread of the disease has been slowed by reduced midge activity. As a practice; we have sent vets across to the East to assist with surveillance work, but this has been the extent of our active involvement so far. We have run webinars for clients to attend to keep them updated and keep

What are your thoughts on the tools EBV’s and Geonomics to help our members on bull selection.

When would you recommend dehorning cattle and what is the best method? Do you have any tips for those who decide not to dehorn their cattle?

Similar to castration, the older the animal, the more potential pain and complications we expose them to by undertaking procedures later in life. Disbudding, performed well with local anaesthetic

EBV’s and Genomics offer the breeder information that certainly could help to make decisions. The very core of genetic improvement theory- the ‘breeders’ equation’ has accuracy of the data as a component of it. I would always encourage breeders to focus on the accuracy values of EBV’s as this tells you how far and wide a bull has been tested and helps to indicate whether or not the trait will breed ‘true’. High accuracy value

EBVs generally generate reliable results with few exceptions. Low accuracy value EBVs can lead to disappointing results. Genomics is now being used to add additional background information to the EBVs in the Breedplan evaluations which will only serve to drive genetic improvement harder in the right direction. Good, accurate EBVs need good quality ‘phenotypic’ data behind themthis is the cornerstone of the whole evaluation and largely falls to breeders. Calf birth weight for example is very heritable and easily measurable and accurate recording of this will drive calving ease EBVs in the right direction -a core trait of the Hereford Breed. If the majority of breeders measured this trait accurately then very quickly the genetics that are associated with low birth weights would start to be identified and this information fed back across the whole evaluation.

Finally, how would you sum up 2024 for the farming industry?

2024 has seen a year of challenging weather, infectious disease and

politics for the farming industry with highs and lows across the board. It is however, always refreshing to see the strength of

resolve and passion for their cattle that the Hereford breeders have and I’m looking forward to seeing what challenges 2025 will bring.

35 years breeding

SEVERNVALE ROGUE

what a year he’s had including: Three Counties Show 2024 Champion Hereford + Reserve Native Interbreed Champ; Supreme Champion at National Hereford Show and Royal Cornwall Show. Now herd sire at the ADZOR HERD many thanks to the Makin Family. Stock for sale from Edward Mills 01454 632309 Church Farm, Northwick, Pilning, Bristol, BS35 4HE

Yellow Door provides 'window' of opportunity

Andrew Dougan is a Hereford breeder with a serious passion for food, and he tells us more about his catering and deli business Yellow Door.

County Armagh, Northern Ireland, is home to the newly established Lisbanoe Herd, which is the introduction of Andrew Dougan. Though Andrew’s heart is in farming, his time is largely divided between the farm and his catering business, which he co-owns with his cousin Simon.

Andrew’s journey into cattle farming began over twenty years ago, when he first ventured into the world of Limousin cattle. As the son of a farmer, Andrew was raised in an environment where agriculture was a key part of his life, and his early experiences with farming laid the foundation for his eventual return to the industry, albeit in a different capacity. As his father has got older, it became clear that the demands of managing a highenergy breed was becoming more of a challenge, so Andrew began to look for a breed that was not only suitable for commercial farming but also easier to handle, with a quieter temperament.

His entrance into Herefords began around two and a half years ago, when he made the decision to purchase several pedigree Hereford cows, including three from Glenn Morton’s Nancy Herd, and so began the Lisbanoe herd. The herd is currently operated on a commercial basis, but Andrew’s long-term goal is to improve and

increase the pedigree quality of the cattle.

Currently, Andrew has ten breeding cows in his Lisbanoe herd, but his goal is to gradually increase the herd size to between fifteen and twenty females, along with their followers (young stock). Despite the desire to expand the herd, Andrew has made it clear that he prefers to focus on maintaining a smaller herd while prioritising quality over quantity. His approach centres around producing high-quality cattle, particularly for his catering business, where his focus is on both sustainable farming practices and premium beef production.

One of the key components of Andrew’s operation is his monthly slaughtering schedule, with one animal being processed each month. All of Andrew’s males are slaughtered, ensuring that his focus remains on raising cattle that are suited for beef production rather than breeding. Whilst expanding his herd Andrew plans to maintain his focus on quality, for both breeding and eating purposes.

Passion for food

The catering business that Andrew runs has a rich history, having started in 1992 as a restaurant but later evolving into a deli-and event catering operation. Over the years, the business has adapted to meet the changing demands of the market, focusing on providing excellent food while embracing the growing importance of food provenance and local sourcing. The original restaurant was eventually sold, but the core values of the business, emphasising quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, remain firmly in place.

Over the years, the Northern Ireland food industry has undergone significant changes, with an increasing emphasis on the journey food takes from farm to plate. As consumers become more food-savvy, there is a growing understanding of the importance of food miles and sourcing ingredients locally. Andrew’s catering business has kept pace with these trends, ensuring that all their offerings are

made from fresh, local produce with clear traceability.

Avenues of expansion have opened, such as corporate catering, private events, and community-focused initiatives, allowing the business to maintain a strong presence in the local food scene while meeting the diverse needs of its customers. This business has grown to serve a diverse range of high-profile clients, including prominent organisations such as Ulster Rugby and the International Convention Centre (ICC) Belfast. These partnerships highlight the reputation and quality of the service Andrew provides, as well as his ability to meet the demands of large-scale and highprofile events.

Being a strong advocate for the quality of the food produced in Northern Ireland, Andrew emphasises that farmers must take an active role in the ongoing food debate, especially in the context of growing consumer interest in where their food comes from and how it’s produced. Farmers must be active participants in the conversation about food production, ensuring that the quality and authenticity

of Northern Ireland’s produce are communicated effectively. While farmers are deeply committed to their work, Andrew feels there is sometimes a lack of recognition of the ultimate purpose of the livestock they raise, which is to become food. This can create a barrier between farmers and the end consumer, making it harder for both groups to fully appreciate the journey that the food takes.

Passion for Regenerative Herefords

While taste is undeniably important, it is only one aspect of what makes food truly sustainable. For his catering business and the broader food industry, the focus is not just on delivering flavourful meals, but also on ensuring that food production is ethically responsible and environmentally sustainable.

The good news, according to Andrew, is that Hereford beef meets all the requirements of today’s sustainable food market. It

not only provides a superior eating experience but also contributes to sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and support local economies.

For Andrew, Hereford beef is much more than just delicious meat, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the full potential of every cut and create innovative dishes that truly showcase the flavour and quality of the beef. Hereford beef is known for its marbling, tenderness, and succulent flavour, all of which make it a chef’s favourite. With the combination of quality and the 28-day aging process, his chefs are able to create innovative dishes that truly showcase the depth of flavour that Hereford beef has to offer.

As food sustainability becomes a central issue in the food industry, Hereford beef stands out as a solution that meets both consumer preferences and environmental needs. It offers a product that not only satisfies taste buds but also aligns with the broader movement towards more responsible and sustainable food production.

BALDINNIE

Baldinnie females

Baldinnie 1 Carlin

UK Hereford Youth Update

2024 was a year of development, vision and expansion and Emma fills us in on the latest news from our youth program.

British Cattle Breeders Conference

The New Year can either generate a sense of new year, new opportunites, or it can make you run for the hills. It’s inspiring to see Ellis Parry and Isla Soutter embracing the opportunities that come with the New Year, stepping into the British Cattle Breeders Conference with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

By attending interactive workshops and engaging with thoughtprovoking discussions, they’ve not only expanded their own knowledge but also contributed to advancing the wider industry. It’s wonderful to see members being given the chance to further their education and deepen their understanding of the key issues affecting the beef sector.

The theme of green genes was timely, especially as sustainability

becomes an increasingly important focus within agriculture. Discussions on regenerative farming, sustainability, soil health, and the need for consistency in beef production are all highly relevant topics as the industry faces new challenges.

The opportunity for Ellis and Isla to attend the conference wouldn’t have been possible without the generous donations that fund the travel bursary.

Fellowhill Herefords host annual UKHY workshop

Grey skies and mizzle didn’t deter thirty one attendees, parents and supporters to the annual UK Hereford Youth Spring workshop. This year it was kindly hosted by Jimmy and Fiona Hodge of Fellowhill Herefords and supported by the Scottish Hereford Breeders Association. Many had travelled a long distance, some as far as Norther Ireland, Wales and the Southwest.

On arrival guests were provided with hot tea and biscuits, always a good way to start the day, and it certainly impressed our younger members, giving them fuel for the day. As always, the agenda follows a series of workshops which all members must attend. Kicking off the first workshops at 10.30 were clipping an animal

for the showring and prepping an animal for showing. These always seem popular across the ages and provides the basic skills required. Our trainers put them through their paces, offering a demonstration first, with the practical work then starting. Everyone was keen to have a go, and many learnt about the correct equipment, techniques used and how to be safe which resulted in some very groomed looking heifers.

Meanwhile, across the farm were our ten World Hereford Conference applicants battling it out to impress the judges. Their agenda differed slightly, and their first challenge was an ice breaker. This is never an easy task but vital, nonetheless. Toilet paper certainly provided a talking point and eased them in. Gavin Tait from AB Europe was in attendance and gave them an in-depth and interesting talk on embryos and artificial insemination, with a deeper look at optimal breeding times.

These workshops took everyone up to lunchtime, where a hearty lunch of hot soup, pork and beef rolls, nibbles and homemade cakes went down well. This is a great opportunity for everyone to have a breather, quick chat and have a go at guess the weight of the bull competition.

Setting the scene for the afternoon’s activities were Paul Westaway and Jimmy Hodge

with a demonstration on linear assessment. The rain had dissipated, and the crowds were growing to watch our ten seniors take the reins, each having a small group of the twenty one members. Our future leaders were teaching skills on knot tying and halter safety. Following on in our mock show ring the seniors assisted everyone in leading a heifer to show ring standard.

Finishing up the activities were more tea and biscuits and the long awaited guess the weight of the bull results. We also held a raffle with some very exciting prizes on offer, with a total of £205 raised which will go into the UKHY fund.

The day didn’t end there as Jimmy offered a herd walk, many of which took the opportunity to have a leisurely walk looking at quality cattle and winding down. Evening proceedings saw everyone in Kelso chatting over food and our team applicants battling it out to impress the judges further.

For those of us who could stay until the Sunday, we had a very interesting and thought provoking visit to Robert Neill and family of Upper Nisbet Farm, where we had a tractor and trailer tour of the Scottish border countryside. This working commercial farm consisted of 1700 acres producing over 1000 acres of arable, 300 breeding cattle with a Limousin or Belgium Blue bull. The Herefords were starting to play a role in the future breeding plan, by using a Hereford x Friesian adding docility and making productive cows.

UK Hereford Youth would like to reach out and thank everyone who helped on the day, including hosts, volunteers, parents, breeders, trainers, judges and anyone else. Without your continued support these days wouldn’t happen or be such a success.

World Hereford Conference

Applications

With another WHC on the horizon it was time to think about entering a team. But with so many capable and enthusiastic senior members

WHC 2025 Candidates

to choose from it was decided a selection process was the best way to hand-pick the team. The application process opened early on in the year and nine worthy members put themselves forward, starting with a written form explaining who they were and why they should attend.

Their first in person event took place alongside the annual workshop. Challenges included making a social media video with the story of explaining artificial insemmination and breeding to a non farmer. They all embraced this with enthusiasm and the videos were great. If you fancy a look they

Iona Smith

Ethan Brook

Isla Soutter

Will Awan

Ciara Fitzpatrick

Emma Dexter

Cara Doggett

Eva Jackson

Archie Roberts

Finlay Soutter

WHC Team Selection phase two

are on Facebook. The afternoon activities saw them leading workshops on halter tying, leading and an overview of grooming to the younger attendees. I wanted them to demonstrate leadership and teaching skills.

Friday 23rd August saw the USA applicants complete their next phase in the competition. Organised by Matthew Rollason, agricultural account manager at Dunbia and UKHY member, they

were treated to a tour of the Dunbia plant based at Sawley. Spoiled from the beginning, everyone gratefully received bacon rolls and endless cups of coffee and tea. This was a great chance for members to reconnect and meet the team.

Following a business overview and safety talk, meat inspector expert Steve Powdrill from Marketing Best Practice addressed the room and gave a comprehensive briefing on

meat quality, the EUROP scale and the importance of understanding their roles within the industry, describing them as food producers. This generated a good discussion around the table which then led to an inspection of three pre-selected cattle in the lairage.

Assessing cattle visually was one of the first challenges of the day and the team were asked to attempt weights and potential meat scoring of the cattle. A good mixture of cattle was presented with a Hereford X, Angus X and a Simmental X further debating prospective grading. After a quick change of clothes, the members were separated into manageable groups, and we entered the factory floor. Matthew aimed to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time, demonstrating how life transitions to death, with every aspect utilised.

Visits to the slaughter hall, boning hall, maturation room, and chillers proved to be highly educational, providing everyone with a deeper understanding of the entire process. This would bode them well for the afternoon task. A quick lunch break, and a short drive back to their hotel saw them waiting in anticipation for what may lie ahead.

A visit from Alan Sugar*, Baroness Brady*, Tim Campbell* and Claude Littner* made the applicants nervous as their brief was delivered in the board room.

‘How do we attract Gen Zs into the beef category and how do we advertise to them?’

To fulfil the brief, they separated into two teams and created a questionnaire which was then used on the public in the town of Clitheroe. Pushing most of them out of their comfort zone off they went, chaperoned by the judges, and started to talk to people, visiting shops and butchers. On their return to base, they had roughly 45 minutes to design a logo for a steak and pitch to the judges. They were judged on teamwork, creativity, communication, presentation skills and resourcefulness. After a long day, all applicants finished off by reviewing their findings and critiquing their opponents.

A kind invitation from Richard Jackson farm manager at Bradley Hall Farm, and wife Emma took them on a second day of cattle assessments and business understanding. Richard manages 350 acres across two farms, with 340 animals in total. 250 of the animals were run commercially with Lincoln Reds as the prominent breed. The remaining animals were Water Buffalo. Although not officially having organic status, the farm is managed with minimum inputs, resulting in native cattle utilising the ground and turning grass into meat. Richard has a target of putting 120 animals per year on average through the onsite butchery to supply the on-farm shop, this also includes the water buffalo, which prove to be a very popular product.

The carcases are hung for at least 21 days and allow a good time for maturing. Having the opportunity to visit their chiller room further enhanced their knowledge and sparked great discussions on comparison from the previous day. Topped off by an enjoyable tractor ride to look at cattle, grass quality and talk about the beef industry in general. To finish the day off, everyone enjoyed a buffalo burger and goodies, kindly provided by Emma Jackson.

UK Hereford Youth would like to thank everyone who had an input in allowing us to achieve a challenge like this. A special mention must go to all the team at Dunbia and for their sponsorship, Ellie Layton from Farmers Guardian for coming along as a guest judge and Richard and Emma for providing an enjoyable visit and treats.

Judges – *Alan Sugar – Allen Massey, *Baroness Brady – Ellie Layton, * Tim Campbell – Matthew Rollason and *Claude Littner – Paul Westaway

Team Announcment

After a gruelling summer of tasks, the final hurdle was an interview, conducted over zoom. This was their final chance to tell the panel why they were a worthy candidate. Feedback received from the judges suggested that each one of the candidates were exceptional but

with the remit of only selecting five, we are excited to announce that the team attending the World Hereford Conference in Kansas, USA are Will Awan, Iona Smith, Ethan Brook, Cara Doggett and Emma Dexter. Over the coming months they will be meeting for training and skill development. There will be fundrasing opportunities and we urge the members to get behind them on what is set to be an amazing chance to network, establish new connections and learn about agriculture in another country.

We wish them the best of luck.

5-Year Vision

It’s remarkable to see how much the program has grown since its inception in 2016! To go from a concept to over 110 members, with many actively engaging in workshops, events, and industry promotion, speaks to the dedication and success of the initiative. Therefore, we thought it was a wise decision to introduce a strategic plan, set clear goals and align with society.

UK Hereford Youth is a membership which has grown from strength to strength. A membership that encourages and promotes further development of all young Hereford breeders and enthusiasts. We endeavour to do this by providing enjoyable experiences and learning opportunities in a safe environment.

The board of directors will invite one senior member to accept the

responsibility of taking a 12-month term as a trustee, aiding in their professional development through management, governance and leadership.

To provide senior members with continuous professional development that will be industry recognised, whilst representing the breed and society.

To position the breed and youth development at the forefront of public speaking, animal assessment and overall show and judging etiquette.

To divide the United Kingdom into four nation associations, allowing more workshops, activities and social events for our young members, with one coordinator overseeing the operation.

1. To safeguard all our member’s by providing a safe and inclusive environment for them to learn and grow, with safeguarding leads undertaking training and continuous development to allow this.

2. To provide one senior member the opportunity to become a youth director on the board of trustees, taking on a confidential responsibility and becoming an ambassador for their peers.

3. To facilitate and increase senior representation across industry conferences and seminars to provide networking opportunities that will fully support their eagerness and enhance their contacts, which will further benefit them as individuals and the society.

4. To establish a judge’s school that will teach all young members the skills required to confidently speak in public and believe in their animal selection choices.

5. To create four individual areas that are managed by four separate coordinators, with an overall coordinator managing the programme. To increase workshop numbers by having one in each area and increase membership through promotion and leading by excellence.

First youth director appointed

As part of the vision and strategic planning of UK Hereford Youth, we are pleased to announce that Maddie Clarke has recently been appointed as the first Youth Director to the board of trustees. She was amongst five other applicants who expressed an interest in serving on council for a term. This is a great testament to the youth section for putting themselves forward. The interview panel stated the quality was high.

We wish Maddie all the best for her new role in January and hope she enjoys contributing to the future of the breed.

Final round up

For our younger members showing cattle and entering young handlers is what excites them. It

was pleasing to see two teams entered in the National stock judging competition at Royal Three Counties Show, with our youngest members Sid Shaw, Harry Coles and Rhys Hull making up a team. Will Awan, Cara Doggett and Mia Shaw made up the second team.

Many of them also took part in the young handler classes with Mia and Sid Shaw doing

well and Harry Coles taking the championship. Other members were there exhibiting their own cattle, representing the breed and demonstrating we are in good hands for the future.

All the young handler classes up and down the country were well represented with UKHY members and we wish to congratulate them all and keep up the good work!

Kinglee 1 Verlou

Sire: Cleland 1 Nelson

Dam: Kinglee 1 Nicole 462 EX93

Sold to Sue & Alan Timbrell, Thames herd.

2024 M.E.A.H.B.A herd competition- 1st place stock bull. Current stock bulls in use:

Classic 1 Theodore

Sire: Kinglee 1 Nimrod

Dam: Classic 1 Showgirl

PK & IF COBLEY

Stanton Farm, Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, LE9 4JA Pete- 07738 110102 / pete.cobley@cobleytransport.co.uk Where performance, profitability and pedigrees are

Kinglee Poll Herefords @kinglee1herefords

Dam: Kinglee 1 Nicole 462 EX93 SAC PREMIUM CATTLE HEALTH SCHEME

Kinglee 1 Nikita 717

Sire: Cleland 1 Nelson

Within this section

● Hereford Breeders' Association (West Midlands)

● Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association

● National Hereford Club

● North of England Hereford Breeders' Association

● Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders' Assocation

● North Wales Hereford Club

● Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club

● Powys Hereford Breeders’ Club

● Scottish Hereford Breeders’ Association

● South of England Hereford Breeders' Association

● South West Hereford Association

● Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club

Clubs & Associations

Clubs and Associations

Midlands & East Anglia

Hereford Breeders' Association

Peter Moyes, secretary 07767 353205

petermoyes@btinternet.com www.meahba.co.uk

Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association

West Midlands

Matthew Bailey, secretary 07557 951830

matt@thefarmbosbury.com

South of England

Hereford Breeders' Association

Nick Williams, secretary 07977 135624

sehbasecretary@gmail.com www.southofenglandherefords.co.uk

North of England

Hereford Breeders' Association

Phil Massey, secretary 07878 665309

nehbasecretary@gmail.com www.northernherefordcattle.com

National - Traditional

Hereford Club

Helen MacLeod, secretary 07780 642263

helenmac2@btconnect.com www.traditionalherefords.org

South Western

Hereford Association

Shelly Locket, secretary 07472 998868

shellylockett@icloud.com www.herefordsouthwest.com

National - Hereford Club

Horned & Dehorned

Sarah Cook, secretary 07771 333303

alcroftcattle@hotmail.co.uk www.nationalherefordclub.co.uk

Northern Ireland

Hereford Breeders' Association

Stephen Cherry, secretary 07779 036556

steviecherry_69@yahoo.co.uk www.herefordni.co.uk

Scottish

Hereford Breeders' Association

Pauline Wason, secretary 07855 237474

saltireherefords@btinternet.com

Dyfed

Hereford Breeders' Club

Liz Roderick, secretary 01792 390389

tombankfarm@aol.com www.welshherefords.co.uk

North Wales

Hereford Breeders' Club

Audrey Morgan, secretary 01745 833012

morganfardre@btconnect.com www.welshherefords.co.uk

Powys

Hereford Breeders' Club

Glen Pritchard, secretary 07903 021680

gpritcharf@gmail.com www.welshherefords.co.uk

Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association

The home of the Breed Club Information

Herefordshire

G Blandford & Son,'Bosa' (P) 01531640209 / 07817707745

R A Bradstock & Partners, 'Free Town' (H/P)

01432890238 / 07734200508

S Coates & I Coates, 'Parkapella' (P) 07525426190

S Cutter, 'Coldwell/Model' (P/BP) 07974097705.

APG Goodwin, 'Honeybrook' (H/P) 01568720331

Goodwin & Powell, 'Rough Moor' (P) 01544327434 / 07867800788

S Hawkins, 'Bosbury' (P) 01531640405 / 07813796053

GCE Holborow & LS & TJ Roberts, 'Rosemore' (P) 01886821226 / 07966130853

Rachel Leake 'Minton' (H/P) 07738269085

JW Lewis, 'Boycefield' (H) 01544318946 / 07767863377

EL Lewis & Son, 'Haven' (H) 01544318255 / 07974744660

Emily Lloyd 'Woodside Moss' (P) 07968889681

DJ Makin, 'Adzor' (H) 01432830241 / 07961033283

J Pudge, 'Black Hall' (P) 01432830361 / 07985078581

SW Quan & Co, 'Border' (H) 01981750231 & 07970815258

M & M Roberts, 'Bromley' (P) 01981540717 / 07980834266

MR Barnett & Son, ' Pigeon House' (P) 07875525563

DC Seabourne, 'Holme Lacy' (H/P) 01432870808 / 07967208818

D Stuffins 'Mouboon' (P) 07929336113

RG & MD Thomas, 'Risbury' (H) 01568760443

G & R Watkin, 'Hollybush' (P) 01584711323

WD Wiggin, 'Parliament' (P) 02072198175

MF Gray & Miss L Crowther, 'Buckenhill' (P) - 01885483459 / 07909793455

07557 951830

S Greve-Jones, 'Longmoor' (H) 07768714569

A & S Timbrell, 'Thames' (P) 01285 770112 Mob:07889044070

Vaughans Farms Ltd, 'Kingsland' (P) 07977586140

Worcestershire

J Walker, 'Docklow/Hyde' (P/BP) 01886 821892 / 07974307566

JR Whitlow, 'HighHouse' (H) 01386793880

Mrs LR Hobson, 'Eldersfield' (P) 07876 490194

Mr N & Mrs. L Holdsworth, 'Pebworth' (P) 01789721972 / 07894074041

Shropshire

RCG & EC Lywood, 'Heath House' (H) 01547530149

P & E Williams, 'Alderoak' (P) 01743741755 / 07843238039

W Milner Ltd, 'Callaughton' (P) 07816531845

Staffordshire

CFF & SH McCreath, 'Longridge' (H) 01785715050 / 07866540127

Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association

Another successful year for HCBA and their most recent Christmas Calf Show. Numbers were slightly down due to Bluetongue restrictions but that didn’t dampen a great display of Hereford calves. Thanks to all the volunteers and stewards who make the show preparation run as smoothly as it does.

HCBA Spring Sale

This year was our second year of our HCBA Spring sale hosted at Worcester Livestock Market. A full sale report can be found on page 178.

Spring Social – Holme Lacy Herefords

In May we had a HCBA Farm Walk at Pound Farm, the home of Holme Lacy Herefords. The 45 strong cow herd is run by Dan Seabourne in a commercial organic manner. The cows were very uniform, with lovely udders and growthy thick calves at foot. A mixture of horned and polled cattle have been used over the years and stock bulls now include homebred Holme Lacy Poll 1 Wikipedia and Ervie Advance 192613. Dan selects bulls which are going to suit the self replacing nature of his herd – ease of calving, udder structure and good feet as well as growth rates. It was great to see even consistent type through the herd. A credit to Dan. The finished cattle are sold to Dovecote Park using home food stuff which is mainly grass silage. The aim is to get these to slaughter

at 20 months of age with this years majority being graded at R4 with a carcass weight of 360kg. Thanks to Dan and family for hosting us.

HCBA Herd Competition

The HCBA Herd competition took place in July. As always strong competition with 19 entries made for a busy week for our Judge Arwel Owen. Arwel is a renowned Charolais breeder running the Trefaldwyn Pedigree herd based at Foel, near Welshpool. As well as having the herd at home Arwel works full-time for Genus. His insights were much appreciated, and we thank him for giving up his time to judge our herd competition. The judging week concluded with a results night this year hosted by Bosa Herefords at Temple Court, Bosbury, Herefordshire. Herefords have been at Temple Court since 1888 with Gerald and Rosemary Blandford moving to the farm in 1981. Now together with their son

Ben and his wife Rachel they are running a fantastic operation of cider apples, Christmas trees, machinery sales, williow trees and of course the pride and joy Bosa Herefords. It was a pleasure to see a family with such enthusiasm for farming.

The herd competition results are opposite. Well done to all the winners

Awards evening at Temple Court

Pictured, Ben Lewis of Haven Herefords presented with Overall Herd Winner by Judge Arwel Owen

Holme Lacy Herefords, Pound Farm, Holme Lacy, Herefordshire

Herd Competition Results

Small Herd, 1st Heath House, R & E Lywood; 2nd Buckenhill, M Gray & L Crowther; 3rd Bosa, G Blandford

Medium Herd, 1st High House, J.R & H.M Whitlow; 2nd Bosbury, Hawkins Farming; 3rd HollyBush, G & R Watkins

Large Herd, 1st Haven, E.L.Lewis & Son; 2nd Adzor, D Makin; 3rd Free Town, R.A Bradstock & Partners

Overall Herd Winner, E.L.Lewis & Son, Haven

Kington Show

After the sad passing of our HCBA member and chief cattle steward of Kington show Phillip Thomas (see obituary p33), we were asked by the show committee to take charge of the Hereford cattle section. In return for this they would supply us with a suitable covered area for the cattle for which they well and truly obliged.

Stock Bull & Progeny, 1st Bosbury, Grifford 1 Try; 2nd Adzor, Haven Rover; 3rd Hollybush, Solpoll 1 Viscount

Best Bull calf, 1st Boycefield Bullseye; 2nd Free Town Bonus; 3rd Buckenhill 1 Boxer

Best Heifer calf , 1st Tuston 1 Raspberry Wine; 2nd Boycefield Acorn 47th; 3rd Bosa 1 Brownie 91

Best Yearling bull, 1st High House Azzuri; 2nd Hollybush 1 Ascot; 3rd

With entries up by double the previous couple of years helped by the fact that some exhibitors were chasing points for bull of the year we had both poll & horned national male champions in attendance. What a way to start this new era of one of the breeds iconic Shows.

Exhibitors travelled from far and wide and were treated to drinks

Kington Show Results

Senior bull born before 31/12/22, 1st Kingsland 1 Wolf; 2nd Severnvale Rogue; 3rd Buckenhill 1 Trans Am

Bull born Jan to Mar 23, 1st Rempstone 1 Alpha N688; 2nd High House Azzuri; 3rd Free Town 1 Alberto

Bull born Apr to Aug 23, 1st Dieulacresse Anders

Bull born Sept 23 onwards, 1st Havenfield 1 Beacon; 2nd Haven Bentley; 3rd Free Town Bonus

Male Champion, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688; reserve Kingsland 1 Wolf

Cow or heifer born before 31/12/23, 1st Rosemore 1 Diadem 22nd; 2nd Bromley 1 Vanessa 995; 3rd Harvest 1 Lulu

Heifer born Jan to Mar 23, Rempstone 1 Lily N684; 2nd Hollybush 1 Starlet 24th; 3rd High House Oyster Gem A74

Heifer born Apr to Aug 23, 1st Bounds 1 Babette; 2nd Bounds 1 Barbie

Heifer born Sept to Oct 23, 1st Haven Dowager 204th; 2nd Rough Moor 1 Ricochet 375; 3rd Bromley 1 Vanessa 1051

Free Town Alberto

Best Yearling heifer, 1st High House

Oyster Gem A74; 2nd Boycefield

Julia 13th; 3rd Haven Sheila 34th

Best Cow & calf, 1st Boycefield

Louisa 38th & Bullseye; 2nd Rosemore 1 Diadem 22nd & Diadem 29th; 3rd Hollybush 1 Griselda 2nd & Buster

Best Stockman Award, Stewart Ralph, Pigeon House Hereford

and a barbecue on the Friday night before waking up to a glorious September day for judge Richard Jackson, Eveter Herefords, Lancashire to preside over.

This was an excellent start to the new era at Kington show where we hope to be able to host both polled and horned champions again next year.

Heifer born Nov to Dec 23, 1st Dieulacress 1 Pansy 17th; 2nd Haven Thrush 76th; 3rd Rosemore 1 Diadem

Heifer born January 24 onwards, 1st Keadyview 1 Pippa B29

Female Champion, Dieulacress Pansy 17th; reserve Haven Dowager 204th

Supreme Hereford Champion & Overall show Champion, Rempstone1 Alpha N688

Congratulations to the Ludgate family for all their success this year.

