Ezicalve win 'Steak of Origin - Best of British and Place in cross-breed


One of the most sought after titles at the Steak of Origin competition, the Best of British,
was taken out by a pure-bred Hereford entry.

The winning Ezicalve Hereford entry was put forward by the Ardo Hereford stud, Marton.

The Best of British class finals was heavily contended by the breed with three of the four finalist sirloin steaks from the breed. Rob and Mary-Ann Burrows of Beechwood, Culverden joined the Morrison’s in the finals with two sirloins that were placed third and fourth.

Jane Allan, Hereford Prime marketing manager says it was an outstanding result – especially having three-quarters of the class finalists being Hereford.

“The Best of British class is by far the biggest group for the Steak of Origin with total entries at more than 350 entries over the five classes.”

There were about 147 entries in the Best of British class and about thirty of those entries were Herefords. Despite the fact Hereford entries were up in the overall competition this year in comparison to previous years the breed was still up against it from other breeds, making the success that more valued.

The Morrison family were also finalists in the Best of Crossbreed section with an Ezicalve Hereford cross.

“Hereford Prime has consistently been placed in the finals of Steak of Origin since its inception, recognising the consistency and unrivalled quality that is guaranteed,” says Jane.

John Morrison says of the win “it proves Hereford Prime beef is as good as the best and that competition (SOO) showed it, not only with pure-bred carcases but also the cross-bred animals.”

John says they have learned quite a bit from entering the Steak of Origin competition in recent years.

One of the lessons learnt is the fact that the entered animals should be young and quiet. He also believes on the rising plane of a nutritional cycle.

“Some times that can be difficult at that time of year, it’s the end of summer and animals stress levels can be increasing,” he says. However, he believes there are aspects farmers can have control over, such as the age and temperament of the animals to enhance the end result.

Lowering stress in animals can be undertaken by choosing quieter cattle, keeping them in their usual mobs and low stress yarding. The Morrison family put forward 11 entries in total – three of those were pure-bred Herefords, the balance in the cross-breed class.

They heavily contended the cross-bred class because if reflects the philosophy behind their breeding programme and their target market for bull sales.

John says he challenges any breeder to put forward animals for the Steak of Origin. However he says if they wish to do well, it does take time, consideration and he believes it is necessary to accept the fact there will be variations in the carcases. To cover that he suggests entering a range of animals.