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Why Herefords

The Hereford breed is noted industry-wide as "Beef's Optimum Asset" because of its efficiency, consistency and profitability.  The famous white face is the industry's trademark of an optimum genetic base.

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1.  Fertility

In overall economic importance, fertility is five times more important than the growth traits and ten times more important than carcass traits.  Excellent fertility has always been a basic advantage of Herefords.

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2.  Size and Growth

Moderate optimum-sized cows contribute to successfully operating a low-cost feed situation.  Extensive studies have shown that Frame 5 steers easily meet the ideal 1000 - 1200 lb. finished weights.  The early growth and performance of Herefords is more important than mature weights of frame sizes that don't fit practical conditions.

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3.  Feed Conversion

Scientific research has proven that Hereford breeds' ability to gain rapidly on less feed than their contemporaries.  This fed conversion, coupled with fewer days on feed, means it costs less to feed Herefords to payweight.

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4.  Quality and Consistency

These two factors, which are of ultimate importance to consumers, are driving the success of the Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) program, CHB is meeting consumer demand while it builds stronger markets for Hereford seedstock.

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5.  Adaptability and Disposition

Gentle Herefords save dollars because they're easy to handle, tear up less equipment and adapt well to just about any environment.  Cattle with good dispositions just feed better and produce fewer dark cutters.

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6.  Muscle

The quest for muscle in beef is a trait selection that can easily stray from optimum.  Higher feed costs can results from maintaining adequate levels of condition on cattle that are muscled above optimum levels.  An extensive research project at Colorado State University identified Herefords and Hereford-cross cattle as moderate and optimum for muscling.

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7.  Crossbreeding

The baldy calves produced by Herefords consistently top markets all across the country.  The economic advantage of the trademark white face is indisputable.

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8.  Performance Tested

The performance programs of the American Hereford Association build a strong, broad genetic base for boosting profits.

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9.  Longevity

The Hereford cow knows her job.  She's dependable in calving year after year, then she raises that calf to a thrifty market weight.

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10.  In Summary

Herefords are practical, profitable cattle.  Add it up.  Efficient gains, less time on feed, superior reproductive performance, efficient growth, carcass acceptability, adequate milk, gentle dispositions and adaptability.

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