Hereford Happenings - April

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est. 1878 HEREFOR D H A PPENINGS April 2024 INSIDE THIS EDITION GOVERNANCE UPDATE | BOWENS HEAD STATESIDE SALES REPORTS | OVERSEAS UPDATE | COUNCIL VISIT KEPAK STAY CURRENT ON EVENTS, HERD SUCCESSES & SOCIETY MATTERS
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THE JOURNAL

With the arrival of the 2024 journal in mailboxes, all set to be distributed during the show season, the society extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in its creation.

7th May

10th September

12th November, AGM

Whether through reports, farm visits, stories, attending shows, or placing adverts, your contributions have been invaluable.

It’s your support that makes this journal possible, showcasing the strength of breeders within the Hereford network.

If you know someone interested in getting a copy, they’re available for purchase at £15.00 each, covering production costs and postage. Alternatively, a digital version is also accessible online via the website.

UPDATE: GENETIC DEFECT

Delayed Blindness & Mandibulofacial Dysostosis

We have been working closely with Weatherbys to provide more information and prices for Delayed Blindness and Mandibulofacial Dysostosis. Both genetic defects are considered non-lethal, with full descriptions now available on the Hereford Cattle Society website, under ‘DNA Testing’ for reference.

If you have any further questions please contact Tracey at 01432 377520 or tracey.thomas@herefordcattle.org

Prices include VAT

Delayed Blindness (DB) £40.02

Mandibulofacial £40.02 Dysostosis (MD)

Both genetics defects are mandatory for export & import alongside Hypotrichosis, Dilutor, Idiopathic Epilepsy and Maple Syrup Urine Disease

COUNCIL MEETINGS
Date for upcoming council meetings
Wishing you a Happy Easter from
HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 03

WEBSITE UPDATE

Governance

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our society’s services, we’re excited to announce forthcoming changes to our website. To ensure that all members stay informed, we’ll be communicating these updates through “Hereford Happenings.”

Aligned with decisions made during the recent council meeting and conveyed through ‘Council Comments,’ we’re pleased to introduce a new section on our website: the “Governance” area.

Here, members will have access to essential documents critical to understanding the structure and operation of our society.

Currently featured in the “Governance” section are key documents such as the Code of Conduct for Trustees and Directors, Articles of Association, Society Rules, and Privacy Policy.

By centralising these documents and making them easily accessible to all members, with the aim to foster a culture of openness and participation within our society. We encourage all members to explore the new “Governance” area on our website and familiarise themselves with the provided documents

SAFEGUARDING IMPLEMENTATION

As a significant development in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all our members, especially our young and vulnerable participants, The Hereford Cattle Society and UK Hereford Youth have collaborated to introduce a comprehensive Safeguarding Procedure, now accessible on our website under the “Society” and “Governance” menu.

Key personnel have been designated to handle safeguarding concerns. Their contact information is provided in the procedure for easy access.

Mike Shaw, UK Hereford Youth Chairman and HCS Council member will act as the ‘Designated Safeguarding Lead’, Emma Edwards, UK Hereford Youth Co-ordinator is the ‘Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Paul Sneyd, Director of Operations for HCS, will also be available to respond to any issues.

This Safeguarding Procedure signifies our dedication to ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved in our activities and events.

We encourage all members to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding Procedure.

Your understanding and cooperation are invaluable in creating a safe and supportive environment for all our members.

PAGE 04 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

DNA SAMPLES

Quality and Quantity

We are still experiencing hair samples being submitted to the office that are either soiled or too sparse. Before collecting your samples, please familiarise yourself with the instructions that are included with every pouch.

These offer a clear guide that will ensure that you collect your samples correctly. Failure to do so may result in them being returned to you or additional costs and delays.

CALF MANAGEMENT LETTER

Looking ahead...

Starting from July 1st, the calf management letter will transition to ‘C’.