Midlands & East Anglia

Bedfordshire

Jim Speirs, ‘Pepperstock’ (P) Speirs Farms Ltd, Pepsal End Farm, Pepperstock, Luton, LU1 4LH. Tel: 07979 463480

Email: speirs77@btinternet.com

Buckinghamshire

David Briggs & Ollie East, ‘Blackwell’ (P) Blackwell Farm, Latimer, HP5 1TN Tel: 07970 492785

Email: farm@davidbriggs.com

Sarah Cowle ‘Highhedges’ (H) 15, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, HP22 4BW. Tel: 01296 658310/07770 666887. Email: high-hedges-quainton@outlook.com www.high-hedges-quainton.co.uk

Paul Snell, ‘Lowergrove’ (H) 2 Wheathouse Copse, Great Horwood, Bucks MK17 0PG Tel: 07746 100128

Email: paulspace@hotmail.com

Cambridgeshire

F.W. Cook & Son. ‘Albany’ (H) Albany Farm, Fen End, Over, CB24 5NE. Tel: 07818 632353/07771 333303. Email: info@albanyfarm.com www.albanyfarm.com

Karen Froud ‘Oldwest’ (H/P) 13 Hill Row, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3TQ. Tel: 07787 576798.

Email: p_kfroud@hotmail.com.

Derbyshire

David Deaville, ‘Alderville’ (P) Model Home Farm, New Road, Alderwasley, Belper, DE56 2SQ

Tel: 07999 527108

Email: alderville@w3z.co.uk

D.D. Rowley & Partners, ‘Hollowseal’ (P) Hollows Farm, Sandy Lane, Netherseal, Swadlincote, DE12 8BU. Tel: 01827 373293/07724 743611.

Email: carol@hollowsealherefords.co.uk www.hollowsealherefords.co.uk

Hertfordshire

Mrs. L. Jackson, ‘Sparkwood’ (H) Woodrow Farm, Wigginton, Tring, HP23 6HT. Tel: 01442 823005.

Email: lesleyjackson1@hotmail.co.uk www.sparkwoodherefords.co.uk

Andrew Manning, ‘Ramridge’ (P) Ramridge farm, Kimpton, Hitchin, SG4 8HB Tel: 07774 787396

Email: claggycottage@gmail.com

Leicestershire

P. Cobley, ‘Kinglee’ (P) Stanton Farm, Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton, LE9 4JA. Tel: 07738 110102.

Email: pete.cobley@cobleytransport.co.uk

TD. & WT Livesey, ‘Normanton’ (P) Manor Farm, The Hollow, Normanton Le Heath, LE67 2TJ.

Tel: 01530 264683/07710 386329. Email: tlivesey@liveseybros.co.uk

Newtoncroft Farms Ltd, ‘Newtoncroft’ (P) Croft Farm, Newton Harcourt, Leicester, LE8 9FH.

Tel: 01162 259387/07990 686854.

Email: ncf450@btinternet.com. www.newtoncroftfarms.co.uk

CE & JM Todd ‘Hatton Lodge’ (P) Hatton Lodge, Dalby Road, Nether Broughton, Melton Mowbray, LE14 3EX. Tel: 01664 822305

Email: candj.todd@btconnect.com

Lincolnshire

SA & VJ Elwess, ‘Elwess’ (H) Manor Farm, Common Lane, Heapham, Gainsborough, DN21 5XB.

Tel: 01427 838208. Simon: 07825 446321. Victoria: 07764 740540. Email: simon@elwess.com. victoria_elwess@hotmail.com. www.elwessherefords.co.uk.

Norfolk

Chris Blaxell, ‘Bittern Herefords’ (P) White Lodge Farm, Southrepps Road, Antingham, North Walsham, NR28 0NW. Tel: 07768 171979.

Email: chris@bitternherefords.co.uk.

Philip & Laura Vincent, ‘Pulham’ (H/P) White House Farm, Coles Common, Pulham Market, Diss, IP21 4XT. Tel: 01379 676906

Philip 07771 697866, Laura 07767 838208. Email: philiprjvincent@hotmail.com laura363@btinternet.com www.pulhamherefords.co.uk. Jonathan Wells & Partner, ‘Wellhart’ (P) Lethbridge House, Rogers Farm, Norwich Road, Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0LB. Tel: 07703 126768.

Email: leisafreeman2@gmail.com.

Northamptonshire

Miss A.E. Barlow - Thornby Farms, ‘Thornby’ (P) Thornby House, Thornby, Northampton, NN6 8SJ.

Tel: 01604 740295.

Email: thornbyfarms@btinternet.com

Peter Moyes - 07767 353205.

Email: petermoyes@btinternet.com

Nottinghamshire

Roy Johnson, ‘Real’ (P) 110 Bridle Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5FP

Tel: 01159 313184/07968 044862

Email: realpollherefords@hotmail.com

Midlands & East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association

Midlands & East Anglia Hereford Breeders' Association

petermoyes@btinternet.com

Secretary Peter Moyes 07767 353205

meahba.co.uk

Oxfordshire

M J Ludgate, 'Rempstone' (P) Scotsgrove Farm, Thame, OX9 3RX. Tel: 07725 558051. Email: jludgate@outlook.com www.rempstoneherefords.co.uk

Rutland

JWE & SL Bevin, ‘Shorne Hill’ (H) ‘Shipley Hill’ (P), Shorne Hill, Ridlington Road, Braunston, Oakham, LE15 8DB. Tel: 07860 819554/07711 616944

Email: louise.bevin@hotmail.co.uk

Suffolk

The Benacre Company Ltd, ‘Benacre’ (P) Estate & Farms Office, Hall Farm, Benacre, Beccles, NR34 7LJ Tel: 01502 675029/07841 499550

Email: robertc@benacre.com www.benacre.com

Owen Smith Farming, ‘Clement’ (H) Briar Cottage, School Lane, Bromeswell, Woodbridge, IP12 2PX. Tel: 01394 460408/07885 594143.

Email: owensmithfarming@live.com. Warwickshire

R. G. Elliott and Son, ‘Noborough’ (H/P) Navigation Farm, Longdown Lane, Willoughby, CV23 8AG. Tel: 07508 624376

Email: tom.elliott82@outlook.com

Nick & Lucy Holdsworth, ‘Pebworth’ (P) Little Meadows Farm, Pebworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8XE. Tel: 07894 074041

Email: nlholdsworth99@gmail.com

D.P. Jones Ag. Cont, ‘Maxstoke’ (P) Mill Farm, Fillongley Road, Maxstoke, Coleshill, B46 2QA. Tel: 07854 258111.

Email: mill-farm@btconnect.com.

Richard Mann, ‘Spinney’ (P/H) Ufton Hill Farm, Ufton, Bascote Road, Royal Leamington Spa, CV33 9PP Tel: 07739 280645

Email: goldlinestud@btconnect.com

Mike & Caroline Shaw, ‘Thornysure’ (P) Wharf Farm, Darlingscote Road, Ilmington, Nr Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4JA. Tel: 01608 682556/07968 486823. Email: thornysure@gmail.com.

Midlands & East Anglia Hereford Breeders' Association

Our year started off once again with the annual Stock Judging competition, ably hosted by the team at Kinglee Herefords for a fourth year running, with a slightly changed format.

Our master judge of the evening, last year’s winner, Nick Holdsworth was the first to judge the three classes of great stock. After everyone had finished judging Pete, Steve and Emma took us around the herd before heading back to hear the results and enjoy a splendid buffet supper.

This year Laura Vincent finished in 3rd place with Karen Froud and Lucy Holdsworth finishing an impressive joint 1st. It was a very enjoyable evening for our members to have a catch up at our first event of the year. A big thank you to Pete and his team for the venue and food provided and to Karen Froud for collating the results.

Shows

The spring show and sale in April at Shrewsbury market was attended by many from the MEAHBA and proved a very successful trip for the Ludgate family. Being tapped out as champion for the third year in a row is quite an achievement, with Rempstone 1 Woody S658, selling for 8000gns, they also topped the day’s trade.

The area’s summer shows soon followed, starting off with South Suffolk in the east, right the way to Bucks County in the west, in late August. It is great news to report that the Hereford breed has been one of the biggest supported breed sections with some great interbreed results along the way.

The highlight of the summer season

was again our stand at the Royal Norfolk Show in June. Thanks to the Hereford Cattle Society for supplying the stand again this year and to Paul Sneyd for attending on the Wednesday. The stand was run and organised by the always jovial Clive Bidmead and Clive’s good friend Adrian Yardy. Clive provided a commercial Hereford cow and calf, which drew people onto the stand and they did a brilliant job of interacting with the public and promoting the Hereford brand. We held our evening event on Wednesday when the stand was open to all to catch up with friends and other exhibitors at the end of a long day. A shout out must also go to Tony Perkins Butchers who did another great job of serving pulled

beef rolls, which went down a treat with the members and to Pulham Herefords who kindly provided drinks.

There have also been some big wins at major shows, out of our area, by member’s cattle this year: Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 –Hereford champion, Native interbreed and reserve Overall interbreed at Shropshire. He went on to be Hereford and interbreed champion at Edenbridge and Oxted, Kington and the National Poll Show at Moreton in the Marsh, as well as winning a few other classes at shows throughout the summer. At the annual awards dinner, Alpha was announced as Polled bull of the year and Bull of the year. His

Stock judging winners Lucy Holdsworth and Karen Froud with our president Miss AE Barlow

James Ludgate, Joe Clark and Michael Ludgate enjoying one of Alpha’s many wins

success was not finished yet and the following day Alpha was tapped out as champion at the Autumn Show and Sale and sold for a new Society Sale record of 18,000gns.

Newtoncroft 1 Aintree – Won his class at the Royal Three Counties. He was tapped out at Royal Norfolk as junior Native interbreed and Reserve overall junior interbreed champion. Aintree was also second in the Polled bull of the year competition and third in the Bull of the year competition.

Pulham 1 Achillies – Native Male interbreed champion at Royal Norfolk and Male Champion at Bucks County.

Pulham 1 Olive – Female champion at Shropshire and Native interbreed and Hereford Champion at Bucks County

Kinglee 1 Nikita 717 – Reserve female and Reserve overall at Ashby. Nikita was also Overall Hereford Champion and Interbreed champion at Kenilworth show.

Pepperstock 1 Jade S572 – Class winner at the Royal Norfolk. Jade went on to be tapped out at Ashby show as overall Hereford champion.

Normanton 1 Jews Ear 43rd - taking the Reserve Female Championship at the Borderway Agri Expo.

Herd Competition

Our annual Herd Competition got under way in early July with the legendary Clive Davies in this year’s judging hot seat. After his tough week of traveling the length and breadth of the area everybody flocked back again to Norfolk to the Vincent’s Pulham herd for the

Herd Competition Results

Best Herd, JG Hollands Trophy, Rempstone Herd, MJ Ludgate; Runner-up: Pulham Herd, PRJ & LR Vincent

Small Herd, 1st Oldwest Herd, K Froud/M Church; 2nd Hatton Lodge Herd, CE & JM Todd; 3rd Wellhart Herd, Jonathan Wells and Partner (Leisa Freeman)

Medium Herd, 1st Rempstone Herd, MJ Ludgate; 2nd Pulham Herd, PRJ & LR Vincent; 3rd Kinglee Herd, P Cobley

Large Herd, 1st Normanton Herd, TD & WT Livesey; 2nd Albany Herd, FW Cook & Son; 3rd Pepperstock Herd, Speirs Farms Ltd

Best Heifer Calf, The Chadshunt Cup, 1st The Benacre Company Ltd, Benacre 1 Hazel 1st; 2nd Norman Farming Partnership, Hickling Blossom 16th; 3rd CA & PC Bidmead, Rockland Tiara B6

Best Heifer, The Michael Church Trophy, 1st DD Rowley & Partners, Hollowseal Easter Rose 123rd; 2nd N & L Holdsworth, Pebworth Amber; 3rd FW Cook & Son, Albany Susie

Best Cow Suckling Her Calf, The MEAHBA Association Cup, 1st PRJ & LR Vincent, Pulham 1 Olive 6th;2nd Speirs Farms Ltd, Pepperstock 1 Jade S572; 3rd M Brown, Happy 3 Helen I 173

muchly anticipated results. After giving a very detailed account of his journey and a quick diversion back down memory lane Clive landed on the very much in form

Five Females Sired by One Bull, The Pittam Rose Bowl, 1st P Cobley, 2nd Kinglee Herd and sired by Cleland 1 Nelson; 3rd FW Cook & Son, Albany Herd and sired by Willow Grange Louis; 4th MJ Ludgate, Rempstone Herd and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi

Best Bull Calf, The Geoffrey Lewis Trophy, 1st Norman Farming Partnership, Hickling Barrichello; 2nd Speirs Farms Ltd, Pepperstock 1 Benson; 3rd TD & WT Livesey, Normanton 1 Bobby

Best Junior Bull, The Pulham Trophy, 1st MJ Ludgate, Rempstone 1 Alpha; 2nd P Cobley, Kinglee 1 Admiral; 3rd JW & R Johnson, Real 1 Adonis

Best Herd Sire with at least five calves, The Mardlebury Cup, 1st P. Cobley, Kinglee Herd, Classic 1 Theodore; 2nd Speirs Farms Ltd, Pepperstock Herd, Spartan 1 Typhoon; 3rd CA & PC Bidmead, Rockland Herd, Dieulacresse Ritchie

The Judge’s Choice, The Alvian Trophy, Steve & Sandra Edwards, In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the success of the breed.

Rempstone herd as his overall champion herd with Pulham coming in reserve. An enjoyable tractor ride/walk round the herd then took place, followed by some lovely

Herd competition judge, Clive Davies, announcing his results

Alan and Joy Pittam’s family presenting the Pittam Rose Bowl to Pete Cobley, Kinglee Herefords, with Miss AE Barlow

refreshments. In the individual awards a new trophy, made by our very own Lucy Holdsworth, the Pittam Rose Bowl, was presented for the best five females sired by the same bull. We thought it would be fitting to present a trophy in the memory of Joy and as a thank you to Alan for their many years of service, given to the area. Unfortunately, Alan couldn’t attend and present the award due to ill health, but we were very grateful to Craig Pittam, Alan and Joy’s son, his wife and daughter for making the long journey to present the Rosebowl for the first time to Pete Cobley, from the Kinglee Herd.

AGM

The year was flying by and we ended it with our AGM and herd visit hosted by our very own president, Miss A. E. Barlow at Thornby Farms in Northamptonshire. We started the day with the usual necessities being carried out. Colin Jones was elected as President; Ryan Coates was re-elected as chairman and Jimmy Spiers as vice chairman. The committee was re-elected with the addition of Joe Clark. Ian Markham and Tim Livesey wished to step down from the committee. We would like to thank them for their input to the committee and for Tim for being our area representative on council for many years; his experience will be missed. After the meeting we announced the results of our Summer Show Points awards and our President, presented the trophies.

Individual animal gaining the most points – Paul Sapsed Cup, Pulham 1 Achilles from Pulham Herefords

Animal with the most points from a herd of less than 10 cows –Austin manning Cup, Newtoncroft 1 Aintree from Newtoncroft Farms

Champion Young Handler – High Hedges Cup, Blake Garnham; Reserve, Mia Shaw

After the meeting was concluded, we sat down to a roast beef dinner at the Red Lion, Thornby that was brilliant and everyone enjoyed the Thornby reared beef. A trailer ride followed, around not only the Hereford herd, but the cattle unit which was very interesting. We were also shown the commercial cows and heifers which looked very impressive - Proper native bred cattle showing what they can do off a grass-based system.

The tour concluded with tea and cake and the day ended by thanking Miss Barlow, not only for hosting the AGM and welcoming us to the farm, but also for acting as our president for 2024. A big thank you must also go to Peter Moyes for organising the tractors and the Thornby team for driving us around the farm and showing us the livestock unit.

During the last twelve months, our association has lost two important members, firstly the well renowned and respected breeder, Rodney Westaway of the Clipston herd in Northamptonshire, and more recently, Alan Pittam, our past secretary of 16 years and previous joint president with his wife Joy. Tributes to them can be found on pages 28 & 30. Both will be greatly missed by all.

Joe Clark, stockman at Rempstone Herefords, receiving one of numerous herd competition prizes, including best herd, from Miss AE Barlow

Pulham 1 Achilles and Newtoncroft 1 Aintree, our summer points trophy winners, at the Royal Norfolk Show

Miss AE Barlow and Peter Moyes, Thornby Farms, being thanked by Ryan Coates for hosting the 2024 AGM

National Hereford Club

Chairman

Tony Bradstock Tel: 07941 092858

Email: tony@free-town.co.uk

Vice Chair

David Makin Tel: 07961 033283

Email: adzorherefords@googlemail.com

Club Secretary

Sarah Cook Tel: 07771 333303

Email: alcroftcattle@hotmail.co.uk

Entries Secretary

Sarah Cowle Tel: 01 296 658310

Email: s.cowle@hotmail.co.uk

NHC AGM heads to Laxfield herd

Meeting in West Wales on Saturday 1st June, National Hereford Club members travelled to Talog, Carmarthenshire, for their Annual General Meeting and a tour of the Laxfield herd, kindly hosted by the Smith family.

The visit took in two large groups of Spring-calved cows with calves at foot by homebred stock bulls

Club Information

National - Hereford Club

Sarah Cook alcroftcattle@hotmail.co.uk

07771 333303

nationalherefordclub.co.uk

Laxfield Victory (by Weston Topper) and Laxfield Keegan (by Badlingham Broad Lad), and along with a large influence from the strategic use of AI sires, the herd is producing a remarkably consistent type which features the strong Hereford characteristics and reliable ease of calving in demand from bull-buying dairy farmers. On

this grassland hill farm, all groups are run on a predominantly foragebased diet, providing a good advert for the type of profitable, lowmaintenance Hereford cow which suits both the farm's location and its customer base.

During the AGM, the Club's officers were elected for the coming year, this time with all roles being filled by continuing officers, including Michael Church as Club President, and Tony Bradstock as Chairman. The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to have their input on the Club's upcoming headline event - the National Hereford Show - which will be held on Saturday 3rd August at Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, for which entries were open and plans well underway to bring together another spectacular show of Hereford cattle.

Laxfield Herefords

Members enjoy a tour of Laxfield Herefords, Talog, Carmarthenshire

NHC takes a look at the herd behind quadruple champion and National Horned Bull of the Year 2024

Following on from the herd’s success in 2024, particularly with Severnvale Rogue, the NHC takes a look at the background of Severnvale Herefords, how it was formed, and where it’s going next.

Having recently reduced the farm to just 40 acres to maintain a 12-cow breeding herd, Severnvale Herefords’ founder Edward Mills classes himself as semi-retired, having introduced Herefords to Church Farm back in 1984. The Severnvale prefix was registered with the then Hereford Herd Book Society to run alongside the farm’s Northwick herd of British Friesians and, having grown up with pedigree cattle and been a keen stockjudge since his YFC days, Edward has always enjoyed judging cattle of various breeds at many agricultural shows.

When the farm ceased milk production, the grassland was put into conservation grazing schemes, and Edward describes how his type of horned Herefords have thrived on that system:

“With the farm being heavy clay and situated on the banks of the River Severn, it was ideal for conservation grazing with Herefords. Our herd is loose housed in winter, fed a diet of hay and haylage, and grazed during the summer months on a set stocking system. Bulls are turned out at the beginning of June and remain

Severnvale Rogue wins again at Royal Three Counties Show

with the herd until calving in the spring, with some of our principle stock bulls having brought different attributes over the years.

“Dovemount Litchfield gave us a super milky type of cow, Haven Rex brought increased growth rates and stature, Ervie 825 Express gave us the Hereford type we were looking for, Venen Hotspur maintained this type and left milky cows, and Somerwood Rondo (bred by Andy Owens) was the most amenable bull ever and gave us our 2024 show team. The cows are in calf this time to an Ervie Classic son who came for his summer holiday, and we are now looking for a non-X horned bull for the next generation.

“My aim has been to produce a medium-sized cow with a good udder, legs, and feet, with consideration given to temperament, ease of calving, markings and EBVs. I’ve always believed the key to success is in the cow families, of which we have predominantly used ‘Charm’ derived from the Free Town C family via Risbury, ‘Wilfull’ from the

Tarrington W family via Welford, ‘Venus’ of the Penatok families which came from our Traditional cows, and our latest addition was the ‘Hazel’ family from Aultoun.”

Over the years, Severnvale bulls have mainly been sold throughout the West Country to dairy farmers, with a few now sold into pedigree herds.

The herd achieved a section win in the 2022 South West Hereford Association’s herd competition, as well as a second place the following year. Having previously classified the Friesian herd, Edward was keen to see how the Herefords would fare now that the service was available for beef breeds and was pleased to see a third of his breeding females classified Excellent (EX) on the first visit.

Employing the show cattle livery services of Thea Woollatt during 2024 allowed Edward to exhibit a Severnvale Herefords show team with fantastic results, including multiple championships for the homebred 2022-born bull Severnvale Rogue.

North of England Hereford Breeders’ Association

Durham

Mr. Stuart Hall, 'Starlight' (P), Plough Farm, Haswell, County Durham DH6 2AZ Tel: 01915 208158

Email: ploughfarm@icloud.com

Bethan Hutchinson, 'Bethanfield' (P), Field House Farm, Greatham, Billingham TS23 3TQ

Mobile: 07903 415044

Email: bethan3012@hotmail.co.uk

W & R Kemp & Sons, 'Auckvale' (P), Wigdon Walls Farm, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 0LN

Club Infomation

Tel: 01388 603395 Mobile: 07803 692545

Email: wigdonwalls@talktalk.net

Mr Gary Hall, 'Pinmoor'(P), Sedbury Home Farm, Gilling West, Richmond, DL105LF Tel: 07710 193 013

Email: gary_hall@ntlworld.com

East Yorkshire

AM & SV Soanes, 'Kiplingcotes' (P/ BP), Wallis Grange, Kiplingcotes, Market Weighton, YORK YO43 3LX Sarah Soanes, Tel: 07970416334 or 01430810664

Email: sarahvsoanes@gmail.com

Cumbria

N & L Cummings, 'Carleton' (P), Hall Carleton Farm, Saltcoats, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1YZ Mob 07581488378

Email neil.cummings@btinternet.com

Club Information

North of England Hereford Breeders' Association

nehbasecretary@gmail.com

Secretary Phil Massey 07878 665309

Lancashire

Midlands & East Anglia Hereford Breeders' Association

Northumberland

Davie and Kate Dickinson, 'Mallowburn' (P), Chattlehope House, Catcleugh, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1TY Tel: 07881 379 809

Email: chattlehope@gmail.com

petermoyes@btinternet.com 07767 353205 maehba.co.uk

Tom & Di Harrison, 'Moralee' (H/P), The Old Potato House, Eltringham Farm, Mickley, Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7DF

Di Mobile: 07962 076853

Tom Mobile: 07962 076 854

Email: moraleeherefords@gmail.com

North Yorkshire

Stephen Tate, 'Blackwood' (H/P), White Lodge Farm, Green Lane, Easingwold, York YO61 3ER

Tel: 01347 823 190 Mobile: 07964 753079

Email: Stephen@thetates.me.uk

Mark and Gemma Dobson, 'Whitehill'(P), Raikes Farm, Hartlington, Burnsall, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6BX

Tel: 01756 720210 Mobile: 0777 992 0202

Email: whitehillherefords@hotmail.co.uk, DK & DK Hanson, 'Hanson' (P), Bay View Farming Co, Bay View Farm, North Street, Flixton, Nr. Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3UA

Mobile: 07852334503

Email: david@hansonherefords.co.uk

Mrs Carolyn Fletcher, 'Barwise' (P), Barwise Hall, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6TD Mobile: 07711 415694

Email: info@barwisepedigreecattle.com

Nether Hall Farm Ltd, 'Netherhall' (P), Nether Hall, Mansergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2EW

Tel: 015242 73927 Mobile: 07808 050030

Email: netherhall@hotmail.co.uk

G and A Redmayne 'Ings' (P), Gowan Bank Farm, Ings, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9QD.

Tel: 07796 190501

Email: gowanbankfarm@gmail.com

Cheshire

Mr. John Morris, 'Bradmore' (P), 1b Wrenshot Lane, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6NQ

Mobile: 07711 506020

Email: bakersfield2@hotmail.co.uk

R & R I Shaw, 'Hallwood' (P), Hallwood Farm, Badgers Rake Lane, Ledsham, South Wirral, Cheshire CH66 8PF Mobile: 07885 438 993 (Ian) Mobile: 07774 469 896 (Robert) Email: robertshaw1102@gmail.com

West Yorkshire

Mr Brian J Boulton, 'Stoner' (P), Stones Farm, Wainstalls, Halifax, HX2 7UJ Tel: 01422 240573

Mobile: 07399 178888 (Brian) Mobile: 07903 325341 (Lauren) Email: stoner1lauren@hotmail.com

James Siddall, 'Hallgreen' (P), Lower Hall Green Farm, Hall Green Lane, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire Tel: 07517562280

Email: hallgreenherefords@btinternet.com

Miss Heather Whittaker, 'Coley' (P), Coley Walks Farm, Norwood Green, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8RD

Tel: Andrew Hughes 07861 899 646 Mobile: 07811 207 244 (Heather) Email: coleywalks@tiscali.co.uk

South Yorkshire

Mr Alan Crooks, 'Well Hill' (P), Well Hill Farm, Well Hill Road, Greenmoor, Sheffield S35 7DP

Tel: 07957 543 646

Email: alancrooks1@live.co.uk

Damien and Liam Jackson-Carr. JC' (P), Eltock Farm, Cliffe Lane, Carlecotes, South Yorkshire S36 4TG. Tel: 07951 066525

emmajackson1980@googlemail.com

A & P Massey, 'Hollyvale' (P), Hollins Mount Farm, Bury, Lancashire BL9 8AS Tel: 0161 766 3320

Tel: Phil Massey 07878 665309

Allen Massey 07917 324 471

Email: phil_massey@hotmail.co.uk

Mr Matthew Rollason, 'New Dawn' (P), Hill Top Farm, Mill Lane, Great Harwood, Lancashire, BB6 7UQ

Mobile: 07794 458798

Email: matthew_rollason96@outlook.com

Mrs Jackie Cooper, 'Rimini' (P), Pollards Farm, Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham, PR1 0NS Mobile: 07960 994 376

Email: mootoyoutoo77@gmail.com

Mrs E Jackson, 'Eveter' (P), Bradley Hall Farm, Parr Lane, Eccleston, PR7 5RL Mobile: 07815 790880

Email: eveter@outlook.com

Mr & Mrs B & B A Rimmer, 'Barbern' (P), Holmefields Farm, Off Long Lane, Scorton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 1DB Mobile 0771 425 4564

Email: barbara.rimmer@hotmail.co.uk

Maddy Scott, 'Holmefold' (P), Holmefold Farm, Tower View, Belthorn, Blackburn BB1 2PD Tel: 07462 950 206

Email: maddyscott1997@gmail.com

S R Taylor & D Marsh, 'Taymar' (P), 6 Jane lane, Hesketh Farm, Midge hall, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 6TQ Tel : 07740193866 & 07860636605 or Matt Taylor 07832480355

Email: moocowdebs@yahoo.co.uk

S & E Walker, 'Hoghton View' (P), Lane Side Farm, Blackburn Old Road, Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0SG Tel: 01254 852187 Mob: 07814 056943

Email: steven@hoghtonviewherefords. co.uk

Greater Manchester

Rebecca and Chris Abbott, 'Crawford' (P), Moorside Farm, Hobson Moor Road, Mottram, Cheshire SK14 6SG Tel: 07388 034502

Email becabbott@outlook.com

B & J Ellis, 'Leos Pride' (P), Bores Farm, Chorley Road, Worthington, Wigan, WN1 2XJ Mobile: 07967 741 492

Email: bettyhereford@outlook.com

Wythenshawe Community Farm, c/o Allen Massey, 'Wythen' (P), Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Road, Wythenshawe, M23 0AB Tel: 0161 946 0726

Mobile: Allen 07917 324 471 jane.farm22@yahoo.co.uk

North of England Hereford Breeders' Association

Well, another 12 months has passed as quickly albeit soggier than usual. We’ve had a great year in the North of England, with many of our members attending and competing at both local shows and large agricultural showcase events such as Beef Expo, the Great Yorkshire Show and Agri Expo. All three major events were well attended and supported by our members.

In February we held our AGM at Crooklands Hotel, Kendal. Richard Jackson stepped down from the position of Chairman, a role he had brilliantly carried out for several years. Richard had made a great contribution to the association over his tenure as Chairman. He was a great help to me when taking over as Secretary and is a big supporter at our events, particularly the BBQ at the Great Yorkshire show! The position was taken over by Lauren Elliott of Stoner Herefords and I look forward to working with her over the next 2 years.

Beef Expo was held at North West Auctions, Junction 36, Rural Auction Centre in April. Beef breeders, farmers and businesses involved in the industry were invited to attend to celebrate beef cattle breeding as well as sharing new ideas and innovations. This is another great beef cattle showcasing event that we were fortunate enough to have in our area, with seminars held throughout the day and a large amount of trade stands on display. The Hereford Society stand

NEHBA Male of the Year 2024. Eveter 1 Alan Jackson- Emma Jackson

NEHBA Joint Female of the Year 2024. Taymar 1 Stella 3rd S Taylor and D Marsh

NEHBA Joint Female of the Year. Hollyvale 1 June 3rd- A and P Massey

was supported by our Council Representatives Allen Massey and Jackie Cooper and we had a Junior Stock Bull and a cow and calf on display, kindly put forward by the Kemp family, Auckvale Herefords.

Our largest summer show, the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, Yorkshire was held in July and Tuesday’s judging day was the wettest that I can remember! I think everyone had started to dry out by the Friday of the show. Judging this year was undertaken by Carolyn Fletcher of the Barwise Herd. Again, we had a great entry at the show, particularly with females in stronger numbers than males.

Of the 4 top placings, 3 were from members of NEHBA. The Female and Breed Champion was from the Hartwright family with Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret. Breed reserve and Male Champion was Dendor 1 Vodka from Bethan Hutchinson. Reserve Female Champion was Hollyvale 1 June 3rd from A and P Massey and Reserve Male Champion was Coley 1 Andreas from Heather Whittaker. Midweek we hold our BBQ stockman’s supper. We were provided with meat by Taymar Herefords and fortunately for us all, the rain did stay away!

