ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS | 49
Midlands and East Anglia active again Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders’ Association held an inperson AGM and its herd competition in 2021. Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders Association (MEAHBA) saw reduced activity in 2021, but were lucky to hold a live AGM and enjoy two summer shows. The stock judging competition and farm visit were unable to be held as a live event, however for the second year, a successful virtual competition took place. Helen Parr of Fabb Herefords, provided a series of photographs to view online. This year the association invited UK Hereford Youth to join the competition and 15 members took part, joined by 21 MEAHBA members. Glasgowbased George and Sophie Harvey of Harveybros Herefords acted as master judges, with the overall winner being Mike Shaw, followed by Steve Edwards in second place and Peter Cobley and Kate Dicken in equal third. As the association was unable to hold its normal young handler of the year competition, the Highhedges Trophy was
L-R Mike Church, Lucy and Nick Holdsworth and Peter Moyes awarded to the highest placed MEAHBA young member, Finlay Soutter. It is hoped 2022 will see the return to the association’s evening event in May, which Pete Cobley has kindly offered to host. The association was pleased to hold its herd competition again this year and saw 19 members enter the three classes, which were ably judged by Richard McInnes. Richard is a very experienced stockman, having latterly
worked with the continental breeds, before opting for a less physical life as a mineral salesman. As a young man, he worked with Billy McIndoe’s Herefords in Scotland and later moved south to the poll herd of Julius Meinl. Speaking at the AGM, Richard reminded members the Hereford cow’s prime purpose is to rear a calf, and breeders must make sure to retain her ability to produce ample milk to do this. The overall winners were again the Pulham herd of Philip and Laura Vincent, after being placed first in the medium herd section. Pepperstock Herefords from Speirs Farms repeated their previous success, winning the large herd section. Karen Froud’s Oldwest Herefords led the small section.
Herd competition results Best herd, Philip and Laura Vincent Small herd, 1st Karen Froud, Oldwest; 2nd Nick and Lucy Holdsworth, Pebworth; 3rd, Rob and Casey Norman, Hickling
Michael Church, representing the Oldwest herd, receiving their award from Richard McInnes
Medium herd, 1st Philip and Laura Vincent, Pulham; 2nd, Pete Cobley, Kinglee; 3rd, Mike and James Ludgate, Rempstone