While this change is not mandatory, it can greatly aid in managing your herd and simplify the process when registering new animals being able to quickly identify a batch or year.

Bull calf ideas

CALF INSPECTIONS

In response to the council’s announcement, we’d like to clarify the reintroduction of random calf inspections for our members:

Beginning mid-year, random on-farm inspections will occur, focusing on reviewing a bull calf randomly selected from our system. Not every farm will be visited. Selected farms will receive advance notice to arrange a convenient date and time for inspection.

Heifer calf ideas

The inspector will verify:

• Tag numbers

• Date of birth

• Passport details against the pedigree certificate

• The animal’s weight, compared to birth weight

Discrepancies in DNA testing or passport details will result in immediate suspension of the animal from our records.

Tracey will continue to send hair sample pouches for DNA verification.

For enquiries, contact Tracey at 01432 377520 or tracey.thomas@ herefordcattle.org

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 05
Caballero Caesar Chancellor Cabaletta Cartier Celeste
Poor quality sample Good quality sample

JUDGING POINT SHOWS

Polite reminder

As the weather warms up and the cows return to pasture, focus shifts to the showring.

For individuals who have been approached to judge at shows, it’s important to remember that you should not accept to judge more than one point show in the season.

A comprehensive list of judges is accessible on the Hereford Cattle Society website, ordered in area for reference.

BRITISH FARMING AWARDS 2024

Nominations now open!

IN THE ORDER, A, B, X, Y

Get your score cards and reasons ready!

The National Hereford Stock Judging competition is back for another thrilling year at the Royal Three Counties on Saturday, June 15th.

If you’re eager to join a team or simply want to know more about this fantastic event, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local association or club.

They’ll be delighted to fill you in on all the details!

The British Farming Awards are an excellent platform to recognise the hard work and innovation within the agricultural sector.

We are fortunate to have had many members nominated and subsequently win awards. This demonstrates the high calibre of talent and dedication within our community, showcasing the achievements in the agricultural sector. There are numerous categories available for entry, allowing individuals to either nominate themselves or others.

Click here for more information

PAGE 06 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
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LINEAR ASSESSMENT

NBDC Update Prices

The NBDC (National Bovine Data Centre), our trusted provider of linear scoring for the society, has announced a price increase. Despite initial hesitancy, the Board of Trustees for NBDC has made the decision in line with rising costs. These changes will take effect from 1st April and are aimed at ensuring continued support to the industry.

Prices below are prior to the addition of VAT

1 to 15 inspections, the fee (minimum charge) £137.98

16 - 100 inspections carried out the fee will be £9.21 per animal

101st animal inspected up to 150th, the headage fee will reduce to £5.61 per animal

151st and further animal(s) inspected the headage fee will reduce to £4.58 per animal

Each breeding bull classification carried out in conjunction with female classifications £21.00 per bull

For a special bull visit, where a single breeding bull alone is classificed £137.98

Cancellation of scheduled visit less than 3 days notice will incur a costs of £137.98

PLAN AHEAD

Book your linear assessments ahead of time

For those interested in booking a linear assessment appointment with NBDC, please contact Jackie Clarke at 01923 695208. For further information, you can reach Meurig James at 07860438510. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with the Hereford Cattle Society.

Booking well in advance will increase the likelihood of securing a date closer to your preferred schedule.

PAGE 08 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
71 The UK's largest and most comprehensive auction website. Search by auctioneer, region or sale type. www.auctionfinder.com

MOREDUN CATTLE PROJECT

The management of roundworm in cattle

We’ve been contacted by Lynsey Melville from the Parasitology division at Moredun Research Institute. They’re conducting a project focusing on roundworms in cattle, with a particular emphasis on the importance of biosecurity and quarantine measures in slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance within the UK cattle herd.

As part of their research, they’re currently conducting a survey of current management practices. They’re seeking input from our members and would appreciate anyone willing to complete the digital form.

