THE increased demand for Hereford breeding cattle augurs well for the Hereford Cattle Society's spring show and sale later this month.
The society's records show an increase in active membership of 32% over the last two years and a similar rise in registrations over the same period.
Society's secretary David Prothero said: "The demand for breeding females has resulted in total clearances at the society's main sales with the total recorded cattle movements over the last year or so at their highest since the early 1980s."
Mr Prothero said this augured well for the breed's spring show and sale at Hereford on Friday, April 22.
On offer will be 45 bulls (10 to 32 months), including three organically-registered young bulls and 41 cows, in-calf and bulling heifers - all TB tested.
The show starts at 9.30am and the sale at 12.30pm.
Mr Prothero said that with significant challenges that lay ahead for the beef industry, following the decoupling of direct support payments during 2005, it was extremely encouraging to see the confidence being placed in one of the oldest established breeds such as the Hereford by both pedigree and commercial beef producers.
With producers conscious of the need to minimise their costs and maximise their output, it was the Hereford that was ideally placed to meet the challenges with its low maintenance costs, high cow and bull fertility, easy calving and low calf mortality.
Show and sale details available from the society's headquarters, phone 01432 272057.
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