ONCE CALVED HEIFER SCHEME

The Hereford Society welcomes the recently announced once calved heifer scheme and the recommendation to use a Hereford bull on these.

The Society see this as a major opportunity to expand the number of high quality Hereford cross steers needed to meet the expanding requirements of its Hereford Prime brand in association with AIBP and the certified Hereford Beef Scheme through Foyle Meats at Omagh.

The lifeblood of such schemes is the consistent supply of top quality stock. To date supply has happily kept pace with the expansion of new outlets. It is clear that even in this current recession demand for quality beef and a consistent eating experience is still in demand.

The Hereford X heifers resulting from the scheme will provide much needed suckler replacements for the beef herd. The additional Hereford component will on the basis of ICBF figures provide much needed docility and greatly improved maternal traits.

In sourcing Hereford genetics in recent years the Society has been very conscious of both the muscling and milking ability in the background of sires selected. The results of these ongoing efforts were apparent in the selection of bulls on offer at the recent Roscommon Sale.