Roundworm infections in the national herd are causing significant production losses, including reduced weight gain during the first and second grazing seasons, as well as a decrease in milk yield of up to 2.2kg per cow per day.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Moredun’s goal is to better understand the challenges faced by cattle farmers and to design sustainable and effective control strategies.

If you’re interested in contributing to this important research, you can complete the short survey provided. Your input will be invaluable in shaping future approaches to managing roundworm infections in cattle.

Click here to take the survey

There is funding available in England and Wales for equipment aimed at improving efficiencies, such as handling systems, scales and calf management tools. However, the situation in Scotland appears different, with no equivalent funding released yet.

It is suggested to monitor rural payment website closely for any updates or changes in Scotland.

Keeping an eye on the government websites is advised for the most current information and developments regarding agricultural funding and support programs.

Click for English website

Click for Wales website

PAGE 10 HEREFORD HAPPENINGS

NORTHERN IRELAND KICK-OFF THE SALES

The Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association held the first of their premium sales at Dungannon Farmers Mart in February.

The sale began for local Hereford breeders with a smaller 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 Walter.

A May 2022 born Highhedges Synergist son from a homebred Kye Rodge dam he sold for 2,600gns to Nathan Boyd, Co Armagh.

A May 2022 born Highhedges Synergist son from a homebred Kye Rodge dam he sold for 2600gns 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.

Sale overview

4 bulls sold to average £2,494 Judge, Emma Hodge Shadow judge Johnny Mitchell

PAGE 12 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
Benburb 1 Wellington from Alan Shaw sold to 2,800gns
SALE DATES APRIL MAY 13th April, Spring Show & Sale, Shrewsbury 16th April, NIHBA Premier Show & Sale, Dungannon Farmers Mart 3rd May, HCBA Spring Sale 17th May, Pedigree Hereford Show & Sale, Borderway, Carlisle
Corraback Walter from Mervyn & Henry Richmond sold to 2,600gns

HEREFORDS SEE 100% CLEARANCE

A Small but powerful consignment graced the ring at the February Stirling bull fixture.

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.

*Average price up from the previous year, February 2023, Stirling sale

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 13
Fellowhills 1 Watt from J. Hodge sells for 4,000gns Criffel 1 Warrior from E Burgess sells for 3,500gns Moralee 1 Kylie RK287 from T & D Harrison sells for 3,000gns

BULLS LASTING LEGACY FOR BREEDERS

The Bowendu breeders head stateside to collect global accolade - words 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.

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.

PAGE 14 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

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 ease, very much needed for a show that is held over twenty-three days.

We were also invited to the Texas Hereford Association annual 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 they consider use less energy.

The awards reception, followed by an evening on the closing night of the Fort Worth Stock Show and 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 Scramble” competition, which had been let loose in the arena.

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 15

As the days lengthen and the weather begins to grow warmer, with hopes for drier conditions, excitement builds for the much-anticipated Spring Show & Sale. This year promises an impressive lineup of animals from top Hereford herds across the nation.

Leading up to the sale, the show will be broadcast live from the ringside, offering viewers at home the opportunity to witness the animals as they parade freely and stand side by side.

Following a successful trial at the Autumn Show & Sale late last year, we were thrilled by the high levels of engagement and views. Building on this positive response, we’re excited to announce that live streaming will now become a regular feature at our sales.

This innovation aims to cater for potential buyers who may be unable to attend the show in person, providing them with a valuable tool to assess the offerings alongside other resources like Marteye and the online catalogue.

If you’re considering adding new stock to your herd, we encourage you to stay tuned to our Facebook page and newsletter in the

upcoming weeks. Here, we’ll be showcasing photographs and videos of the lots available.

At this upcoming sale, you’ll notice an increase in the availability of linear scoring data for some of the lots. If you’re curious about what this data can mean for your herd and how it can benefit you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide any explanations or clarifications you may need.