Our summer shows run from May to the end of September, with a great number of shows in the North of England having Hereford breed classes. In a year with a particularly poor summer weather-wise, we didn’t do too badly in avoiding the showers at most of our local shows.

The NEHBA Male and Female of the year are awarded following the show season to the animals gaining the most points across

the shows in our area. We held our presentation evening at Crooklands hotel at the end of October to award the trophies.

The results from which are as follows:

NEHBA Male of the Year 2024 – Eveter 1 Alan Jackson, Emma Jackson.

NEHBA Reserve Male of the Year 2024 – JC 1 Austin, Liam JacksonCarr.

NEHBA Female of the Year 2024 –Joint Winners Hollyvale 1 June 3th, A and P Massey and Taymar 1 Stella 3rd, S Taylor and D Marsh.

NEHBA Reserve Female of the

Year 2024 – Holmefold 1 Lady Luck, Maddy Scott.

Agri Expo was held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on 1st November. This was another great event and I would encourage anyone that hasn’t visited to make sure they do at some point in the not too distant future. Away from the cattle classes, there are a large number of trade exhibitors covering areas ranging from nutrition, genetics, pharmaceuticals and farm equipment.

We had 57 entries forward with great quality throughout, giving Gary McKiernan, Corlismore Herefords, a lot of decisions to deliberate over. His champion came in the shape of a NEHBA member, Liam Jackson-Carr with Dendor 1 Greta 39th.

2024 saw our NEHBA area President, Allen Massey take on the role of Hereford Cattle Society President. Allen has travelled the length and breadth of the UK, attending shows, sales, meetings, undertaking judging positions, participating in UK Hereford Youth events and much more. This has taken a huge amount of time and dedication and I’d like to place on record our appreciation of this on behalf of the association. I hope our incoming President Steve Edwards has as fulfilling a time in the position as Allen has.

Phil Massey NEHBA Secretary

Soggy GYS. Andrew Hughes

Royal Lancs Show Champions

Allen Massey, 2024 President

Northern Ireland

Hereford Breeders’ Association

"The

home of quality Herefords"

Co. Antrim

T Andrews & Family, 'Mountview' (P), 18 Ballyfore Road, Raloo, Larne, BT40 3NF, 02893344376, 07801448939, trevorandrews67@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland

M & L Armstrong, 'Analiza' (P), 78 Seskin Road, Straid, Ballyclare, BT39 9NG, 0289 3326377, 07394935494, seskin.mark@ gmail.com

P & N Beatty, 'Aughnamullan' (P), 22 Belfast Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, BT29 4TQ, 07835111360, nicky.martin7@hotmail.co.uk

S Cherry, 'Ballypallady' (P), 77 Ballymartin Road, Templepatrick, BT39 0BS, 07779036556, steviecherry_69@yahoo.co.uk

JE & RI & W Haire, 'Dorepoll' (P), Loughanhill 41 Divis Road, Dundrod, Crumlin, BT29 4UB, 02890 825215, haire.dorepoll@btopenworld.com

J & G Small, 'Drumshanbo' (P), Hilltop Farm, 23 Creeve Road, Randalstown, BT41 3LW, 07836701782 - G, 07725914391 - J, ethancareysmall@yahoo.co.uk

Co. Armagh

S Baxter, 'Umgola' (H/P), Tarascon House, 22 Monaghan Road, Armagh, BT60 4DA, 02837 524606, 07752392229, stephen.baxter20@yahoo.co.uk

B Graham, 'Richmount' (P), Carrick Hill, 42 Richmount Road, Portadown, BT62 4JQ, 07984 458008, richmountherefords@gmail.com

Mrs K Greenaway & Mr WG Conn, 'Hilltop' (H/P), Ithiel House 23 Derryvinny Road, Birches, Portadown, BT62 1SX, 07801844723, kathryngreenaway@live.co.uk

S & N Heatrick, 'Black Water' (H), Ardgonell, Middletown, BT60 4HR, 00353879969640, 003534788119, theola.heatrick@outlook.com

J & A Henning, 'Glenmount' (P), 17 Keadymore Road, Mountnorris, BT60 2UH, 0784301681, jimbohenning@gmail.com

R & J Irvine, 'Graceland'(P), 115 Ballymoyer Road, Whitecross, BT60 2JN, 02837507005, 07818 888877, robin-irvine@outlook.com

C Kerr, 'Kinnego' (P), 67 Annesborough Road, Kinnego, Lurgan Craigavon, BT67 9JD, 07956656588, ciarankerr_86@hotmail.co.uk

H King, 'Somerville' (P), 72 Killycopple Road, BT60 2AL, 02837527859, 07513391713, heather.king72@hotmail.co.uk

D Lutton, 'Foymore' (P), 107 Dungannon Road, Portadown, BT62 1QA, 02838398934, derek.lutton@btinternet.com

P Moore, 'Hollandstown' (P), 57 The Slopes, Ballydougan, Portadown, BT63 5NT, 02838322514, 07912341954, craigavonautoparts@gmail.com

W Morrow & Son, 'Grovehill' (P), Grove Hill Farm, Drumnakelly, Portadown, BT62 3SG, 02838 330777, 07855 829420, morrowportadown@btinternet.com

G Morton, 'Nancy'(H/P), 11a Madden Road, Armagh, BT60 3LN, 07761979806, glennmorton@hotmail.co.uk Co. Down

R Fee, 'Drumadonnell' (P), 41 Drumgooland Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5HB, 07833744016, robinfee@ hotmail.co.uk

C Fitzpatrick, 'Moyadd' (P), 215 Moyadd Road, Killkeel, Newry, BT34 4HL, 02841763602, 07414200766, kay@ moyfab.com

WJ Gill, 'Lusky' (P), 57 Saintfield Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, BT23 6RL, 02897542757, 07968754976, luskyherefordspoll@gmail.com

J Henning, 'Boley' (P), 180 Castlewellan Road, Cabra, Newry, BT34 5EX, 02840632020, 07739611220

Club Information

Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders' Association

steviecherry_69@yahoo.co.uk

Secretary Stephen Cherry 07779 036556

herefordni.co.uk

Mrs J Martin & N Beatty, 'Lisola' (P), 34 Lisdoonan Road, Saintfield, BT24 7HH, 02890 817292, 07745080388 - D Martin, jackie.martin@live.co.uk

Roy & Pat McClenaghan, 'Brookfield' (P), Brook Cottage, 72 Ballymiscaw Road, Holywood, BT18 9RW, 02890427945, r_mcclenaghan@hotmail.com

C McCord, 'Ballycrune' (P), 271 Ballynahinch Road, Anahilt, Hillsborough, BT26 6BP, 07709390346, 01159 451000

CmcCord@finning.com

A McMordie, 'Solitude' (P), Solitude, Ballygowan, Newtownards, BT23 6NA, 02897528222, 07890042168, andymcm8@hotmail.co.uk

McMordie Family, 'River-Dale' (P), 3 Riverdale Lane, Saintfield, BT24 7JG, 028 97511181, 07836362029, norman.mcmordie@gmail.com

J & W McMordie, 'Solpoll' (P), Solitude, Ballygowan, BT23 6NA, 02897 528222, 0786 6125959, johnmcm@hotmail.co.uk

W McMordie, Solitude, Ballygowan, Newtownards, BT23 6NA, 02897528222, 07891903243, willmcm@hotmail.com

M Murdock, 'Lisnaree' (P), 25 Shinn Road, Newry, BT34 1PB, 02840631301, murdockr25@yahoo.co.uk

A & R Patterson, 'Cabra' (P), Larchmount, 41 Cabra Road, Hillsborough, BT26 6NB, 02892 682969, 02890 255008 ROB 07860511056, larchmount@ btinternet.com

A Rea, 'Glassdrummond' (H/P), 62 Glassdrumman Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8TW, 02897561084, 07828489414 alanrea1@hotmail.co.uk

J & K Taggart, 'Carney Hill' (P), 34 New Road, Carrowdore, Newtownards, BT22 2HB, 07715906009, 02891 862345, johntaggart52@gmail.com

B & G Watson, 'Barnburn' (P), 64 Templeburn Road, Crossgar, Downpatrick, BT30 9NG, 07990517766 Greer Watson, watson595@btinternet.com

Co.Fermanagh

G Buchanan, 'Cassan' (H), Cassan House, Innishmore, Lisbellaw, BT94 5NN, 028 66387580, 07923838822

Antrim

Derry/Londonderry

Tyrone

Fermanagh

Down

Armagh

G Burleigh, 'Benaughlin' (H/P), 43 Carran Road, Beighy, Kinawley, BT92 3BG, 02866348414, 07798868111, burleigh214@ hotmail.com

RM Richmond, 'Corraback', (H) Killynick, Aghalane Enniskillen, BT92 9HJ, 02867748382, corrabackherefords@hotmail.co.uk

DR Wilson, 'Lisrace' (H), Lisrace, Magheraveely, BT92 6PP, 02867751666 lisraceherefords@hotmail.co.uk

Co. Londonderry

R & R Kelly, 'Rossdowney' (P), 95 Rossdowny Road, BT47 5SU, 02871347411, 07999082317, ryankelly19june@gmail.com

J A Nevin, 'Ballymenagh' (P), 129 Cashel Rd , Ringsend , Coleraine, BT51 4HW 07889 891187, j.nevin129@btinternet.com

T Nevin, 'Magheracastle (P)', 130 Cashel Rd , Ringsend , Coleraine, BT51 4HW, 02870 868407, j.nevin129@btinternet.com

Co.Tyrone

C & M Beatty & Son, 'Castlepoll' (P), 49 Leany Road, Castletown, Cabra, Dungannon, BT70 1SL, 028855 57349, wendyjanew83@gmail.com

I & H Browne, 'Clogher Valley' (P), 47 Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0LF, 07901856063, AJJ Glasgow, 'Killycurragh' (H), Springhill, Killycurragh, Cookstown, BT80 9LR, 02886751305

A & S Irvine, 'Pallas' (H/P), Fingerpost, 4 Derryallen Road, Trillick, BT78 3RZ, 02889561735, 07764204410, fingerpostherefords@hotmail.co.uk

D Kelly, 'Mullin' (H/P), 7 Dergenagh Road, Ballygawley, BT70 2JY, 028 87752909, 028 87752990, des.kelly@cavanaghkelly.com

RA Knipe, 'Hillside' (H), 5 Donnelly’s Hill Road, Benburb, Dungannon, BT71 7NL, 07702 341681, aaronknipe@outlook.com

Northern Ireland Report

Annual Dinner and Awards Evening

Friday 25th October 2024 saw over 50 Northern Ireland Hereford Breeder’s come together for the annual Dinner and Awards evening. This year the event was held at The Kingfisher Country Estate in Templepatrick in the same county as the Annual National Show which was in Antrim back in July.

After a faultless 3 course meal the evening started with a presentation from Colin Smith, Chief Executive of LMC.

Colin previously headed up the Commission’s Industry Development team and was appointed to the substantive role of Chief Executive on 19th February 2024. Prior to this appointment Colin acted as Interim Chief Executive for over four months, following the departure of his predecessor. For over a decade Colin has worked at the heart of the Commission’s business activities. With vast experience of working within the agriculture industry, and an in depth understanding of the Commission’s portfolio of work, Colin’s expertise will be invaluable in leading the Commission in the delivery of its wide-ranging business activities. Colin on the evening demonstrated how LMC

worked alongside the Farming sector and the key role it plays.

After the presentation Colin’s wife took to the floor to present the silverware to winners for the season.

This year we had the pleasure of attending Antrim Agricultural Show to hold our National with the top spot of supreme champion going to Greer Watson and Family with Barnburn 1 Nolana with Calf at foot. She lifted the Newsletter Rose bowl for Champion and also the Robert Clarke cup for best polled animal exhibitor bred. The Kinnego herd from Lurgan headed by Ciaran Kerr had a successful trip taking the Ralston Cup with Kinnego 1 Ann for best heifer Exhibitor bred along with the Barron cup for Junior female. Ciaran then teamed her up with Kinnego 1 Amazon to lift the Ulster Bank Progeny pairs Cup. John and William McMordie’s Solpoll 1 Amber B2 ruled the junior section and was awarded the NIHBA Cup for the Calf Champion. Other winners on the day included John Taggart’s Carneyhill herd taking the Clow Cup for exhibitor bred group of Three and Alan Shaw of Benburb obtaining the most points at the National Show collecting the Robinson O’Kane Cup.

Gary Andrew’s dominated the youth section at the National and

D McCrea, 'Tamnabrady' (P), 22 Ballybeeny Road, Bready, Strabane, BT82 0DF, 02871343194, dereknmccrea@btinternet.com

M Moore, 'Annaghbeg' (H/P), 51 Glassdrummond Road, Aughnacloy, BT69 6DE, 02885557317, 07966876575, mark-moore@hotmail.co.uk

AJ Patton, 'Roughan' (P), 45 Annaghilla Road, Roughan, Augher, BT77 0BS, 02885567443, 07827444014

R Pogue, 'Tullymore' (H/P), 54-58 Milltown Road, Benburb, Dungannon, BT71 7ND, 0283755 13/84, 07860402673, info@poguesoilsolutions.com

A Shaw, 'Benburb' (P), 17 Lisgobbin Road, Dungannon, BT71 7PT, 07711227782, alanshaw17@gmail.com

K Shaw, 'Derryfubble' (P), 16a Lisgobban Road, Dungannon, BT71 7PT, 07966795243 - Dad, n4uelshaw@hotmail.co.uk

N Shaw, 'Sessiagh' (P), 16a Lisgobban Road, Dungannon, BT71 7PT, 07966795243 - Dad, n4uelshaw@hotmail.co.uk

received the Stock Persons Shield for best under 18.

Gary also caught the judges eye at the well supported Associations Calf show the previous November winning the Christie Cup for best young handler on the day.

Local breeder to the Dungannon Calf show Alan Shaw, Benburb took the overall Female spot with his flashy and correct Benburb 1 Alice 8th at the United feeds sponsored event collecting the Kerridge Cup whilst the McCaffrey Cup for Champion Bull Calf went to Ethan Carey-Small from Randalstown with a super young bull Drumshanbo 1 Alison.

Norman McMordie was tapped out supreme to lift the Wenlock Cup for February Sale Champion at Dungannon with Riverdale 1 Whizzkid and subsequent April sale saw Mark Moore’s Annaghbeg Koala taking home the Omagh Mart Cup for overall champion. For the second year in a row Robin Irvine claimed the Haven Cup in recognition of Blakesley 1 Nobility being awarded sire of the year.

Balmoral Show was a successful week for the Andrew’s Family.

Trevor’s senior stock bull Kinglee 1 Victorious lifted the Supreme title getting the Sydney Mawhinney Cup for his efforts, Trevor’s Mountview herd based outside Larne also claimed the FW McMordie Cup for Junior Champion with Homebred Mountview 1 Nirvana under Judge James Ludgate.

Coming to the floor to collect the Cuddy Cup The Solpoll Herd shone in the Herds competition back in August and earned the overall Herd winner after winning the Large section under the expert eye of Judge Coote Geelan.

Kinnego 1 Amazon from Ciaran Kerr topped the Bull of the Year and Polled Bull section for summer shows taking home the Robert Haire Cup, young Amazon was supreme Champion in Omagh and never out of the rosettes all season. A tie for reserve overall male and reserve Polled male went to Kinglee 1 Victorious from Trevor Andrews and Carney hill 1 Alberto from John Taggart.

Victorious on his two outings took Supreme at Balmoral and reserve Supreme at the National in Antrim with Carney hill 1 Alberto constantly ranked throughout the year.

Raymond Pogue from Benburb lifted the Horned Bull of the year TT Simpson Cup with Glenside Trillick after a final win at Clogher valley Show. Reserve went to the Morton’s Nancy Volvo who has since been exported to a show herd in England for pastures new after being spotted on the circuit.

Ciara Fitzpatricks Moyadd 1 Winnie won Newry and Castlewellan with reserves in Armagh and Clogher to secure Overall Female and polled Female of the year adding the Mountstewart Cup and HW Coates cup to her collection. This young Co Down breeder has shown what hard work and dedication can achieve within a short space of time. Greer Watsons National success helped him secure the Overall Reserve and Polled female of the year with Barnburn 1 Nolana the cow and calf duo.

Tracey and Glenn Morton’s female Nancy Imogen took the title of Horned female of the year with Nancy Lucy reserve.

New Breeders to the circuit Ryan and Russell Kelly from Drumahoe where awarded the Novice award for their win at Armagh and constant placings throughout the season.

Glassware for individual Summer shows included Trevor Andrews for Balmoral, Ryan Kelly for Armagh and Limavady, John Taggart and family for Saintfield, Thomas Nevin for Ballymena, Ciara Fitzpatrick for Newry and Castlewellan, Greer Watson for Armagh and the National Show and Raymond Pogue for Clogher Valley.

The NIHBA would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to support the shows and events throughout the year and have already begun planning the 2025 season.

Stephen Cherry NIHBA Secretary

Calf Show

Moore’s - Hit the Mark with Monsoon, as Shaw’s Success and Beauty comes in the form of Bethany.

Dungannon Farms Mart was the place to be on Saturday 9th November for all Hereford breeders and enthusiasts of the breed for their annual Calf Show. With a combination of new sponsors on board namely WD Meats (Main Sponsor), W&C Stevenson Livestock Haulage, Elite Pedigree Genetics, Boyd Haulage Ltd and an overall total of 44 calves on the day this event was well supported by all involved.

Taking top honours on the day was both Mark + Laurence Moore taking the Overall Supreme Male Champion with Benburb breeder Alan Shaw claiming the title of Overall Supreme Female Champion with two well presented animals showing all the correct Hereford traits fit for champions.

Annaghbeg Monsoon from the Moore’s was a well grown spring born bull calf with plenty of power, width and depth, sired by Cave Hill Max he caught the eye of Judge Mark Hylands early on in the show. This Junior bull calf not only claimed the Overall Junior Male Champion, but was then tapped out as the Overall Supreme Male Champion. This was no mean achievement for the Moore’s as there were 22 bull calves shown on the day. A great day out for the Annaghbeg herd as they also picked up a number of other prize winners on the day including Annaghbeg

Masala winning the May born calf class. Again, sired by Cave Hill Max, a bull which is definitely leaving a good trademark stamp behind for Aughnacloy based breeders.

Benburb 1 Bethany turned on the style in the show ring for Alan Shaw as she claimed Junior & Overall Supreme Female Champion 2024. Following on from last years success with Benburb 1 Alice 8th claiming the 2023 Overall Female Champion. Alan was able to defend his title, making it back to back female champions with Bethany insuring all the ribbons where staying in Benburb for another year. This January born heifer oozed style from the off, turning a lot of heads both inside and outside of the ring. A well turned out calf, showing off her curves along with a tremendous top line, she is one to watch out for in

the future. Alan also had success in the Male section with Benburb 1 Bert. This September born bull sired out of Moorside 1 Panda kicked off the events at the start of the day claiming first prize in the first individual class and going on to claim the Reserve Senior Male champion. Alan also picked up a 1-2 in the final class of the day with the two youngest females in the show taking 1st and 2nd with Benburb 1 Beauty and Benburb 1 Alison. Two young stylish heifers with a lot of potential for the show circuit.

Another notable day in the show ring for John and William McMordie from Ballygowan as they started off the day by taking the pairs class. With 10 exhibitors and 20 animals in the ring, it was a very competitive class to begin proceedings. But the Solpoll team were able to battle their way to the top of the pile to claim the number 1 spot with Eamon McCorry taking a close 2nd and Alan Shaw slotting into 3rd place.

Following on from this the Solpoll team had a say in both Senior sections of the competition as well as taking a few of the reserve championships along the way. First

up for the McMordie’s was Autumn born Solpoll 1 Braveheart taking first in his class and going on to take the Senior male Champion. Sired by Fabb 1 Top Prize and out of one of their home bred cows, this bull was well turned out and showed off great conformation and length. There was further success for Solpoll herd in the March born class as Solpoll 1 Butler took first prize in the second biggest class of the day and then went on to secured Junior Reserve Male Champion.

Not to be out done by the boys - the Solpoll team was also fit to claim the Senior female Championship with Solpoll 1 Eunice B5. Again, this Autumn born heifer was able to make her way to the final stages and go on to claim the Reserve Supreme Champion. Success was also found on the Junior side of the competition as Solpoll 1 Dainty took second place in the January born heifer class and followed in behind the Overall Champion Benburb 1 Bethany to claim Reserve Junior Female Champion. To round off the day Solpoll 1 Starlet B25 took first place in the biggest class of the day which came in the March born heifer class closely follow by the stable mates Nancy Isla and Nancy Imogen from G+T Morton coming in 2nd & 3rd.

Reserve Senior Female Champion was acquired by JE & RI & W Haire of Dundrod with Dorepoll 1 Catalina taking the honours. This Autumn born calf was placed first in the November born class and followed on to take the reserve senior female. A finely bred heifer with Dorepoll breeding on both sides, it is one that the Dorepoll herd can take great pride in.

The young handlers got the morning events underway with a great display from all the entrants. First into the Ring was the under 12 class. Louis Dodd was placed in first place with Oscar Moore coming in a close second. Both boys showed great showman style skills in the ring for such a young age.

The young handlers 12-18 class was a hotly contested event with 8 exhibitors entering the ring. Following on from the previous class Jamie Dodd turned it into a family affair as he followed on from Louis’s sucess claiming top spot in this class with Ciara Fitzpatrick taking second place with Gary Andrews completing the top three.

This just left the overall young handler to be crowned for the day. We all knew the title was heading for the Dodd household as Jamie and Louis came head to head. On this occasion Jamie went on to take the overall title. A credit to all the young exhibitors for putting on a great display and a special mention to the two brothers showing off their skills and rightly

getting their rewards.

All young handlers were presented with a show goodie bag, plaque and the overall Champion getting a show stick from NIHBA. Many Thanks to Elite Pedigree Genetics for sponsoring show halters for each young exhibitor.

Special thanks to all involved both behind the scenes and on the day to put on a great display of young Hereford Stock. Also, one final mention must go out to show our appreciation for our new Sponsors. The Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association wish them every success both now and in years to come.

WD Meats Newmills Road Lower, Coleraine BT52 2JR 028 7035 6111

W&C Stevenson Haulage 40 Upper Mealough Rd, Carryduff, Belfast BT8 8LR 028 9081 2297

Boyd Haulage 64 Lismoyle Rd, Swatragh, Maghera BT46 5QU 07710 944870

Elite Pedigree Genetics 5a Grange Rd, Dungannon BT71 7EJ 07824

Northern Ireland Calf Show Results

Supreme Male Champion & Junior Male Champion, Annaghbeg Monsoon, M&L Moore

Supreme Female Champion & Junior Female Champion, Benburb 1 Bethany, Alan Shaw

Reserve Supreme Male Champion & Senior Male Champion, Solpoll 1 Braveheart, J&W McMordie

Reserve Supreme Female Champion & Senior Female Champion, Solpoll 1 Eunice B5, J&W McMordie

Reserve Senior Male Champion, Benburb 1 Bert, Alan Shaw

Reserve Senior Female Champion, Dorepoll 1 Catalina 703, JE & RI & W Haire

Reserve Junior Male Champion, Solpoll 1 Butler, J&W McMordie

Reserve Junior Female Champion, Solpoll 1 Dainty, J&W McMordie

Class 1 - Pairs, 1st J&W McMordie; 2nd E McCorry; 3rd A Shaw

Class 2 - Young Handlers under 12’s, 1st Louis Dodd; 2nd Oscar Moore

Class 3 - Young Handlers 12 –18, 1st Jamie Dodd; 2nd Ciara Fitzpatrick; 3rd Gary Andrews

Herd Comps

The annual Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders association herds competition took place in the middle of August with 22 herds entered it was a busy week for Judge Coote Geelan, Cloonagheer, Co Leitrim

The results were announced at the farm of NI Breed President Mark Moore, of the Annaghbeg herd based in Aughnacloy Co Tyrone who hosted an open night to view his herd and a BBQ. The weather stayed dry and a good time with all enjoying the fantastic food and entertainment provided including stock judging and guess the weight competition.

John and William McMordie had a

Class 3 - Bull Born Between 01/09/2023 – 31/10/2023, 1st Benburb 1 Bert, A Shaw; 2nd Annaghbeg Lawman, M&L Moore; 3rd Benburb 1 Showtime, A Shaw; 4th Umgola 1 Sunny, S Baxter

Class 4 - Bull Born Between 01/11/2023 – 31/12/2023, 1st Solpoll 1 Braveheart, J&W McMordie

Class 5 - Bull born Between 01/01/2024 – 28/02/2024, 1st Annaghbeg 1 Monsoon, M&L Moore; 2nd Benburb 1 Braveheart, A Shaw; 3rd Dorepoll 1 Brigadier, JE & RI & W Haire; 4th Lusky 1 Biorg, WJ Gill

Class 6 - Bull Born Between 01/03/2024 – 30/04/2024, 1st

Solpoll 1 Butler, J&W McMordie; 2nd Nancy Irish-3, G&T Morton; 3rd Richmount 1 Bugatti, BJ Graham; 4th Somerville 1 Bandit, H King; 5th Lisnaree 1 Braveheart, M Murdock; 6th Lusky 1 Barney, WJ Gill; 7th Moyadd 1 Bulmer’s, C Fitzpatrick; 8th Sessiagh 1 Boston, N Shaw; 9th Umgola George, S Baxter

Class 7 - Bull Born Between 01/05/2024 onwards, 1st Annaghbeg Masala, M&L Moore; 2nd Roselodge 1 Boxer, E McCorry

Class 8 - Heifer Born Between 01/09/2023 – 31/10/2023, 1st J&W

very successful evening taking all four calf classes, in the Autumn born section Bull and Heifer with Solpoll Braveheart and Stella B9. Then in the Spring born section Bull and Heifer with Butler and Starlet B12.

They weren’t finished there as a summer 23 heifer Solpoll 1 Dainty B1 took the Judges Choice award as the animal he most admired through his tour.

The admiration the Judge had for the Solpoll Herd influenced him to place them first in the large Herds section and he then went on to give them the title of Northern Ireland Overall Herd of the Year. Runners up in the large Herd were MH Farms Ringdufferin and John Gill’s lusky Herd in third.

Following on and gaining the title

McMordie

Class 9 - Heifer Born Between 01/11/2023 -31/12/2023, 1st

Dorepoll 1 Catalina 703, JE & RI & W Haire; 2nd Umgola 1 Duchess, S Baxter

Class 10 - Heifer Born Between 01/01/2024 – 28/02/2024, 1st Benburb 1 Bethany, A Shaw; 2nd Solpoll 1 Dainty, J&W McMordie; 3rd Annaghbeg Kaitlyn, M&L Moore; 4th Moyadd 1 Barbie, C Fitzpatrick; 5th Lisnaree 1 Baltic, M Murdock

Class 11 - Heifer Born Between 01/03/2024 – 30/04/2024, 1st Solpoll 1 Starlet B25, J&W McMordie; 2nd Nancy Isla, G&T Morton; 3rd Nancy Imogen, G&T Morton; 4th Lusky 1 Belinda, WJ Gill; 5th Sessiagh 1 Billie Ray, N Shaw; 6th Richmount 1 Lady Beth, BJ Graham; 7th Moyadd 1 Baileys, C Fitzpatrick; 8th Lusky 1 Dyke, E McCorry; 9th Sessiagh 1 Beyoncé, N Shaw; 10th Moyadd 1 Bambi, C Fitzpatrick

Class 12 - Heifer Born 01/05/2024 onwards, 1st Benburb 1 Beauty, A Shaw; 2nd Benburb 1 Alison, A Shaw; 3rd Analiza 1 Duchess, M&L Armstrong; 4th Sessiagh 1 Betty Bo, N Shaw

of Reserve Overall Herd was Trevor Andrews Ralloo Larne. He topped the Medium Herds Section and also claimed the best Stock Bull Award with Kinglee 1 Victorious. This bull being no stranger to the summer Show ring having been tapped out Balmoral Show Supreme Champion and Male Champion at the Hereford National in Antrim. Glen and Tracey Morton’s from Armagh were second in this section with their Nancy Herd with Ciara Fitzpatricks Moyadd Herd from Kilkeel in third place.

In the Small Herds Section Stephen Baxter’s Umgola Herd from Armagh took first place followed by Ciaran Kerr’s lurgan based Kinnego Herd and in third Raymond and Stuart Pogue from Benburb.

Northern Ireland Herd Competition Results

Autumn Born Heifer Calf, 1st

Solpoll 1 Stella B9 - John & William

McMordie; 2nd Solpoll 1 Amber

B2- John & William McMordie; 3rd

Solpoll 1 Enice B5 - John & William McMordie

Autumn Born Bull Calf, 1st Solpoll

1 Braveheart - John & William

McMordie; 2nd Solpoll 1 BoyoJohn & William McMordie; 3rd

Umgola 1 Sunny - Stephen Baxter

Spring Born Heifer Calf, 1st Solpoll

1 Starlet B12 - John & William

McMordie; 2nd Lisrace Blossom

8th - David Wilson; 3rd Nancy Isla

364 - Glenn and Tracey Morton

Spring Born Bull Calf, 1st Solpoll 1 Butler - John & William McMordie; 2nd Kinnego 1 BJ - Ciaran Kerr; 3rd

Lusky 1 Barney - John Gill

Stockbull, 1st Kinglee 1 Victorious - Trevor Andrews; 2nd Griananpoll

1 Vegas - Robin Irvine; 3rd

Carrowboy 1 Perfect - MH Farms

Judges Choice, Solpoll 1 Dainty B1 - John & William McMordie

Small Herd, 1st Umgola - Stephen Baxter; 2nd Kinnego - Ciaran Kerr; 3rd Glenside & TullymoreRaymond Pogue

Medium Herd, 1st MountviewTrevor Andrews; 2nd Nancy - Glen and Tracey Morton; 3rd MoyaddCiara Fitzpatrick

Large Herd, 1st Solpoll - John & William McMordie; 2nd MH FarmsHamilton Family; 3rd Lusky - John Gill

Overall, Solpoll - John & William McMordie

Reserve, Mountview - Trevor Andrews

The NIHBA would like to thank Dunbia Meats for supplying the meat for the BBQ. They also wish to thank the Mark Moore and his family for all the hard work that went into hosting a very successful night with a total of £3005 raised being donated to the fantastic work of the Air Ambulance NI.

