Category Archives: Competition

Drumgoon smashes the record at the Premier Hereford Spring Show & Sale!

The Premier Hereford Spring Show and Sale was held on Saturday 25th March in GVM Tullamore. The sale was a smasher with one polled Hereford bull in hot demand. Drumgoonpoll 1 Sydney, bred by Aidan McCabe, Cavan, was the show stopper of the day when two breeders fought it out to purchase this November 2021 born bull. As with every sale though there can only be one buyer & Wade McCrabbe of Ardstewart Herefords stuck in until the end and purchased the Fabb 1 Northern Star son. There was amazement around the ring as the auctioneer dropped the hammer at €11,600. Sydney is bred from Corlismorepoll 1 Sydney 981, a Dendor 1 Kohinoor pp dam. Sydney has five stars for the replacement index, terminal index and conformation along with €106 for the DBI.

Drumgoonpoll 1 Sydney with breeder Aidan McCabe and purchaser Alison McCrabbe

The sale was a great success all round with the average price resting at over €4,000 and 70% clearance rate. The day began as always with the pre-sale show which was judged by Mr. Matthew Goulding of Gouldingpoll Herefords. With four strong classes of bulls – it was no small job for the Kerry native but with much deliberation Mr. Goulding tapped out his chosen Champion as Knockglass Andrew, exhibited by Alan Gibbons, Roscommon. This April 2021 born bull was sired by Balleen Val and bred from a Cill Cormaic Marvel dam. The bull did not disappoint in the sales ring either when he sold for €4,000.

Male Champion: Knockglass Andrew with exhibitor Alan Gibbons

The second top price of the day was awarded to Moyclare Unreal, bred by Michael Molloy, Offaly. This July 2021 born bull was sired by Caislean Jake and bred by a Brocca Saviour dam. He is a half-brother to Moyclare Quinlan who is currently standing in Free Town and Dieulacresse Herefords in the UK. Unreal lived upto his name when it came to having a page of stars – with five stars for both the replacement and the terminal index, milk and carcase weight and a DBI value of €105. Moyclare Unreal was sold for €5,300 to a dairy farmer from Offaly.

Moyclare Unreal

The sale started off on a high when the first bull into the ring: lot 1 – Ardmulchan Sherry, by Phil & Catherine Smyth, Meath, sold to a breeder from Offaly for €5,200. This April born bull was sired by Ballinveney Tiger and bred from a Church Preen Galileo dam. This tall Tiger son has a four-star replacement index and had been working before he was moved off farm.

Ardmulchan Sherry with breeder Catherine Smyth

Another bull from North Leinster secured €5,200 – polled Hereford Knockmanta 1 Burly who was sold to Northern Ireland. Another Fabb 1 Northern son in demand – this January 2022 born bull was bred from a Wirruna Daffy D1 daughter. Burly has a DBI value of €101, five stars for the replacement index and four stars for the terminal index. Burly is a full brother to Handsome who is herd sire at Arranview Herefords in Scotland & was awarded Reserve Hereford bull of the Year 2022.

Reserve Male Champion: Knockmanta 1 Burly with Judge Matt Goulding & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

There was continued success for Eamon & John McKiernan of Knockmountagh/Knockmanta Herefords, Louth, when they sold their second lot of the day; Knockmountagh Ranger. Ranger, sired by Allowdale Rambo 738 and bred from a Bowmont Storm granddaughter is a fully horned and tested non-carrier polled bull. With five stars for the replacement rate and four stars for the terminal index and carcase conformation – Ranger is a powerful bull with great conformation and growth. Ranger was purchased by the Scott family of Knockfin & Athgreine Herefords, Laois for €4,500.

Knockmountagh Ranger with breeder John McKiernan

There was further success for Alan Gibbons, Roscommon, when he sold lot 5 – Meadowhillpoll 1 Ronaldo for €4,300. Ronaldo was sired by Normanton 1 Laertes and bred from a Mawarra Sentimental dam. Along with a super temperament, Ronaldo has a DBI value of €136, four stars for the replacement index and five stars for the terminal index, carcse weight and carcase conformation.

Meadowhillpoll 1 Ronaldo with exhibitor Frank Gibbons

The same buyer who purchased Meadowhillpoll 1 Ronaldo also purchased lot 31 – Corlismore Dozer 170 by Sean & Gary McKiernan, Corlismore Herefords, Cavan. This Allowdale Rory 594 son was born in October 2021 and bred from a Cill Cormaic Leo dam. With four stars for the terminal index and carcase weight and five stars for the terminal index and a DBI value of €88 – Dozer was sold for €4,000.

Corlismore Dozer 170 with exhibitor Sarah Murray and breeder Gary McKiernan

Nigel Heatrick of Glaslough Herefords struck a win when he sold Glaslough Winner for €3,700 to a fellow Monaghan farmer. This April 2021 born bull was sired by Airhill Raffael and bred from a Ballyaville Ger dam. This fully horned bull has four stars for the terminal index and carcase weight.

Glaslough Winner with breeder Nigel Heatrick

There were a number of bulls sold for €3,500 on the day also;

Mountwilliams Oxygen, bred by Aidan Farrell, Westmeath, was sired by Butlerstown Duke and bred from a Cave Hill Storm dam. This June 2021 bull has four stars for both the replacement & the Terminal index along with four stars for carcase weight and conformation.

Mountwilliams Oxygen with breeder Aidan Farrell

The second bull out of the Corlismore herd also sold for €3,500 to Wexford breeder Niall Jones. Corlismore Europa 182 was sired by Corlismore Pompeii, a Yarram Pompeii son and bred from a Shiloh Farm Dynamite. Europa has five stars across the board in terms of Terminal traits.

Corlismore Europa 182 with breeder Evelyn McKiernan, purchasers Mairead & Niall Jones and breeder Gary McKiernan

Regulars to the show ring – Tom & Anselm Fitzgerald also sold both their lots on the day for €3,500 to Co. Galway. Grianan Wonderkid, bred from the IHBS Breed Improvement sire: Pute Nascar N13 and bred from Grianan Orange P 741, Wonderkid has a five star terminal index, four star replacement index and a DBI value of €99.

