Southern NSW Hereford and Poll Hereford breeder Pat Pearce has been re-elected as chairman of Herefords Australia.
Mr Pearce, of Yavenvale Herefords and Poll Herefords, Adelong, was elected by the board of directors at the Herefords Australia annual general meeting in Dubbo last night.
Newly elected director Lachy Day, Days Whiteface, Bordertown, SA, was appointed as vice-chairman, Hilary O’Leary, Remolea Poll Herefords, Clifton, Queensland, was re-elected as treasurer with Andrew Bell, Millicent, SA, the fourth member of the executive.
Hereford directors are Geoff Bush, Scott Hann, Pat Pearce, Anne Starr, Peter Sykes and Bruce Gunning.
Poll Hereford directors are Andrew Bell, Steve Crowley, Lachy Day, Kevin Hillsdon, Ken Ikin and Hilary O’Leary.
Mr Pearce acknowledged the work done by out-going director Gary Clarke, of Tasmania.
He said the beef industry was experiencing record highs, with Herefords in demand from processors.
“With commercial breeders cashed up, it was no surprise to see the autumn bull sales fire, topping at $110,000 with many sales recording total clearances and increased averages,’’ Mr Pearce said.
“The demand for Herefords has meant a second live shipment of 180 Hereford and Black Baldy steers were exported to China for slaughter, following 350 Hereford heifers for breeding in March.’’
Mr Pearce said the Hereford progeny test (BIN) project continued to progress.
A total of 44 grass fed steers were processed at Teys Australia, Wagga, on January 7 and 55 grain fed steers killed at John Dee on February 25, after a 100 day feeding period for the collection of net feed efficiency data.
“The results of the carcase, meat quality and NFI data have been downloaded onto BREEDPLAN,’’ he said.
“Owing to increased interest from commercial operators, we will have at least 1000 females available for joining this year.’’
The Herefords Australia Black Baldy trial calves were weaned in March, with the steers to be grass fattened and slaughtered in early 2017.
The heifer portion will be scanned in the coming months to determine age at puberty.
Mr Pearce said delegates to the World Hereford Conference in Uruguay had reported genomics and performance were at the forefront of all countries represented.
“At present, when genetics are exported to Canada and America from Australia and New Zealand, their BREEDPLAN ranking reverts to zero, therefore few overseas buyers are prepared to try our genetics,’’ he said.
“Following discussions with the American and Canadian Hereford Societies, ABRI and AGBU, we are hopeful this situation will be altered so their current BREEDPLAN ranking will be retained.
“This will give Australian breeders greater opportunity to export semen and embryos in the years ahead.’’
Herefords Australia’s branded beef partner Atron Enterprises has been bought by Thomas Foods International.
Mr Pearce said Herefords Australia were due to have discussions this month with TFI regarding the Hereford True brand.
He said TFI had already processed Hereford cattle under the Hereford True brand.
Mr Pearce thanked out going chief executive office John McKew, who resigned after four years for family reasons.
Newly appointed chief executive officer Alex Ball takes on his new role on July 4th.