Friendly reminder to all breeders who have entered stock into the upcoming Spring Show & Sale: as you prepare your animals, kindly send images to Naomi Williams-Roberts, our Marketing Manager.

You can do so via email at naomi.williams-roberts@herefordcattle.org or through WhatsApp at +44 7486 023626. Your cooperation in providing these images will greatly assist us in promoting your animals effectively for the event. Thank you!

PAGE 16 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

Carcas e Weigh t (kg)

Eye Muscle Area (Sq.cm)

Calving (%)

Calvi ng Ease Dtrs (%)

Gest. Len. (days)

Birth Wt. (kg)

January 2024

Fat (mm)

Beef

200 Day Wt (kg) 400 Day Wt. (kg)

Hereford BREEDP LAN

600 Day Wt.(kg)

D. Romany 1

Luscious Lucy (P)

S. SMH

Expo Calf Champion in 2018, later sellin g a half sha re to Grifford Herefords. Well

super young bull. He is long, clean and shows great dark colours. His dam Sky High 1

Lucy RE L21 (P) (UK562010 501000)

AI (UK167077 4 00180)

King Size

87K

AI (Imp DNK) (11458800087)

D. Moeskaer Keepsake 1336 (6995701336)

Robust (IE191198 960722) Gouldingpoll

Stoc kman (Semen)(Imp IRL) (372214806 850939)

S. Gouldingpoll 1

Brindley AddictedTo -You (P)

AI

ET

If they caught a calf, they were awarded a certificate, valued at $500. Certificate proceeds are used to help purchase a beef or dairy heifer that participants care for and prepare for exhibition at the FWSSR show the following year. Since 1987, over $4 million in scholarships has been awarded to FWSSR Calf Scramble participants.

The experiences and friendships we made in Texas made all the late-night clipping, hours of washing and miles covered throughout the 2023 show session worthwhile. However, having an award all the way from Texas to add to our cabinet is something we are immensely proud of.

UK167077 400250 Born 22/10/2022

The last ranch we visited, a mixed Hereford and Angus enterprise, was Express Ranch covering 8000 acres in Oklahoma. Express sells a whopping 2700 bulls a year, all off the Ranch and transport is offered as a part of the sale.

Live auctions on Ranch appeared to be commonplace in Texas alongside online bidding. It was also interesting to hear that a part interest is retained in a lot of animals when sold.

Carcase Weight (kg) Eye Muscle A rea (Sq.cm) Fat (mm)

The Express Ranch is owned by Bob Funk and managed by Mark Squires. Bob has a keen interest in supporting the next generation of stock men and women and offers The Express Ranches Progressive Junior Scholarship Program which is designed to help young stock men and women to continue their education throughout showing calves and investing the prize money won towards college fees.

From showing trips, styles, phenotypes and genetic make ups to calving, breeding and ranching we learnt a lot, but a key take away will be, lamb fries aren’t what you think they are (lamb’s testicles).

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 17
Agricultural Contracting Archie (P) UK206476 300885 Born 21/10/2022 S. Bosa 1 Howzat (P) (UK301116 3007 66 ) 1 Norman (P) (UK244821 10030 0) D. Boundless 1 Jade 10 62 (P) (UK261626 401062) S. De ndor 1 Jugernaut (P) TM (UK700495 300607) 1 M olly 447 (P) (UK206476 600447) D. Maxstoke 1 Molly 312 (P) (UK206476 400312) a deep coloured coat. Wide and deep bo
BREEDPLAN Calving (%) Calving Ease Dtrs (%) Gest. Len. (days) Birth Wt. (kg) 200 Day Wt (kg) 400 Day Wt. (kg) 600 D ay Wt.(kg)
4.0 +0.5 +2.7 +27 +44
+6 39%
59% 55% 58% 34% +0.6 +0.6
dy, strong legs and good feet. January 2024 Hereford
Milk
+ 55
32% 70%
+2.4 +29 +53 +66 +7
Retail Beef Yield IMF % Termi nal Sire Index Self Replacing Index +36 +23 +26 41% +43 +2.30.1 +0.50.1 +27 +33
1
M
1.6 +3.3 +5.1 +47 +90 +104 +14 37% 56% 63% 58% 57% 56% 36% +0.6 +0.6 +2.4 +29 +53 +66 +7
ilk
Index +64 +3.6 +0.4 +0.5 +0.3 +32 +38 42% 32% 36% 32% 33% +43 +2.30.1 +0. 50.1 +27 +33
Retail
Yield IMF % Terminal Sire Index Self Replacing

