This International Women’s Day we catch up with two very successful young female Hereford breeders who have been making big contributions to the world of farming & Herefords – in particular being part of the organising committee of the Next Gen Hereford Youth Group.

Catherine Smyth is a young farmer & Pedigree Hereford breeder from Co. Meath. Catherine farms the Ardmulchan herd prefix and commercial cattle alongside her father Phil. Catherine is also working as Technical Manager for Certified Irish Angus Association.

We asked Catherine what attracts her to farming;

” I like the variance, no two days are the same. I enjoy working out in the fresh air. The work changes from season to season and so does the environment you work in. For the pedigrees, it’s anticipation, implementing different genetics, the newborn calf – watching it grow up and the cycle starting again. Or preparing an animal for a show and seeing it do well. From a young age, I’ve always been driven by seeing something you produce being marketed as a superior product to consumers, that’s why we use Hereford to produce Hereford Prime beef. The quality of the beef is superior and therefore the customer is getting premium product when they choose Hereford. Seeing Hereford beef for sale in retail makes you aware that you’re a primary producer in the food chain”.

Sinead Conry has also been instrumental in the set up and running of the Next Gen Herefords Youth Group. Sinead is a young farmer from Co. Roscommon who is farming a commercial herd alongside the Pedigree Rathnollag Hereford herd. Sinead is no stranger to shows and sales and equally no stranger to the winners enclosure. Sinead currently works off farm also as the Midlands Environmental Manager for Kepak group.

We asked Sinead why she was attracted the breeding Pedigree cattle;
“It’s a passion breeding pedigree cattle and gives you a sense of pride when you see your animals getting on well . Herefords were a breed I always loved”.

Happy International Women’s Day 2022 from all at the Irish Hereford Breed Society!