The Hereford breed has experienced a surge in demand this year for both bulls and females. A major consignment of incalf heifers has been exported to Kazakhstan with a further consignment currently in quarantine in readiness for dispatch.

Significant new figures from ICBF indicate a major advantage in maternal and fertility traits for the breed. Given the recent decline in maternal and fertility traits within the Irish suckler herd there are major advantages in using the breed and its crosses to increase the calf crop within the suckler beef herd.

Hereford cross bull weanlings are now finding a lucrative export market in Europe particularly to Italy while Hereford cross heifers are being purchased as potential suckler beef dams.

Hereford Prime Beef continues to grow and expand with slaughter numbers steadily increasing and a worthwhile bonus available to suppliers.

Certified Hereford Beef slaughtering at Omagh Meats is also on the increase given the premium payable with steers & heifers exported through Ballybay Mart each Tuesday.

The current proposal by ICBF to extend its program to include measurement of eating quality is driven by the demand and bonus paid ultimately by the consumer who is increasingly demanding a good eating experience.

The Hereford Promotion will concentrate on providing additional information for those livestock farmers wishing to increase profits with both pedigree and commercial stock on display.