North wales

North Wales Hereford Club

GM Graham, 'Gazanna' (P) Groes Faen Bach, Holywell, Flintshire 07789 797639

M Lewis, 'Salbri' (H) Salbri, Amlwch, Ynys Mon 01407 710565 07769 653063 hereford@salbriherefords.co.uk

G & E Mathews, 'Carneddau' (P)

1 Tyn y Coed, Gwydyr, Llanrwst eilldh.h@wernvets.co.uk

GH Morgan, 'Fardre' (P) Fardre Farm, Abergele, Conwy 01745 833012 07712 861867 morganfardre@btconnect.com

H, D & CL Owen, 'Bodwyn' (P)

Cefn du lsaf, Gaerwen, Ynys Mon 07796 508322 01248 422692 manonangharad@hotmail.com 'Hogia Bryn-Awel' (P)

3 Meusydd LLydain, Bryniau Hendre Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6EA 01407 720445 07771 538698

Dyfed Hereford Breeders’ Club

Bowen Farms, 'Bowendu' (P) Tydu Farm Nelson Treharris 07973 932773 01443 450314 adam@bowencontracting.co.uk

R,J and T Chinn, 'Celyn Fach' (P) Hollybush Farm, Mathry, Pembrokeshire 01348 831825 tpchinn@hotmail.co.uk

D Gibby, 'Sarn' (P) Bethesda, Narberth, Pembs 07964 886114 dafgibbs8@gmall.com

Messrs Griffiths, 'Penrhiwgoch' (H) Penrhiwgoch, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire 01267 267044 07807 774336 ferrycabin@aol.com

RA & AW Howell, 'Lundy' (P) Greenway Cottage, Oxwich Green, Gower, Swansea 01792 390170 angelahowellflowerfairy@hotmail.co.uk

EJT James, 'Cleddau' (P) Quarter Park, Martletwy, Pembs 07779 917185 suejames18S@gmail.com

A John, 'Lax' (H) Lacques Fawr, Llanstephan, Carmarthen 01267 241244 anthonyjohnlax@hotmail.co.uk

Corntown Farm 'Corntown' (P) Corntown, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan 07801 628523 janecorntown@gmail.com

J&C Llewellin 'Little Slade' (P) Little Slade Farm, Cuckoo Lane, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire 07554 881831 littlesladefarm@gmail.com

AD Richards & GM Morgan 'Llwynpoll/ Celynen' (P) 83 Woodfield Road, Llandybie, Ammanford, Carmarthen. 07773753720 Alun 07971774859 Gaynor gaynormorgan967@yahoo.com

R Morgan, 'Sancler' (H) Pentre Farm, St Clears, Carmarthen 07866 047174

N Owens, 'Mairwen' (P) Fferm Brynwicket, Pontyberem, Llanelli, Sir Gar, 07843 055888 nigelowens@wru.wales

LD & LL Powell, 'Brynheath' (P) Rhos Farm, Penpedaorheol, Mid Glamorgan. 07507 106692 janetpowell9@aol.com

Rob Quinn, 'Brechfa' (P) Gwyddfa Gattw, Felingwm, Nantgaredig, Carmarthen. 07919 946457 rquinn09@btinternet.com

E Rees, 'Trefochlyd' (P) Trefochlyd Farm, Croesgoch, Pembs 07817 995903 euros@trefochlydpolledherefords.co.uk

OEM Jones & EM Roberts, 'Cynin' (H/P) Penparc Farm, Llangynin, Carmarthenshire 01994 231460 07813 902380 elizabethmroberts@outlook.com

TDJ Roderick, 'Brangwyn' (P) The Bank Farm, Scurlage Castle, Gower 01792 390389 tombankfarm@aol.com

DC Smith & Son, 'Laxfield' (H) Blaenffynnon, Talog, Carmartheshire 01994 484765 07966 053606

s.701smith@btinternet.com

Club Information

North Wales Hereford Club

morganfardre@btconnect. com

Audrey Morgan 01745 833012

welshherefords.co.uk

Club Information

Dyfed Hereford Breeders' Club tombankfarm@aol.com

Liz Roderick 01792 390389

welshherefords.co.uk

AJ, AE & MG Thomas, 'Premier' (P) Clyncemaes Farmhouse, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire 07809 622168

premierpolledherefords@gmail.com

G Thomas, 'Church View' (P) Church View, Mathry, Pembs 07811 356145 glynn_thomas@btinternet.com

TG, El & EN Thorne, 'Glenvale/ Studdolph/Ashdale' (P/P/BP)

Studdolph Hall, Milford Haven, Pembs. 01437 890240

ionwy.thorne@hotmail.co.uk

GJ Twose, 'Beca' (P) Maenhir Farm, Login, Carmarthenshire. 07870 269738 josephtwose@hotmail.co.uk

R Welch, 'Falcondale' (P) Bryneinon Fm, Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire. 01558 650200 bryneinon@aol.com

Peter and Wendy Williams 'Rectory' Rectory Farm, Walwyns Castle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire peterwilliams@hotmail.co.uk

Pembrokeshire

Camarthenshire

Gwynedd

Anglesey Conwy Denbighshire

Dyfed Hereford Breeders' Report

We started the year with the sad news of Mr Glenville Goodall passing.

He was a loyal supporter of local shows and Hereford sales, Along with his wife Rose they were active member of Dyfed and Powys Clubs.

Chairman BBQ

The club was invited by Jean and Paul Griffiths Penrhiwgoch Herefords to a BBQ. It was a fantastic summer evening with tasty food and good company.

Social Evening

An Audience with Bowendu

Angharad, Adam and Lyn Bowen gave us an interesting insight with a slide show of their trip to Texas where they won Bull of the world runner up. They explained about all the different shows and their techniques, and farms they visited.

Herd visit

Our herd visit this year took us to the Dyfed Herd of the year 2023 winner, The Mairwen herd by kind permission of Nigel Owens.

It was a wet afternoon but that didn’t stop us viewing the herd.

The Mairwen herd grazed in picturesque surroundings, and members viewed excellent strong animals and calves.

Thank you to Nigel and Barry for showing us around.

Thorne family arrival

We finished the year with the wonderful news a baby daughter for Non and Carwyn, Studdolph Herefords, the young handlers classes are safe for the future, congratulations both.

Gower show 2024 Cleland 1 Regal and Brangwyn 1 Aston

Herd Visit to Mairwen Herd

Myfi Thorne

Results

All Wales Multi breed calf show

Hereford Results Judge Mr Anthony Thomas Carmarthen

Male /overall Hereford Champion

Parkapella 1 Alaska, Mr & Mrs S Coates; Reserve Male Brangwyn 1 Aston, Will and James Roderick

Champion female/ Reserve Overall

Horeb 1 Vanessa, Ffion Rees; Reserve Female Champion Sancler Prunella, Robert Morgan

Summer Show Results 2024

Cothi Bridge Ms Jane Davies

Male and Overall, Champion Cleland 1 Regal, Bowendu Herefords

Female Champion Bowendu 1 Isabella Rose 2nd, Bowendu Herefords

St Clears Mr Alun Thomas, Premier Herefords

Male and Overall, Champion Cleland 1 Regal, Bowendu Herefords

Female Champion Bownedu 1 Holly, Bowendu Herefords

Gower Show Mr Rob Morgan, Sanclear Herefords

Champion Cleland 1 Regal, Bowendu Herefords; Reserve Corntown 1 Valentino, Jane Jones

Fishguard, Mr Glenn Pritchard

Overall and Female Champion

Cleddau 1 Ruby 3rd; Reserve Cleddau 1 Amethyst Lottie 3rd

Pembroke County Show Mr Adam Bowen, Bowendu Herefords

Champion/overall Midford 1 Elke, Will Awan; Reserve Studdoplph 1 Barbie, Thorne Family

Martletwy Tom and Will Roderick, Brangwyn Herefords

Champion/overall Ashmoor 1

Amethyst 38th; Reserve Cleddau 1 Amethyst lottie 3rd

Llandyfalog Cerys Jenkins, Sanclears Herefords

Champion/overall Corntown 1 Vivian; Reserve Corntown 1 Valentine

Show herd of the year 2024

Bowendu The Bowen Family

Show Bull of the year 2024

Brangwyn 1 Aston

Show Female of the year 2024

Corntown 1 Valentino

Overall herd of the year 2024

Joint Winners Bowen Farms, Bowendu Herefords; TG. EI. & EN Thorne, Studdolph/Glenvale Herefords

Runners Up P & W Williams, Rectory Herefords

Small Herd Results

Best Stock Bull

Winner R Quinn (Brechfa Herd)

Dendor 1 Sportsman; Runner up Peter & Wendy Williams (Rectory Herd) Free Town Phantom

Best Cow & Calf

Winner Peter & Wendy Williams (Rectory Herd) Rectory Diadem & Rectory Bishop; Runner up Robert Morgan (Sancler Herd) Sancler Model 10th & Sancler Model 345

Best Heifer Under 12 Mths

Winner Peter & Wendy Williams (Rectory Herd) Rectory Diadem 4th; Runner up Robert Morgan (Sancler Herd) Sancler Electric

Lady

Best Bull Calf Under 12 Mths

Winner Peter & Wendy Williams (Rectory Herd) Rectory Bishop; Runner Up R Quinn (Brechfa Herd) Brechfa 1 Zeus 2nd

Small Herd Winner

Peter & Wendy Williams, Rectory Herd; Runner Up Robert Morgan, Sancler Herd

Medium Herd Results

Best Stock Bull

Winner Anthony John (Lacques Herefords) Llangynnin Scorpion; Runner up Euros Rees (Trefochlyd Herefords) Dendor 1 Tennant's Estra

Best Cow & Calf

Winner Joseph Twose (Beca Herd)Beca 1 Toffee & Beca 1 Toffee Banoffee; Runner Up Bowen Farms (Bowendu Herd) Bowendu Little Mo & Bowendu 1 Buster

Best Heifer Under 12 Mths

Winner Bowen Farms (Bowendu herd) Bowendu 1 Ruby 6th; Runner up Joseph Twose (Beca Herd) Beca 1 Jubilee Bossy Boots

Best Bull calf Under,12 Mths

Winner Bowen Farms (Bowendu herd) Bowendu 1 Beefy; Runner up Joseph Twose (Beca Herd) Beca 1 Bentley

Medium Herd Winner

Bowen Farms, Bowendu Herefords; Runner Up Joseph Twose, Beca Herefords

Large Herd Results

Best Stock Bull

Winner TG. EI & EN Thorne, Alderville 1 Dover; Runner Up AHM Cadogan Boycefield Samson

Best Cow & Calf

Winner TG. EI. & EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Sara 814 & Glenvale 1 Sara 954; Runner up; M&J J ones, Corntown 1 Queenie & Corntown 1 Queenie 2nd

Best Heifer Under 12 Mths

Winner TG. EI & EN Thorne, Studdolph 1 Barbie 927; Runner up M&J Jones, Corntown 1 Wilemena

Best Bull Calf Under 12mths

Winner TG. EI. & EN Thorne, Glenvale 1 Ivanhoe; Runner up M &J Jones, Corntown 1 Woolly Bully

Large Herd Winner

TG. EI & EN Thorne, Studolph/ Glenvale Herefords; Runner up M &J Jones, Corntown Herefords

Powys

Hereford Breeders’ Club

HJ Cloke 'Lord Harvey’s' (P) Hillcrest, Brecon 01874 636674

VB Collins, 'Kathlea' (P)

The Paddocks, Upper Kathlea, Abergavenny

Crossfoot Farm, 'Crossfoot/Cross Oak' (H/P)

Crossfoot Farm, Clyro, Herefordshire 01497 820145 crossfootherefords@eral.net

A & G Crow, 'Rhydri' (P) Pantglas Farm, Rudry, Caerphilly 02920 747720

gillian@crowmarketing.co.uk

A Davies, 'Gelli' (P) Gelli Farm, Hirwaun, Aberdare 01685 811705 alungwynd@hotmail.com

I Davies, 'Creinog' (P) Meity lsaf, Trecastle, Brecon 01874 638889 iwandaviesmeity@hotmail.com

Swansea

JH Evans & Son, 'Bwlchllyn' (P)

Dollys Farm, Llanidloes 01686 412694 richwevans03@gmail.com

DL Gatehouse, 'Caecottrell' (H) Cae Cotterall, Llangorse, Brecon 01874 658302

brynlygatehouse@yahoo.co.uk

PE Holtrop, 'Glyn' (P) Glyn Farm, Painscastle, Builth Wells 01497 851622 peterholtrop@btinternet.com

WS Jones & Son, 'Tyn-Y-Coed' (P) Tyn-y-Coed Farm, Bonvilston, Cardiff 01446 781256 hello@tyn-y-coed-lodge.com

DE ED & AL Jones 'Dendor' (P) Gwastadgoed, Caersws, Powys 07974 416527 dendorherefords@btinternet.com

Club Information

Powys Hereford Breeders' Club

gpritcharf@gmail.com

07903 021680

welshherefords.co.uk

J Lawrence and sons, 'Brynside' (H) Bryn Farm, Glascoed, Usk, Monmouthshire 07949110201 mathlawrence7@gmail.com

C Lewis & P Parfit, 'Hirfynydd' (P) Rhys-y-pwllau Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath. 01634 701321 cerysannlewis@outlook.com

JD Phillips, 'Onnen' (H) Nantyronnen, Sennybridge, Brecon 01874 636677

L & A Price, 'Tynllyne' (P) Tynllyne, Llanigon, Hay on Wye 01497 847342 tynllyne@outlook.com

G Pritchard, 'Aber-Llia' (P) The Sidings, Railway Goods Yard, Station Houses, Tirphhil, New Tredegar, Caerphilly 07903 021680 gpritcharf@gmail.com

T Pritchard, 'Berthllwyd' (P) Springfield, Hirwaun Rd, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taff 07903 618253

G & S Pryce, 'Anroch' (P) 48 Cardiff Rd, Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan 02920 515090 pryce48@hotmail.com

T Small, 'Camlais' (P) 17 Llys Pencrug, Llandeilo, Carmarthen 07854 997511 toby.small@breconbeacons.org

Mrs HC Thomas, 'Rosecott' (P) No 1 Rose Cottage, Verity Court, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan 07874 919227

helenchristinethomas@hotmail.com

KTJ Vater & LJ Garratt, 'Vater' (H) C/O JCA Vater & Son, Mill Farm, Abergavenny 01873 840562

lindagarratt@brooksplace.wanadoo.co.uk

IT Williams, 'Scalding' (H/P) Scalding, Llyswen, Brecon 01982 560208 ivorthomaswilliams@gmail.com

Powys

Monmouthshire

Glamorgan

Neath Bridgend

Powys Club Report

Our year began with our AGM held at Brecon livestock market by kind permission of McCartneys auctioneers.

A few topics were discussed and it was decided to introduce a bull, female and show herd of the year. We were also given a slide show by David Jones (Atok) on the world famous Atok Herefords which came to prominence in the 50/60/70s. Many older members reminisced and younger members were impressed by the cattle we viewed.

Late May saw us take our promotional club stand to the Spring Festival in Builth Wells where we gained a creditable second for our display. Huge thanks to those members who came along to help out over the weekend.

Again this year we had three teams forward for the National Stock judging competition held at the Royal Three Counties Show and it was encouraging to see the youngsters getting involved.

August took us to the world famous Haven herd for our annual herd visit. On a glorious summers

Bull of the year

1st Cleland 1 Regal(Bowen Farms)

2nd Brynside Archie(Lawrence family)

Female

of the year

1st Bowendu 1 Holly 3rd(Bowen Farms)

2nd Celenyn 1 Seabreeze(Richards &Morgan)

Show herd of the year

1st Bowendu (Bowen Farms)

2nd Celynen (Richards & Morgan)

day we were shown a lot of impressive cattle and the small room cataloguing the history of the Haven herd was very intriguing. Huge thanks to the Lewis family for hosting us.

September took us to Usk for our BBQ courtesy of the Lawrence family. On an unusually dry day we were given a lovely BBQ and thanks must go to Matt and Shannon for making us most welcome.

Many members exhibited cattle with much success throughout the summer and congratulations to all those who get out there and promote our wonderful breed.

In October our annual Sunday lunch/presentation was held at Rhosgoch golf club. This ever popular event attracted many

members and thanks for all the support you give to the club during the year. Again club officers are grateful for the help and support shown by the members over the past twelve months and look forward to 2025

Powys Club Annual Lunch and Presentation

Glenn Pritchard presents the Bull of the Year trophy to Bowen Farms

Herd Visit to Haven Herefords

Club Information

Hereford Breeders’ Association

Healthy Cattle in Real Cattle Country

W Andrew, 'Arranview' (H/P), Oaklea, Auchencruive, Ayr KA6 5HS

Tel: 01292 521067 Mob:07785 721330

Gordon Brown & Daniel Holmes, 'Back O Hill' (H/P), Back O Hill Farm, Back O Hill Road, Torrance, Glasgow, G64 4DR, Mob: Gordon 07789 432505 Danny 07597 869808

Email: gordon.brown@hotmail.com

Email: danielholmes2105@hotmail.com

PM & NJ Brown, 'Bosolopoll' (H/P), Clachaig, Kilmory, Isle of Arran, KA27 8PG, Mob: 07703 323526

Scotland

Email: dbrown1820@aol.com

J A Cameron & Son, 'Baldinnie' (P), Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Leven, Fife KY9 1EX, Tel: 01333 730210

Email: fifefarming@gmail.com

J M Cant & Partners, 'Panmure' (P), Easter Knox, Arbirlot, Arbroath, Angus DD11 2PZ

Tel: 01241 871660 Mob: 07974 705430

Email: easterknox@btinternet.com

Philip Close, 'Balsar' (H), Turnberry, Girven, KA26 9JS, Mob: 07773 463776

Email: clop20@aol.com

G and M Dunbar, 'Drumboy' (P), Springholm, Drumclog, Strathaven, Lanarkshire ML10 6QJ, Tel: 01357 440544 Mob: Gavin Dunbar 07892 715465

Email: gavindunbar@msn.com

Rockness Livestock, Peter Eccles, 'Rockness' (P), Carlaverock Farm, Tranent, East Lothian, Tel: 01875 610266 Mob: 07503 925917

Email: rocknessherefords@icloud.com

M Galbraith, 'Craigdhu' (P), Millmoor Farm, Sandilands, Lanark, ML11 9TW

Email: margaret.stewart123@btinternet. com

R Hamilton & I Lammie, 'Long House' (H), Longhouse Farm, Cumnock, East Ayrshire, KA18 3EU, Mob: 07816 900827

Email: rosemaryhamilton81@gmail.com

G & S Harvey, 'Harveybros' (P), 100 Buchanan Street, Balfron, Glasgow, G63 0TQ Tel: 01360 440504, George: 07810 807824, Sophie: 07984 452306

Email: George-harveybros@outlook.com

E Hodge, 'RM' (P), Rulesmains Farm, Duns, Berwickshire TD11 3SY, Mob: 07861 223985

Email: rulesmains@outlook.com

J O Hodge, 'Fellowhills' (P), Horndean, Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1XN, Tel: 01289 382678

Email: johodge@btconnect.com

Catherine & Martin Kewley, East Tinwald, Lochmaben, Lockerbie DG11 1RS, Tel: 01387 810342

Email: cathkewley@btinternet.com

Janice Laird, 'St Clements Wells' (P), St Clements Wells Farm, Wallyford, East Lothian EH21 8QN

Tel: 01316 692584 Mob: 07850 226994

Kenny Lang, 'Wellhead' (H), WellHead Farm, Cleghorn, Lanark, ML11 7SW Tel: 01555 870223 Mob: 07843 605861

Email: wellheadfarm82@gmail.com

Mr James Logan, 'Galawater' (H/P), Roamvale, Denholm, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 8SZ, Mob: 07771 526936

Email: jim@romavale.com

Messrs Mithchell, 'Knowehead' (H/P), Knowehead Farm, Sorn, Mauchline, Ayrshire KA5 6JJ, Tel: 01290 553646

Email: mitchell.hillbilly@gmail.com

David Morrison, 'Falaknowe' (P), North Falaknowe, Coldingham, Eyemouth, TD14 5TZ, Tel: 01361 840257 Mob: 07766 406042

Email: david@jamesbrownandco.com

GD & MR Poyser, 'Coxon' (P), Cummerton Farm, Pennan, New Aberdour, Fraserburgh, Grampian AB43 6JE

Tel: 01346 561444

Email: martin.poyser@gmail.com

Scottish Hereford Breeders' Association

saltireherefords@btinternet.com

Secretary Pauline Wason 07855 237474

A Rennie, 'Red Riding' (P), Hood Farm, Cambuskenneth, Stirling FK9 5NJ Tel: 01786 472786 Mob: 07802 360325

Email: aandlrennie@hotmail.com

Ian Skea, 'Bennachie' (P), Glenbervie, Dalriach, Kemnay, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5LP, Mob: 07506 157480

Email: bennachieherefords@gmail.com

Mr Calum Smith, 'Milovaig' (P), Ballochneil Cottage, Turnberry, KA26 9NE, Tel: 07538 083338

Email: calumsmith0792@gmail.com

A & J Struthers, 'Struthers' (P), Thornyhills Farm, Sandilands, Lanark, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9TW, Tel: 01555 662354

Email: mgtryan@aol.com

Andrew & Serena Sykes, 'Kileekie' (Traditional Horned), Kileekie, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 7PY Tel: 01655 740510 Mob: 07798 622879

Email: Andrew_sykes@msn.com

J B Torrance, 'Knowetop' (P), Knowetop Farm, Quarter, Hamilton, ML3 7XQ Tel: 01698 284268 Mob: 07957 149943

Email: john.knowetop@gmail.com

United Auctions, Stirling Agriculture Centre, A84, Stirling FK9 4RN Tel: 01786 473055

Email: stirling@uagroup.co.uk

W, P & K Wason, 'Saltire' (P), Redwells Farm, Kinglassie, Lochgelly, Fife, KY5 0UD, Tel: 01592 881740 Mob: 07779 591447

Email: saltireherefords@btinternet.com

Ms Brenda Wear, 'Garnet' (P), Hilltop, Windover Farm Office, Butcombe, Bristol, BS40 7XG, Tel: 01275 474271 Mob: 07730 105547

Email: brenda.wear13@gmail.com

Mr Iain Wilkinson, 'Redstroke' (H/P), Balgay Farm House, Inchture, Perth, PH14 9HQ, Mob: 07740 505374

Email: iainwilk10@gmail.com

J R B Wilson & Sons, 'Romany' (P), Cowbog, Kelso, Borders, TD5 8EH Tel: 01573 440273 / 01573 440278

Mob: 07980 253496

Email: cowbog@aol.com

South of England Hereford Breeders' Association

"Some of the leading herds in the country are in our area and the below mentioned breeders would be delighted to see you. A prior appointment would be appreciated."

Berkshire

R. Snelling, Sarabande Herd (P), Long Meadow, Shurlock Row, Reading RG10 0PL. Tel: 01189 343323 Mobile: 07976 692543

Buckinghamshire

D. Briggs, Blackwell Herd (P), Blackwell Farm, Latimer, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1TN. Tel: 01494 762190

Email: farm@davidbriggs.com

Gloucester

M.L. & D.J. Jenkins, Appleridge Herd (P), Appleridge Farm, Hystfield, Stone, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9LJ. Tel: 01453 511635. Mobile: 07785 388408

Email: martinljenkins@aol.com

Isle Of Wight

M & J Morris, Parkdown Herd (P), Apesdown Farm, Rowridge Lane, Calbourne, Isle of Wight, PO30 4HS. Tel: 01983 531234, 07791 537890

Email: mikedm.whitelane@gmail.com

H.B. Angel & Sons (John Angel), Locksreds Herd (P), Locks Farm, Locksgreen, Porchfield, Nr Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4PF

Tel: 07973 601634, 01983 522678

Email: locksgreengarage@gmail.com

Kent

South of England

Hampshire

M. Osmond, Broadgate Herd (P), Gastons Farm, Five Bells Lane, Nether Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 8EN Tel: 07970 484 677

Email: contact@gastonsfarm.com

Julian Neagle & Sarah Taylor, Velmore Herd (P), 1 Velmore Farm Cottages, Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 3HF. Tel: 07736 830536

Email: jneagle@tiscali.co.uk

Mike and Elizabeth Scott, Clatford Herd (P), Warrenfield Farm, Goodworth, Clatford, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 7QX Tel: 01264 332290, 07760 268138, 07905 915172

Email: warrenfieldfarm@hotmail.co.uk

T Yaldren, Banjo's Herd (P), Long Park Farm, Long Park, Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2QE. Tel: 07850024412

Email: longparkfarm@hotmail.com

Jason & Priscilla Miller, Weybrook Herd (P), Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9LH Tel: 01256 850083

Email: jasonandcil@hotmail.co.uk

S.I. Purchese, Lynsore Herd (P), Court Lodge Farm, Manns Hill, Bossingham, Nr. Canterbury, Kent CT4 6EB. Tel: 01227 709330

Email: soniapurchese@yahoo.co.uk

Jan Boomaars, Vexour Herd (P), Hampkins Hill Road, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7BB 01883 653064, 07500706695 www.vexour.com

Email: mart1nsal@yahoo.co.uk

Charlie Basley, Phantom Herd (P), Landway Farm, Basted Lane, Crouch, Kent, TN15 8PY

Tel: 01732 886002. Fax: 01732 887466

Email: enquiries@ghostmotors.co.uk

Oxfordshire

E L Townsend & Son, Madeira Herd (P), Bridge Villa, The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8HB Tel: 01491 836860

Email: eltownsendandson@bridgevilla. co.uk

Surrey

Nigel, Ann & Tim Metson, Coverwood Herd (P), The Old Farmhouse, Coverwood Farm, Peaslake Road, Ewhurst, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7NT. Tel: 01306 731101

Email: farm@coverwoodlakes.co.uk

B., H. & M. Myers, Boundless Herd (P), Boundless Farm, Boundless Road, Brook, Nr. Godalming, Surrey GU8 5LF. Tel: 01428 683077

Email: boundlessheredords@btopenworld. com

Club Information

South of England Hereford Breeders' Association

sehbasecretary@gmail.com

Secretary Nick Williams 07977135624

southofengland herefords.co.uk

M.J. Burton, Westgate Herd (P), Stumblehole Farm, Leigh Surrey, RH2 8PY. Tel: 01293 862607

Email: martin@stumblehole.com

Highridge Farm Partnership, Highridge Herd (P), High Ridge Farm, Red Lane, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0RS Tel: 07419 775685

Email: highridge.farm@btconnect.com

Mr R & Mrs M Mills, Hector Herd (P), Lower Gages Farm, Capel Dorking, Surrey RH5 5HG

Tel: 01306 711541, 07887 524479

Email: mary@lowergagesfarm.co.uk

Sussex

R. Hutchings, Fisher Herd (P), Fisher Farm, South Mundham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 1ND.

Tel: 01243 262252. Mobile: 07881 944394

Nick Wren, Cathedral Herd (P), Cedars Leggatts Farm, Old Park Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8AP

Tel: 01243 572732. Fax: 01243 576899

Email: Nick@scarterfields.co.uk

Wiltshire

Michael Clark, Lowesmoor Herd (P), 4 Hyam Cottages, Bristol Road, Malmesbury, SN16 0RA

Tel: 07929637573, 01666823732

Email: mikeclaklowesmoor@btinternet. com

Mr & Mrs M G S Gibson, Stitchcombe Herd (P), Durnsford Mill House, Mildenhall, Marlborough, SN8 2NG. Tel: 07850 859824

Email: hello@grovefarmstitchcombe.co.uk

JR JK & RJ Pike, Bromham Herd (P), Mrs J Pike, Durlett Farm, Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2HY.

Tel: 01380 850412, 07891 386484

Email: richardjohnpike@icloud.com

R & E Edwards, Classic Herd (P), 2 Cantors Way, Minety, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9QZ

Tel: 07772495913, 07979496365

Email: premiercattleservices@gmail.com

South of England

Chairman

It was a steady start to the year for our region with the very wet winter and the presence of blue tongue, but by late spring into early summer things improved greatly.

In June at the Royal Three Counties Show SEHBA put forward a team into the stock judging competition and they came 3rd in a strong field.

The MEAHBA has kindly invited SEHBA members to their open evening being held by the Speirs family at the Pepperstock herd.

Herd Competition

The herd competition this year was judged by David Sapsed from the renowned Heathbrow Simmental herd based in Codicote, Hertfordshire. David with his family has a long affinity with the Hereford breed and I accompanied him on a few of the herds he visited local to us. I was impressed at his knowledge on bloodlines.

Thanks to everyone who entered and I am sure it was a very difficult task for David compiling the final lists.

AGM – Herd Visit

This year’s AGM on 16th October was held at the Berkeley Arms Gloucestershire. A number of topics were discussed, and officers were re-elected. This was followed by a herd visit to the Appleridge Herd, courtesy of Martin Jenkins and family. The weather was very wet but luckily cleared for our walk around the cattle. Martin walked us around some very sodden fields, but it was impressive to see how the Herefords were thriving even in these challenging conditions. Martin runs a high health herd of

Herefords and spoke about his farm system from birth to the finished animal, this was discussed over a hot drink and some very tasty homemade cakes.

Shows

It has been a busy year this year from the SEHBA show herds with several new herds attending shows across several counties of the UK. It was great to see the dedication and enthusiasm, which is a credit to themselves and the Hereford breed.

The SEHBA hosted a BBQ at Edenbridge and Oxted show which was a great success with many members and families turning up. Hopefully we can repeat again this year.

Awards Evening

This was at The Pheasant at Hungerford. David and Leslie Sapsed attended, and David gave a comprehensive summary of the herds that he visited, and Leslie helped David award the trophies to the winners accordingly.

Looking Forward

This year we are looking to having an informative open day, giving both the younger members and people new to the breed, an insight on how to prepare for shows Including breeding, dietary requirements, washing, and handling.

Hopefully the SEHBA show teams can build on last year’s successes.