Grianan Wonderkid

Grianan Wonder is also sired by a Breed Improvement sire; Karoonda Sampson and again bred from the famous Orange line – Grianan Orange R786. Wonder has five stars for the terminal index and carcase confirmation along with above average DBI value of €85.

Grianan Wonder with exhibitor Sarah Murray

Heifers

There were also four heifers for sale on the day – all of which moved onto greener pastures. Corlismore Herefords offered & sold two heifers on the day;

The first heifer was polled by Fabb 1 Nutcracker and bred by Corlismorepoll 1 Sydney 011, from the famous Sydney line which has produced three National Champions. This heifer is from the same family as the top priced bull of the sale; Drumgoonpoll 1 Sydney. With five stars for the replacement index and milk, Sydney was sold to Wexford for €3,400.

Female Champion: Corlismorepoll 1 Sydney 011 with breeder Evelyn McKiernan, Judge Matt Goulding, IHBS President Adrian Bateman and breeder Gary McKiernan

The second Corlismore heifer was fully horned; Corlismore Honesty 160. This was a big tall Allowdale Rory 594 heifer who was bred from a dam bred from Shiloh Farm Dynamite who was the National Hereford Champion in 2018. Honesty has a four-star replacement index and four stars for milk. Honesty was purchased by breeders from Tipperary for €2,700.

A further horned heifer was offered for sale from Patsy Smith, Borin Herefords, Cavan. Borin Kate, sired by Allowdale Rambo 738 and bred from a Corlsimore dam also, has four stars for the replacement rate and sold to a fellow Leitrim breeder for €2,300.

Colin Burke from Coralstown Herefords, Westmeath & breeder of the top priced bull sold during the Premier Autumn Sale 2022 also exhibited a heifer on the day. Coralstown Rosie 1 is sired by IHBS Breed Improvement sire; Pute Nascar N13 and bred from a Trillick George dam who is a full sister to Coralstown Hurricane who sold for €5,500 last Autumn. This March 2021 heifer was crowned Reserve Champion & sold to Northern Ireland for €2,000.

Reserve Female Champion: Coralstown Rosie 1 with breeder Colin Burke, Judge Matt Goulding and IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Many thanks are extended to the pre-sale inspector Mr. John Beirne, the show judge, Mr. Matthew Goulding, Sale auctioneer, Mr. Eamonn Gaffney, GVM Tullamore, all stewards on the day and Irish Hereford Prime for their continued sponsorship.

Next Gen Herefords Youth Competition 2022 continues to be a success!

Next Gen Herefords held their second annual Youth Competition in GVM Tullamore on Friday 18th November as part of the Hereford event incorporating the National Hereford Calf Show & the Genetic Gems.

The weekend kicked off on Friday 18th November with the Next Gen Herefords Youth Competition which saw 42 young handlers competing in three age categories; Junior, Intermediate & Senior. The event incorporated a Young Handlers Competition whereby each young handler showed an animal. The competition was judged by Mr. Sean McEnroe from Liss Angus, Meath. There was also an IMF scanning demo during the evening and an informative talk and demo from local veterinary surgeon; Janet Lewis. Many thanks to the facilitators for giving up their time and sharing their expertise with the groups. Many thanks also to the Deverell family for supplying cattle for the IMF scanning demo.

Competition winners;

Junior:

1st: Aveen Curtin

Judge Sean McEnroe with Aveen Curtin

2nd: Aine Heffernan

Judge Sean McEnroe with Aine Heffernan

3rd: John Cregan

Judge Sean McEnroe with John Creegan

Intermediate:

1st: Saoirse Kenny

Judge Sean McEnroe with Saoirse Kenny

2nd: Clodagh McCaffrey

Judge Sean McEnroe with Clodagh McCaffrey

3rd: Liam O’Reilly

Judge Sean McEnroe with Liam O’Reilly

Senior:

1st: Mark Hyland

Judge Sean McEnroe with Mark Hyland

2nd: Neil Twomey

Judge Sean McEnroe with Neil Twomey

3rd: Brian Duignan

Brian Duignan

Sponsors:

As with all great events there were great sponsors behind this competition. Many thanks are extended to Clippers Ireland who sponsored an Egro Pro Cattle Clippers which was awarded to the Senior first Prize winner and the a Dual Motor Blower which was awarded to first prize winner in the Intermediate section. Clippers Ireland also provided four handy trimmers which were awarded to second and third prize winners in the Intermediate and Senior section.

Another generous sponsor of the event was Animal Farmacy who sponsored three Junior Showkits to the first, second and third prize winners of the Junior group.

To ensure each competitor received a token for participating, each Senior entrant received a voucher for AI Breed Improvement straws, each Intermediate entrant received a Metal Halter and each Junior entrant received merchandise from Farm Wardrobe.

Guess the Weight

There was a Guess the Weight draw held on the night also. Many thanks to Niall & Lisa Daly for providing and weighing two cattle for this activity. There were three separate draws held for the Intermediate group, the Senior group and the General Public.

Congratulations to the winners; Joint Intermediate winners, Tara Drumm & Anna Losty, Senior winner, Kieran Power and Eoghan O’Connor also. Each winner received a nose clip and clipper blades as provided by Clippers Ireland also. The combined weight of the two cattle was 920kgs.

Irish Hereford Charity Calf Rearing Programme

To cap the evening off, there was a parade of Hereford cross calves that are being reared by Hereford breeders across the country in aid of local charities. The calves were a credit to their young handlers as they were in top condition and turned out extremely well. These calves are a great advertisement for what the Hereford cross calf bred from a dairy cow can do for the farmer on the ground. Each of the calves returned home with their rearer after the event where they will be kept until next Autumn and sold in their local marts for their chosen charities. There will be continued updates on the Next Gen Herefords social media channels as the stories of these Hereford cross cattle progress.

Hereford Heifer Raffle

The Next Gen Herefords committee held their raffle at 3pm on Saturday – just ahead of the Genetic Gems Sale.

Congratulations to the winners;

1st Prize: Hereford Heifer donated by Lynch Family – James Thompson

2nd Prize: Balleen Embryo sponsored by Tom Brennan – Tom Eaton

3rd Prize: Dinner for two at FIRE Steakhouse & Bar sponsored by Irish Hereford Prime – Marian O’Herlihy


Thanks to all who supported the raffle and purchased tickets on the day and in the run upto the weekend in Tullamore. Thanks also to the Lynch family of Droumdaniel Herefords, Cork, Tom Brennan of Balleen Herefords & Irish Hereford Prime for sponsoring these amazing prizes. The total amount of money raised from the raffle has been totted up and is a staggering €5300!

