Herefords tick the boxes

Editorial Department • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00 0 Comments

The Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders' Society has a good line-up of cattle for their Premier Show and Sale in Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday next, January 20. Judging starts at 10.30am with the sale from 1pm.

"With 33 bulls in the catalogue this is the biggest entry of Herefords to be offered for many years," according to local Association Chairman, Raymond Pogue.

"Our breeders have pulled out all the stops to present a strong offering of quality young sires to meet the growing demand for Hereford bulls from both beef and dairy herds.

"The breeds proven ability to produce high fertility, low cost production and great eating

quality have never been more important to local farmers" says Raymond.

The event is again sponsored by the Northern Bank and details will be available from association secretary, David Smyth on 07808 078117 or the Hereford Society website - www.herefordcattle.org

One commercial farmer using Herefords is Benburb beef producer, David Weir who says the native breed bull 'ticks all the right boxes' for his 120-cow suckler herd.

David, who farms with sons Simon and Alan, finds the modern Hereford bull produces calves that grow fast to finish early off grass. "Hereford sired stock produce high value, quality beef with traditional taste. On farm they are easy to calve, easy to work with and easy to finish using less meal."

"We use crossbred Hereford, Angus and continental cows imported from the west of Ireland, dams with decent frames that cross with Hereford bulls to produce cattle that please us on the farm and prove ideal for retailers and consumers.

"Almost six years ago with son in law Clayton Moore, a butcher, we opened M & W Farm Meats in Portadown. So now we see Hereford bred beef animals proving their worth on the bottom line of both our farm and butcher's shop accounts!" said David Weir.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12

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