Committee

I would like to thank Nick Williams, Martin Jenkins, Michael Clark, Julian Neagle, Luke Murphy, Barry Myers and Martin Salmon for their continued help and input throughout the year.

by Chairman Tony Yaldren

Herd Competition Results

Judged By David Sapsed

Large herd class

1st, M Jenkins, Appleridge

2nd, S.C & G.L Hartwright, Spartan 3rd, B Myers, Boundless

Medium herd class

1st, J Neagle, Velmore

2nd, D Briggs, Blackwell

Small herd class

1st, R Hutchings – Fisher Herd

2nd, D Thurman – Brambles Herd

3rd, M Clark – Lowesmoor Herd

Overall winner: Bromham trophy

R Hutchings, Fisher Herd

Warehead Cup for the best stock bull

Vexour 1 Percy, B Myers

Hawstonfold Salver for best 12-15 month heifer

Spartan 1 Jen 5th, S.C & G.L Hartwright

Lincoln Rose Bowl for best 12-15 month old bull

Fisher Alberto, R Hutchings

CLEMENT PEDIGREE HEREFORDS

The Fern Nichols Tankard for best spring bull calf

Lowesmoor 1 Blenheim, M Clark

David Trott Tankard for best spring heifer calf

Fisher 1 Susan 587, R Hutchings

Harold Hatt Trophy for best cow & calf

J & E Lake, Pulham Pansy & HC Borovere Pansy 3rd

Cindy Hewlett Trophy for the Judge’s Choice Award

G Staples

Trophy for the best commercial Animal

N Wren, Cathedral

South of England Hereford of the Year 2023

Spartan 1 Victoria's Secret- SC & GL Hartright

T Perkins Salver for Best opposite sex to Hereford of the year

H Jackson Havenfield 1 Archer

Stockman of the Year

L Murphy

Brodnyx Trophy for best young handler

Iona Day & Chloe Murphy

The Wilson Quaiche (For services to the association)

Martin Jenkins

South Western Hereford Association

Cornwall

F.C & F.J. & R.P. Hawke Nanscient, Hustyn & Breock Herds (H), Hustyn Farm, Burlawn, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7LD, Tel: 01208 815834

Mrs Anna Pascoe-Old, Venen Herd (H), Cannalidgey Villa, St Issey, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7RB

Mob: 07834 955665

Email: venen_herefords@outlook.com

Mr & Mrs J Olds, Dowran Herd (H), Dowran Far, Dowran, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TRI9 7RS, Tel: 01736 788736

Email: john.olds@btinternet.com

RWJ & MM Williams, Anhay Herd (H), Anhay, St Martin, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6DY

Devon

Mr Jamie Palmer, Rolster Bridge Herd (P), Rolster Bridge Farm, Harbertonford Devon TQ9 7SS

Tel: 01803 732265 Mob:07595959363

Email: jpalmer1985@hotmail.co.uk

Mr & Mrs Phillip Caunter Hollystone Herd (P), Stonehills Farm, Washbourne, Totnes, Devon. TQ9 7UA, Tel: 01803 732621/07971733451

Email: ccaunter@btinternet.com

E & C Merchant, Smallbrook Herd (P), Youldon Farm, Pancrasweek, Holsworthy, Devon. EX22 7JT

Mob: 07968 204957

Email: samuel-w-c-m@outlook.com

Mr Stuart Luxton, Chamberlains Herd (P)

South West

Mob: 07737 492235, Email: pollyandaj@btinternet.com

Miss Jo Compton, Landrivick Herd (P), Landrivick Farm, Manaccan, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6HX

Tel: 07939 983477

Email: jo.compton@hotmail.com

Miss O Eddy, Hendra Herd, Hendra Farm, Stithians, Truro, Cornwall TR3 7AN

Tel: 01209 861338

Email: Odette172@gmail.com

Mark ALLEN, Belowda Herd, Lane End Farm, Belowda, Roche, Cornwall PL26 8NQ

Tel: 07831 385746

Email: laneendfarm@yahoo.co.uk

Chamberlains Farm, Brampford Speke, Exeter EX5 5DR

Tel: 01392 841094

Mob: 07889 879596

Email: stuart@stuartluxton.co.uk

Mr & Mrs Jack Burgess, Clarence Herd (H), Way Cottage, Way Farm, Shillingford, Tiverton, Devon, EXl6 9BD Mob: 07483 816300

Email: jburgess@dsfire.gov.uk

Shelley Lockett 07472 998868

AG, LE & AA Gifford Twilight Herd (H) Starline Herd (P), Whitebear Farm, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7NZ Tel: 01409 261284, Mob: 07799 261634, Email: gifford.whitebear@gmail.com

F J Wood & Sons, Allwood Herd (P), Place Barton, Morleigh, Totnes Devon TQ9 7JN Mob: Gerald: 07721 068181

Email: ameliajwood@aol.com

Miss Ellen Layzell, Farmlay Herd (H), Bywood Farmhouse, Dunkeswell, Honiton, Devon EX14 4SS

Mobile : 07713 465218

Email: ellenklayzell@gmail.com

Miss Jenna Plume, Bickm Herd (P), Oak Park Farm, Rackenford, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8ER

Email:  jenna.stimpson@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07921 296340

Dorset

Mr & Mrs Les Gould, Baybridge Herd (P), Lower Breach Farm, West Orchard, Shaftesbury SP7 0L Tel: 01258 472417

Email: gould121@btinternet.com

Mr R A Mitchell, Lanscombe Herd (P), Higher Henley Farm, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7BL Tel: 01300 345292

Email: jachenleyfarm@aol.com

Mr & Mrs PA & PM Earley, Spyway Herd (P), Spyway Farm, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3HG Tel: 01929 422468, Mob: 07940 832587

Email: spywayfarm@hotmail.co.uk

Somerset

Mr & Mrs Keith Prettejohn Nicholashayne Herd (P), Nicholashayne Farm, Sampford Arundel, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9QY

Email: agk66@live.co.uk

Tel: 01884 849121, Mob: 07973 452403

Mr J & Mrs R Moorhouse, Cato Herd (P), James Barton, Stogumber, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3TL

Tel: 01984 656292

Email: info@catopollherefords.com

Mr M & D Lury, Castlewood Herd (P), Oakleaf Herd (H), Castle Farm, Buckland St Mary, Nr Chard, Somerset TA203JX

Tel: 01460 234394

Email: marcus@lury.co.uk

Mr William Awan, Midford Herd (P), The Conifers, Old Midford Road, , Southstoke, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7DQ Mob: 07527 112409

Email: williamawan@hotmail.co.uk

Mr Mark Voss, Stockbridge Herd (P), Stockbridge Farm, Hinton, St George, Somerset, TA17 8TN. Tel: 07778 365012, Email: stockbridgefarm@gmail.com

Mr & Mrs Ian Tucker, Park Corner Herd (P), Higher Wick Farm, Maidencroft Lane, Wick Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8JN, Tel: 01458 834841, Mob: 07968118537

RL Jones & Sons, Richmonds Herd (P) - Richmond Farm, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 2AE

Tel: 01984 623374

Email: Richmondfarm@gmail.com

South Glos

Mr Edward Mills, Severnvale Herd (H), Severndale Herd (P), Severnlea House, Church Farm, Northwick, Pilning, Bristol BS35 4HE

Tel: 01454 632309

Email: edwardmillsmuddy@hotmail. com

Wiltshire

Mr & Mrs J L Pike & Son Bromham Herd (P), Durlett Farm, Bromham Chippenham SN15 2HY

Tel: 01380 850412

Email: richardjohnpike@icloud.com

A & D Robinson, Velleyhill Herd (P), Boyds Farm, Chapel Knapp, Gastard, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9PT

Tel:  07966 376 015

Email: dereksallyrobins@aol.com

South West Hereford Club

The beginning of 2024 was hampered by the relentless rain, our first social gettogether had to be cancelled in April as the fields were just too wet, cattle were late for turn out and vehicles couldn’t get onto the ground.

Everyone then turned their attention to the first county show of the season; the Devon County Show. The sun shone and soon everyone forgot about the last 6 months of rain! There was a great turnout of Herefords for this show with Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 owned by the Wood family winning the breed champion. After the showing, members were treated to a cream tea in the cattle lines and a chat with the judge.

The Royal Cornwall Show was the next show, this saw a superb entry of Herefords with lots of entries from South West members; the Mitchell family (Lanscombe Herd), the Hawke family (Nanscient, Hustyn and Breock Herds) , the Wood family (Allwood Herd), Pascoe family (Venen Herd), the Johns family, Edward Mills (Severnvale Herd), Jo Compton (Baybridge Herd), Gayle Bersey and new young member Jorja Snook Bevis (Polielock Herd). The judge, John Kemp from Durham (Auckvale Herfords) picked out Severnvale Rogue as his male and overall champion with Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 as reserve overall champion (and female champion).

We then all enjoyed a cream tea in the Hereford Society tent to congratulate the successful show winners.

Some members headed straight to The Royal Bath & West which was next up, again there was a great display of Herefords; it was Will Awan who came away with the champion accolade with his home bred heifer Midford 1 Elke.

Will’s heifer also came away with interbreed junior native heifer champion, junior champion and reserve overall interbreed native champion!

The club got together for a farm walk in late July by kind invitation from Phillip and Christine Caunter (Hollystone Herefords). We met for a delicious roast lunch just outside of Dartmouth and then travelled back to the farm for a tour of their herd and finished the afternoon with delicious cakes and tea.

There was lots of success in the smaller one day shows for our members; well done to all exhibitors as the weather for a lot of these shows was not the best for showing off cattle with a lot of shows suffering heavy rain.

We managed another social gathering in September by kind invitation of John Williams of Anhay Herefords who invited us to view his herd in West Cornwall. We all enjoyed a barbecue lunch down at the beautiful Lizard (the most Southerly point in England) and the sun shone. We then all boarded the deluxe trailer to take us around John’s herd. John has been breeding horned Herefords since the 1980’s. We then gathered back at Johns house for a lovely afternoon tea.

Severnvale Rogue had a very successful year winning numerous championship titles, which included The National Show Championship and then going on to be crowned the Horned Bull of the Year 2024.

The National Poll Show saw successes for the Wood Family with Allwood 1 Greta winning the heifer born between 1st Jan and 31st August 2022, in calf or calf at foot class and reserve senior female champion and Will Awan with Midford 1 Elke winning the heifer born on or between 1st March and 31st March 2023 class and taking the Intermediate Female Champion. Will’s heifer also went on to win reserve female of the year and reserve polled Hereford of the year.

In October we held our annual AGM and awards dinner, this year we had a change of venue and held the meal at the Eagle House in Launceston, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch. We then presented the trophies for the 2024 herd competition (results below).

Winner of the cup for the most points in the showing season and the most points for a homebred animal was awarded to the Mitchell Family (Lanscombe Herefords). We also gave out a new award this year

‘Young Stock Person of the Year’ which was given to the South West club in memory of the late Melanie Williams, this was awarded to Will Awan for all his show successes during the year and for securing his place on the UK Hereford Youth Team heading off to Kansas in 2025. The last event of the calendar was Agrifest South West, Herefords had their own classes at this years event and it was well supported with a really good number of entries. Champion Hereford went to Baybridge 1 Bob from the Gould Family. Bob also went on to be reserve native champion at the show.

If you would like to join the South West club please contact Shelley Lockettsouthwestherefordassoc@gmail. com

Herd Competition Results

Large Herd

Best herd, Cato Herefords, Jonathon & Rosemary Moorhouse

Best stock bull, Lanscombe Herefords with Vexour 1 Phantom (The Mitchell Family)

Best Brood cow, Cato Herefords with Cato 1 Helen

Best Heifer calf, Hollystone Herefords with Hollystone 1 Biddy 706 (Caunter Family)

Best Bull calf, Lanscombe 1 Floyd (The Mitchell Family)

Medium Herd

Best Herd, Allwood Herefords, Wood Family

Best Stock Bull, Lanscombe 1 Chuckle (Boarsbarrow Herd)

Best Brood Cow, Culverhill 1 Elderflower 6th (Culverhill Herd)

Best Heifer calf, Boarsbarrow 1 Bree (Boarsbarrow Herd)

Best Bull calf, Allwood 1 Brigadier (Wood Family)

Small Herd

Best Herd, Midford Herefords, Will Awan

Best Stock Bull, Solpol 1 Promotor (Rolster Bridge Herefords, Jamie Palmer)

Best Brood Cow, Midford Kate 1st (Will Awan)

Best Heifer calf, Smallbrook 1 Mink (Smallbrook Herd, Sam Merchant)

Best Bull calf, Midford 1 Bravado (Will Awan)

Traditional

Hereford Breeders' Club

Promoting the Original Population of Hereford cattle

Chairman

Leslie Cook Tel: 07818 632353

Email: info@albanyfarm.com

Vice Chair

Susie Woods Tel: 01568 750130

Email: susie_woods@hotmail.co.uk

Secretary

Helen MacLeod Tel: 07780 642263

Email: helenmac2@btconnect.com

National - Traditional Hereford Breeders' Club

Helen MacLeod helmac2@btconnect.com

Secretary Helen MacLeod 07780 642263

traditionalherefords.org

Traditional Hereford Breeders’ Club report

Summer visit travels to Rhydri and Caebach herds

One of the highlights in the Traditional Hereford Breeders' Club calendar is the summer meeting and herd visit, which took place this year on Wednesday 19th June and was kindly hosted by the Crow family at Rhydri, near Caerphilly in Wales.

Andrew and Gillian Crow generously lent the use of a beautifully appointed meeting room in the roof of one of the farm buildings, and after the meeting members enjoyed sampling pulled Traditional Hereford beef brisket rolls and beef dripping-cooked chips from Rhydri Fresh, the boxed

meat enterprise of Andrew & Gill's daughter Rebecca and her husband Neil Johnson.

The visit took in both of the family's herds of cattle, first the Rhydri herd of Andrew & Gill, whose farm comprises attractive fields of species-rich grassland overlooking Cardiff and the Bristol Channel, before moving on to the nearby Caebach herd of Neil & Rebecca, another grassland farm producing outdoor-reared beef & lamb for

Club Secretary Helen MacLeod (L) thanks hosts Gillian & Andrew Crow

sale in South Wales and beyond.

For both of these herds, a strong emphasis has been placed on producing efficient and hardy animals which clearly excel at grass-based beef production, and the quality of the cow herds shone through in the body conformation and correctness of the females of all ages, as well as in the groups of strong spring-born calves at foot.

The Club wishes to thank all of our hosts and their many helpers for putting on a first-class day of talking cattle, catching up with friends, and a tremendous spread of food enjoyed by all! The next THBC Summer Herd Visit will be held on Wednesday 18th June 2025.

Show Results

Royal Welsh Spring Festival

Breed Champion, Reserve

Interbreed Champion Carpenters

Curly 20th, I & H MacLeod

Reserve Breed Champion Albany

Susie, F W Cook & Son

Bull, any age 1st Carpenters

Lysander, I & H MacLeod; 2nd

Sunny Arthur, M Horton

In-calf heifer 1st Carpenters Curly 20th, I & H MacLeod; 2nd Rhydri

Heidi Laura, A & G Crow; 3rd

Albany Lucinda, F W Cook & Son; 4th Albany Prettymaid 32nd, F W Cook & Son

Maiden heifer 1st Albany Susie, F W Cook & Son; 2nd Caebach Wahine Plum, N & R Johnson; 3rd Caebach Willow Laura, N & R Johnson; 4th Rhydri Ivy Julia, A & G Crow

Calf, under 12 months 1st Caebach

Whitney Plum, N & R Johnson

Best pair, owned by the exhibitor 1st Albany, F W Cook & Son; 2nd Carpenters, I & H MacLeod; 3rd Caebach, N & R Johnson

Shrophire

Breed Champion, Male Champion

Carpenters Brigadier, Mrs S Cowle

Reserve Breed Champion,

Exhibitor-bred Champion, Female Champion Carpenters Curly 20th, I & H MacLeod

Reserve Female Champion

Boresisle Regina 87th, Mrs S Cowle

Reserve Male Champion Albany Obsidian, FW Cook & Son

John Featherstone Trophy for best yearling Carpenters Curly 21st, I & H MacLeod

Bull, any age 1st Carpenters

Brigadier, Mrs S Cowle; 2nd

Albany Obsidian, FW Cook & Son; 3rd Carpenters Lysander, I & H MacLeod.

Cow, born in or before 2021 1st Boresisle Regina 87th, Mrs S Cowle

Heifer, born in 2022 1st Carpenters Curly 20th, Mrs H MacLeod; 2nd Albany Oyster Girl 25th, FW Cook & Son, 3rd Hockerwood Caroline, Mr P Lynn; 4th Albany Oyster Girl 24th, FW Cook & Son

Heifer, born in 2023 1st Carpenters Curly 21st, I & H MacLeod

Pair of animals 1st Carpenters, Mrs H MacLeod; 2nd Albany, FW Cook & Sons

Royal Three Counties

Breed Champion, Female Champion, Senior Female Champion Carpenters Curly 20th, I & H MacLeod

Reserve Breed Champion, Male Champion, Senior Male Champion

Albany Obsidian, F W Cook & Son Reserve Female Champion, Reserve Senior Female Champion Caebach Unity Amorous, N & R Johnson

Junior Champion, Junior Female Champion Carpenters Curly 21st, I & H MacLeod

Reserve Male Champion, Reserve Junior Champion, Junior Male Champion Carpenters Lysander, I & H MacLeod

Bull born in 2022 1st Albany Obsidian, F W Cook & Son

Bull born in 2023 1st Carpenters

Lysander, I & H MacLeod; 2nd

Sunny Arthur, Mr M Horton

Cow in calf or in milk born in 2021 1st Caebach Unity Amorous, N & R Johnson

Heifer born in 2022 1st Carpenters Curly 20th, I & H MacLeod; 2nd Albany Oyster Girl 25th, F W Cook & Son; 3rd Poolhullock Silk 35th, Mr J Helme; 4th Albany Oyster Girl 24th, F W Cook & Son; 5th Lower Eaton Io Sylvia 54th, Mr M Horton

Heifer born in 2023 1st Carpenters

Curly 21st, I & H MacLeod; 2nd Caebach Wahine Plum, Elms School; 3rd Caebach Whitney Plum, N & R Johnson; 4th Caebach Willow

Laura, Elms School; 5th Albany Lyric, F W Cook & Son; 6th Carpenters Gaymaid 3rd, Elms School; 7th Carpenters Laura 2nd, Elms School

Bull or heifer calf 1st Caebach

X-Calibur, N & R Johnson

Dowlman cup for best exhibitorbred pair of animals 1st Carpenters, I & H MacLeod; 2nd Caebach, N & R Johnson

Within this section

● Spring Show & Sale

● Autumn Show & Sale

● Dungannon Sales

● Stirling

● HCBA Sale

● Ervie Spring Bull Sale

● Grassmasters Online Sale

● Hean Dispersal

● Designer Genes

Sales

Rempstone's Reign: Bull Commands 8,000gns

The sun made a much-awaited return on Saturday, April 13th, following a prolonged period of rain – just in time for the Spring Show and Sale of Pedigree Hereford Cattle at Shrewsbury Livestock Market.

Leading the trade was Rempstone 1 Woody S658, fetching an impressive 8,000gns. Bred by M. Ludgate of Thame, Oxford, the top priced bull caught the eye of judge Sally Mitchell, Lanscombe Herefords within the society show. Leading Woody not only to secure first place in his class but moving forward to claim the title of Senior Bull Champion and Grand Male Champion.

Born from Fisher 1 Cherry N431 and sired by Fisher 1 Socrates S509, Woody boasts impressive calving figures, placing him in the top 10% of his category. He was eagerly sought out by new breeder Andrew Thomas, Ffynnon Luan Farm, Maes Y Bont, Llanelli, who is in the initial stages of establishing his own pedigree Hereford herd.

Another success within the Rempstone collection saw Rempstone 1 Alcatraz N685 stand as Reserve Junior Male Champion and finish the day selling for 3,900gns. S & E Walker will be taking him home to Preston, Lancashire to join their herd, Hoghton View Herefords.

The Rempstone herd has demonstrated a notable trend, securing the male championship cup, as it returns for the third consecutive occasion.

All animals brought forward from the Rempstone stable garnered rosettes within the ring and achieved an average of 4,900gns.

Across the board, 44 bulls averaged £3,612.00, having cleared at 68 per cent.

Blazing the trail in the female trade, following behind Rempstone 1 Woody S658, Harveybros 1 Crocus Aurora from Father-Daughter team, George, and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow who saw the heights of 6,400gns securing the purchase for Vaughan Farms Ltd, Hereford.

February-born, the heifer has been racking up the ribbons throughout last year, notably Junior Female

Champion at Agri Expo as well as Overall Junior Champion and Reserve Native Interbreed Champion Stars of the Future.

Her winning streak did not stop at the pre-Christmas shows. Shortly after she claimed the top spot within her class, she strode into pole position as Grand Female Champion.

From the Crocus line, out of Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara and sired by Sky High 1 Take-a-Chance, the time spent on the show circuit paid the breeders dividends as admired from afar, she has found a new home in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Following through the ranks, securing second place within the same class, and joining Aurora on the podium within the Female Championship as reserve was Harveybros 1 Crocus Ariel.

Rempstone 1 Woody S658 from M Ludgate

Harveybros 1 Crocus Aurora from G & S Harvey

With a flurry of excitement, the auction ended with a resounding bid of 5,300gns. The lucky vendor to secure the final bid was Bethan Hutchinson, Billingham, Cleveland. The last of the offerings from George and Sophie Harvey, Harveybros 1 Crocus WooWoo was tapped out in first place by Mrs Mitchell. Later the gavel dropped on 3,500gns. Leaving the average for the three heifers at 5,066gns.

Continuing to fly the flag for Scotland, breeder Robert Wilson, supported by daughter Lottie and son Henry, saw the hammer fall on 6,300gns for their bull, Romany 1 Avatar FR A22, purchased by Highridge Farm Partners, Oxted, Surrey.

From their Ishbel line, out of Romany 1 Ishbel H12 M33 who’s sire Romany 1 Heavyduty A84 previously stood as Champion at the Royal Highland Show, proving that the winning touch runs within the family as Avatar claimed second within his class on sale day.

From the same home, commanding strong money was Romany 1 Ali-Price FR A41, earning the breeders from Kelso 4,600gns. Romany 1 Ali-Price FR A41 was purchased by HA Colburn & Son from Crickley Barrow near Cheltenham. Both bulls are sired by Fabb 1 Rocco.

Joining the society in 2021, Will Medforth, Llanrug, Gwynedd, attended previous sales sitting amongst the buyers. It was his establishing year that he attended the Sky-High reduction sale, hosted at the Society sale purchasing Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire for the top call of 7,000gns from breeder Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley, Weston Staffordshire.

No stranger to pedigree breeding with rare breed horses and Suffolk sheep at home, Mr. Medforth made his way back to the market hall. This time taking on the role of a seller at his inaugural sale. Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire, his earlier acquisition, proved her worth by yielding Penryhyn 1 Watchman, Medforths first sale who fetched 5,000gns before he exited the sales ring. He’ll be travelling the short distance from the mart to Craven Arms under the ownership of JH Morris & Son.

JM Cant and Partners presented a formidable entry from the Panmure herd, showcasing exceptional quality that justified the price. Leading the trade for the breeders was Panmure 1 Plum W9, a daughter of the esteemed Panmure 1 Plum L7. Plum L7 had previously secured Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion titles at the Royal Highland Show in 2016. After claiming second place in her class, Plum W9 was sold for 5,800gns to Devonshire based breeder, Gerald Wood of FJ Wood & Sons.

In the male portion, Panmure 1 Apollo led his class. Previously shown at Agri Expo at the back of 2023 with success, he shares blood with heifer Panmure 1 Plum W9 through grand dam Panmure 1 Plum L7 and is the paternal sister to the heifer. He sold to Mrs R Williamson, Nantwich, Cheshire for 4,900gns.

Next in the money was Studdolph 1 Angela 871. Out of homebred, Studdolph 1 Angela 623 and sired by Vexour

1 Palmer, the October born heifer earned breeder TG, EI & EN Thorne 4,000gns and a second place ribbon within her class.

She has found a home with R Hamilton & I Lammie, Cumnock, East Ayrshire as a foundation female for their newly established Hereford herd.

Also from the Thorne family, Glenvale 1 Hoskins Sotutu came out on top within the Junior Male Championship after winning his class.

Out of Havenfield 1 Lady Lynda, sired by Solpoll 1 Lawman, EL Lewis & Son presented Havenfield 1 Archer through the showring. Tapped out in the red within his class and Reserve in the Senior Male Championship, the Herefordshire bred bull went forward and sealed the deal for 4100gns, selling to H Jackson, Goscombe Farm, Gundleton.

Normanton Herefords from TD & WT Livesey, brought forward a sizeable entry, accumulating to seven bulls, all with great consistency and quality throughout.

Notably class winner, Normanton 1 Availabull A686 inspired spirited bidding concluding at 4,000gns. As a heifer calf, his dam was shown locally with great success as is one of the top performing cows within the herd. Normanton 1 Availabull A686 headed home with purchaser, JE Jones & Son from Montgomery, Powys.

Within the same class, standing third, was Normanton 1 Amorous A693. Paternal brother to Normanton 1 Availabull A686 out of homebred Normanton 1 Jews Ear 33rd, Amorous A693 sold to the Coombs Brothers for 3,600gns.

The Normanton entries averaged 3,187gns.

Breeder, Carolyn Fletcher, Barwise Herefords, Applebyin-Westmorland, Cumbria’s consignment averaged 3,700gns with lots heading to Stratfield Saye Farms, Reading, Berkshire and Weybrook Farm, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

We would like to thank our judge Sally Mitchell from Lanscombe Herefords, as well as the stewards for giving up their time to ensure the show ran smoothly.

Auctioneers: Halls

Averages: 44 bulls, £3,612.00; heifers, £3,533.25

Overall average: £3,592.31

The clearance for heifers was 67% and 68% for the bulls

History made with new breed record

Anticipation and excitement simmered as history was made at this year’s autumn show and sale, with the recently crowned 2024 bull of the year, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 setting a new breed and society record.

It was smiles all round as he was tapped out as the supreme grand male champion in the morning parade with judge Steve Edwards from Leicestershire complimenting the bull on his incredible top line and correctness of his structure.

Fetching an impressive 18,000gns he is the highest priced bull to be sold through the ring for the breed. The March 2023 born bull is out of Danish imported dam Rosenkaer Miss World and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi. Alpha was in good company standing alongside five other March born bulls in his class, but Mr Steve Edwards stated that the well-balanced bull was looking fresh and showed true power and performance potential. He has made his way up to the Welburn herd in North Yorkshire and will make a tremendous stamp on their females.

Taking the reserve highest price of the day and the top female price of 5,200gns was Castle Mount 1 Tessa 421 from P Massey, Lancashire. This January 2023 born heifer was sired by Kinglee 1 Vanguard and is out of a homebred cow Castle Mount 1 Tessa. Winning her class earlier in the day proved successful as then went on to become reserve female champion, aiding her sale ring success.

Harveybros 1 Ace-of-Spades from George and Sophie

Harvey, Glasgow, secured the second highest price bull of the day reaching 5,000gns. The young May 2023 bull has had a successful show season collecting numerous rosettes including junior and reserve overall male champion at the Scottish National and the morning show efforts were no different, claiming a first in his class. When asked, judge Steve Edwards said that he displayed breed characteristics and oozed style. He then went on to take the junior championship and secure the best pair of bulls alongside stable mate Harveybros 1 A-Ladies-Man, another successful bull for the father and daughter team. A-Ladies-Man also stood as the reserve junior champion alongside Ace. Dendor 1 Anna Mary 45th secured the second highest female price of the day reaching 4,600gns and went home with Paul and Vicky Moyle of the Porton House herd. Anna Mary won her class amongst a strong entry of heifers born on or between 1st September to the 23rd of October 2022. This success carried on through as she secured the female championship. The heifer comes from a strong family line being sired by Pepperstock 1 Trigger and out of homebred cow Dendor 1 Anna Mary 40th.

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from M Ludgate sold for 18,000gns

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from M Ludgate

Castle Mount 1 Tessa 421 from P Massey

Another bull in the money was Kingsland 1 Armalight from Vaughans Farms Ltd, Herefordshire obtaining 4,100gns. The reserve junior champion from the Royal Welsh Show 2024 was sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine and is out of Kingsland 1 Cassiopeia 5th and finds his way to JC Porter, Bridgwater, Somerset.

Making the trip down from Angus, Scotland was JM Cant and Partners from the Panmure herd. Bull Panmure 1 Admiral had a good start with the morning proceedings, winning the bull born before the 21st February 2023 class. This strong and powerful November 2022 born Romany 1 Thor FR T4 son, then went on to take the reserve senior male and overall reserve championship. Bred out of a Panmure 1 Plum T6 cow, he secured a price of 4,000 gns and will now reside with SC & GL Hartwright at the Spartan herd.

SPEIRS

Auctioneers: Halls

Bulls to an average – £4,365

Show heifers sold to an average – £2,734.04

For sale only females – £1,755

The clearance for the show heifers was 68% and 70% for the bulls.

Many congratulations to all vendors on the day and we wish all the buyer’s luck with their new purchases. We would like to thank our sponsors for sponsoring the show and sale.

Judge Steve Edwards

The Ludgate family and stockman Joe Clarke with their record breaking bull Rempstone 1 Alpha N688

Sending of hair samples for testing?

Scan the QR code and watch weatherbys easy guide to collecting hair follicles.

Ensure you follow the process as to not incur any further costs or delays

Northern Ireland kick-off sale season

The Premier Sale held in Dungannon Farmers Mart got the sale season off to a start for local Hereford breeders with a small number of bulls forward.

Leading the trade was the 2 year old Benburb 1 Wellington from Alan Shaw, Dungannon. After winning the Senior class this ET son of Moeskaer Waterloo and herds leading female Shraden 1 Alice sold for 2,800gns to Robert Morrison from County Armagh.

The second top price went to Fermanagh breeders Mervyn & Henry Richmond with their 2nd prize winner Corraback Walker. A May 2022 born Highhedges Synergist son from a homebred Kye Rodge dam he sold for 2,600gns to Nathan Boyd, Co Armagh.