The Next Gen Herefords Committee are shocked and humbled by this figure and the amount raised and wish to extend their gratitude and appreciation. Given the large amount of money raised the committee are delighted to make two charitable donations to two very worthy causes; they will be donating €750 to the Air Ambulance Service and €750 to Cancer Research in Ireland. Many thanks again!

National Hereford Calf Show

The following day, Saturday 19th November saw the hosting of the National Hereford Calf Show. This show was hugely supported with 100 calves catalogued and nearly 90 exhibiting on the day. There was good competition across all classes which made for an interesting show for breeders and a tough job for the judges; Mr. Steve Edwards from the UK judged the Pedigree Hereford classes and Mr. Nigel Heatrick from Glaslough Herefords, Monaghan judged the DBI & Commercial class. There was hot contest for the Overall Female and the Overall Male Championship but in the end North Leinster took home both titles. Phil & Catherine Smyth from Meath won the Moocall Senior Female Championship and the Overall Female Championship with Ardmulchan Clover 938. Michael Molloy from Offaly won the Dectomax Junior Hereford Male Champion & the Overall Male Champion with Moyclare Vidal 2.

Supreme Female Champion Ardmulchan Clover 938 with breeder Catherine Smyth & IHBS President Adrian Bateman
Supreme Male Champion: Moylcare Vidal 2 with breeder Michael Molloy, Judge Steve Edwards & IHBs President Adrian Bateman

Genetic Gems

The weekend was closed off with the Genetic Gems sale which saw new records broken as Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette, by Matthew Goulding, sold for €22000 to Cork breeder Kieran Mariga of Lighthouse Herefords. The hammer fell at €11000 for the half share with the breeder and purchaser later agreeing to sell both shares of Ravette for €22000, smashing the 2021 record of €9000. The majority of the lots on the day were sold and there were excellent prices achieved with the average price resting at €6070.

Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette sold for €22000

Thank you to all the volunteers & organisers, to GVM Tullamore for facilitating the event, to the DAFM for facilitating the movement certs, to Willie McElroy for taking the photos, the judges on both days; Mr. Sean McEnroe, Mr. Steve Edwards and Mr. Nigel Heatrick, to John Lynch for facilitating over the weekend, to the Deverell family & Daly family for providing cattle, to all the generous sponsors, to all the exhibitors who attended, to all the spectators, to Irish Hereford Prime for providing vouchers, facilitating cattle for the various activities & also providing practical support during the event and to the Next Gen Herefords Committee for making the youth event happen successfully; Sinead Conry, Catherine Smyth, Michael Barrett & Eoin Lynch!

Congratulations also to all young handlers, calf show exhibitors and sellers and purchasers of the Genetics Gems.

We look forward to hosting more events & activities in the New Year & meeting everyone again soon!

North Leinster crowned National Hereford Calf Champions 2022

The National Hereford Calf Show was held on Saturday 19th November in GVM Tullamore. The event was a great success with over 90 calves exhibited on the day making for good competition across all classes. The judges on the day were Mr. Steve Edwards from the UK – Steve has worked with several Hereford herds in the UK down through the years and his son and daughter-in-law currently run the Classic Hereford herd. Mr. Edwards judged the Pedigree classes on the day. A change to this years’ schedule was the inclusion of a Dairy Beef Index calf class whereby the 15 highest DBI valued calves were automatically entered into a standalone class. This class and the traditional commercial class were judged by Mr. Nigel Heatrick of Glaslough Herefords, Monaghan. Both judges were meticulous in their decision making and were very fair with their time given the large classes exhibiting.

The calf show, once again this year, was part of the greater event that included the Next Gen Herefords Youth Competition on Friday night and the Genetic Gems Heifer sale following the calf show.

Overall Female Champion.

Philip & Catherine Smyth, 372214429510938, Ardmulchan Clover 938, 2021-10-04, Female, Sire: Church Preen Galileo, Dam: Ardmulchan Clover 610

Supreme Female Champion: Ardmulchan Clover 938 with breeder Catherine Smyth & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

T & A Fitzgerald. 372223154970959, Griananpoll 1 Greta W959, 2022-03-04, Female, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Dendor 1 Greta 31st

Supreme Female Reserve Champion: Griananpoll 1 Greta W959 with breeders Dara & Tom Fitzgerald

Overall Male Champion.

Michael Molloy, Glebe, Belmont, Birr, Co Offaly. 372223914620525, Moyclare Vidal 2, 2022-05-04, Male, Sire: Free Town Tribute, Dam: Moyclare Rose 27

Peter Cooke, Bonlea, the Commons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. 372214034991815, Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy, 2021-12-05, Male, Sire: Churchcrosspoll 1 Hurler, Dam: Bonlea Alberta

Supreme Male Reserve Champion: Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy with the Cooke Family, Judge Steve Edwards & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Moocall Senior Female Champion

Philip & Catherine Smyth, 372214429510938, Ardmulchan Clover 938, 2021-10-04, Female, Sire: Church Preen Galileo, Dam: Ardmulchan Clover 610

Judge Steve Edwards, Ardmulchan Clover 938, breeder Catherine Smyth & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Matthew Goulding, Kilmore, Ballyduff, Tralee, Co. Kerry, 372214806881262, Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette 1262, 2021-12-17, Female, Sire: Panmure 1 Henry, Dam: Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette 495

Senior Female Reserve Champion: Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette with breeder Matthew Goulding

Allsure Junior Female Champion

T & A Fitzgerald. 372223154970959, Griananpoll 1 Greta W959, 2022-03-04, Female, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Dendor 1 Greta 31st

Allsure Junior Female Champion: Griananpoll 1 Greta W959 with breeders Dara & Tom Fitzgerald

Elisa Drumm, 372223810230027, Crowenstown Darwin 2, 2022-02-18, Female, Sire: Haven Kingpin, Dam: Crowenstown Arethusa Ivy

Junior Reserve Female Champion: Crowenstown Darwin 2 with breeders Christine & Elisa Drumm

