EXACTLY WHAT IS A MINIATURE HEREFORD?

(From the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association)
There’s a lot of misunderstanding being perpetrated regarding the classification of Miniature Herefords, making them out to be a separate breed, which they are not. This is causing unnecessary confusion among new owners and potential breeders. Quite simply the animal is a Hereford first by breed and a miniature second by size. A look at some of the terminology which has been used incorrectly will show this.

Firstly, there is no such thing as a “purebred” Miniature Hereford. The description should be “full-blood Hereford” without any reference to the miniature size. A full-blood animal is one which has no other breed in its background going back many generations. In the case of Herefords this goes back several hundred years. A Hereford bred to another Hereford, regardless of size is still a full-blood Hereford. The only differentiations which can be made with Herefords are whether they are horned or polled or of different sizes e.g. standard, classic or miniature but those are just varieties of the same breed.

WHY RAISE MINIATURE HEREFORDS?

High fertility, excellent feed converters, very gentile. Excellent for small properties. You can raise 2 or 3 animals on the same acreage as one of the now standard size animals. Miniature Herefords have a better than standard rib eye area per 100 pounds of animal weight. Herefords are hardy and adaptable to many climates. Miniature Hereford cows are 45 inches or smaller. A three year old cow can weigh between 500-1000 lbs. Bulls are 48 inches or smaller, weighing between 700-1200lbs. the size of the Miniature Herefords are the standard size Herford was in the early to mid 1900’s. Over the years feed lot operations desired larger and larger animals which put pressure on the producers to breed for larger animals. Feeding efficiency has reduced along with quality meat yield per 100 lbs.

Miniature Herefords are registered with The American Hereford Association. Miniature Herefords do not have dwarfism. They are bred to retain the efficient muscular frame that produces the perfect size cuts for your family. Heavy-duty fencing and equipment is not required to raise these animals. Herefords have always been known for their docile temperament. The miniatures size make them even easier to work with. If you have a small family farm, Miniature Herefords may be your best choice.