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Beef Breeds: The Hereford

From the Beef Breeds of the World series

Ruth Nicolaus
Jan 3, 2019
Jan 3, 2019 Updated Jun 25, 2020

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Ruth Nicolaus

One of the most recognizable breeds of cattle across the United States is the Hereford.

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Hereford Facts

Arrival in U.S.:

1817

Current number of head in U.S.:

120,000 registered; unknown how many in commercial herds

Distinguishing markings:

bald (white) face; red body; sometimes white flanks and markings below the knees and hocks. In the case of non-polled Herefords, horns.

National office:

American Hereford Association

11500 NW Ambassador Drive, Suite 410

Kansas City, MO 64153

816-842-3757

www.hereford.org

State offices:

Nebraska Hereford Association

1519 F St., Fairbury, NE 68352

402-239-9712

www.NebraskaHerefords.com

Kansas Hereford Association

765 South 3000 Road

Herington, KS 67449

785-466-2266

www.KansasHereford.org

Iowa Hereford Association

13359 280th Street

Redfield, IA 50233

515-833-2991

www.IowaHereford.org

Interesting breed fact:

In 2013, a Hereford bull named C Miles McKee 2103 ET set the world record for a cattle sale, selling for $600,000.

In this Series

Beef Breeds of the World

Updated Jun 10, 2021
Polled preference: Polled Herefords prized for personality traits, feed efficiency
Updated May 5, 2021
Best of both worlds
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Braunvieh compliment other cattle breeds
28 updates