Herdwatch Senior Male Champion

Peter Cooke, Bonlea, the Commons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary            . 372214034991815, Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy, 2021-12-05, Male, Sire: Churchcrosspoll 1 Hurler, Dam: Bonlea Alberta

Herdwatch Senior Male Champion: Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy with breeders the Cooke Family

John Appelbe, 372214625741899, Appel 1 Star 2, 2021-11-05, Male, Sire: Fisher 1 profile, Dam: Appel 1 princess plum

Senior Male Reserve Champion: Appel 1 Star 2 with breeder John Appelbe & family friend Margot Lambour

Dectomax Junior Male Champion

Michael Molloy, Glebe, Belmont, Birr, Co Offaly. 372223914620525, Moyclare Vidal 2, 2022-05-04, Male, Sire: Free Town Tribute, Dam: Moyclare Rose 27

Dectomax Junior Male Champion: Moyclare Vidal 2 with breeder Michael Molloy, Judge Steve Edwards & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Sinead Conry, Rathnollag, Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. 372219265930922, Rathnollag Ron, 2022-01-12, Male, Sire: Steil Gerard , Dam: Rathnollag Kitty 838

Junior Male Reserve Champion: Rathnollag Ron with breeder Sinead Conry

Class 1: Heifer calf born on or between 1st September & 31st October 2021

  1. Philip & Catherine Smyth, 372214429510938, Ardmulchan Clover 938, 2021-10-04, Female, Sire: Church Preen Galileo, Dam: Ardmulchan Clover 610
  2. T & A Fitzgerald, 372223154990952, Grianan Orange W952, 2021-09-21, Female, Sire: Grianan Parker, Dam: Grianan Orange R792
  3. Niall & Lisa Daly, 372223754881312, Gageboro Abby, 2021-10-14, Female, Sire: Conmelvin Ollie, Dam: Gageboro Sonia
  4. Martin O\’connor, Porridgetown, Oughterard, Co Galway, 372222954360487, Aughakil 1 Pumpkin, 2021-10-28, Female, Sire: Solpoll1 Lawman, Dam: Aughakil 1 Adeje
  5. Martin O\’connor, Porridgetown, Oughterard, Co Galway. 372219421860132, Pomartpoll1 Emma       2021-09-01, Female, Sire: Trillick George Dam: Pomartpoll 1 Maddie  
Ardmulchan Clover 938 with breeder Catherine Smyth & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Class 2: Heifer calf born on or between 1st November & 31st December 2021

  1. Matthew Goulding, Kilmore, Ballyduff, Tralee, Co. Kerry, 372214806881262, Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette 1262, 2021-12-17, Female, Sire: Panmure 1 Henry, Dam: Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette 495
  2. Mark Hyland, Corrawallen, Carrigallen Co Leitrim. 372214824420611, Hillockpoll 1 Ivy, 2021-12-21, Female, Sire: Normanton 1 Laertes, Dam: Hillockpoll 1 Ann
  3. Thomas Brennan, Balleen, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny.     372224397161322, Balleen Cece 1322, 2021-11-05, Female, Sire: Ballinveney United 2, Dam: Balleen Cece 71091
  4. Philip & Catherine Smyth. 372214429540940, Ardmulchan Clover 940, 2021-11-21, Female, Sire: Ballinveney Tiger, Dam: Ardmulchan Clover 698        
Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette with breeders Matthew & Rita Goulding

Class 3: Heifer calf born on or between 1st January & 28th February 2022

  1. Elisa Drumm, 372223810230027, Crowenstown Darwin 2, 2022-02-18, Female, Sire: Haven Kingpin, Dam: Crowenstown Arethusa Ivy
  2. Tara Drumm, Crowenstown, Delvin Co Westmeath. 372223810220026, Crowenstown Hermione, 2022-02-12, Female, Sire: Battalion Undertaker M023, Dam: Allowdale Prettymaid 557
  3. Gerry McNamara, Moyfadda, Labasheeda, Ennis, Co Clare. 372213997061001, Churchcrosspoll 1 Star Cora, 2022-01-03, Female, Sire: Churchcross Hurler, Dam: Churchcross Pauline
  4. W& D Jones, 372225675960225, Caonach Ali Y 225, 2022-02-19, Female, Sire: TRILLICK GEORGE, Dam: CAONACH ALI U 188
  5. Thomas Power. 372213154430722, Garrynoepoll 1 Maisy Rose, 2022-01-23, Female, Sire: Wirruna Lennon, Dam: Marlhillpoll 1 Maisy Rose
Crowenstown Darwin 2 with breeder Elisa Drumm

Class 4: Heifer calf born on or between 1st March & 30th April 2022   

  1. T & A Fitzgerald. 372223154970959, Griananpoll 1 Greta W959, 2022-03-04, Female, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Dendor 1 Greta 31st
  2. Eamon & John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth. 372216014650997, Knockmountagh Jessica 4, 2022-03-06, Female, Sire: Allowdale Rory 594, Dam: Boyanna Thelma
  3. John O Connor, Ballykennedy, Ballingarry, Co Limerick. 372214687543340, Clouncagh Spark, 2022-03-21, Female, Sire: Dieulacresse royalist, Dam: Laxfield Spark
  4. Michael Bird, Millfarm Dunlever Trim Co Meath. 372222112780409, Dunlever Violet, 2022-03-29, Female, Sire: Dunlever Winston , Dam: Dunlever Maeve
  5. JJ Farrell. 372225949760497, Grousehall Tilly 2nd, 2022-03-02, Female, Sire: Corlismore Dynamite 993, Dam: Glenmanor Tilly
Griananpoll 1 Greta W959 with breeder Dara Fitzgerald

