Whitt Livestock

The question of why Heritage Herefords is going to be answered differently depending who is asking.  Maybe you are someone who is new to cattle, or a long time commercial cow calf producer, or someone looking to raise your own beef. 

If you are new to the cattle industry Heritage Herefords also known as Miniature and Classic Herefords have many advantages.  Heritage Herefords truly are cattle from the old days, before cattle were bred for enormous frame scores they were very similar in size to today’s “miniature” or “classic” cattle.  For this reason Heritage Herefords have all of the desirable traits of their commercial white faced counterparts with some added bonuses.  The white face is known for:
-early maturing
-high fertility
-great mothering
-calm disposition
-excellent outcross vigor
Heritage Herefords have also been shown to have a larger ribeye area per hundred weight then their larger counterparts and commercial Black Angus.  They also have a higher yielding carcass with less percentage of waste.  This is due in large part to bone size.  Also in most conditions 3-4 Heritage Herefords can be ran in the place of one commercial cow. 

If you are a long time commercial cow calf producer why might Heritage Herefords be a positive contribution to your cattle operation?  Heritage Hereford bulls may be the next best thing for your first calf heifers and the future of your cow herd.  Lower birth weight on your calves mean less stress on your heifers, fewer cesareans, and quicker post calving rebound.  Other producers have shown that these calves will still wean and sell with the light end of your calves at a standard market.  Secondly a smaller frame score bull also means less problems associated with cow breakdown.  A Heritage Hereford bull can be used for many years as a first calf heifer bull because he will continue to pass on low birth weights without getting too large to cover heifers.  We have shown that our bulls hold up much longer then commercial bulls in range conditions.    

Many people are beginning to look for options to reduce frame scores due to a wide array of reasons including: range conditions, cow thriftiness, feedlot and corn trends, economics, and ease of handling.  Introducing Heritage Hereford genetics into your commercial cow herd is an excellent way to slightly reduce frame scores with high quality genetics.  If you are the typical black cow calf producer using a Heritage Herford bull will not only reduce frame scores but will also provide you with excellent F1 hybrid vigor.  You would be amazed at how slightly smaller cattle are easier on your facilities and you.  We have found Hereford cattle pleasurable to work around for their calm and easy going demeanor regardless of what’s going on.  If you’re tired of high headed commercial cattle looking over the top of you, your corrals, and your fences consider reducing frame scores and breeding some calm into them.

If you are looking to raise your own backyard beef and do your own quality control then Heritage Herefords are probably the perfect answer.  Many people with small acreage that could not afford to or do not have the resources to raise a commercial steer to slaughter weight can easily grow a Heritage Hereford and put their own delicious home raised beef in their freezer.  The yield from a Heritage Hereford steer is more in line with what the average family can store in their freezer and consume before the meat becomes damaged by the freezer.  Also with Heritage Herefords you are getting more bang for your buck with less waste and higher carcass yield. 

If you are interested in learning more about Heritage Herefords please feel free to contact us, we love talkin’ cows!         
 

 
3 yr old hereford cow vs. yearling cross heifer