Raising Hereford cattle on a small farm in north Georgia — Our Hereford cattle are sturdy, gentle, and smart. We consider them part of the family.

We love our Hereford cows

We are a big fan of Hereford cattle. They're one of the oldest and most popular beef breeds in the world, and for good reason. They're known for their gentle temperament, hardiness, foraging ability, intelligence, and high-quality beef.

Three Herefords in a row — These Hereford calves weight over 500 pounds.

Hereford cattle are originally from the English county of Herefordshire. They were first brought to the United States in the early 1800's, and they quickly became popular among ranchers.

Herefords are easy to raise.

Herefords are well-suited to a variety of climates and conditions, and they're relatively easy to care for when compared to other agricultural endeavors. Herefords are especially good at foraging, and they love access to woodlands.

Our herefords eat acorns, twigs, some lichens, and saplings. They do not eat thistle, Jimson Weed, Joe Pye Weed, pig weed, wild mustard, or other noxious weeds. (We have to bush-hog these plants to keep the pastures in shape.)

Herefords usually know what is safe to eat, but they will eat wild cherry which is a big problems. If a wild cherry falls across the fence, Tony rushes to remove them before the cows get to them. That is why he checks fence lines after a whirlwind or storm. Read more about what our cows eat here.

One of the things we love most about Hereford cattle is their calm attitude. They're not known for being aggressive, and they're easy to handle. This makes them a good choice for small-scale farmers and homesteaders.

Hereford cattle are also known for their hardiness. They can withstand cold winters and hot summers, and they're not easily stressed. This makes them a good choice even in harsh climates.

Hereford bull in the pasture — We keep a bull in the pasture to service the cows. No artificial insemination required!

Of course, no discussion of Hereford cattle would be complete without mentioning their beef. Hereford beef is known for its high quality and tenderness.

We finish our grass-fed, organic beef off with a diet of grain and hay. This make the meat more marbled and gives it a higher fat content. The taste is beefy, almost buttery with a smooth texture.

If you're looking for a beef breed that's gentle, hardy, and produces high-quality meat, then we highly recommend Hereford cattle. I'm a big fan, and I think you will be too.

Hereford calves eating grass — Herefords are good foragers. They eat grass, acorns, twigs, and saplings.

Hereford associations

American Hereford Association (AHA) is the largest Hereford cattle organization in the world. It is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and has over 7,000 members in the United States and Canada.

The AHA provides a variety of services to its members, including registration of Hereford cattle, herd improvement programs, and marketing support. If you want to raise Herefords, I suggest you visit their site.

Hereford cows find the pumpkin patch — These cows have found the pumpkin patch. It's a good thing we have already harvested the best ones.

The Payne Mountain Farms Herefords — Most of our Herefords are red with white faces. Since we have a mixed herd, sometimes we get a black baldie, but that is rare.

Hereford Fun Facts

The Hereford breed is known for its distinctive red and white coloring.
Hereford cows are easy to care for and are well-suited to a variety of climates.
Hereford beef is known for its high quality and tenderness.
Hereford cattle are a popular choice for small-scale farmers and hobby ranchers.
The Hereford breed is one of the oldest and most popular beef breeds in the world.

young Hereford calf in the yard — This young Hereford calf has escaped into yard. I think she wants to come in the house!

Choosing Hereford over Angus

People often ask why we don't raise Black Angus cattle since they bring more money per pound. In our experience, Herefords are more gentle than Angus breeds. Here on Payne Mountain Farms, where cows are treated like pets, that is a big deal.

When Tony is working with our cattle, he needs all the cooperation he can get. Hereford cows are our favorites because they are gentle and mild mannered.

Hereford cattle in the snow — Herefords are hardy and do not mind a snowy day. Actually, they prefer winter weather over the August heat waves.

Here are some special considerations to keep in mind when raising Hereford cattle in the southern United States.

Climate

The southern United States is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Our winters are not a problem, but Herefords are not as heat-tolerant as some other breeds. It is important to provide Hereford cattle with plenty of shade and water during the summer months.

Parasites

The southern United States is also home to a variety of parasites that can affect cattle. These parasites can cause weight loss, anemia, and even death. It is important to have your cattle regularly tested for parasites and to treat them promptly if they are infected.

Diseases

Hereford cattle are generally resistant to diseases. If diseases are a problem in your area, you may need to vaccinate your cattle and have them tested regularly. Here on our farm, we have never had a problem with disease.

Feeding

Hereford cattle are relatively easy to feed, but they do need a diet that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. You will need to supplement their diet with hay or grain, especially during the winter months.

We grow our own organic corn and hay, because we have the acreage and farm equipment, but you can find good buys in Market Bulletins. If you are in a rural area, ask a farmer if they will sell you hay bales directly out of the field. This saves the farmer work, and saves you money!

It is also important to provide Hereford cows with access to fresh water at all times. They drink a lot more than you think.

Management

Hereford cattle are relatively easy to manage, but you should check their hooves regularly and trim them as needed.

By following these tips, you can successfully raise Hereford cattle in the southern United States.

Thanks for reading my blog, Jan.

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To purchase heirloom corn seed, yellowroot, and other herbs, visit Every Green Herb (our herbal encyclopedia and online store).

Payne Mountain Farms
322 EV Farm Dr.
Blairsville, GA 30512 USA

This post contains original photos, text, and other content by Janice Boling. If stock photos are used, credits are given. Sources are also listed when applicable.