Class 5: Heifer calf of the future born from May 1st 2022 onwards         

  1. Kieran Mariga. 372213997621446, Lighthouse Curly Cara, 2022-05-01, Female, Sire: Allowdale Rory 909, Dam: Allowdale Curly Charlotte
  2. Kieran Mariga. 372213997631447, Lighthouse Meave, 2022-05-02          , Female, Sire: Allowdale Rory 909, Dam: Lighthouse Rihanna
  3. T & M Cregan, Tullaha, Broadford, Charleville, Co. Limerick. 372217610350442, Tullaha Lilly 442, 2022-05-06, Female, Sire: Riverrock Tyson, Dam: Tullaha Lilly 380
  4. Thomas Power. 372213154480743, Garrynoepoll 1 Emmajane 2nd, 2022-05-05, Female, Sire: Appel 1 Superstar 2, Dam: Gouldingpoll 1 EmmaJane 913
  5. Aidan Jones, Pallas, Gorey, Co. Wexford. 372222730242150, Clonroe Karen, 2022-05-06, Female     , Sire: KYE HARRY, Dam: CLONROE HAZEL
Lighthouse Curly Cara with exhibitor Paul McGrath

Class 6: Dairy Beef Index Class consisting of the Highest DBI merit Genotyped bulls entered in the show. Automatic entry

  1. Class 10 / 82 – Eamon & John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth. 372216014680991, Knockmountagh Cuchullain, 19/02/2022, Male, Sire: Knockmountagh Rebel 2, Dam: Knockmountagh Purdy 2. DBI Value: €65
  2. Class 9 / 69 – Peter Cooke, Bonlea, the Commons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary . 372214034991815, Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy, 05/12/2021, Male, Sire: Churchcrosspoll 1 Hurler, Dam: Bonlea Alberta. DBI Value: €56
  3. Class 10 / 75 – Eamon & John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth. 372216014650980, Knockmanta 1 Burly, 06/01/2022, Male, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Knockmanta 1 Ethel. DBI Value: €45
  4. Class 11 / 93 – Brian Duignan, Shancor, Cornafean, Co Cavan. 372223707990040, Shancorpoll 1 Valtri, 20/04/2022, Male, Sire: Sollpoll 1 Kentucky kid, Dam: Corlismorepoll 1 Esta. DBI Value: €50
  5. Class 8 / 61 – JP Scott, Ballymullen, Abbeyleix, Laois. 372225677120200, Athgreine Rory 200, 26/09/2022, Male, Sire: Allowdale Rory 894, Dam: Athgreine Ladybird 9. DBI Value: €55
Knockmountagh Cuchullain with breeder John McKiernan

Class 7: Commercial Hereford sired calf, male or female not weighing over 450kg on the day of show

  1. Alan Donnellan, Ballina, Ballycumber, Co. Offaly. Star, 2022-01-18, Female, Sire: IE213475620272 Tiger Rose Rocket, Dam: IE301218450044
  2. J & J Canty. Nero, 2022-03-05, Male, Sire: 372214429590862, Dam: IE271223810149
  3. Philip & Catherine Smyth. Blueberry, 2022-04-07, Male, Sire: Ballinveney Tiger, Dam: IE121007620515
  4. Hugh P Murray, Beechlodge, Parkwood, Moate, Co. Westmeath. T-Bone, 2022-03-19, Male, Sire: Castledaly Cuan, Dam: CHX
  5. Hugh P Murray, Beechlodge, Parkwood, Moate, Co. Westmeath. Burgers, 2022-03-18, Male, Sire: Castledaly Cuan, Dam: SIX
Tiger Rose Rocket with the Donnellan Family & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Class 8: Bull calf born on or between 1st September & 31st October 2021

  1. Eugene Curtin. 372226673060070, Grangepoll 1 Rob, 2021-10-11, Male, Sire: Ballymartle 1 Blanc, Dam: Gurteragh Nico
  2. JP Scott, Ballymullen, Abbeyleix, Laois. 372225677120200, Athgreine Rory 200, 2022-09-26, Male, Sire: Allowdale Rory 894, Dam: Athgreine Ladybird 9
  3. Austin & Amy Armstrong, Gartinardress, Cornafean, Arva, Co Cavan. 372212918860744 Gartinpoll 1 Haribo, 2021-09-24, Male, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Balleen Pansy 91085
  4. Aidan Farrell, Williamstown, Moate, Co Westmeath. 372216828031308 Mountwilliams Panama, 2021-09-06, Male, Sire: Butlerstown Duke, Dam: Mountwilliams Isabella ET         
Grangepoll 1 Rob with breeders Eugene & Aveen Curtin

Class 9: Bull calf born on or between 1st November & 31st December 2021                     

  1. Peter Cooke, Bonlea, the Commons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary . 372214034991815, Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy, 2021-12-05, Male, Sire: Churchcrosspoll 1 Hurler, Dam: Bonlea Alberta
  2. John Appelbe, 372214625741899, Appel 1 Super Star, 2021-11-05, Male, Sire: Fisher 1 profile, Dam: Appel 1 princess plum
  3. Niall & Lisa Daly. 372223754881320, Gageboro Analyst, 2021-12-06, Male, Sire: Barley Hill Teddy Bear, Dam: Gageboro Tara
  4. Michael Barrett, 372213359791727, Gurtaleen Inchvale Joker, 2021-11-02, Male, Sire: Pulham Powerhouse, Dam: Country Crest Bridget
  5. JP Scott, Ballymullen, Abbeyleix, Laois. 372225677120217, Athgreine Rory 217, 2021-11-14, Male, Sire: Allowdale Rory 894, Dam: Athgreine Sally 31
Bonleapoll 1 Del Boy with breeders the Cookes

Class 10: Bull calf born on or between 1st January & 28th February 2022                      

  1. Sinead Conry, Rathnollag, Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. 372219265930922, Rathnollag Ron, 2022-01-12, Male, Sire: Steil Gerard , Dam: Rathnollag Kitty 838
  2. Eamon & John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth. 372216014650980, Knockmanta 1 Burly, 2022-01-06, Male, Sire: Fabb 1 Northern Star, Dam: Knockmanta 1 Ethel
  3. Philip & Catherine Smyth, 372214429560942, Ardmulchan Trailblazer, 2022-01-03, Male, Sire: Ballinveney Tiger, Dam: Ardmulchan Clover 620
  4. Anthony McCarthy. 372226365910127, Banteer 1 Hollybush127, 2022-01-07, Male, Sire: Hollybush1 Noble, Dam: Banteer 1 Gala23
  5. Hugh P Murray, Beechlodge, Parkwood, Moate, Co. Westmeath. 372212246260244, Newlandpoll 1 Fig, 2022-01-04, Male, Sire: Fabb 1 northern star, Dam: Newlandpoll 1 chance et
Rathnollag Ron with breeder Sinead Conry

