Hereford society gathers to put restrictions behind them

Hereford breed supporters, like so many others, were forced to cancel much of their 2007 calendar due to the havoc caused by foot-and-mouth and bluetongue. But in place of their annual trophy presentations, usually held at the breed society’s October sale, leading breeder Philip English led efforts to hold a special evening at the House of Commons.

Hosted by Leominster MP and Hereford breeder Bill Wiggin, about 50 breed enthusiasts gathered for a special dinner of English beef at the Palace of Westminster, after which Mr Wiggin distributed the silverware.

Taking home the Bull of the Year trophy was Philip English for Churchlands Estate 1 Batavia, a home-bred bull from his Churchlands Estate near Banbury, Oxfordshire. Batavia is by the Australian National Champion Wiranya Batavia and out of the 2004 Royal Grand Champion and overall British National Champion Panmure 1 Plum T9. He has enjoyed considerable show success including the Poll Bull of the Year title.

Breeder David Jones, who has shown Herefords for over 40 years, took the Hereford Female of the Year and Poll Female of the Year titles for his striking cow Phocle Dowager, who stood Supreme Champion at Three Counties Show and Grand Female Champion at Shropshire & West Midland Show.

Critchley 1 Figurehead from Kelso breeder J R B Wilson and Sons, was chosen as Hereford Sire of the Year. J R B Wilson and Sons also took the trophy for ‘Show Herd of the Year 2007’. This belongs to the breeder gaining most points at shows with cattle they have bred, over an entire show season.Philip English receives his trophy from the evening’s host, Bill Wiggin MP.

Breeder David Jones (left) took the Hereford Female of the Year and Poll Female of the Year titles.