Another batch of pedigree in-calf Hereford heifers depart for Russia

This week another consignment of pedigree in-calf Hereford heifers departed for Shulgino, Volokolamskiy, Moscow, Russian Federation. This group will travel a half-hour further east closer to Moscow than the group which travelled in April. Once again these were shipped through Hubert Maxwell and Co. County Roscommon. Son Michael said he was more than pleased with how the heifers had performed in quarantine over the past number of weeks and paid tribute to the Roscommon Department of Agriculture officials who oversaw the arrangements, carried out all of the relevant inspections ensuring that all requirements were met.

Michael Maxwell getting the first load ready for departure.

The heifers of diverse pedigree from a wide selection of herds ensuring the inclusion of several differing bloodlines were chosen from herd’s right across the country. On this occasion there are one hundred heifers and one bull travelling. The journey will take eight days with several rest stops in their journey across Europe to ensure that the animals arrive in top condition. Given the comfort of the trucks and the cattle handling knowledge and expertise of the drivers (two to each truck) there is no doubt but that these heifers will arrive in comfortable good health as did the most recent consignment which departed these shores on April 25^th last. The transport company on this occasion is ‘Elspeda’ the same company as previously and is based out of Vievis, Lithuania.

Quality in-calf pedigree Hereford stock heading for Russia.

Chairman of the Society Mr Willie Branagan who was on hand to see the heifers before departure and assist with the loading stated that he was very pleased with the quality of the group and that those breeders who had made heifers available from right across the country were to be commended. He was he said aware that a number of breeders had provided heifers of particular bloodlines that they might well have preferred to within their own herds but had made them available to ensure the success of the project. Having met with the Russian buyers when they were in Ireland with Mr Maxwell in January last Mr Branagan said he was confident they would be pleased with the heifers on arrival.

IHBS Chairman Willie Branagan assists Michael Maxwell with loading the stock.

Given the success of the partnership to date expectations are that a further larger consignment will travel in mid to late summer. The logistics of summer travel are currently being worked out as well as the necessary travel permits etc.

Michael Maxwell raises the final ramp assisted by the Lithuanian drivers and cattle handlers