Class 11: Bull calf born on or between 1st March & 30th April 2022

  1. John O\’ Heney. 372217303990680, Brensha Paddy, 2022-03-04, Male, Sire: F.H. William, Dam: Rossacrowe Rosie
  2. John O Connor, Ballykennedy, Ballingarry, Co Limerick. 372214687543351, Clouncagh Robbie, 2022-03-24, Male, Sire: Dieulacresse royalist, Dam: Rucker Hazel 2nd
  3. John & Liam O Dwyer. 372215753370014, Scarragh Toby, 2022-03-25, Male, Sire: FH William, Dam: Quinsboro Eva
  4. Brian Duignan, Shancor, Cornafean, Co Cavan. 372223707990040, Shancorpoll 1 Valtri, 2022-04-20, Male, Sire: Sollpoll 1 Kentucky kid, Dam: Corlismorepoll 1 Esta
  5. Padraig Mc Grath. 372214969250972, Kye Bouncer 972, 2022-03-03, Male, Sire: Pulham Ranger, Dam: Kye Holly 636
Brensha Paddy with the O’Heney family & Judge Steve Edwards

Class 12: Bull calf of the future born from May 1st 2022 onwards

  1. Michael Molloy, Glebe, Belmont, Birr, Co Offaly. 372223914620525, Moyclare Vidal 2, 2022-05-04, Male, Sire: Free Town Tribute, Dam: Moyclare Rose 27
  2. Kieran Mariga. 372213997651449, Lighthouse Jerry, 2022-05-04, Male, Sire: Allowdale Rory 909, Dam: Lighthouse Rita 
  3. T & M Cregan, Tullaha, Broadford, Charleville, Co. Limerick. 372217610350450, Tullaha Graceful, 2022-07-04, Male, Sire: Rossmore Nelson Mandela, Dam: Tullaha Bernadette
  4. W& D Jones. 372225675930230, Caonach Ned Y 230, 2022-05-14, Male, Sire: TRILLICK GEORGE, Dam: CAONACHPOLL 1 KATE
Moyclare Vidal 2 with breeder Michael Molloy, Judge Steve Edwards & IHBS President Adrian Bateman

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out over the weekend, thanks to the judges, the stewards & the generous sponsors. Thanks also to Willie McElroy for taking the photographs & to GVM Tullamore for facilitating the event. Well done to all exhibitors, sellers & purchasers over the weekend also.

With many thanks to our generous sponsors;

€5,500 Coralstown Hurricane Tops Tullamore Premier sale

On October 15th, The Irish Hereford Autumn premier show and sale took place at GVM Tullamore. Phillip and Laura Vincent, owners of the well renowned Pulham Hereford herd in South Norfolk, were tasked with the tough job of presiding over the judging at the Premier Hereford show.
A fantastic atmosphere resulted from the commendably high quality of stock turned out on the day, which made the judging very challenging for the English pair, securing the male and female championships even more prized for the breeders.


The Irish Hereford Breed Society would like to say a huge thank you to Irish Hereford Prime for continuing to support the sale by providing €250 to the purchasers of each bull that sold for €3,000 or more.


The first class of the day was for bulls born between the 29th of October 2020 and the 28th of February 2021. The top spot in this class went to Coralstown Hurricane, who later went on to be crowned Male Champion. Coralstown Hurricane, bred by Enda and Colin Burke of Coralstown Herefords, Co. Westmeath also topped the trade selling to Country Crest Farms for €5,500. It was a day to remember for the father and son duo as it was their first time exhibiting at a premier sale. This bull was sired by Trillick George & was bred from a Trillick Snazzy dam.

Second prize in this class went to Michael and Sinead Conry of Rathnollag Herefords, Co. Roscommon, the father and daughter duo kicked off the sale in good fashion with their January 2021 born bull Rathnollag Buster. Buster being one of the first bulls into the ring started the sale with a bang. Sired by Trillick Hotspur & bred from a Castleroberts Stephanie dam, the hammer fell for Buster at €3,400.


The second class of the day went to Griananpoll 1 Vegas for T&A Fitzgerald of Grianan Herefords in Co.Westmeath. They had a very successful day, taking home a total of €7,000 for their two bulls. Born in March 2021, Griananpoll 1 Vegas was the first bull to reach €4,000 after winning his class earlier that morning. Vegas is 5-star replacement and 4-star for carcase weight. He is sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine ET and is going back to a Dendor 1 Greta 31st dam. Vegas was purchased by a pedigree breeder in Northern Ireland. The Fitzgeralds other bull at the sale, Grianan Wildfire sold for €3,000. Wildfire is sired by Pute Nascar N13 and is going back to a Grianan Cooperobin 712 dam.


Alan Gibbons of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon with Mullaghey 1 Tom 4 secured second place in Class 2. Mullaghey 1 Tom 4 is sired by Knockglass Donald and was bred from a Grousehallpoll 1 Premier ET dam. Tom 4 went on to sell for €3,000 in the ring. Third in the class went to Ardstewart Gunner owned by Nelson and Wade McCrabbe from Co. Donegal and later sold for €3,000.


The third class of the day was for bulls born between the 26th of June and the 30th of September 2021. Taking top spot in this class was Eamon and John Mc Kiernan with their bull Knockmanta 1 Major 2. Major 2 went one step further and was also tapped out as reserve male champion. This July born 2021 bull was sired by Fabb 1 Northern Star and is out of a Knockmanta 1 Jessica 3 dam. The hammer fell at €3,000 for Major 2 who boasted a 5- star replacement and 4- star terminal index.

Hitting €4,000 was the youngest bull in the sale Mountwilliams Pogba for Aidan Farrell of Mountwilliams Herefords in Co. Westmeath. Pogba is a September 2021 born bull, sired by Butlerstown Duke and going back to a Mountwilliams Iris ET dam. Pogba boasts 5-stars for replacement and has a calving ease figure that is lower than the breed average.

Females


Class one in the female section went to Loughglas 1 Wanda for Nigel Heatrick Co. Monaghan. This November 2020 born heifer was sired by Clooncullane Major 343 and went on to sell for €2,800. Second in the class went to Kye Rosie 933, a Pullham Ranger daughter for Padraig McGrath, and later went on to sell for €2,650. Third in the class went to Nigel Heatrick with Glasslough Wendy, Wendy was a July 2020 heifer and sold for €2,400.


