Beef Shorthorn registrations have risen a colossal 60% in a decade, with a record breaking year announced at the breed society’s latest agm.

In the last 12 months, the Beef Shorthorn registrations increased to 4239, showing the continual growth over the last 10 years. In addition, the society attracted 138 new members, up 10% year on year and have more than doubled in the last decade to an active membership of 1056.

These trends were mirrored in the 2020 BCMS calf registrations which show that over the last 10 years, UK Beef Shorthorn and Beef Shorthorn cross populations within the beef sector have increased by a significant 222%, the fastest rate of any breed and more than 60% greater than the next highest.

Elected as president for the forthcoming year was Charles Horton, of the Hannington herd, Poulton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, with his vice-president being Tim Riley, of the Stoneyroyd herd, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. Four new directors are: South of England, Tina Russell; North of England, Alistair Gibson; and Scotland, Pamela Nicol and John Scott; whilst Richard Henning was reelected to represent Northern Ireland and Eire.

Morrisons Shorthorn Beef Scheme continues to fuel demand from finishers in the store ring for steers and heifers surplus to replacement requirements.

The last 12 months have witnessed Beef Shorthorns breaking four record figures in the Stirling pedigree ring at the Society’s official sales.

A new 15,000gns female price tag and £3543 female average was achieved in October.

Last month, bulls sold to 27,000gns and achieved a new £6127 average whilst Beef Shorthorn enjoyed the best of the two-week multi-breed sales and was commended for being the only breed to record an increase in the number sold compared to the 2020 event.