The 2020 Irish National Hereford Calf Show is taking place virtually this year.
North Leinster Hereford Branch, which runs the annual event, made the decision in light of the ongoing global health pandemic.
“Entrants and spectators being at risk of contracting the virus or the event being cancelled due to regional lockdowns was all too prominent.”
This has led to the birth of the virtual Hereford Calf Show in order to mark the year appropriately.
Opportunities
Moving the show online has led to further opportunities to improve the event including adding two new classes with a difference, according to organisers.
- Class 9: Dairy Beef Index – Pedigree genotyped bull born on or between July 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2019. Criteria for judging will be based 60% on appearance and 40% on Dairy Beef Index (October 2020 evaluations);
- Class 11: Hereford / Hereford-X Replacement Heifer of the Future – Hereford-sired female born on or between July 1st, 2019 & June 30th, 2020. Criteria for judging will be based 60% on appearance and 40% on Dairy Beef Index (October 2020 evaluations).
Sponsors
The North Leinster Hereford Branch thanked supported this event down through the years including this years; Herdwatch, Moocall, Dectomax, Irish Hereford Prime and AllSure.
Categories
- Class 1: Heifer born on or between 1st July 2019 & 30th September 2019;
- Class 2: Heifer born on or between 1st Oct 2019 & 31st December 2019;
- Class 3: Heifer born on or between 1st January 2020 & 31st March 2020;
- Class 4: Heifer calf of the future born from April 1st 2020 onwards;
- Moocall Senior Female Champion – Classes 1 & 2;
- Allsure Junior Female Champion – Classes 3 & 4.
Overall female champion
- Class 5: Bull born on or between 1st July 2019 & 30th September 2019;
- Class 6: Bull born on or between 1st Oct 2019 & 31st December 2019;
- Class 7: Bull born on or between 1st January 2020 & 31st March 2020;
- Class 8: Bull calf of the future born from April 1st 2020 onwards;
- Herdwatch Senior Male Champion – Classes 5 & 6;
- Dectomax Junior Male Champion – Classes 7 & 8.
Overall Male Champion
- Class 9: Dairy Beef Index – Pedigree Genotyped Bull born on or between July 1st & December 31st, 2019. Criteria for judging will be based 60% on appearance and 40% on Dairy Beef index. (October 2020 evaluations)
- Class 10: Commercial Hereford-sired calf, male or female, born in 2020;
- Class 11: Hereford / Hereford-X Replacement Heifer of the Future – Hereford sired female born on or between July 1st 2019 & June 30th 2020. Criteria for judging will be based 60% on appearance and 40% on Replacement index. (October 2020 evaluations)
Entry requirements
- To enter any of the classes listed, the exhibitor must submit 3 pictures: a side view, a rearview and a front view via an upload link at nationalherefordcalfshow.ie.
- All animals must be un-haltered, and grooming is prohibited in photographs;
- No professional photography allowed;
- Exhibitors will be asked to submit the animal’s name, tag number, D.O.B., class number, owners name & contact details;
- Entries in class 10 & 11 may be subject to random DNA testing by Irish Hereford Prime;
- In the interest of fairness, competitors are asked to please refrain from posting their pictures on social media until the judging process is completed and the results have been released;
- Failure to observe these requests will mean omission from the competition;
- No entry fee;
- For enquiries, contact Louise at the IHBS 0449348855.
‘An event like no other’
“This promises to be an event like no other, with the best of Hereford genetics being showcased from the pedigree, commercial and dairy herd.”
“A perfect shop window for your herd! The schedule has 11 classes (some with a difference) and no entry fee so there is something for everyone!”
“This is a great initiative and an exciting development for the annual show with a great line-up of prizes from very generous sponsors!”
Entries close on October 26th and all entries can be uploaded online via nationalherefordcalfshow.ie.