The judge Emma Hodge from Berwickshire’s choice of Champion was the winner of the Junior bull class and the youngest bull forward from the McMordie Family, Saintfield. River-Dale 1 Whiz Kid sired by Hollybush 1 Thor, unfortunately he failed to make his reserve in the sale ring.

The NIHBA would like to thank the staff at Dungannon Mart, the successful purchasers, Emma Hodge for judging and giving shadow judge Johnny Mitchell some judging experience.

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart

Averages: 4 bulls, £2,494

Benburb 1 Wellington from Alan Shaw

Corraback Walter from Mervyn & Henry Richmond

River-Dale 1 Whiz Kid from Norman McMordie

Trade heats up at Dungannon

Despite the slow start to the spring buyers were out in force at Dungannon Farmers Mart for the April Sale. Brisk trade for strong Hereford bulls resulted in 10 selling from the 11 forward to average £2,993.

Leading the prices at 3,400gns was Brookfield 1 Wisdom from Roy & Pat McClenaghan. Born in April 2022 this son of the widely used AI sire Fabb 1 Northern Star from the purchased dam Graceland 1 Sarah. After finishing second in the Senior class he followed through to be Reserve Champion before selling to Gerard Mooney, Dungannon.

Mark & Lawrence Moore had a successful day selling their 3 bulls to average £2,905, leading their pen was the January 2022 born Annaghbeg Koala. Sired by Mara Pristine his dam was the homebred Annaghbeg Dakota, he stood first in his class before being placed Champion. The first bull into the ring he sold for pedigree use to David Smyth, Ballynahinch for the days second top price of 3,000gns. Following close behind was his herdmate Annaghbeg Kodiak selling for 2,900gns to Brian Henry Cookstown. Another April 2022 born bull he was sired by stockbull Cill Cormaic Nevada from another homebred dam Annaghbeg Gertrude.

Robin & James Irvine sold two sons of stockbull Blakesley 1 Nobility for 3,000gns & 2,900gns. First up was the June born Graceland 1 Watson who sold to Kennedy Hunter, Magherafelt, with the July born Graceland 1 Arthur also going to Magherafelt to join Thomas Anderson.

Also selling for 2,900gns was Cassan Rory from Gordon Buchanan, born in July 2022 he was a son of Allowdale Rory and sold to Matthew Henderson, Trillick.

Alan Shaw sold his September 2022 born Benburb 1 Alfie for 2,800gns. Another son of Fabb 1 Northern Star he stayed local in Dungannon with Edward Robinson.

The two youngest bulls forward were from Bertie & Greer Watson. Both were sons of Solpoll 1 Ringo and sold for 2,600gns a piece, the 17 month old Barnburn 1 Albert sold to Paul Hurrell, Ballymena with Patrick Barker, Dungannon purchasing the 16 month old Barnburn 1 Aladdin.

Brookfield 1 Wisdom from Roy & Pat McClenaghan

Annaghbeg Koala from Mark & Lawrence Moore

Herefords see 100% clearance at Stirling

A small but powerful consignment of Herefords entered the ring at the February Stirling fixture. All met a strong demand seeing the entire offering heading to new homes.

Leading the trade was Fellowhills 1 Watt, from Jimmy Hodge, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

March 22-born, the bull is out of Rempstone 1 Curly D561, a cow classified as VG 86 and a maternal sister to last year’s Three Counties Champion as well as the Agri Expo Champion 2021.

Mr Hodge was an early adopter of the classification service and one of the first to utilise the information at a sale.

Sired by Fellowhills 1 Talisman, the bull caught commercial breeder, Robert Parkers eye last year following his participation judging the Scottish segment of the National Herd Competition. When Fellowhills 1 Watt was entered into the sale at Stirling, Mr Parker headed to the auction to secure the purchase for 4,000gns.

Heading back to Drumdow, Watt will be used within Roberts Black Baldy system, breeding replacements for the suckler herd and young stock to be sold on.

For Criffel 1 Warrior from E Burgess, Dumfries, the bidding climaxed at 3,500gns. Born in May 2022, he is by Criffel 1 Thor, the Supreme Champion at Stirling in 2022, out of homebred Criffel 1 Souvenir, who is a daughter of New Zealand bred, Otapawa Minerva 7005.

The bull sits in the top 5% for both the terminal and self-replacing index, IMEG, eye muscle area and carcase index.

Closing the Hereford portion of the sale was a heifer from Northumberland breeders, Tom and Di Harrison. Moralee 1 Kylie RK287 strode into the ring and sold for 3,000gns to Tracey McKenzie, Lauder, Scotland. By Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12, she is out of Moralee 1 Kylie 2nd.

Fellowhills 1 Watt from J Hodge

Criffel 1 Warrior from E Burgess

Moralee 1 Kylie RK287 from Tom and Di Harrison

Herefords take centre stage

Topping the bull trade at the HCBA's show and sale at Worcester Livestock Market was Senior Bull Class winner, Free Town Ajax from RA Bradstock & Partners, selling locally to Matthew Dent of Withington Herefords for £3,150.

Second in the Senior Bull class, from M&M Roberts, was Bromley 1 Thunder, with the hammer knocked down at £2,625, again selling locally to Lower Hope Farms, Hereford.

The judge for the day, Robert Clarke tapped out Overall Champion, High House Azzuri, from JR Whitlow, who unfortunately didn’t make his reserve but went on to have success in the summer show ring.

Female trade topped with an unshown female from EL Lewis & Son, 14 month old Haven Curly 126th, selling at £2,205 to Nigel Hooper, Malvern, who also added Reserve Female Champion Haven Louisa 104th at £2,100. Both the in-calf heifers sold and the buyers pick through the sale ring was the heifer from M Gray & L Crowther, Buckenhill 1 Iona W356 selling for £2,100 to AB Bomford, Droitwich.

Female Champion from Sarah Hawkins was Bosbury 1 Brownie A149 GT, sold to Steve Chilman, Kinsham Herefords, Presteigne for £1,890.

The HCBA would like to thank judge Robert Clarke , sponsor JG Animal Health, McCartneys Worcester team for a well run day and the successful buyers with their purchases.

Auctioneers: McCartneys

Averages: bulls, £2,546; heifers, £1,827

Free Town Ajax from RA Bradstock & Partners

HighHouse Azzuri from JR Whitlow

Haven Curly 156th from EL Lewis & Son

Bosbury 1 Brownie A149 GT from S Hawkins

Ervie Spring Bull Sale

Cold wintery conditions did not deter buyers travelling to the far South West of Scotland on Thursday 8th February 2024, keen to purchase the hardy, unpampered, rising 2 year old Bulls on offer from John Douglas and Family at Mains of Airies, Leswalt, Stranraer which was conducted by C&D Auctions Ltd.

With strong on-line and ringside bidding, the days top price of £5,600 was attained for much admired Ervie L1 Advance 702984 – A light birthweight bull with strong EBV’s from the Noreen family, staying local with Black Baldie Breeder, R. Parker, Drumdow.

Next best at £5,400 was Ervie L1 Achiever 503003, selling online to Welsh Producers – Messrs Lewis, Anglesley. Another with strong figures from the L1 Achievement Family and a straight Line 1 Pedigree.

R.C Shearlaw & Son, High Garphair paid £4,000 for the much fancied Towford L1 Achiever from the Ervie Unitarian Family.

Ervie L1 Achiever 302987 caught the eye of Messrs T McMillan, Eskechraggan, Isle of Bute who went to £3,800. Another from the achiever family with a straight Line 1 Pedigree.

Ervie L1 Advance 702984

Ervie L1 Achiever 503003

Carpenters heifer tops Grass Masters sale at £2000

Reaching the top price of £2,000 in the annual Grass Masters Online

Sale of Traditional Herefords running from 28 – 30 June was the January 2023-born heifer Carpenters Curly 21st from I & H MacLeod, Malvern, selling to the Cressage herd of JN & MJ Ellis, Shrewsbury.

This homebred heifer was sold in-calf to yearling bull Carpenters Lysander, both animals having had recent success winning the Junior Female and Junior Male Championships respectively at the Royal Three Counties Show. Also selling to JN & MJ Ellis at £1,500 was another in-calf heifer from the same herd, the March 2022-born Carpenters Lavender 3rd.

Another purchaser picking up multiple lots was HCS Young Hereford Breeder L Smith from Wakefield, who secured the well-proven herd sire Laxfield Juror for £1,500, along with in-calf heifer Margarita Countess W291 at £1,100, from the entries forward as part of the full dispersal of the Glansevin herd of M Percival, Suffolk. The same buyer also put in the winning bid of £400 for embryos collected from Llwynobin Maria 1st, the only remaining Original Population female from the Maria family, as part of an important project undertaken by owners S Woods & W Van Beele, Herefordshire, to repopulate this rare line.

Selling at £1,400 from the Hockerwood herd of P & E Lynn, Southwell, was in-calf heifer Hockerwood Venus 14th. Sired by the highly regarded and prolific bull

Carpenters Curly 21st from I & H MacLeod, Malvern

Laxfield Juror from M Percival, Suffolk

Hockerwood Venus 14th from P & E Lynn, Southwell

Kileekie China Model 5th from A & S Sykes, Ayrshire

Shefford Monarch and in-calf to the Lynn’s new young herd sire Gavelock Doggett, this heifer travels to R Turner’s Tycarreg herd based in Llanymynech.

Four lots made their way to Aberdeenshire to establish a new herd for P Donald, Inverurie, each selling for £1,000. These comprised the 2021-born Kileekie Zephyr Model 3rd with her bull calf at foot sired by Boresisle Jupiter, and maiden heifer Kileekie China Model 5th, both lots bred and sold by A & S Sykes, Ayrshire, alongside a further two maiden females – Langridge Smartie and Langridge Sashay – bred and sold by FV Cook, Cambridge.

Another purchased from the Glansevin dispersal was the first lot in the sale, Herouldmede Caroline 3rd, picked up by T Robinson for the Rangemoor herd, Buxton, at £1,000. PD in-calf to Laxfield Juror, this

good-bodied breeding cow was originally bred by the Woods Van Beele Partnership.

Three embryos collected from P & E Lynn’s donor dam Hockerwood Lucy and sired by the popular AI bull Margarita Sebastian were sold at £250 per embryo to repeat purchaser J Reed, Salisbury.

Herouldmede Caroline 3rd from M Percival, Suffolk

Netherhall 1 Katnook R870

Hean Dispersal attracts huge crowd to Pembrokeshire

A huge crowd was attracted to Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire for the dispersal of Hean Castle Estate’s prize-winning herd of pedigree Polled Hereford cattle.

The sale was conducted by Jonny Dymond from Shrewsbury-based Halls auctioneers who sold the pedigree cattle to 42 successful buyers from across Wales, the borders, Cornwall and Scotland.

The herd was founded following the sale of a dairy herd in 2012, with the first calvings to the Hean Prefix in 2014. David Burnhill joined the estate as herd manager in 2016 and his expertise and attention to detail breeding this foundation made the herd very appealing to buyers.

David identified a few foundation families to develop, namely the Diadem and Doris, however one female which commanded his highest interest was Glenvale 1 Plover 412 who was flushed to huge benefit.

Hean 1 Plover 878

The sale topper was Hean 1 Plover 878, a granddaughter of 412 by Studdolph 1 Topper, with a heifer calf at foot by the much admired stock bull Solpoll 1 Superduty. Only the third lot in the ring, this powerful 2017 born cow sold for 5,400 guineas to Vaughan Farms Ltd of the Kingland Herd, near Leominster.

Next in the prices at 5,000gns was Hean 1 Acorn 187 with her heifer calf at foot by Hean 1 Tullis. This Solpoll 1 Superduty heifer was a real star of the show, generating strong interest from some of the biggest names in the breed before selling to relatively new breeder Messrs Lewis & Codd for their Furzy Herd in Haverfordwest.

A very pleasing 4,400gns was achieved for Hean 1 Diadem 053. Typical of the Hean cattle, she was a medium sized, well balanced and correct cow with beautiful udder, but her heifer calf by Superduty was a real show stopper and drew the attention of Messrs S. Chilman for their Presteigne-based Kinsham Herd.

The same buyer secured Hean 1 Plover 006, a 2019 born ET Bred cow from Plover 412 with heifer calf at 4,200gns. There was very strong interest in the finest and showiest females on the sale as well as commercial demand meaning that very few cows and calves sold for under 2,000gns. Overall, the 64 cows and calves averaged £2,641.

In-calf heifers were topped by an absolute beauty, Hean 1 Doris, a Superduty daughter that had been running with Hean 1 Tullis 003 to calf next spring. After fierce bidding from some of the biggest names in the breed, she sold for 4,200gns to the original home of the Doris, TG, EI & EN Thorne to join the Glenvale Herd in Milford Haven.

Next in the in-calf heifers was another from the Plover family, Hean 1 Plover 292 which had been running with Hean 1 Takoda 008. A winning bid of 3,200gns was made by Mr J Twose from the Beca Herd, Whitland.

Yearling heifers from the autumn calving herd created a real sparkle to finish the day’s trading. These 100% grass fed 11-month-old heifers sold to a peak of 1,500gns and returned an average of £1,159. Topping this section was Hean 1 Plover 360 which also sold to Messrs Lewis & Codd.

Stock bulls peaked at 5,000gns for the 2018 Solpoll 1 Superduty, which went back to Dorepoll 1 R51 Duchess 525 and was also secured by Vaughan Farms. 2019 born Hean 1 Takoda achieved 2,800gns.

Auctioneers: Halls

Averages: 64 cows and calves £2641.41, 17 in-calf cows £1,655 34, in-calf heifers £1,692, 31 bulling and maiden heifers £1,044.75 5 and stock bulls £2,919.

Hean 1 Acorn 187

Hean 1 Diadem 053

Hean 1 Plover 006

Designer Genes 2024 Sale Report

The

9th Annual Designer Genes event took place on Friday 13th December 2024. Due to factors including Bluetongue restrictions, the sale took place on MartEye in an online-timed format, with a sale dinner hosted in conjunction with the HCBA at Shrewsbury Auction Centre. The sale was organised and managed by Dowbiggin Marketing in partnership with Halls. Sale highlights and averages are as follows:

• Top priced female was Moralee 1 Kylie TE348 selling for 7,100gns (£7,455)

• 5 Hereford females sold to average £4,213.60

• Top price embryos were from Moralee 1 Kylie x Days Calibre G74 embryos which sold for 700gns (£735) each (package of 4 embryos)

• 18 embryos sold to average £533.75

• Semen topped at 160gns (£168) per straw for The Ranch Remington R028 semen from Ghyll Beck Genetics

• 34 straws of semen averaged £113.18 per straw

• The total sale grossed £26,475.75 on 20 lots

Females

Topping the 2024 Designer Genes Sale was Moralee 1 Kylie TE348 from T & D Harrison of Moralee Herefords, Northumberland. This 9-month-old heifer calf is sired by herdsire Dendor 1 Tecwyn and out of a SMH Kingsize 87K daughter. The Kylie family has produced several champions at Moralee, and after a frantic bidding war, Kylie TE348 was knocked down to new breeder N Oliver from Northumberland, England.

The second highest priced female was Dendor 1 Anna Mary 39th EX93 from DE, ED & AL Jones of Dendor Herefords, Powys. Anna Mary 39th is one of the highest classified cows in the breed and heralds from one of Dendor’s most prolific cow families. This 5-year-old cow sold with her September-born heifer calf at foot for 5,100gns (£5,355) to an undisclosed buyer.

Moralee 1 Kylie TE348 (Lot 6) from T & D Harrisons, Moralee Herefords sold for 7,100gns (£7,455) to N Oliver, Northumberland, England

Other female prices

• Lot 5 – Moorside 1 New Dawn 11th sold for 3,600gns to H Woof, Sedbergh.

• Lot 2 – Eveter 1 Demelza 11th B43 sold for 3,100gns to an undisclosed buyer.

• Lot 3 – Fardre 1 Holetown Hettie B247 sold for 2,900gns to O Janes, Somerset.

Frozen Genetics

Topping the embryo section was a package of four embryos from T & D Harrison, Moralee Herefords, Northumberland. Sired by Australian bull Days Calibre G74 and from leading donor Moralee 1 Kylie, these embryos were full siblings to several of the Moralee

Dendor 1 Anna Mary 39th EX93 with heifer calf at foot, from DE, ED & AL Jones of Dendor Herefords, sold for 5,100gns (£5,355) to an undisclosed buyer

2024 show team. They sold for 700gns (£735) each to Steven O’Kane & G Davies.

Second highest price in the embryo section was a package of three embryos from Bowen Farms, Bowendu Herefords, Wales. These embryos were out of Dendor 1 Ruby 37th who sold for 10,200gns Designer Genes 2021. The embryos were sired by Solpoll 1 Trailblazer – a former Hereford Bull of the Year and sold at Designer Genes 2023 for 10,000gns. The embryos were knocked down to R Nettleton, Cumbria, for 650gns (£682.50) each. In total, 18 embryos from 4 consignors sold to average £533.75 per embryo.

A total of 34 straws of semen on four different bulls sold to average £113.18 per straw and top at 160gns per straw. Prices are summarised below:

• 12 straws of Fabb 1 Northern Star averaged £78.31 and topped at 85gns per straw

• 10 straws of Moeskaer Crossfire averaged £152.25 and topped at 150gns per straw

• 10 straws of Cleland 1 Regal sold for 100gns (£105) per straw

• 2 straws of The Ranch Remington R028 sold for 160gns (£168) per straw

Established 1967

Hi-Health Herd & Johnes Level 1

Established 1967 Hi- Health Herd & Johnes Level 1

Established 1967 Hi- Health Herd & Johnes Level 1

Milovaig 1 Vindicator

Hereford Champion Scottish Nationals 2024

Hereford Champion Scottish Nationals 2024

Milovaig 1 Vindicator

3rd - Champions of the World 2024 - Europe

Semen Available

M. Poyser & Daughters

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire

✆ 07593 111367

Hereford Champion Scottish Nationals 2024

Semen Available martin.poyser@gmail.com

M.Poyser & Daughters

martin.poyser@gmail.com

07593 111367

Aberdeenshire

Coxon Herefords

Coxon Herefords

07593 111367

Within this section

● Agri Expo

● Kington Show

● Balmoral

● Royal Bath and West

● National Poll Show

● Northern Irish National

● Royal Welsh Spring Festival

● Shropshire County Show

● Shropshire County Traditionals

● Scottish National

● Royal Highland

● Royal Norfolk

● National Hereford Show

● Devon County Show

● Royal Welsh Show

● Royal Three Counties Show

● National Stock judging Competition

● Royal Three Counties Traditionals

● Royal Cornwall Show

● Great Yorkshire Show

● Stars of the Future

● HCBA Christmas Calf Show

Shows

Agri-Expo

Judge Gary McKiernan certainly had his work cut out for him, as he carefully assessed each animal’s physical attributes, structure, and overall market potential.

His scrutiny was evident as he took time to evaluate the depth of muscling, correct structure, and the animals’ performance potential in both breeding and commercial settings.

With over seventy animals in total, the event brought together some of the finest Herefords, ranging from promising young stock to proven breeding animals. The atmosphere was competitive, with breeders exchanging insights and showcasing their best animals for both commercial buyers and fellow breeders.

Following his summer show season success was young breeder L Jackson-Carr as he had yet another win under his belt with Dendor 1 Greta 39th. The October 2023 born heifer bred by DE, ED, & AL Jones, but now resides with Liam. Sired by Solpoll 1 Vanquish and out of Dendor 1 Greta 27th this heifer once again demonstrated her presence and style by winning senior female, overall female and overall champion on the day.

Mr McKiernan who hails from Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, was looking for correct, easy fleshing and stylish cattle.

In the reserve champion hot spot and not for the second time in following a stable mate this season was Dendor 1 Billy-the-Kid. This half sibling to Greta is sired by Solpoll 1 Vanquish and is out of Dendor 1 Wattle 9th. The March 2024 born bull oozed class and this was evident as he took the junior male, overall male and reserve overall champion places. Whether it was in the junior or senior sections, the influence of the Dendor herd was evident, with several of the top contenders and champions at the show stemming from their lines. Their continued success is a testament to the quality and consistency of their breeding program, which has become synonymous with producing cattle that excel both in the ring and on the farm.

The distance incurred did not deter breeders from making the journey, and in the female division, the animals certainly did not disappoint. In the junior section, Porton House 1 Jane 5th, exhibited by Paul and Vicky Moyle, stood out as the winner of the heifer born on or after the 1st of March 2024 class. This impressive heifer overcame stiff competition, beating several of her peers with her exceptional conformation, strong frame, and promising future as a breeding animal. She is out of home bred cow Porton House 1 Jane and is sired by Normanton 1 Whiskey W660, which was purchased by the breeders in the Spring society show and sale in 2022. This bull is sired by Dendor 1 Rosco P. Coltrane, another nod to the Dendor herd.

Following closely behind in hot pursuit was the reserve junior female champion, Bowendu 1 Ruby 7th from Bowen Farms. After a quieter summer show season for the breeders, this January 2024-born heifer made a real statement at Agri Expo with her undeniable charm and presence. She fended off strong competition from other heifers in her class to secure a well-earned first place. Out of Dendor 1 Ruby 37th and sired by the renowned Solpoll 1 Trailblazer, Bowendu 1 Ruby 7th exhibited all the qualities with both her dam and sire having established themselves as consistent producers of quality animals.

Dendor 1 Greta 39th from L Jackson-Carr

Dendor 1 Billy-the-Kid from DE, ED & AL Jones

In the senior section, Normanton 1 Jews Ear 43rd B687 stood out, taking both the Reserve Senior Champion and Reserve Female Champion titles. Despite being part of a smaller but highly competitive entry, this heifer proved that quality can shine through in any class. Born in December 2023, Jews Ear 43rd demonstrated exceptional strength and depth, with the power and presence that make her a standout in the ring. Out of Normanton 1 Jews Ear 31st T21, a homebred cow from the well-established Jews Ear family, and sired by Cleland 1 Nelson. The Jews Ear family has a long history of producing high-quality cattle that consistently perform well in the show ring with numerous accolades to their name.

In the male section RM 1 Blade from E Hodge a January 2024 born bull, won a strong class amongst seven other young bulls, he then went on to take the junior male reserve championship. Sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Duncan,

out of Coley 1 Lily 561 Blade is a flashy young man with a promising future.

In the senior section, Moralee 1 Bond DC313 from T & D Harrison made a significant impact, winning the Bull Born in September 2023 class before going on to claim both Senior Male Champion and Reserve Male Champion titles. This impressive young bull, out of the renowned Moralee 1 Kylie cow and sired by Days Calibre G74, displayed the strength, conformation, and presence that set him apart in a competitive lineup.

Completing the male championship lineup was Dendor 1 Boof from DE, ED & AL Jones, who claimed the Reserve Senior Male Champion title. This impressive bull, sired by the well-regarded Solpoll 1 Vanquish and out of Dendor 1 Ruby 34th, is yet another exceptional progeny from the famed Ruby line, which continues to produce cattle of the highest quality.

Kington Show

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688, travelled up from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxford to take the January to March 2023 Class and Male and Supreme Champion Hereford before going on to be Interbreed Beef Champion and Champion of Champions at the North Herefordshire Show.

Judge Richard Jackson, Eveter Herefords, Lancashire commented “Alpha’s got the length, width and locomotion. The kind of bull that you’d want to use.”

Alpha is a son of Dendor 1 Nairobi and his dam is a danish import Rosenkaer Miss World, he now goes on to the Hereford Society’s Autumn Show and Sale in Shrewsbury Livestock Market on 12th October.

Female Champion & Reserve Supreme Hereford came from Messrs Spooner, Leek, Staffordshire namely Dieulacresse Pansy 17th. This 10 month old heifer calf sired by Haven Virtual and out of a home bred Dieulacresse Pansy 13th caught Richard’s eye as soon as she entered her November & December 2023 class.

Starline Polled Herefords

Solpoll 1 Vegas

Due to ill health there will be one last starline disperal sale in the spring, of mainly 2nd calving incalf autumn calving cows, with their calves at foot by Solpoll 1 vegas. Look out for the sale in the spring, a fine chance to purchase some quality pedigree Hereford cattle. The Gifford families Hereford cattle breeding lives on through son Alex Gifford of Twilight Herefords

Alan and Linda Gifford, Whitebear Farm, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7NZ Alan: 07799 261634 or Alex: 0781 3277146

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from M Ludgate

Dieulacresse Pansy 17th from Messrs Spooner

Balmoral Show

Once again, the Hereford cattle and exhibitors demonstrated a super display of cattle for this year’s Balmoral Show. A total of 59 cattle were entered from 13 different exhibitors. Massive thanks goes out to judge James Ludgate from Rempstone Herefords, Oxfordshire.

Gaining the top prize was Kinglee 1 Victorious from Mr Trevor Andrews, Larne. Born in November 2020, this impressive bull added to his list of prizes which includes champion of the national polled Hereford calf show in September 2021. After coming in first place in the senior bull class, he was tapped out as Supreme Hereford Champion of Balmoral Show 2024.

Not content with just Supreme Champion, Trevor went on to take the Junior Champion with Mountview 1 Nirvana. This February 2023 heifer is sired by Supreme Champion, Kinglee 1 Victorious and was also the reserve female champion.

Reserve Supreme Hereford Champion was awarded to the winner of the senior heifer class, Ballypallady 1 Wizzbit from Mr Stephen Cherry, Ballyclare. This homebred heifer is a daughter of one of his foundation females, Hawkesbury 1 Veronica, who has bred previous prize winners such as Ballypallady 1 Top Notch, reserve champion at Balmoral Show 2022.

Reserve Male Champion was Dorepoll 1 Westminster from Dorepoll Herefords, Crumlin. Born in September 2021, his pedigree is full of home breeding being a son of Dorepoll 1 93N Nationwide and Dorepoll 1 T1 Tessa 480. This award is adding to his previous success at the NIHBA calf show in 2022 where he was tapped out as Reserve Senior Male Champion after coming first in his class.

Lurgan-based Ciaran Kerr was the winner of the reserve junior breed championship with Kinnego 1 Amazon. This bull’s pedigree is full of prize winners, being son of NI Horned Bull of the Year and Overall Reserve Bull of the Year 2022, Country Crest Jack,

and overall champion of Clogher Valley Show 2022, homebred Kinnego 1 Verity.

The progeny pair class was won by the Haire family, Dorepoll Herefords. The group of 3 animals was won by James & Bradley Graham of Richmount Herefords with Richmount 1 Archie, Richmount 1 Apples and Richmount 1 Annie.

Judge, James Ludgate, complimented all exhibitors on their efforts in putting on a quality display of Hereford cattle. He was particularly impressed with the standard throughout and commended all for taking part.

Kinglee 1 Victorious from Mr Trevor Andrews

Ballypallady 1 Wizzbit from Mr Stephen Cherry

Mountview 1 Nirvana from Mr Trevor Andrews

Royal Bath and West Show

The Royal Bath and West Show is proving to be a fortuitous event for young local breeder Will Awan. Having headed home last year with the reserve overall champion accolade for homebred bull, Midford 1 Whatyalookinat that sold in the Autumn show and sale for 4200gns.

This year the Bath-based breeder, re-entered the ring leaving victorious. Under the watchful gaze of judge Andrew Hughes, from the Coley and Invictus Hereford herds, Midford 1 Elke 1st represented the breed boldly in the Interbreed championship and exited the ring adorned with a plethora of awards; reserve overall interbreed native champion, interbreed junior native heifer champion and interbreed junior champion. Elke 1st is no stranger to an interbreed sash, having stood reserve within the interbreed championship at the North Somerset show earlier in the season.

The fifteen-month-old heifer, out of Bosbury 1 Elke 50 and sired by Grifford 1 Try, started her winning streak taking the red ticket in her class before advancing through the ranks to breed female champion and breed champion.

The Lanscombe herd had a productive day taking a total of six ribbons home. The principal rosette winner is January 23-born heifer, Lanscombe 1 Ebony. Bred by Messrs RA & VA Mitchell, Dorchester, out of homebred, Lanscombe 1 Lotty and sired by Vexour 1 Phantom, Ebony stood 2nd in her class and continued through to the female and overall championship alongside Midford 1 Elke 1st, ending her day in the reserve position.

Tapped out in first place within the heifer born in 2022 class was Lanscombe 1 Duchess, also sired by Vexour 1 Phantom, this time out of Lanscombe 1 Queenie.

Within the male division, the breeders from Dorset also took the top spot with bull Lanscombe 1 Endeavor. January-2023-born, Endeavour advanced his position throughout the day, seeing him earn the breeders a male champion ribbon.

Alongside their individual wins, the breeders took centre stage in both the pair and group classes. From breeder B Cambridge, exhibited by daughter Zoe Cambridge from Winterbourne Down, Bristol and bred by JRB Wilson & Sons, Cowbog, Kelso, bull Romany 1 Valium FR V57 claimed the male championship win. Sired by Fabb 1 Rocco, the April-21-born animal has already made waves in the show ring, having stood as male champion at Devon County and finishing in reserve within the overall championship.

Within the senior cow class, Hudley 1 Lucy made the journey from Gundleton, Hampshire to the Bath and West showground worthwhile for breeder, Miss Harriet Jackson, as the senior cow won her class. Born Feb-2017, out of Solpoll 1 Ferrari, originally bred by J & W McMordie and now owned by Genus Breeding Ltd.

Midford 1 Elke 1st bred from Will Awan

Lanscombe 1 Ebony from RA & VA Mitchell

National Poll Show

The National Poll Hereford Show is icing on the cake for team Rempstone, with Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 dominating the show.

Out of Danish imported dam Rosenkaer Miss World, and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, Rempstone 1 Alpha, from breeder M. Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire, took the male and supreme championships, marking a significant win for all concerned. Judge William Smith from Oldcastle, County Meath, Eire commented on this outstanding bull, saying he has exceptional plates and hind legs, excellent locomotion and has great balance. William went on to say that the bull had a great future within the breed.

The March 2023 born bull has had an impressive run throughout the summer, taking many championships up and down the country and most recently, Alpha won the breed and interbreed championships at the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show. It not only highlights Alpha’s exceptional qualities but also showcases the strength and potential of the Native breed.

