Herefords experienced very good demand at Bandon given expectations, were that the most severe spring for many years has dampened demand across the country. In a week that the Co-Ops, the farm organisations and the Minister for Agriculture Mr Michael Creed have agreed an emergency plan to import fodder for hard pressed producers there is obvious agreement that there is a crisis.

Whilst late growth and fodder supplies were an issue in 2013 the extended wet period since August last and early housing added to the additional burden of cold and extremely wet ground conditions and increased dairy stock levels have on this occasion multiplied the problems.

There was a larger than usual crowd in attendance though some were there to buy on the day a number were there to measure the demand. Some buyers were anxious to secure a bull but were keen to make arrangements not to take delivery for another week or two in the hopes that ground conditions will improve. Many breeders are amenable to such an arrangement having a clear understanding of their customer’s dilemma.

The Champion Clyda Donacha was bred by John Cronin, Kilquane, Mourneabbey, Mallow whose son Ray exhibited him. Sired by the Dovea AI bull Moyclare Lieutenant (YLO) the dam Clyda Summer is a daughter to another Dovea sire Kilsunny Goliath known for his thickness and easy fleshing.  At €2,950 he achieved the day’s top price.

The Reserve Champion Island View Batty was exhibited by Christy Mullins, Droumnacoppil, Bantry. A Skehanore Woody son out of Droumdaniel Sally 8^th he unfortunately remained unsold failing to reach his reserve on the day.

Others to impress included Furaleigh Rory 1077 bred and exhibited by Ted O’Sullivan, Bartlemy, Fermoy. Ted is a regular and very successful exhibitor at Bandon and saw his Border General  V85 son sell at €2,850.

Eugene Lynch and Family, Droumdaniel, Bantry secured €2,550 the eighteen month old Droumdaniel Barovsky a son of Droumdaniel Nicola 8^th and by Allowdale Exceller. Gerard alaucey, Coachford another regular exhibitor at Bandon sold his Fortregal Donnacha at €2,450. Grancorepoll 1 Tim a Grousehall I Premier son exhibited by John O’Neill, Grancore North, Clonakilty was purchased at €2,400.

Overall breeders were very satisfied with the result on the day. It is clear from discussions around the ring that purchasers are very conscious of the premium of €60/€70 available for Hereford cross calves and of the substantial premium available at slaughter on finished animals for the Certified Hereford beef Schemes. Dairy farmers anticipate that Hereford bull prices will increase as the weather improves.