The number of Hereford sired calves born in 2015 as recorded by the British Cattle Movement Services (BCMS) increased by 13.4 per cent in 2015 ~ the highest percentage increase of any beef breed. This significant increase equates to just over half of the total gain in beef-sired cattle registered in Great Britain.

BCMS figures show that 1,755,357 beef sired calves were registered during the year, up 24,580 on 2014.

A similar picture appears in Northern Ireland with Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) recording an increase of 34.2 per cent for Hereford sired calf registrations in 2015.

The number Hereford sired calves born in the UK (BCMS & APHIS) has increased for seven consecutive years, increasing by a massive 61 per cent, with the total number of Hereford sired calves registered in 2015 standing in excess of 150,000.

David Deakin from The Hereford Cattle Society, commenting on the figures stated, “Over the past 10 years the Society has seen a year on year increase in Membership, Pedigree Registrations, Transfers and cattle valuations – but it’s equally important to see an expansion in popularity of the Hereford sire in the commercial sector. Whilst the Society’s core business will always be to service its membership, improve and promote the pedigree Hereford, a greater demand for commercial Herefords whether it’s as a terminal sire or a moderate sized functional suckler cow, this can only create further demand for the registered Hereford sire.”

Mr Deakin added, “The Hereford Breed seems well placed to provide livestock farmers with cattle that are cost effective to rear, due to their ease of management and low production costs. Farmers using Hereford genetics are also able to produce the type of carcase meat processors and major retailers require - well marbled, reared on a forage-based diet and with a finished weight between 335-355kg.