Alpha took further victory in the interbreed championship and is a testament to his outstanding characteristics. Judge Becky Hurd from Somerset stated that he is flawless, especially given the high standards and competition from both native and continental breeds.

Standing in the reserve supreme spot was Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from SC and GL Hartwright, also from Oxfordshire. It was no surprise that this veteran cow challenged the bull to the top position, as she also has many championships under her belt, including Great Yorkshire Show, Staffordshire and Royal Highland Show to name but a few. Taking nothing away from her on the day, judge William stated that the cow looked fresh and carried herself exceptionally well.

With Solpoll 1 Perfection as her sire and Cleland 1 Glissade 26th as her dam, this 2020 born cow benefits from a lineage of top-notch genetics. Solpoll 1 Perfection’s track record of success and the quality of his offspring clearly shine through. This strong heritage not only contributes to Victoria’s own achievements but also reinforces the reputation of his breeding line. It’s clear that the combination of these winning genes has played a significant role in the outstanding performance.

Allwood 1 Greta from F.J Wood & Sons took the reserve senior female champion, and this strong in-calf heifer stood top of the class amongst five other females. The February 2022 born heifer is out of Dendor 1 Greta 33rd and sired by Kilvrough 1 Thomas, demonstrating

excellent beef qualities, was well balanced and showed herself well.

Next up in the intermediate section was heifer Midford 1 Elke, another show winning heifer. Breeder W. Awan from Somerset made the journey to showcase this March 2023 born heifer. Elke has had an exceptional season claiming championship titles including Royal Bath and West Show. Her success didn’t stop at the intermediate female champion, she then went on to secure reserve overall female champion. This clean, young feminine heifer is out of Bosbury 1 Elke 50th, sired by Grifford 1 Try and promises to have a prosperous future ahead.

Reserve intermediate champion heifer went to Rempstone 1 Lily N684 from breeder M. Ludgate. With a pedigree that includes Romany 1 Lily BL R40 and Dendor 1 Nairobi, it’s clear that quality breeding is a strong theme in this family. Being a half-sister to the grand champion further underscores the impressive lineage and consistent quality in their breeding program.

Young breeder L. Jackson-Carr had a successful day by winning the heifer born on or between 1st October and 31st October class. Dendor 1 Greta 39th was bred by D.E., E.D., & A.L. Jones, but now resides with Liam. Sired by Solpoll 1 Vanquish and out of Dendor 1 Greta 27th this young heifer displayed style and class. This was

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from M Ludgate

Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from SC and GL Hartwright

evident to our judge as she then went on to secure the junior female champion title and further adding to her success, the overall junior champion of the day.

Standing reserve to Greta on both counts from the same breeder D.E., E.D., & A.L. Jones, was Dendor 1 Keepsake 27th. Shown expertly by Twm Jones this heifer stood top amongst a lovely line up of ten young heifers in the 1st of September to 30th September 2023 class. She caught the judge’s eye with her show presence and style. Sired by Dendor 1 Vivian and out of homebred cow Dendor 1 Keepsake 18th, this winning duo stood side by side until the end.

With thirty-one bulls forward for selection, the male section certainly didn’t disappoint. The senior division saw Kingsland 1 Wolf from S. O ’Kane & H. Morgan, Powys, take the senior male championship. The twoand-a-half-year-old bull is sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine out of a Kingsland 1 Lily 1st cow. Returning to reclaim his male champion title from last year meant this was a great start to the campaign, with high standards being maintained year after year.

Breeder Mrs. E. Jackson made the journey down from Lancashire and this proved very successful. Eveter 1 Alan Jackson won the bull born on or between 1st September and 31st December 2022 class and then stood reserve to Kingsland 1 Wolf in the senior male championship. This young bull is sired by Solpoll 1 Lawman and is out of Barbern 1 June 349. Alan has been shown throughout the summer with success at Burwarton and Halifax Shows.

Rempstone 1 Alpha took the intermediate male championship and was the second step to reaching the greatest prize. In the reserve intermediate male position was JC 1 Austin from L. Jackson-Carr, his second major achievement of the day. This smart young bull showed well under Liam.

A strong contender emerged in the bull class for animals born between September 1st and October 31st, 2023, with Tom and Di Harrison from Moralee, Northumberland, achieving notable success. Their entry, Moralee 1 Baz KS315, claimed first place, while stablemate Moralee 1 Bond took second. This impressive result underscores the importance of consistency, as both bulls are descended from well-regarded female lines, Sparkles and Kylie. Their performance was further highlighted when they both secured the junior male championship, marking a pleasing victory for the Harrison team.

In the group classes, Moralee achieved further success by taking first place in both the group of three animals owned by the exhibitor, by the same sire and the group of three to include both sexes, owned by the exhibitor. These wins highlight the consistency and quality of their genetics and breeding program. In the biggest class of the day S. O ’Kane & H. Morgan won the best pair of animals owned by the exhibitor, with the senior bull and cow and calf outfit making up the team.

Judge William Smith commented on the exceptional quality of the cattle presented, noting that he thoroughly enjoyed both the challenge and the

experience of the day. His observing eye was validated as the interbreed competitions yielded impressive results. Kingsland 1 Wolf and Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret clinched the interbreed pairs title, while Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 emerged as the overall interbreed hotspot winner.

Setting the stage for the upcoming competitions, Friday night’s young handler events were marked by warm weather and grey skies, but neither the judge nor the competitors were deterred.

In the junior section, which featured four participants aged 7 to 12, Judge Thea Woollatt from Chepstow put the young handlers to the test by removing their show sticks to challenge their handling skills. Abbie JacksonCarr emerged in first place, with Mia Shaw securing a close second.

The intermediate section, though smaller with just two competitors, did not fall short in terms of quality. The competitors showcased their skills and fielded technical questions with precision. Katherine Shaw took first place, while Liam Jackson-Carr earned second.

In the senior category, which included three participants, Ollie Garnett-Smith achieved first place and Cerys Mai Jenkins followed in second. The seniors were tasked with removing their show sticks, swapping animals, and answering questions, demonstrating their advanced handling expertise.

Judge William Smith

Stewards Dave Hemstock and Steve Edwards with commentator Clive Davies, overseeing proceedings

NIHBA National Show

For the second time in one week, judge Allen Massey from Bury, Lancashire, was put through his paces, assessing the quality cattle presented at Antrim.

Barnburn 1 Nolana stole the heart of the show and the judge taking many titles to her name, including overall breed and female champion. This eight-yearold veteran is a Panmure 1 Henry daughter, out of a Barnburn 1 Fancy cow and secured best polled animal exhibitor bred and IHBS Champion Cup to name but a few.

This strong cow paraded the ring alongside her smart calf, Barnburn 1 Nolana 2nd who competed in her own heifer born on 1st September 2023 and before 31st December 2023 class, demonstrating the power of the Hereford breeds strength and maternal qualities.

Next in the lineup was Kinglee 1 Victorious from Trevor Andrews and family. This bull has already successfully taken winning tickets at Balmoral Show in May, where he obtained the overall champion title. Bred by Pete Cobley, Stanton Farm of the Kinglee herd, Victorious now lives with the Mountview Herd and is proving to be a worthy purchase. The young man is out of Kinglee 1 Star 371 and was sired by Cleland 1 Nelson, packing a punch on his pedigrees.

Success was also in the stars for breeder Ciaran Kerr taking not only the reserve male, junior male and overall junior champion with bull Kinnego 1 Amazon but locking in the reserve and junior female champion title with Kinnego 1 Ann too. This outstanding duo then teamed up to take home the progeny pair title.

Kinnego 1 Amazon, a flashy young bull is sired by County Crest Jack and is born out of a homebred cow Kinnego 1 Verity. Kinnego 1 Ann is a March 2023 born heifer and is out of Dernaroy 1 Joy cow and is also sired by County Crest Jack, displaying that show quality really does run in the family. This half sibling duo naturally caught the eye of the judge, earning the pair many accolades.

Congratulations must go to Ryan and Russell Kelly of the recently established Rossdowney Herd. These new breeders from Co Londonderry are having a successful first show season with their newly purchased heifer Somerville 1 Winnie, winning the heifer born on or after 1st July 2022 and before 31st December 2022 class. She then went on to take home the reserve female champion title. Bred by H King of the Somerville herd, Winnie now lives with her new owners. She is out of a Solpoll 1 Fashion cow and is sired by popular bull Normanton 1 Laertes. Finishing off their triumphant day by winning the group of three class, it was clear that it

was a good show all round.

Alan Shaw of the Benburb herd celebrates his success by not only taking home the reserve junior female champion title with Benburb 1 Alice 8th but the reserve junior male championship with Benburb 1 Bert too. Alice is sired by Fabb 1 Northern Star and is out of Benburb 1 Alice 5th. Benburb 1 Bert is sired by Moorside 1 Panda and is out of Appel 1 Starlight. These 2023 born animals contributed into the Shaw family winning the Robson and OKane Cup for the exhibitor acquiring the most points.

Experienced show handlers and breeders J & W McMordie from Ballygowan, Co Down secured the NIHBA calf champion with Solpoll 1 Amber B2. This young September 2023 born heifer is out of Solpoll 1 Amber N4 and is by Square-D Diesel 957U. A great achievement for their first outing this year, beating all other calves present that day. The flashy young female has a bright future ahead of her.

The Clow Cup was awarded to John Taggart of the Carney Hill herd from Newtownards, Co Down, for the best group of three animals bred by the exhibitor.

In the young handler section Gary Andrews displayed excellent handling and leading skills, earning him first place. He then went on to win the stock persons shield for the best under 18. Gary is a member of the UK Hereford Youth program.

Barnburn 1 Nolana from Greer Watson with her calf Barnburn 1 Nolana 2nd

Kinglee 1 Victorious from Trevor Andrews and family

Royal Welsh Spring Festival

Taking the Breed Championship in the first breed classes of the season for Traditional Herefords was the in-calf heifer Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H MacLeod, Malvern, which then went on to be selected as the Reserve Interbreed Champion cattle exhibit at the festival, held on 17 & 18 May at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd.

Lorem ipsum

Sired by the renowned AI bull Free Town Klondyke born in 1975, this smart heifer caught the eye of judge and Doncombe British Blonde cattle breeder David Knight, Bristol, who tapped her out as his Hereford champion.

In reserve in the Hereford section was Albany Susie from F W Cook & Son, Cambridge. Sired by Willow Grange Louis, a son of another AI bull from the 1970s –Summerpole Norseman – and out of an Albany Lincoln daughter, this sweet heifer won the maiden class before taking the reserve overall spot.

Winning the male section was the yearling bull Carpenters Lysander from I & H Macleod, a young sire prospect from the prolific Venus family, and in the class for calves under 12 months it was the August-born heifer Caebach Whitney Plum from N & R Johnson, Caerphilly, taking the top prize.

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors on bringing their stock forward on display, and the THBC would also like to express our gratitude to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for another excellent event.

Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H MacLeod

Albany Susie from F W Cook & Son

Shropshire County

Under the steady assessment of judge, Phillip Massey, a Hereford breeder and large animal vet from Lancashire, Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 was called forward as supreme champion at the Shropshire Country Show.

Breeder, M Ludgate took the trip up north from their home in Thame, Oxfordshire with the March-23 born bull.

Out of Danish imported dam, Rosenkaer Miss World and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, Alpha N688 was previously shown at last year’s Christmas calf show where he received a blue rosette within his class.

Time has proved a great asset to the animal as a winter to mature has landed him with the coveted accolade to hang up alongside the male champion ribbon.

Standing beside Alpha in reserve, from the runners up in the national herd competition, PRJ & LR Vincent, was Pulham 1 Olive 7th. Another animal who shone in the Christmas calf show when she ended the day with the reserve title in the senior female championship.

This stylish September-22 born heifer strode into first place within her class before graduating to female champion. Out of Pulham 1 Olive 1st and sired by Appel 1 Kaboom, Olive 7th was also native interbreed and overall interbreed champion at the South Suffolk Show earlier this month, marking the first interbreed triumph for Mr and Mrs Vincent.

Another notable victory for the Norfolk husband and wife team came in the male division when Pulham 1 Achilles took reserve in the male championship. Continuing the theme of winners from the Christmas calf show, Achilles took reserve senior male champion in Shrewsbury back in December and joined stable mate, Olive 7th at South Suffolk Show standing proud winning reserve overall champion and the male champion accolade.

From Chester, Hallwood 1 Oyster Princess 2nd from R & RI Shaw took first in her class before elevating through the ranks to finish as reserve female champion. Taking judge, Mr Massey's eye in the junior class, the Feb-23 born heifer is sired by Moralee 1 Titch RB T18 and out of Hallwood 1 Oyster Princess.

Another herd leaving with multiple first place ribbons was Spartan Herefords from SC and GL Hartwright. Winning both the pair of animals and group of three classes, something the herd have become renowned for. Bull, Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138, who was shown with great success last season started a trend of wins, coming first in the senior bull class.

Next triumph came when Spartan 1 Apatche entered the ring and then again for Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret in the senior cow class. Victoria’s Secret earned the breeders from Abington, Oxfordshire multiple championship wins last season one of which was reserve champion and female champion at last years Shropshire County Show. All three animals were sired by Solpoll 1 Perfection.

Bred from Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks and out of Moralee 1 Dainty 1st, Ashnan 1 Fancy Kicks, took a trip across the border from Newtown Powys earning her young owners, A & N Hughes a red ticket. Previously shown at last years poll show, the October-21 born heifer attracted attention setting her as a class winner.

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688, from M Ludgate

Pulham 1 Olive 7th, from PRJ & LR Vincent

Shropshire County Traditionals

In the Traditional Hereford section at Shropshire County Show on 25th May, it was the three-year-old bull Carpenters Brigadier, exhibited by Mrs S Cowle, Aylesbury, which claimed the Championship under judge Mr C Smith of Laxfield Herefords, Carmarthen.

Purchased by Mrs Cowle in the 2023 Grass Masters sale from breeders I & H MacLeod, this bull joined the newly-formed Eutierria herd of Original Population animals at HighHedges Herefords in Buckinghamshire.

Standing in reserve was another Carpenters animal, the in-calf heifer Carpenters Curly 20th bred and exhibited by I & H MacLeod, Malvern, which also won the Female Championship just ahead of 2019-born cow Boresisle Regina 87th, bred by Mr & Mrs D Fenton and exhibited by Mrs S Cowle, shown with her April-born heifer calf Eutierria Regina 1st at foot.

Winning the John Featherstone Perpetual Trophy for the best yearling animal in the Traditional Hereford classes was junior heifer class winner Carpenters Curly 21st, also from I & H MacLeod, which is one of the lots entered into the upcoming Grass Masters Online Sale 2024.

Carpenters Brigadier from S Cowle

Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H MacLeod

Harveybros 1 Crocus Aurora

Spring

Harveybros 1 Ace-of-Spades

LAXFIELD HEREFORDS

at 9 mths by Laxfield Keegan ex Laxfield Spark 118th

Winner of the Oct/Nov Bull Calf Class at the National Hereford Show 2024. Now with Dieulacresse Herefords. Laxfield Jeroboam, also by Laxfield Keegan, was placed 2nd in his class.

SIRES USED 2024 – LAXFIELD VICTORY (now with Risbury Herefords), LAXFIELD KEEGAN (by Badlingham Broad Lad), LAXFIELD JEROBOAM. BY AI – WESTWOOD POSTMAN, MARA CHANCELLOR

EXPORT QUALITY SEMEN FOR SALE FROM LAXFIELD JEFFERSON AND LAXFIELD SILVERADO

Many thanks to all our customers - visitors always welcome. Well-bred, hardy cattle of the true Hereford type from long established bloodlines usually for sale. Members of Biobest Hi Health Scheme. D C SMITH & SON (TALOG), BLAENFFYNNON, TALOG, CARMARTHEN SA33 6PA TEL: 01994 484765 MOB: 07966 053606 www.laxfieldherefords.co.uk Email: s.701smith@btinternet.com find us on facebook

Scottish National Show

Three-year-old Milovaig 1 Vindicator is no stranger to the showring, and this year’s Hereford Scottish National show was no different. Taking place at Biggar Show it welcomed many exhibitors from far and wide to showcase their cattle, displaying true quality and style.

Milovaig 1 Vindicator, a 2021 born bull bred by Calum Smith, now residing with Coxon Herefords took home the winning prize after securing 1st place in the bull born before August 2022 class. Living up to his name, Vindicator’s success was justified beyond doubt. This striking young man has already made his mark earlier in the summer at Echt Show where he not only took home the championship in the Hereford lines, but then went on to take the supreme championship.

Vindicator also had a fruitful summer in 2023 winning numerous titles including reserve senior male at this show last year and owner Martin Poyser celebrates his recent success with daughters and family. Milovaig 1 Vindicator is sired by Shraden 1 Perestroika and out of Milovaig 1 Bonnie Belle 6th and extends his titles year on year.

Harveybros 1 Ace-of-Spades from G & S Harvey is also proving to light up the show circuit taking junior male and reserve male champion. Flashy and stylish, Ace proves there could be more to come, as he’s a young bull only born in May 2023. Sired by popular AI bull Normanton 1 Laertes and out of a homebred cow Harveybros 1 Crocus L4.

The female section certainly didn’t disappoint with Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 from T & D Harrison winning the senior female, overall female and reserve breed championships. This exceptionally functional cow was joined in the ring by her twin calves, looking quite the outfit. The Kylie line has awarded the husband-andwife team many trophies, and this is no exception.

Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 is out of Moralee 1 Kylie and sired by SMH Kingsize 87K, another successful bull who has sired many show winners. The breeding in this cow demonstrates true consistency with the Romany prefix on both sides.

R M 1 Lily from Emma Hodge caught the eye of judge Mr Boomer Birch of Sky High Herefords. This elegant

2022 born heifer stood out in her class and then went on to take the junior female and reserve female spot. She is sired by Coley 1 Teddy and born out of Coley 1 Lily 561.

Success saw the Panmure herd take both first and second places in the bull born between 1st August 2022 and 28th February 2023 class, with Panmure 1 Admiral coming in first, over Panmure 1 Alexander. They then teamed up to come first in the pairs class securing another win for JM Cant and Partners. Further success came for the G & S Harvey team winning the group of three class.

The next generation of Herefords did not disappoint with their handling and leading skills. In the junior section Cameron Barclay took first place with Maisie Poyser taking second and Kyla Porteous coming a close third.

Beth Harvey of G & S Harvey took first place in the senior section, with Molly Poyser coming in second, another rosette to add to the already mounting ones for the Coxon herd.

Milovaig 1 Vindicator from Coxon Herefords

Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3 from T & D Harrison

Royal Highland Show

Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret was selected by George Harvey of Harveybros Herefords as supreme and grand female champion at the Royal Highland Show. No stranger to the show ground, Victoria’s Secret has become quite the veteran at the event, advancing her position each year.

In 2022, she ended the day as reserve junior champion, at the 2023 show she stood as reserve supreme and grand female and this year she gained the ultimate accolade. This September 2020 born female has featured in numerous reports this season alone, standing repeatedly within the winner’s circle. She was crowned female champion at the Royal Three Counties just weeks prior. Bred by S C and G L Hartwright, Oxfordshire, she has been shown with calf, Spartan 1 Beckham at foot, and is by UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, she is a September 2020 born female out of Cleland 1 Glissade 26th.

Another animal who has moved up the ranks as he has matured is Dendor 1 Vodka exhibited and owned by Bethan Hutchinson, Billingham, Co Durham, bred by DE, ED & AL Jones. Last year he stood as reserve in the junior male championship, this year he finished the day as reserve overall champion beside Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret. Sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine, the 2018 Royal Welsh Show champion, it is out of Dendor 1 Wattle 9th which is a daughter of Bakgard 1 Keno daughter, the 2017 Royal Welsh champion.

Panmure 1 Admiral, sired by Romany 1 Thor FR T4 was tapped out as reserve overall male champion. For the November 22 born bull, out of Panmure 1 Plum T6, the ticket marks the first major championship win. Hailing from the stables of, JM Cant & Partners, the Scottish breeders dominated in the junior classes claiming both positions on the podium.

Their other bull, Panmure 1 Alexander, who has previously taken a spin around the ring seeing success at last Octobers Agri Expo where he took the reserve overall male ribbon, stood beside his shared sire brother starting in their class ‘Bull, born on or between 1st September 2022 and 28th February 2023’ before advancing into the junior male championship. Alexander is out of homebred, Panmure 1 Blessing S4.

Both Panmure 1 Admiral and Panmure 1 Alexander later joined forces within the exhibitor bred class to take first position.

Another success story for the Panmure herd came within the female division with heifer, Panmure 1 Plum W1, December 2021 born, she is by Romany 1 Distiller A84 D53 and out of Panmure 1 Plum P10, a Dendor 1 Leota daughter. An animal who has consistently caught the eye of judges, both at the Scottish National Show last summer and in 2022’s Stars of the Future event where she stood senior champion.

Winner of both the junior female championship and reserve overall female titles was RM 1 Lily from breeder Emma Hodge. Joining the society in 2020, Miss Hodge is no stranger to cattle having grown up surrounded by Aberdeen Angus and is niece to Jimmy Hodge, Fellowhills Herefords. The RM Hereford herd is quickly establishing itself as one to watch within the ring and demonstrating that the stock has what it takes to win. Powered by Coley blood, the December 22 born heifer, is sired by Coley 1 Teddy and out of namesake, Coley 1 Lily 561.

Following RM 1 Lily through the classes was Saltire 1 Ruth 3rd from WP & K Wason, Lochgelly, Fife. Her potential was first spotted by judge Maddie Clarke at the Stars of the Future show where she was placed reserve female champion. November 2022 born, she is a daughter of Dorepoll 1 499 Eisnteine, who’s sire is a Canadian imported embryo originating from the Hills and Remitall West herds.

Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from S C and G L Hartwright

Dendor 1 Vodka from Bethan Hutchinson

Another new breeder placing her flag in the showring was Rebecca Moore, Corbridge, Northumberland. Establishing her herd in 2020, Miss Moore led her animal, Spartan 1 Elizabeth 2nd to victory in her class ‘Female, born on or after 1st March 2023’. The March 2023-born heifer was bred by S C and G L Hartwright, Spartan Herd and is out of Englefield 1 Elizabeth 7th and sired by Solpoll 1 Perfection. Elizabeth 2nd found a new home as a foundation cow with Miss Moore with this win setting her in good stead for her future progeny.

From young breeder, Liam Jackson-Carr, comes JC 1 Austin. A bull who time and time again delivers the

goods and heads home with rosettes, having received the reserve champion at the Royal Norfolk. The Royal Highland show was no exception. Travelling from Carle Cotes near Sheffield, Austin is April-23 born, out of Coley 1 Dowager 545, he is a son of the prolific showwinner Coley 1 Vincent, who is the reigning joint ‘bull of the year winner’.

From the Romany herd, Kelso, Cowbog, Romany 1 Wildcare FR W54 was tapped out as class winner in ‘Bull, born on or between 1st January and 31st August 2022. April 22- born he is out of Romany 1 Lily D1 K27 and sired by Fabb 1 Rocco, a bull full of Canadian and Danish genetics.

Royal Norfolk Show

Spirits

were high and the sun shone down on exhibitors at this year’s Norfolk Show with sixteen herds in attendance battling

it out in the heat, to be crowned overall champion.

Judge David Sapsed from Hertfordshire assessed the cattle presented and deliberated over his champion, crowning Porton House 1 Duchess 2nd from Bethan Hutchinson female and overall champion. Duchess was purchased from the society’s Spring sale in 2023 and soon embarked on her show success, coming 1st in her class at the Royal Highland Show and again at Westmorland, later that year. Bred by Paul and Vicky Moyle, she is a March 2022 born female out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 978, sired by Dendor 1 Sherlock.

The heifer born in the 2022 class provided a powerful selection for our judge, featuring not one, but two exceptional females who took home the top honours: the overall champion and the reserve female champion. Reserve female champion was awarded to Pepperstock 1 Blossom W869 from J. Speirs. This two year old female stood out, accompanying Duchess in the female lineup and securing a victory for Mr. Jim Speirs.

Standing as male and reserve overall champion was Pulham 1 Achilles from PRJ & LR Vincent, sired by Appel 1 Kaboom and out of a homebred cow Pulham 1 Curly 3rd. Achilles is having a successful showing season for the husband and wife team, having already secured the reserve male championship at Shropshire County Show. Appel 1 Kaboom is proving to be a triumphant sire for the herd with half sister Pulham 1 Olive 7th standing as overall reserve champion at the same show.

Sixteen-month-old bull Newtoncroft 1 Aintree from Newtoncroft Farms Ltd has continued to impress, following up his recent performance at the Three Counties Show. This time, he won his class and then went on to secure the reserve male champion finishing just behind Pulham 1 Achilles. Another accolade he won

to his name was junior champion. This flashy young man was sired by Hawkesbury 1 Swift, born out of homebred cow Newtoncroft 1 Truelove 346.

The Bethanfield herd made the worthy trip from Cleveland, County Durham, as not only did they take the championship, they secured a 1st place with Harveybros 1 Crocus Ariel in the heifer born on or after 1st April 2023 class. Other female class winners included West Caister 1 Avery from Josh Matthews and Pepperstock 1 Jade S572 from Speirs Farms.

UK Hereford Youth member Liam Jackson-Carr had a great show with his March 2023 Bull JC 1 Austin, taking 1st place in his class and the reserve junior champion title.

Porton House 1 Duchess 2nd from Bethan Hutchinson

Pulham 1 Achilles from PRJ & LR Vincent

National Hereford Show

There is no stopping Severnvale Rogue as he continues to secure championship titles across the country. Claiming his fourth consecutive title at the National Hereford Show, owner E G Mills said ‘the bull had far exceeded expectations’.

Rogue is an April 2022 born bull and sired by Somerwood Rando, out of Severnvale Hazel 1st a homebred, milky cow. Catching the eye of the breeder as a young calf, Edward always knew he was destined for the showring, and his second year on the circuit has demonstrated why. This powerful bull displays quality and style, improving and maturing as the year progresses, dominating the showring by taking the championship titles at Royal Cornwall, Royal Three Counties and Cheshire County shows.

Taking nothing away from the reserve champion of the day Pulham Pansy 26th from J & E Lake, judge Mr Anselm Fitzgerald hailing from Co. Westmeath, Eire, deliberated between the two, finally settling with the bull. Bred by PRJ & LR Vincent, the dynamic outfit stood first in her class, then went onto to take senior and overall female champion. This Pansy family oozes quality and this Pulham Powerhouse cow is no exception, with Borovere Pansy 3rd, a March 2024 born heifer standing by her side, completing the outfit.

Another exceptional animal in the female division was reserve female champion Dieulacresse Pansy 17th. This striking young female held her own against four other October and November 2023 born heifers, taking the front spot. Out of a homebred cow Dieulacresse Pansy 13th and sired by Haven Virtual, she was first the junior female champion, before landing her reserve female title, signifying that age makes no difference.

Next on the podium was HighHouse Azzuri bred and shown by the JR & H M Whitlow family. This intermediate champion bull oozed class with his rubycoloured coat and caught the eye of Mr Fitzgerald, who took his time in assessing all the bulls on offer that day. This flashy young man is out of Drumatee Amy 523 and by HighHouse Tommy.

Siblings and female champions for the husbandand-wife team Phil and Laura Vincent secured them a very successful day, winning the heifer, born on or between 1st September 2022 and 28th February

2023 class with Pulham Tiara 8th, and the heifer born in September 2023 class with Pulham Tiara 11th. Both the winning females were sired by Mawarra Influential Q162, displaying similar family traits and indicating that success runs in the family. Pulham Tiara 8th then went on to become the intermediate female champion, with Pulham Tiara 11th being the reserve junior female champion.

Success continued to strike for the Vincent family and ably assisted by Hannah, as Pulham Baron, a September 2023 born bull won the young bull class and stood out amongst his peers. Sired yet again by Mawarra Influential Q162, the growthy young man is out of Pulham Princess Pansy 5th, becoming junior male champion, and completing a good set of results all round. The winning didn’t stop there as the animals forward from the Vincents earned them not only the best exhibitor bred pair of animals but also the group of three, displaying uniformity across the herd.

In the Traditional Herefords the winning champion was Carpenters Curly 20th bred by I & H Macleod. The young April 2022 born female was fourth in her class and was tapped out champion on the day.

Severnvale Rogue from E G Mills

Pulham Pansy 26th from J & E Lake

Reserve champion traditional Hereford was Carpenters Brigadier from Mrs S A Cowle, no stranger to the showring.

The young handlers judging completed the day and was judged by experienced and upcoming handler Isla Soutter from Leicestershire. The three age group categories nervously entered the ring but were soon put at ease. Isla spoke to each handler individually, quietly assessing their knowledge and skills. The number of entries were down slightly but the expertise and confidence were not, with Archie Roberts taking the overall handler championship and girlfriend Lucie Wheelhouse was hot on his heels in the reserve position.

Devon County Show

Devon County kicks off the show season for the Southwest, after mopping up the awards last year, exhibitors, FJ Wood and Sons, Morleigh, Devon, return to the ring at Westpoint to take the top spot for the second year running.

Tapped out as breed champion by Cornish breeder, John Williams of Anhay Herefords was Solpoll 1 Pansy T17, bred by John and William McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down. It is the second championship ribbon earned by the Irish bred, April-20 born cow. Purchased in-calf at the 2022 spring show and sale at 6,200gns, by Danishbred Moeskaer Mentos, she has a pedigree full of success, with her dam a full sister to Solpoll 1 Lawman. What’s more, her grand dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year, having also sired five females of the year.

Last year Pansy T17 went on to have a successful summer collecting red ribbons and standing as reserve champion at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Porton House 1 Lilac Wine 2nd bred by P & V Moyle based in Goldcliff, Newport, now owned and exhibited by FJ Wood and Son took the top position in her class. The heifer is a full sister to Royal Welsh winner, Porton House 1 Lilac Wine.

Next in the ribbons was Romany 1 Valium FR V57 exhibited by Mr Barry Cambridge, bred by Scottish breeder, JRB Wilson & Sons, Cowbog, Kelso. First catching the judge’s eye in the senior bull class, he moved up the ranks taking male champion and finishing with reserve overall champion.