The second heifer class of the day saw Lios Breacpoll 1 Patricia placed first in her class and was also tapped out as female champion on the day. This stylish heifer was bred by John and Enda Flynn from Newtownforbes, Co. Longford. Patricia is a July 2021 born heifer, sired by Fabb 1 Northern star going back to a Grianan Orange T868 cow. Patricia went on to make the highest female price of the day at €4,900.
Second place and reserve champion went to Kye Ger 965 from Padraig Mc Grath, Elphin Co Roscommon. The September 2021 heifer is sired by Pulham Ranger and out of a Kye Ger 749 dam. The hammer fell at €2,700 for Ger 965.Third in the class went to Aughakil 1 Pumpkin from Kenton Crowe Co. Leitrim who later went on to sell for €2,450


Crowenstown Prettymaid 3 was also a top attraction as she sold for the second highest price of the day at €3,300 to a Cork herd. Bred by the Drumm family of Delvin Co. Westmeath, the February 2021 heifer was sired by Mawarra Sentimental ET1 HYF and bred from an Allowdale Prettymaid 557 daughter. Prettymaid 3 has a 5-star rating for replacement, carcass weight, carcass confirmation, daughter milk and daughter calving interval.
Congratulations to all buyers and sellers on a remarkably successful sale. Many thanks to the stewards on the day, the judges Philip and Laura Vincent, the auctioneer Mr. Eamonn Gaffney, the photographer Ms. Shannon Kinahan, the staff of GVM Tullamore and Irish Hereford Prime.

Ireland accept the baton to host the 17th European Hereford Conference 2026!

16th European Hereford Conference

The 16th European Hereford Conference was held in France from 4th – 7th October.

The conference included a full four-day schedule including a visit to the Sommet d’Elevage – The world’s number one livestock show. There were four delegates from Ireland in attendance at the conference; Joe O’Connor (IHBS Chairman), Willie Branagan (IHBS Council Member), Louise Callan (IHBS Secretary) & Larry Feeney (World Hereford Secretary) and there were 39 persons in attendance altogether from all across the world including, UK, USA, New Zealand, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Norway.

Welcome Reception:

The conference began with a free morning at the Sommet d’Elevage followed by the official opening of the Conference in the afternoon at the Conference Centre at the show. The group were given a tour of the cattle by Pascal Bastien (French Association President) which finished at the Hereford stand with a welcome drink & a selection of local cheeses and meats before a presentation of the Hereford cattle on display in the show ring. The group in full then attended a welcome cocktail & dinner that evening in Vichy.

National Hereford Championship:

The big event for day two of the conference was the National Hereford Championship. There were three classes; Hereford bulls, Hereford heifers and Hereford cows with calves at foot. There was a Female Champion & a Male Champion crowned on the day. The Male Champion was UK bred; Romany 1 Popcorn, bred by Scotland’s Romany Herefords, sired by Barwise 1 Lancer, a previous UK sire of the year, produced by Carolyn Fletcher of Barwise Polled Herefords. Carolyn is currently the President of the UK Hereford Society. The judge on the day was Mr. PJ Budler, originally from South Africa but currently living in USA, PJ is an international cattle judge and is CEO of Global Livestock Solutions.

PJ commented on the Hereford breed stating it is “the breed that has changed the face of cattle breeding around the world which is a good thing for consumers”.

Country Reports:

Each country relayed a report on the progress of Herefords at home during that afternoon. Although there are many differences between the countries the one issue facing every nation is climate change and the role agriculture needs to play in reducing carbon emissions. It is clear to see there is no one solution or “one size fits” all plan. Every country present delivered very interesting information about the workings within the world of farming and Herefords on their local patch including;

  • Average bull prices in the UK this year was over 4000guineas & they are beginning to adopt a Linear scoring programme.
  • In New Zealand, there are currently 21,000 Pedigree Registered Herefords & they are making progress on their Genomic test programme.
  • In Germany in 2021, the association celebrated they’re 30-year anniversary. They are currently working on a genomic evaluation programme.
  • USA currently have 76,672 Pedigree Hereford Registrations. They are also hosting the next World Hereford Conference in October 2025 & are working on an excellent conference line up and some added tours also. They also have several research projects running at the minute in relation to genetics & efficiency.
  • In Norway, 90% of the Herefords are Polled. The Norwegians choose Herefords because they are calm & robust. They have shown to have the fewest stillbirths & highest survival rates until weaning of all breeds in Norway. The Herefords low body weight also make them ideal for thriving in local landscapes. The Norweigans have also developed a Breeding programme where stock is evaluated for conformation, morphology of udders, hooves, legs, breeding values, temperament, health & fertility before being accepted onto a five month performance test programme where they are fed silage & meal & their feed intake & body weight are recorded daily. The best performing bulls are then chosen for AI & their progeny are also tested for performance.
  • In Sweden, Herefords are the second largest breed in the Swedish Beef Control Programme,  after Charolais, with 3200 calves. All calves are weighed at birth, 200days & again at 365 days. Calving ease is also recorded. In 2021, heifers weighed at birth – 41kgs, at 200 days – 251kg and at 365 days – 386kgs. Bulls at birth weighed 43kgs, at 200days – 277kgs & at 365 days – 495kgs. All bulls must pass certain requirements before going for auction including high average daily weight gain, minimum Linear conformation & hoof health requirement.
  • In Estonia, the most popular AI bull in 2021 & 2022 was Fisher 1 Rancher. They hope to import new genetics & increase the use of AI while increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of beef into the future.

PJ Budler then closed the afternoon session by making a presentation entitled “Global Hereford Challenges & Opportunities”.

International Gala Evening:

The delegates attended the International Gala evening, alongside 400 other international visitors, which illustrated a presentation of over 40 national breeds of sheep, cattle and horses. The evening concluded with a cocktail in the showring and a performance by a traditional French band and some traditional Mongolian music also.

