For the fourth year in succession a producer from the Cavan – Monaghan region has come out tops in the Foyle Meats carcass competition held at Omagh Meats. Designed to focus producers in the Certified Hereford Beef Scheme on market requirements, success in the competition has become a coveted award in the region. Over the past number of years the producer base has been steadily building up and now has a firm core of dedicated and highly skilled operators.

Pictured Malachy McAteer of Omagh Meats presenting a Tyrone Crystal trophy and a cheque for £500 sterling to Eric Humphreys who accepted the award at Omagh on behalf of Francis Smith

This years winner is Francis Smith, Cootehill who provided four excellent carcases of 300 to 320 kgs grading R4 and R4L. Mr Smith a regular supplier to the scheme was delighted with the award stating he had purchased the steers as weanlings at Ballyjamesduff mart in spring 2009 at €210 each. “The Hereford matures quickly and is easily finished giving a faster return on investment” said Mr Smith

The Certified Hereford scheme at Omagh Meats has been growing steadily over recent months with supplies of cattle coming to Ballybay each Tuesday from as far away as Mayo and Wexford.  As supplies increase the customer base in the UK and Northern Ireland is also increasing within the catering and retail trade.