CERTIFIED HEREFORD |  |
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Omagh Meats: A Partner of the Northern Ireland Hereford Association
The Hereford breed was founded over 250 years ago near the town of Hereford in the county of Herefordshire, England. At that time, there was a need for a breed that could efficiently convert grass into beef and subsequently be commercially viable.
In 1742, Benjamin Tompkins was credited with the creation of the Hereford breed. His main goal was to provide an economy in feeding by rearing cattle with a natural aptitude to grow and gain weight from grass and grain. Tompkins also recognised the need for a durable, prolific breed which would reach maturity at an early age. These traits have remained constant through the passage of time and are still important today.
These distinct traits of the Hereford breed soon caught the eye of breeders across the globe and it is now established as one of the premier beef breeds in the world. Northern Ireland, with its low intensity, grass-based beef production systems has proved to be an ideal natural environment for the Hereford breed.
In June 2005, Omagh Meats formed a partnership with the Northern Ireland Hereford Association. A scheme has since been established whereby a premium price is afforded to certified Hereford steers and heifers which are under thirty months of age.
This scheme ensures that the animal comes from a Farm Quality Assured (FQA) source. Subsequently, the animal’s integrity is guaranteed through a series of stringent criteria such as a minimum farm residency period of 28 days, a limited number of farm movements and the fact that all cattle are sired by a certified Hereford bull.
The excellent eating quality associated with Hereford, coupled with the medium carcase weight has ensured that Omagh Meats is able to market the beef as a premium quality product.
With an average carcass weight of 280 kg, a conformation class of O+ and better, an average fat cover of 4L, the result is that each beef primal contains a ideal blend of internal marbling and external fat covering.
The Hereford breed is now well established in Northern Ireland and has shown considerable recent growth, with the number of registered herds doubling in the last five years. This will ensure continuity of supply throughout the year with the ability to meet peak supply and promotional activity.
