The last 12 months have certainly been a year to remember with some great highs and some sad lows, many of which are captured or referenced in our journal. Government policy remains a challenge for agriculture across all sectors and we must remain united in protecting our industry.
BCMS beef registrations year on year remain strong with a 6% increase which is remarkable in such a competitive market and this should not be underestimated. We must acknowledge and address the challenges that are faced by the suckler cow numbers and try and address these challenges. A concerning decline in suckler cow numbers continues at an alarming rate, but the society remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability across all sectors to ensure the breeds continued legacy.
EBV’s remain a big part of how our breed is judged along with the introduction of genomics several years ago to enhance the accuracy of these. We are now into our second year of linear classification with more and more breeders seeing the benefits of doing this allowing the breeder to make more informed choices of what they breed from. The society very much sees both genomics and linear classification working together and encourages the breeders to embrace the science. As we move forward purchasers are looking more and more to the data that they can look at for said animals and this will only intensify.
The key objective of the society is to maintain the integrity of the herdbook and DNA plays a pivotal role in this. However, the cost to the society is significant and Council is very mindful of this and how they can reduce the burden to our members without devaluing the breed.
This year we have worked on our 5 year strategy basing it around three core strategies:
Strategy 1 – Culture and Values
Strategy 2 – Future of the breed = Sustainability
Strategy 3 – Membership support and fun
A society loved by its members! A growing belief and confidence in the future role of the Hereford breed, reflected in a growing sense of belonging and commitment by its growing membership base.
To work on more Hereford cross calves being registered each year thus increasing the Hereford commercial market share.
To underpin this growth through closer working relationships with leading meat processors and retailers.
To position the breed at the heart of forage based sustainably reared beef. To evidence this positioning with estimated breeding value (EBV), linear scoring and genomic data.
The society intends to establish a culture and set of values that staff, council and members all embrace and to create a membership organisation that both pedigree breeders, commercial farmers and individual members all feel proud to belong to.
As always there has been a fantastic show season with great numbers of cattle forward which we are very grateful for those members taking the time and the cost associated with this in representing the breed so well.
We continue to market Hereford beef with the support of Ripple Media our marketing partners with a new web site being launched for both the commercial producer and consumer.
The next steps in the evolution of the breed is to try and partner with institutions in helping us gain more relevant information for the breed around daily live weight gains, days to slaughter and carcase quality.
Our youth section remains strong and is the envy of the industry under the guidance of Emma Edwards who does a fantastic job of leading this for the society. This year was an exceptional year with the process of choosing the team to represent the society at the WHC 2025.
None of the achievements mentioned above would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our council, staff and our members. Their commitment forms the cornerstone of our progress and success.
I wish you all well for 2025.
Paul Sneyd
