C A N A D I A N
H E R E F O R D
D I G E S T
hereford horizons
By Jacob Onyschuk January 2019 heralds a new calving season for many of you. For others, your bull sale is just around the corner. Some of us are getting ready to attend bull sales while others are getting ready for spring. Breeding decisions are top-of-mind for most cattlemen, as we try to think one step ahead. Within this magazine, you are bound to find a producer that has a program to fit your needs. If you are thinking of getting back into Herefords or wanting to try them for the first time, know that anyone in this book is willing to help and happy to work with you. One of the many things that I have learned while on staff with the Canadian Hereford Association (CHA) is that taking the time to tour breeders’
D IREC TO R O F B U SINE S S DE V ELO PMEN T, C A N A D I A N HEREFO RD A S S O C I AT I O N
often times, the best cows have some Hereford in them. Using a top quality Hereford bull is often a sure-fire way to add hybrid vigor into your cowherd. Many of the bull sales listed also offer Hereford females for sale. Having calved out some purebred Hereford females myself this past calving season, I can say that I was extremely impressed with mothering instinct that comes naturally to Herefords. We often focus on the docility, the feed efficiency and the 100% pure herd book. But another great attribute of the breed is its mothering ability, from the time their first calf hits the ground. Those who already use Hereford genetics know what I’m talking about. Those who haven’t had Herefords in a while
One of the many things that I have learned while on staff with the Canadian Hereford Association (CHA) is that taking the time to tour breeders’ herds can be one of the most beneficial ways a commercial producer can spend his or her time. herds can be one of the most beneficial ways a commercial producer can spend his or her time. In my role here, attending most every Hereford sale across Canada, I have realized that there is a program out there to match any commercial program. A source of good genetics might be a distance away or it might be next door. Regardless, there is something to be said about the value in taking time to find the breeder that is right for you. If you have your sights on becoming a registered purebred breeder yourself, I highly recommend investing in a year to tour as many herds and attend as many sales as possible to find a foundation herd that you might want to work with. Provincial breeder directories could be your starting point for locating them. Commercial producers often-times support their neighbours but to get the best bang for your buck, you might sometimes consider travelling – possibly even out of province - to get the type of cattle that might work best for you. If a new Hereford bull is in the plans, take a look at our sale listing on Page 7. Chances are, you will find a bull that works for your program at the right price. When we think of breeding Hereford cattle commercially,
26
or haven’t tried them before, might be surprised at their ability to mother, relative to other breeds. The pay-off here is better than any other in my mind. As we continue into 2019, I wish all breeders and commercial producers the best of luck with your operations. I have enjoyed my time with the Hereford breed and learned a lot from all of you. Knowledge is one of the best things a person can take away from any job. Thank you for all the memories and I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…