World meat industry news

A shipment of Irish in-calf Hereford heifers has left for Russia.

Last week the first consignment in 2017 of pedigree in-calf Hereford heifers destined for Russia departed Ireland recently.

A specially selected group of in-calf heifers of diverse pedigree from herds across the country including eight 18-20 month old bulls were brought together by Hubert Maxwell, livestock exporters and have been in quarantine for the past month.

Following all health requirements being fully completed the signal to move was received.

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The transport for the Hereford consignment to their new home is provided by a Lithuanian company with extensive experience of cattle transport across Europe. The journey will take one week including rest breaks on the route through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Belarus to the final destination just 180km west of Moscow.

The Russian Hereford breeders who have purchased the cattle came to Ireland in January last to visit a number of farms and see the quality of animal available and were extremely satisfied with the standard, according to the Irish Hereford Breed Society.

Svetlana Koss who hails from Moscow has co-ordinated the project on this occasion said she was extremely pleased with both the quality of the cattle and with how the current project has worked out.

A further consignment this time of over 100 in-calf Hereford heifers arrived almost immediately at the quarantine facility replacing those heading for Rosslare.

Irish Hereford Society chairman Willie Branagan said he is confident of further similar orders including maiden heifers later this spring. The Hereford cattle exported will allow the expansion and rebuilding of the beef cattle population in Russia which has huge possibilities for development into the future, he said.