Herefords Charge Ahead in the US
AUSTRALIA - Despite back-to-back years of drought and escalating costs in the beef industry, the Hereford breed is making a mighty resurgence in America and indications are Australia is following that lead according to Herefords Australia’s CEO John McKew.
20 September 2012
2 minute read
US Hereford registrations jumped eight per cent during the year to August 31 while registered cow herd inventories are up three per cent.
US Hereford breeders continue to experience a dramatic increase in production sale prices while reports of private-treaty sales continue to out-pace the previous year reports.
At 182 US Hereford production sales, bulls averaged $US4,671, up nearly $700 or 17 per cent and females $3,329, up almost $300 per head or 10 per cent.
The second largest cattle breed in the US, Hereford had 70,260 registrations and 37,091 transfers with 101,021 cows on inventory. The Association has 3,455 active adult members and 2,263 active junior members.
Hereford semen demand in the commercial industry is also increasing. According to the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), Hereford semen sales increased 23 per cent over last year. Since 2006 Hereford domestic semen sales has increased 86%, a testament to the increasing demand for Hereford genetics in the commercial industry.
“Because of an emphasis on breed improvement and industry research, the Hereford breed now has the single largest database for cow fertility and productivity in the world, and we have documented the inherent economic traits in the breed that can deliver efficiency to the industry at a time when the industry needs it most,” says Craig Huffhines, AHA executive vice president.
“More importantly, our membership is adopting technology and making the strides in genetic improvement that have positioned Hereford as a breed of choice for commercial producers looking to add heterosis to their Angus-based cow herds.
“Today, the Hereford breed is poised to provide as much value to the commercial industry as any other breed with its combination advantages of fertility, feed efficiency, good disposition and an end product that will complement a vast array of quality beef programs across the country,” said Mr Huffhines.
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