Hereford Farm tour:

The last day for the Irish delegation began with a tour of the farm EARL Vizelles. The farmer & host; Olivier Avignon and his wife & son welcomed the group and gave a tour of their cattle enterprise. Olivier farms 220 Hectares with just one employee. His main herd consists of 80 Charolais suckler cows but in 2016 he branched out and purchased Hereford cross suckler cows.

The farm is based in a predominantly breeding area of France given the poorer quality of the soil. This is Olivier’s family farm which he inherited from his father. They also fatten pigs on site. In 2016, an opportunity arose for the farm to rent a further 80 Hectares which they went for. The farm was unsuitable for calving Charolais cattle so the farm invested in Hereford sucklers and have now grown to 40 Hereford suckler cows. Olivier is delighted with Herefords because of the good quality meat they produce and their good terminal traits. He started with crossbred Herefords including Herefords crossed with Limousin but the farm is slowly moving to fully purebred. They also imported Pedigree Herefords from Hungary.

All Herefords are finished for slaughter on the farm. All males are castrated between eight and 10 days old and fed as steers. Hereford heifers are currently earning the farm €6.00/kg dead with no heed given to weights or grades. In 2007, the farm employed a nutritionist to allow them to move towards producing 100% feed on the farm. As it turned out, the nutritionist now sells the Hereford beef from the farm to restaurants & hotels. Due to there being no traditional market for Herefords in France, because they’re not the traditional breed, Hereford breeders need to build their own niche market to ensure good value for their product.

There is a stock bull running with the cows and the farm doesn’t use any AI due to time management constraints. There is a mix of Spring and Autumn calving. Herefords are farmed outdoors all year round with hay supplemented in the Winter.

Growth rates between Hereford & Charolais vary with the Charolais cows weighing 450kgs deadweight and Hereford cows weighing 350kgs deadweight but the inputs and costs are much lower with the Herefords.

Charolais enterprise:

The farm finishes all Charolais females onsite but exports the Charolais steers to Italy for finishing at 420kgs. The farm also purchase cull cows from neighbouring farms to finish for slaughter. Olivier sells crossbred (HExCH) Heifers at 18 months for slaughter between 330 – 360kgs carcase weight to Biggar Meat Business. The price at slaughter is currently; €5.40/kg deadweight for steers, €5.20/kg deadweight for cows & €3.30/kg liveweight for Charolais Steers exported to Italy. The cattle grade either U or R but recently there is little difference in the price between grades.

There is 100% of the feed produced on the farm and grass haylage is fed when alfalfa hay runs out.

The dairy market is growing in France also and this is leaving little differences in prices between beef cattle & dairy beef cattle at slaughter. Holstein Friesian cows are currently making €4.80/kgs which used to be €1.80/kg compared to Charolais cattle selling for €5.20/kg and used to be €4.80/kg deadweight. This has taken value from the beef breeds.

Olivier Avignon & his family treated the tour to a fantastic spread for lunch before saying our goodbyes.

Guest Speakers:

That afternoon involved talks from three speakers including Mr. Jean Denaux who was instrumental in the start-up of Irish Hereford Prime 25 years ago. The French butcher was born into and reared in a farming family and his father was also a butcher. The farm was very much traditional and ran Charolais cattle in small buildings & outhouses. They found Charolais cows were hard to calve indoors and disease became an issue with the buildings being so small. Jean’s father travelled in the 1970’s and while in America he was first introduced to Hereford cattle. At the same time as the French Hereford Association was set up, Jean’s father purchased a Hereford bull to run with Charolais heifers and was delighted with the progeny which turned out to be better balanced in terms of having the double muscling from Charolais and gaining a year on calving from Herefords. Jean commented that having the backing of the society meant a lot to the project. Jean didn’t inherit the family farm but knew he wanted to work closely to a farming business. He went to Rungis, a large International market in Paris for trading food & horticultural products and he learned he was able to sell beef. From there, he met with chefs in French hotels and after chatting about cuts of beef and such he had a wakeup call and began his career as a wholesaler of beef. Over time, Jean was able to build up clientele with farmers and caterers. Jean’s career began by importing Wagyu beef from Australia and maturing in France. From there then he began to mature Charolais beef but there was very little demand in the catering sector at that time. Jean investigated importing Angus beef from Scotland but BSE was an issue at the time. He knew Ireland and New Zealand were producers of Hereford beef and contacted the Irish Hereford Breed Society to discuss whether a trade deal be negotiated. After travelling to Ireland and inspecting carcases in a factory – trials were set up based on customer specifications and demands. Jean commented that if it’s not raining in Ireland – it is thinking about raining which makes it an ideal location for producing grass fed beef which is what the caterers were demanding. The Irish was able to step upto the demands and meet consumer requirements. From this trade deal grew Irish Hereford Prime which has gone from strength to strength since & today processes over 65,000 cattle each year with 5,000 members. For this reason, it was delightful to hear from Mr. Jean Denaux on how his career began and the path that led him to Hereford beef.

We also heard from Didier Deleau – specialist of grass production who gave a detailed overview of grass production and grazing management in France which is proving to be instrumental in the fight against climate change as research has shown more grassland on French farms is helping reduce the carbon footprint. Didier concluded that Herefords are a breed with a future that meets; breeders’ demands, consumer demands and society’s expectations.

To cap off the presentations Ms. Sylvie Brunel – geographer, economist & writer made a presentation on the issues and barriers facing farmers globally in terms of climate change but concluded that breeding animals are beneficial for the world population and vital for securing food for the growing population. The speaker also commented on how Herefords fit the Climate change solution perfectly given they are docile, fertile, rustic and have good maternal traits.

Final Farewell & Passing the Baton:

The final evening of the European Hereford Conference 2022 was a trip to Puy de Dome & although the cloud was down the view & sunset was spectacular! The attending countries presented gifts to the French Association in appreciation & in-turn the French Association gifted each delegate a beautiful book & liqueur.

Before the conference officially ended – Pascal Bastien (French Association President) handed over the European Conference Baton to Ireland who will host the next European Hereford Conference in 2026. This is a tradition that began in 1997 by the Estonians. Ireland will host the 17th European Hereford Conference in August 2026 following the last conference hosted in Ireland which was in 2005.

Many thanks are extended to the French Hereford Association for hosting the 16th European Hereford Conference & extending a warm welcome to all attendees and to Chloe, the in-house translator for being more than patient.