COUNCIL HEAD TO MERTHYR

Hereford Council members speak with Kepak Agricultural team

Council members and staff recently visited Merthyr Tydfil, a historic valley town in Wales. Once renowned as an epicentre for coal and iron ore mining, Merthyr Tydfil played a pivotal role in the industrial revolution.

Nowadays, one of the largest employers, responsible for over 1,000 head of personnel, in the area is situated above the town.

The Kepak Merthyr site, a purpose built facility established in the 90’s under its previous incumbent, stands as a significant presence, being one of 12 manufacturing facilities owned by the company.

Originally established in the 1970s in Dublin as a family-owned business, Kepak has undergone significant growth and evolution. Today, it is managed by a board of directors and has expanded its operations extensively.

Kepak is now a prominent player in over 43 countries worldwide, within this network it can find a market for products that don’t

appeal to the UK palate, such as tongues which are a delicacy in Japan.

Across their three sites, namely Bodmin, Mcintosh Donald, and Merthyr, Kepak processes an impressive total of 250,000 cattle annually (15% of the UK share) and 1 million lambs (8% of the UK share).

What sets the Merthyr site apart is its recent investment of £30 million, facilitating the installation of 16 lines in its retail packaging area. This specialised section processes cuts into various products such as burgers, meatballs, and steaks, all packaged with customer branding, ready for store shelves.

In addition to branded products, Kepak also offers its own home brand wholesale products. These products are packaged in printed boxes, allowing butchers and restaurants to easily identify the quality and origin of the products. This branding strategy not only enhances visibility but also contributes to an increase in reorders from satisfied customers.

PAGE 18 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

During the meeting with the UK Agriculture team, council members were given a comprehensive tour of the facility. They moved through the distribution area, which was loaded with products awaiting dispatch, before progressing to the high-tech production lines. These lines efficiently processed cuts into recognisable products that consumers frequently include in their weekly shopping baskets.

As they worked their way back into the factory through the storage area, the team arrived at the boning hall.

In this area, the halved animal carcasses enter and are subsequently broken down into their final form. From there, they either proceed for further processing or exit the area, ready for distribution.

Council observed cuts that met their customers’ specifications, as well as those that did not, with decisions often based on weight requirements.

Anything too large to suit the pocket of the consumer is relocated to a separate line, destined for the wholesale market.

Within the slaughter hall, the animals undergo grading using a sophisticated camera system that operates with a specially designed algorithm. As the carcasses move down the line, they are weighed, and grading and traceability labels are attached accordingly.

The Kepak team discussed a variety of carcasses, assessing the qualities of each as they passed through the processing line.

Working back to the lairage, once again the council members had the opportunity to observe the diverse range of animals present, noting variations in breed, weight, and gender. Here there is the capability to hold 350 cattle at one time.

They were able to extrapolate the implications of these variations

further down the processing line.

With the tour of the cattle facility concluded, the council were then taken through the lamb processing areas.

After the meeting concluded, there was an opportunity to discuss the Hereford cattle observed throughout the facility. Overall, the perception of Hereford and Hereford crosses was positive, with a significant number of the animals’ meeting specifications and performing well.

There is a strong desire to see more cattle of this nature entering the facility.

