A FIVE figure sum has been paid for a shipment of semen taken from sixteen-month-old Hereford sire Haven Kingpin.

Purchased by the Irish Hereford Cattle Society, the semen is now available to members via the Society’s Breed Improvement Scheme (BIS).

A scheme designed to improve the overall quality of the breed through the use of top genetics from at home and abroad.

Haven Kingpin is a young sire from the famous Haven herd based in Dilwyn, one of the oldest and best known herds in the UK.

“Kingpin” was first spotted by members of the Society’s Breed Improvement Committee at the National Hereford Christmas Calf Show held at Shrewsbury Market.

Their selection was based on his appearance, ancestry and Breedplan performance recording figures.

His Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for 200, 400 and 600 day weights are within the top 5% of the breed. And his Terminal Sire Index of +36 against a breed average of +22 and Self-Replacing Index of +44 (breed average +26), places him in the top 1% for the breed.

'Kingpin’s' dam Haven Splendour 25th has a milk EBV in the top 1% of the Breed and his grand dam Splendour 23rd is a very consistent performer having produced a number of top progeny including show stopper Haven Governor.

Haven Kingpin is sired by GH Adams 144S Bulge 138W and 138W is one of the best bulls to come out of Canada in recent times and was reserve grand champion at the Canadian National show in 2009.

Haven Herefords will be out in force on August 2 at the National Horned Hereford Show, Tenbury Wells, a major show which attracts entries from across the UK.