History of Traditional Herefords

Our cattle are described as ‘Traditional Herefords’ because they are the pure breed which originated from the English/Welsh borderlands. The original Herefords were so good at converting grass into quality beef and so adaptable to different climates that, in the 19th century, they were exported all over the world. Today they are the world’s biggest beef breed with large numbers in Canada, USA, Australia and Argentina.

In North America the Herefords were bred to be bigger, with longer legs. Bulls of this type were then imported back to Britain and bred with the native Herefords. This means that today there are very few of the original traditional  Herefords left.

Traditional Hereford at Treberfedd

Our traditional Herefords have no blood ties to the imported North American Hereford cattle. You can tell by their appearance; they’re generally smaller and hardier than the modern type of North American Hereford. Our cattle are pedigree animals and their family lines can be directly traced all the way back to the Hereford Cattle Society herd book of 1847.

Traditional Herefords are now classed as a rare breed. In the 1960s there were over 19,000 traditional Herefords but by 2005 there were just over 500 breeding females left. However, the breed is once again increasing in popularity as people realise the benefits of this hardy, easy to manage native breed.

If you are interested in purchasing traditional Hereford breeding animals or traditional Hereford beef please contact us.