Kepak and the council engaged in discus sions regarding potential future collaborations and ways of working together. The council expressed their commitment to exploring these possibilities further in the forthcoming year.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the UK agricultural team for their warm hospitality and for generously providing us with the opportunity to discuss the significance of Hereford cattle. Their insights and openness are deeply appreciated.

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 19

21

sweet heifer that made a couple of appearances at the end of Perfection

HEREFORDS, STILL POPULAR AMONG BEEF BREEDERS IN DENMARK

Words by Mogens Stendal, former Senior Adviser for all beef breeds in Denmark

DANISH HEREFORD HAS NEW PRESIDENT

G & S Harvey

Hereford breeder and professional reporter, Mr. Knud Erichsen (77), served as breed President from 1988 till 1992 when he felt it was time for him to retire. However, in 1997 he accepted to take another turn which lasted till 2004.

Though “retired” he was persuaded to take one more year of duty. However, one year led to two years, which led to one more year and one more.

S. Remitall Super Duty 42S (Semen)(Imp CAN) (C02881216)

The following year he became Honorary Life Member of the breed association due to his huge, rewarding service. – Eventually, time for Knud to relax …! But no!

Sire - Sky High 1 Take-a-Chance (P) AI ET (UK167077 400201)

At the 2023 ordinary general meeting Knud delivered his definitively final report to the members, and he stepped down for good and all. – Standing applause to Knud Erichsen whose herd, Skibstedgaard Polled Hereford, includes 20 cows and followers!

D. Dendor 1 Jennefer 15th (P) (UK700495 200704)

S. Venture Night Time 7055 ET (Imp DNK) (77811-00091)

Dam - Harveybros 1 Crocus L5 (P) (UK543027 100193)

Due to some organizational challenges within the association the ordinary general meeting in 2019 once again sent for Knud Erichsen.

D. Harveybros 1 Crocus G5 (P) (UK543027 200124)

sweet heifer with a bright future for showing and making a lovely cow! 4.5 star rating herd for completeness of performance recording.

January 2024 Hereford BREEDPLAN

Since 2015 a young, dedicated Hereford breeder, Per Windfeldt Kristensen (47), has served as an active Vice President and it was obvious that he was elected new President. Per has a day job at a firm of contractors, but back at the farm his herd, Hylke Hereford, with 10 Hereford cows and followers is what he lives for.

HIGH QUALITY AT THE NATIONAL SHOW

Covid 19 caused a dip in number of exhibitors and Herefords shown at cattle shows in the years to come. However, we are on the way to being back to “normal”. At the National Show 2023 we saw 24 Hereford exhibitors showing 51 entries.

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(%) Dtrs (%) (days) Wt (kg) (kg) Wt.(kg) EBVs -4.8 -1.5 +1.3 +5.4 +40 +73 +86 +14 Accuracy 44% 40% 44% 71% 61% 59% 59% 41% Avg.22 Calves -0.1 +0.6 +0.6 +2.4 +29 +53 +66 +7 Scrotal Size (cm) Carcase Weight (kg) Eye Muscle Area (Sq.cm) Fat (mm) Retail Beef Yield IMF % Terminal Sire Index Self Replacing Index EBVs +1.1 +50 +2.4 +0.1 +0.4 -0.3 +31 +38 Accuracy 46% 44% 35% 39% 36% 36% Avg.22 Calves +0.9 +43 +2.3 -0.1 +0.5 -0.1 +27 +33
Born 22/05/2023
Harveybros 1 Crocus Ariel (P) AI UK543027 600345
Birth Wt. (kg) 200 Day Wt (kg) 400 Day Wt. (kg) 600 Day Wt.(kg) Milk EBVs +3.4 +36 +64 +74 +12 Accuracy 52% 47% 47% 47% 36% Avg.22 Calves +2.4 +29 +53 +66 +7 Size (cm) Weight (kg) Muscle Area (Sq.cm) Fat (mm) Retail Beef Yield IMF % Terminal Sire Index Self Replacing Index EBVs +1.1 +46 +2.5 -0.2 +0.6 -0.3 +30 +35 Accuracy 33% 36% 26% 31% 27% 27% Avg.22 Calves +0.9 +43 +2.3 -0.1 +0.5 -0.1 +27 +33
PAGE 20 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
Mr. Knud Erichsen introducing His Royal Highness, Prince Joachim of Denmark. World Hereford Council Conference 2008 in Denmark. Photo: Mogens Stendal
BUILDING CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS With farmers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for over 4 0 years Hereford Cattle Society’s Proud to support the SPRING SHOW & SALE www.dunbia.com |