Sired by Fabb 1 Rocco, this bull has been shown with great success at one day events throughout last summer. Consistently leaving with a red ribbon and often taking

home the champion ticket in the Hereford division.

Standing as reserve male champion, bred, and exhibited by Mr E G Mills, Severnvale Herefords was Severnvale Rogue. Sired by Somerwood Rondo and out of homebred Severnvale Hazel 1st, this isn’t the first time the April-22 born animal has caught the eye of the judges, as he stood reserve male champion at Tenbury last summer.

From R A & V A Mitchell’s, Lanscombe herd based in Dorchester, class winner Lanscombe 1 Ebony finished the day stood as reserve female champion. Born January 23, sired by Vexour 1 Phantom, out of Lanscombe 1 Lotty. Her grandsire on the paternal side, is the renowned Panmure 1 Henry.

This success wasn’t stand-alone as the breeders also came out on top with bull, Lanscombe 1 Endeavour within the junior bull class. Paternal half-brother to the reserve champion Lanscombe female, out of homebred Lanscombe 1 Susie. The team then went forward to win the pairs class.

Out of Dendor 1 Greta 29th and sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, owned, and exhibited by S & H O’Kane, Santa Maria 1 Alcatraz won the junior bull class. Purchased from the Santa Maria dispersal at the foot on his mother in June 2023 for 3,000gns. He saw success at the English Winter fair finishing first in his class.

Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 from FJ Wood & Sons

Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H Macleod

Royal Welsh Show

Breeders and supporters flocked to this years Royal Welsh Show, witnessing the spectacle of Hereford judging in the cattle ring.

Experienced judge, Mr Allen Massey from Bury, Lancashire had the hard task of selecting his champions from nearly thirty pedigree animals put forward. To kick off proceedings were the bull classes with Cleland 1 Regal taking the male and overall male championship. This Solpoll 1 Kitkat son was bred by Nesbitt Farms Ltd, and is out of Cleland 1 Treat 17th, but is now shown under Bowen Farms of the Bowendu prefix.

Regal is a 2018 born bull and started his showing career at Royal Bath and West Show in 2019, where he came second. Taking some time out of the showring he went on to work on a suckler herd, serving Hereford X cows, but has made a royal comeback having matured into a powerful bull. His power and presence were felt in the ring, making him the champion of champions.

Standing as reserve male champion and securing the junior male champion was Glenvale 1 Hoskins Sotutu from T G, E I & E N Thorne, Pembrokeshire. A March 2023 born bull sired by Alderville 1 Dover out of a homebred cow Glenvale 1 Angela 680 performed well on home turf. This follows a recent success at the Royal Three Counties show, where this flashy young bull took the reserve junior male spot. Other successes include first at Agri Expo and was junior male champion and reserve overall male champion at the society’s show and sale back in April.

Reserve junior male champion went to Kingsland 1 Armalight from Vaughans Farms Ltd Herefordshire. Not lacking in quality, the young bull held his own in the class. The 2023 born bulls dam is Kingsland 1 Cassiopeia 5th and sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine.

The females were prominently represented, with one of the younger heifers taking the stage. Midford 1 Elke 1st from William Awan, Somerset, captivated the audience and the judge alike, making a memorable impression. This exhibitor bred March 2023 born heifer is out of Bosbury 1 Elke 50 and sired by Grifford 1 Try. Earning first place is already a remarkable feat, and advancing to become the female and reserve breed champion showcases her remarkable qualities.

Elke began her showing career at the North Somerset Show where she held reserve interbreed champion. Following that at the Royal Bath and West Show, she secured first place in her respective class, and then went on to take female and overall breed champion. But the winning did not stop there, as she was reserve overall interbreed native champion, interbreed junior native heifer champion and interbreed junior champion.

1 Regal from Bowen Farms

Reserve female champion went to Keadyview 1 Pippa Kicks exhibited by Steven and Helen O’Kane of Keadyview Livestock. This embryo is a Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks and Coley 1 Pippa daughter, demonstrating power throughout. The three-year-old stood strong in her class and continued to shine through to secure the reserve title.

Also winning her class was Moralee Curly C1288 from T & D Harrison of Moralee Herefords. This outstanding heifer is the progeny of Auckvale Curly 1831S who was purchased for 10,000 gns at the Designer Genes sale. The 2022 born heifer stood out amongst her peers and was a worthy winner, further showcasing the Moralee breeding.

Cleland

Midford 1 Elke 1st from William Awan

Royal Three Counties Show

Severnvale Rogue continues his streak of victories, following his triumph in Cornwall with another prestigious win at the Royal Three Counties show. He secured his second championship title in quick succession under the watchful eye of judge, Mr Mark Moore, Co Tyrone.

Bred by Mr E G Mills from Pilning Bristol, Avon, and shown by Thea Woollatt, the April ’22-born bull, sired by Somerwood Rando, is one of two horned animals presented at the Royal Three Counties show this year. Both stood in favourable positions ending the day with ribbons.

Without discrediting neither the supreme champion nor reserve champion, judge Mark Moore commented on the decision between the two bulls being a ‘tough choice’, with the conclusion tilting in Severnvale Rogues favour due to the older bull having more ‘power’.

Having first entered the ring at last year’s Tenbury show, where he finished the day as reserve intermediate champion alongside Free Town Wealth from RA Bradstock & Partners. Rogue returned this season to sweep up at the Royal Cornwall show and now again at the Royal Three Counties show. Having stood first within his class, he graduated through the classes to take senior male before ending on a high as supreme breed champion.

Another bull who has dominated the ring in recent times is Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from Mr James Ludgate. Last month he strode into the top spot as herd leader at Shropshire County show.

Hailing from Thame, Oxfordshire, Alpha N688 reentering the ring, where he took first place in a large intermediate bull class before heading to the championships, where he took the junior champion sash, reserve overall male and then reserve overall champion.

Shown with success through the winter calf shows, the March ’23 born bull who is out of Danish imported dam, Rosenkaer Miss World and sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, stood supreme champion at Shropshire County show last month. He is certainly one to watch.

From the Spartan herd, Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret has earned breeders, SC and GL Hartwright a multitude of

awards throughout her time on the circuit. Starting her show career as a heifer, she is now joined in the ring with her second calf, Spartan 1 Beckham born February this year.

This has given ringside onlookers a great opportunity to see the potential spotted in a future cow maker and to watch the animal develop through maturity. It was these attributes that caught Mr Moore’s eye, having him tap Victoria’s Secret out as first in her class and then placing his hand on her quarter twice more for senior female champion and overall female champion.

Severnvale Rogue from EG Mills

Rempstone 1 Alpha N688 from Mr James Ludgate

Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from Mr SC and GL Hartwright

By UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, she is a September 2020-born female out of Gleland 1 Glissade 26th.

The victory with senior cow was not stand alone for the breeders, where on the day, they collected the ribbon for ‘Bull born on or between 1 January 2021 and 31 August 2022’ with Spartan 1 Apollo St A192 and the pairs class.

Another famous face within the winner’s circle, Midford 1 Elke 1st. A powerful, well-balanced heifer from Bath based breeder, William Awan. 2023 saw the young breeder make waves in the ring with his homebred heifer, Midford 1 Ravette 1st. Demonstrating consistency with his breeding plan, he returns with March 23-born Elke 1st where, at Malvern she stood reserve overall female champion, junior female champion and class winner.

Earlier this year she was tapped out as breed champion at the Royal Bath and West show, not only winning supreme breed champion but reserve overall interbreed native champion to name but one of her interbreed victories.

Standing in reserve in the senior female champion was Solpoll 1 Pansy T17, owned and exhibited by FJ Wood and sons, Totnes, Devon, bred by J & W McMordie, Co Down. The Southwest breeder has shown the April-20 born female with great success, one of those is standing as supreme champion at Devon County for two consecutive years. Shown at the Royal Three Counties in milk, with her heifer calf, Allwood 1 Pansy 2nd at foot.

Another title heading home with the Wood family was earned by heifer, Porton House 1 Lilac Wine 2nd. Bred by Paul and Vicky Moyle, Goldcliff, Newport, Lilac Wine 2nd is the full sister to Royal Welsh winner, Porton House 1 Lilac Wine.

From the winners of the national herd of the year, TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, lead March ’23-born, Glenvale 1 Hoskins Sotutu to stand second in his class behind the overall reserve champion winner and then finish the day as reserve junior male. Out of homebred Glenvale 1 Angela 680 and sired by Aldverville 1 Dover.

Hoskins Sotutu was another bull whose star potential was spotted within the indoor winter shows seeing him take 1st within his class at Agri expo, he then

stood junior male champion and reserve overall male champion at Aprils society show and sale. Although he did not meet his reserve on the day, the breeders made the right decision by bringing this bull back home. With a full season ahead, he is poised to catch the eye of potential purchasers, especially as he is likely to be adorned with more ribbons and accolades by then.

Completing the championship lineup, from breeders PK & IF Cobley, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, heifer Kinglee 1 Nikita 717 advanced into the reserve junior female position. Born April last year, the Royal Three Counties was the heifer’s debut into the show ring. Sired by Cleland 1 Nelson and out Kinglee 1 Nicole 462, a cow linear scored at EX93, with a score of EX94 for mammary and body, qualities that she will no doubt pass onto her progeny, Nikita 717 is certainly one to watch this summer.

Stable mate and half-sister on the paternal side, out of Kinglee 1 Polly 285, Kinglee 1 Polly 711 won the red ticket within her class ‘Heifer born on or between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2022’.

Out of Newtoncroft 1 Truelove 346 and sired by Hawkesbury 1 Swift, Newtoncroft 1 Aintree from Newtoncroft Farm Ltd, exhibited by Ryan Coates, won his class, ‘bull born on or between March 2021 and 28 February 2023’.

Rounding out the bull classes, Santa Maria 1 Alcatraz from Keadyview Livestock, Steve and Helen O’Kane. It marks another junior title win for the young bull. Out of Dendor 1 Greta 29th and sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, he was purchased from the Santa Maria dispersal at the foot on his mother in June 2023 for 3,000gns.

Breeders G Llewellyn & D Sharman, Harvest Herefords were tapped out as the best pair of exhibited owned animals by the same sire.

Mike and Caroline Shaw’s team representing the herd, Thornysure Herefords, took centre stage in in the group of three class.

National Stockjudging

In first place and taking the South of England Cup was a team from Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders' Association, Nick Holdsworth, Lucy Holdsworth and Pete Cobley with 376 points.

Close behind with 370 points were David Makin, Phil Allman and Richard Bowen from the Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association taking second place.

Also from the Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association were Tim Roberts, Archie Roberts and Matt Gray in third place with 365 points.

South of England Hereford Breeders' Association completed the team positions in fourth place with Tony Yaldren, Colin Hardy and Luke Murphy with 362 points.

The trophy for the Young Hereford Breeder with the highest score went to Will Llewellyn with 119 points and the Midlands and East Anglia Trophy for the individual with the highest score went to Matty Gray with 136 points.

Royal Three Counties Traditionals

Carpenters Curly 20th picks up second Breed Championship of 2024

Completing a duo of Traditional Hereford Breed Championships by winning the top title at the Royal Three Counties Show on Friday 14 June, 2-year-old in-calf heifer Carpenters Curly 20th from local breeder Mrs H MacLeod, Malvern, adds this prize to the one achieved at the RWAS Smallholding Festival back in May. This heifer is bred from the consistent and prolific Curly female line and sired by the well-known 1975born bull Free Town Klondyke.

In the male standings it was Albany Obsidian, an August 2022-born bull from F W Cook & Son, Cambridge, which took both the Male Championship and the Reserve Breed Championship before being sold from the show to a new home in Wales with Mr P Williams.

The Reserve Female Championship went to the 2021born first-calver Caebach Unity Amorous from N & R Johnson, Caerphilly, with her April-born bull calf Caebach X-Calibur at foot, sired by the 1976 AI bull Trewarren Britannic.

In the Reserve Male Championship spot stood a yearling bull from Mrs H MacLeod, Carpenters Lysander, a grandson of Westlake Lysander by Free Town Klondyke.

Breeders put on a plentiful show of exhibits for judge Mr Mike Shaw (Thornysure Herefords, Shipston-onStour) to cast his eye over, who kindly spent much care and attention on the task even after a long stint in the show rings himself earlier in the day! The Club were also proud to see a great number of junior stock handlers taking part during the breed classes, both in the ring and behind the scenes, as well as in the Young Handlers

competition and in interbreed classes throughout the weekend, who must all be congratulated on a job very well done. Thanks go to the Hereford Cattle Society for their coverage of the event, and to the Three Counties Agricultural Society staff and stewards for another excellent show.

Breed Champion Carpenters Curly 20th

Reserve Breed and Male Champion Albany Obsidian

Breock, Hustyn & Nanscient Horned Herefords

Pure Herds, started in the late 1940’s by father, F.G. Hawke

Runner up for the National Herd of the Year 2006, Joint 3rd 2008

We no longer enter herd competition.

Sire: Border Souvenir

Dam: Hustyn Gaylass by Phocle Generator

The family that started the Herd

Dam: Hustyn Sarah by Phocle Generator with our late, special friend, Rodney Westaway breeding in this bull.

Rodney Westaway bred us some great bulls, Clipston Freeby 1989 and Clipston Linkman 1995 (Royal Cornwall Show Champion 1996 and again 1998, and Clipston Markman, Res Champion 1997 Royal Cornwall Show

Hustyn Greyart at 2½

An impressive Bull, the best bull I have bred.

Hustyn Starnberg at 22 mths

Hustyn Greyart

1st Royal Cornwall Show 2023.

2nd Royal Cornwall Show 2024 to the Champion but Hustyn Greyart bigger, longer and wider, impressing everyone including those who don’t like Herefords!

Hustyn Starnberg

1st, Res Male Champion, Cornish Champion, Royal Cornwall Show 2024. 1st, Champion Hereford, Native Champion, Liskeard Show 2024. Champion Hereford & Res Native Champion, Holsworthy 2024

The outstanding comments said about Hustyn Starnberg, say he’s the most outstanding young Hereford Bull seen for years, at the Royal Cornwall Show 2024.

To quote Robert Speck of Kivells Auctioning, commentating at Liskeard Show 2024, that “cattle sold at Holsworthy, Hallworthy and Exeter markets thats sired by Pedigree Hereford Bulls bred by the Hawke family are the best Hereford Cross we sell” Hustyn Cider, Royal Cornwall Show Champion 2023 left us outstanding group of calves.

Visitors always welcome. Cattle are bred not fed! Fred,

Royal Cornwall Show

Bull, Severnvale Rogue has been on hot pursuit of a championship title for some time. He has garnered a collection of ribbons including numerous reserve male champion titles. It was the Royal Cornwall Show that his aspirations were realised, when under the observation of Judge John Kemp, Auckvale Herefords, Durham, he made the ascension to overall breed champion.

Having made his maiden entry to the ring back at Tenbury show in 2023, the years growth has proven a powerful asset to the April ’22 born animal. Bred by Mr EG Mills from Pilning Bristol, Avon, and shown by Thea Woollatt, he is sired by Somerwood Rando and out of homebred Severnvale Hazel 1st.

Next on the podium was Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 exhibited and owned by FJ Wood & Son, Morleigh, Devon, and bred by John and William McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down. A senior cow who has proven a powerful adversary within the ring in recent times. Shown with heifer calf Allwood 1 Pansy 2nd at foot, Pansy T17’s win comes hot off the heels of her breed champion victory at Devon County.

For the April 2020 born cow, who was purchased in-calf at the 2022 society spring show and sale for 6,200gns, history is repeating itself this season as she stood in the same position last year at both the Royal Cornwall Show and Devon County.

Another heifer who first entered the ring last year and saw success at the Wadebridge was Allwood 1 Greta, out of Dendor 1 Greta 33rd and sired by Kilvrough 1 Thomas. The heifer won her class ‘heifer born in 2022’. Allwood 1 Greta is earning the Wood family quite the collection of rosettes having won her class at the National Poll Show in Moreton-in-Marsh show last show season.

Travelling from Dorset, RA & VA Mitchell with heifer Lanscombe 1 Ebony stood in the bridesmaid position within the female championship. Having racked up the ribbons at the Royal Bath & West show, that saw her finished adorned with rossettes, the Mitchell team were eager to see if her star appeal would catch the eye of another judge within another ring. Venturing to Cornwall, the Jan 2023 born animal was bestowed with another high positioned accolade.

The vast majority of the Lanscome show team are sired by stock bull, Vexour 1 Phantom which appears to be giving the breeders a winning edge.

As the breeders who led the group division at the Royal Bath & West show in June, the Lanscombe herd worked their magic again winning the group of three class.

Another horned bull who pulled it out of the bag was Hustyn Starnberg from FJ Hawke. Sired by Rockland Perseus, who’s grandsire was Haven Governor who was the 2012 Shropshire County supreme champion and reserve interbreed champion and out of homebred cow, Hustyn Sarah 114th the win continues a long tradition of the Hawke families herd performing well on home turf.

The Keadyview livestock team, Steve and Helen O’Kane, from Newtown, Powys, had a fruitful day starting with bull Santa Maria 1 Alcatraz winning his class. ‘Bull born in 2023’. Bred by Tony Vasami, Llandysul, Cardiganshire, his dam, Dendor 1 Greta 29th was sold with Alcatraz at foot at the Santa Maria herd dispersal in June 2023, for 3,000gns for the couple.

Later in the catalogue outside of the Hereford classes, Steve and Helen O’Kane returned to the ring with Keadyview 1 Pippa Kicks to win the Interbreed Champion Exhibitor bred Cow and Calf class. Bred out of Coley 1 Pippa 356 and sired by the infamous, Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12.

Severnvale Rogue from Mr EG Mills

Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 from FJ Wood & Son

Great Yorkshire Show

Continuing her winning streak at the Great Yorkshire Show was Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret, further cementing her dominance in the showring, securing female and overall champion for the third time this season.

This powerful female, bred by SC and GL Hartwright, Oxfordshire, was scrutinised under the watchful eye of Carolyn Fletcher, of Barwise Herefords, who kept her patience considering the wet weather conditions. Victoria's Secret is a September 2020 born cow, out of Cleland 1 Glissade 26th and sired by Solpoll 1 Perfection, a bull that has numerous successes under his belt.

This winner has a string of accolades to her name this season including three female championships, four class wins and the championship titles at both Staffordshire and Royal Highland consecutively. Keeping up spirits in reserve was male and reserve champion Dendor 1 Vodka owned by Miss Bethan Hutchinson, bred by DE, ED & AL Jones. This marks the second time Vodka has shared the spotlight with Victoria's Secret, as they both achieved top honours at the Royal Highland Show earlier in the season. Developing nicely, this bull still has the potential to go all the way.

The reserve female champion secured second place in the cow class, narrowly behind the champion. This strong cow and calf pair demonstrated their strength admirably. Hollyvale 1 June 3rd is a Greenyards 1 June H151 cow and is sired by Dendor 1 Leroy, with her attractive calf.

Following the success of this class they also took home a third place rosette for Castle Mount 1 Tessa 421, making this show a triumphant one.

The female classes were notably strong, especially the heifers born in 2022. With seven entries forward, the judge faced a particularly challenging decision. Taking the first rosette was Coley 1 Mink 634, bred by Miss H Whittaker, now owned and shown by Miss C Doggett. This robust heifer is out of Frenchstone P. 1 Eve and sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman. Following behind in second place was Taymar 1 Stella 3rd, a heifer from a homebred cow and sired by Sky High 1 Take-aChance. Stella subsequently went on to become Junior Champion.

Miss H Whittaker had a young team forward, with Coley 1 Andreas taking the limelight. This young April 2023 born bull won his class out of five bulls and he then went on to be tapped out as reserve male champion. He is a half sister to Coley 1 Mink 634, proving that success runs in the family.

Grey skies did not mean grey moods for Thursdays interbreed competitions. Exhibitors TayMar Livestock, Midford Herefords, Spartan Herefords and Eveter Herefords were selected to represent the breed who then went onto win the overall junior interbreed group of four in the contest. The team comprised of Taymar 1 Stella 3rd – Ms D Marsh, Midford 1 Elke 1st – Mr W Awan, Spartan 1 Juliet – SC and GL Hartwright and Eveter 1 Alan Jackson – Mrs E Jackson, and they beat off stiff opposition from nine native and five continental breeds, making this a great success story

Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret from SC and GL Hartwright

Dendor 1 Vodka from Miss Bethan Hutchinson

Judge Carolyn Fletcher braved the elements

Stars of the Future

Stars of the Future Calf Show had an impressive display despite a smaller entry in cattle numbers, and what lacked in quantity did not lack in quality. The calf show serves as such an important platform for showcasing the next generation of top cattle and gives breeders the opportunity to demonstrate their genetics and the potential champions.

Class 1 kicked off with the senior males and no stranger to the showring is Harveybros 1 Boabby-The-Barman from G & S Harvey, having previously won his class at Borderway Agri Expo earlier this month. This November 2023 born bull, sired by Sky High 1 Take-a-Chance and out of homebred cow Harveybros 1 Crocus TequilaRose, won his class here and then went on to take senior male championship. Following in hot pursuit and taking the reserve male championship was Panmure 1 Bruno from JM Cant & partners, a December 2023 born bull sired by Romany 1 Thor FR T4 and bred out of Panmure 1 Plum P10.

The junior males did not disappoint with Bennachie 1 Boss from Ian Skea taking the junior male and overall junior championship, making the trip down from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire a worthy one. This striking young bull was born in February 2024, sired by homebred bull Bennachie 1 Tam and out of homebred cow Bennachie 1 Gaylass 2nd and demonstrates a successful future ahead. Back O Hill Bengal from G Brown was the youngest bull present, but age did not deter him by taking the reserve junior male and reserve junior overall. This young April 2024 born bull is sired by Anhay Porthoustock 891 and out of Laxfield Diadem 157th.

JM Cant & Partners had an outstanding performance in the female division with Panmure 1 Plum B2 winning both the senior female and the overall senior championship. This December 2023 female was also sired by Romany 1 Thor FR T4, and out of Panmure 1 Plum T7. When both the senior female champion and her stable mate Bruno come home winners, it reinforces the consistency and quality of the breeding program at the Panmure herd.

Coming second in the senior female class was Fellowhills 1 Perfection Alice from J Hodge. Alice then went on to secure reserve female and reserve overall senior champion. Being a Solpoll 1 Perfection and Fellowshill 1 Royce Alice daughter stood her in good

stead for the competition as the October 2023 born female shone in her classes.

Back O Hill Lady Frances from G Brown was the only female representative in the junior female section, but she proved to be a worthy winner. Sired by Anhay Porthoustock 891 the same bull as the reserve junior male confirmed that breeding was in her genes. She was also crowned the junior female champion of the day.

Panmure 1 Plum B2 from JM Cant & Partners

Fellowhills 1 Perfection Alice from J Hodge

Harveybros 1 Boabby-The-Barman from G & S Harvey

HCBA Christmas Calf Show

Baybridge 1 Bob from LG Gould stole the show at this year’s Christmas calf show. Winning the overall supreme championship was a highlight for stockman Pete Compton, and with his own fan club cheering him on, the atmosphere was full of festive energy.

This exceptional January 2024 born bull, with his pedigree and accomplishments certainly highlight his impressive qualities and his success in the show ring this year. The combination of his sire, Weybrook 1 Drake, and his dam, Baybridge 1 Jasmine 2nd, seems to have produced a winning formula. His style and ring presence clearly made an impact, and judge Mr Jeremy Price took a shine to him as soon as he entered the ring.

His early success, by winning the calf class at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, laid a strong foundation for his later achievements at Agrifest 2024, where he secured both native male champion and reserve overall native champion. These accolades speak to his remarkable conformation and consistent performance, which are key factors for any standout show animal.

Flashy heifer Ashdale 3 Queen 956 from TG, EI & EN Thorne made a strong impression at the event, giving Baybridge 1 Bob a real run for his money. The long journey from Pembrokeshire clearly paid off, with Non Thorne at the helm and partner Carwyn Lewis providing solid support. Ashdale 3 Queen 956’s performance was nothing short of impressive, especially considering she was the youngest animal in the ring. Her pedigree is certainly a winning combination, being sired by Fisher 1

P456 and out of Ashdale 3 Queen 770. Securing the junior female title and reserve overall champion is an outstanding achievement.

Dendor 1 Boof from DE, ED & AL Jones is the seasoned showman, taking the senior male champion title amongst a strong class of September and October 2023 bulls. Having already earned reserve senior male champion at Agri Expo just a month prior, his consistency in the ring speaks volumes about his quality and presence. Being a September 2023-born son of Solpoll 1 Vanquish, and out of Dendor 1 Ruby 34th it’s clear that Boof has inherited not just his impressive lineage but also a lot of natural style and charisma.

Normanton 1 Boa Boa impressed at the show, earning reserve senior male championship in a competitive field. The November 2023-born son of Cleland 1 Nelson stood out among some stiff competition. His strong performance in the senior male division highlights his potential, as he was able to hold his own against other high-quality bulls.

His pedigree, with Cleland 1 Nelson as his sire, and out of home bred cow Normanton 1 Fistulina 34th V631

Profile

Baybridge 1 Bob from LG Gould

Ashdale 3 Queen 956 from TG, EI & EN Thorne

gives him a solid genetic foundation. The TD & WT Livesey team from Ashby-de-la-Zouch must be thrilled with his performance, and Boa Boa’s future looks very promising.

The Dendor herd had a fantastic day, with Dendor 1 Billy-the-Kid making his mark for the second time this year by adding to the herd’s already impressive winning streak. Winning the March 2024-born class and then going on to secure reserve junior male is a huge accomplishment. It’s especially notable given his track record having already triumphed as junior male, overall male, and reserve champion at Agri Expo this November. Billy-the-Kid is a young bull to watch, and his consistent success shows he’s a real standout in the ring.

His pedigree, being sired by Solpoll 1 Vanquish and out of Dendor 1 Wattle 9th from DE, ED & AL Jones, reflects top-notch breeding that shines through in his conformation, performance and style.

Studdolph 1 Barbie 927 from Miss EN Thorne made a strong impression in the female section, clinching senior female champion. What a fantastic achievement for this November 2023-born heifer, especially in such a competitive field. Her performance in the senior class clearly demonstrated her quality and consistency, and it’s no surprise that she stood out among the other strong contenders.

Her pedigree is particularly impressive, with her dam Studdolph 1 Barbie 719 and sire Alderville 1 Dover combining to produce a heifer with style, substance, and show ring appeal. The Barbie line is known for its success, so it’s no surprise that Barbie 927 has followed in those footsteps.

Another Barbie in the limelight was Creuddyn 1 Barbie from G Davies taking the reserve senior female champion. Winning her September/October 2023 class amongst seven other heifers was no mean feat in a competitive field and proved that her sire SMH King Size 87K was still delivering the goods, clearly leaving a strong mark on his offspring. Her dam Merlinstone 1 Thuya 3rd also played a crucial role in shaping the heifer’s conformation and appearance.

The Pippa family is clearly a winning one for T & D from the Moralee herd, and Moralee 1 Pippa TE347 is no exception. Her sire, Dendor 1 Tecwyn, brings a strong genetic influence that blends well with the qualities passed down from her dam, Moralee 1 Pippa S16. This

combination resulted in winning her March 2024 class amongst six other heifers which is a true testament to her breeding and one the Harrisons will be proud of. She then went on to take the reserve junior female championship which is a major highlight for the duo.

To finish the day’s proceedings was the young handler’s section, with a culmination of hard work in and out of the showring throughout the day. The senior section was the most impressive class with three seniors putting judges Tina Russell and Simon Bradley Farmer through their paces. Judge Tina stated that they were splitting hairs amongst them and each one would be welcome to work for her any time. Clinching the winner’s section by a margin was Ethan Brook from Hengoed, Wales. Not to take anything away from second place Will Awan and third place Archie Roberts.

The intermediates were also exceptional in their handling, demonstrating skills of patience, determination and knowledge. No stranger to the winning spot and taking first place was Liam JacksonCarr, followed by avid show woman Ashlee Hughes and third place Jack Heath, a keen young stockman.

Two juniors participated in the seven to twelve section and showed that age is no barrier when handling an animal. Abbie Jackson-Carr took the winning spot, sibling of Liam showing that the enjoyment runs through the family. Liam Bowen from Bounds Herefords was a close second, with this being his first ever competition.

Our100%Miscanthusbeddingisthe perfectcombinationofeco-friendly and efficient. Notonlyisit3timesmoreabsorbent thanwoodshavings itʼsalso extremelysustainableandcarbon neutral. Perfectforawidevarietyof animalsincluding Cattle. HereatNanhoronFarms wearecommittedto improvingthegeneticsof ourHerefordherdthrough ouruseofEmbryo Transferand Artificial Insemination. These techniquesallowusto consistentlyintroduceand continueimpressive bloodlines.

Shows and events 2025

WHY TAKE THE RISK?

• BVD severely impacts animal welfare – affecting dairy and beef profitability, and farm sustainability.1-4

• Persistently infected calves are pivotal in maintenance of infection. Control efforts that fail to recognise this are doomed to fail.5

• In studies, BOVELA® prevented the birth of PI calves in 100% of vaccinated dams, compared with unvaccinated control animals which all produced PI calves.6

Up to 8% more beef calves weaned3

Increased individual daily milk yields of up to 1.8 L4

Over 30 million foetuses protected worldwide since launch7

Just one shot provides proven protection against both BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 infection for 12 months8

Vetmedica GmbH, used

licence. ©2024 Boehringer

BOV-0134-2024. Use Medicines Responsibly.

DONT TAKE THE RISK – offer your farm the UK’s market leading BVD vaccine9

WHY TAKE THE BVD RISK? BVD RISK?

1. Moennig V, Becher P. Pathogens. 2018;7(1):29. 2. Yarnall MJ, Thrusfield MV. Vet Rec. 2017;181(13):347. 3. Yarnall MJ, et al. Research Square. 2024 (submitted for publication). 4. Schmitt-van de Leemput E, et al. PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0240113. 5. Moennig V, Yarnall MJ. Pathogens. 2021;10(10):1292. 6. BOVELA® European Public Assessment Report. 7. Boehringer Ingelheim sales data 2024. 8. BOVELA® Summary of Product Characteristics (Nov 2024). 9. Kynetec 2024. BVD sales data by value.