DANISH BREEDERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN GENETICS

A closer look at the entries listed in the catalogue reveals that Danish breeders identify and use the very best Hereford genetics from all over the world. This is what appears from the pedigrees:

• 37 per cent of all entries had a British (UK or Irish) sire.

• 29 per cent had an American (Canadian or US) sire.

• Eight per cent had an Australian sire.

• 14 per cent had a British sire and maternal grandsire.

We were delighted to welcome UK Hereford breeder, Mr. Tony Bradstock, Free Town Herefords, to judge the 2023 National Show. We – exhibitors and the big crowd of spectators around the show ring – agreed with Tony’s placings of entries in all classes. In addition to this Tony gave accurate and easy understandable reasons.

Thank you and well done, Mr. Tony!

• 20 per cent had an American sire and maternal grandsire.

Danish Hereford breeders know how to take advantage from introducing and combining international genes with those in our national herd. I think our breeders do that very well which is proved by the fact that several Danish bred top-quality animals have been exported to Ireland and the UK, the homeland of the Hereford breed.

PAGE 22 HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
President Per Windfeldt Kristensen (to the right) thanks judge Tony Bradstock for his well-done job. Photo: Mogens Stendal Supreme Champion, National Show 2023, Nordbaek Duchess 548 S232, by Dendor 1 Kohinoor PP. Photo: Bent Sørensen

ALL BREED YOUTH SHOW

Hereford Youth, an association for youngsters taking an interest in the Hereford breed, was formed in 2009. It has its own board of directors and is financially supported by the main Hereford association. The purpose is to attract young people and maintain their interest in Herefords. Every year Hereford Youth organizes a show where youngsters exhibit their own animals og animals belonging to family members or other breeders.

In 2023 Hereford Youth proposed a show for youngsters from all beef breeds, All Breed Youth Show to take place during the National Show. The proposal was very well received and the interest for showing exceeded all expectations with 70 exhibitors and 92 entries from 10 breeds. Hereford was the “biggest breed” with 12 exhibitors and 23 entries. Before judging the breeds were split up into two groups, extensive and intensive breeds. Each group consisted of entries from more

HCBA, SPRING SALE

Following last years success, HCBA are offering their Spring Sale for a second year. This will be held at McCartneys Rural Worcester Livestock Market on Friday 3rd May 2024

Entries close on 29th March. This is a closed sale for members of the HCBA, however if you aren’t a member but you are interested in selling at this event, HCBA encourages individuals to get in contact with the association secretary, Matthew Bailey at; matt@thefarmbosbury.com.

breeds which made demands on the judge’s professional skills.

Mrs. Daniella Wintereder from Austria is an internationally well-known judge. She was invited to judge the Youth Show and did an excellent job. At the end of the judging, she picked a 3-year-old Murray Grey bull as her Supreme Champion.

HEREFORD HAPPENINGS PAGE 23
Camilla Liebergreen Jensen presents SMH PS Take Off 199T at the All Breed Youth Show. Take Off was Junior Champion among extensive breeds. Photo: Mogens Stendal
Hereford Cattle Society Hereford House 3 Offa Street Hereford HR1 2LL +44 (0)1432 272057 hello@herefordcattle.org
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