Polled Hereford Cattle: Breed Profile

The Polled Hereford grew from natural hornless mutations found in Hereford herds in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century. An Iowa breeder named Warren Gammon is generally credited with starting a registry for them in 1901. They look like horned Herefords, with a red body and white face, but have no horns.

Purpose

Polled Herefords are used as a beef breed, with the same traits of hardiness, docility and forage efficiency as the horned type. Hornless cattle are easier and safer to handle and avoid the need for dehorning.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is common and has a strong registry and junior program. Many breeders now register both horned and polled animals in the same association.

What to look for in a Polled Hereford project animal

Look for a clean, hornless poll, a red body with a white face, correct structure and good muscling. Confirm the registration papers, because polled and horned lines may be recorded separately. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Polled Hereford at 4-H and FFA

Cattle are judged as breeding animals, as market animals and in showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• No horns means safer handling for young exhibitors
• Dedicated classes are common at larger shows
• The junior association offers contests and scholarships
• Beef cattle shows usually offer breed classes, showmanship and market classes, so there are several ways to compete.
• Cattle teach feeding, grooming, handling and record keeping, which carry over to every other project.

Cons

• Black-hided cattle dominate the market in many regions
• Small shows may combine Herefords into one class
• White faces can be prone to eye irritation in bright sun
• Cattle projects are expensive once feed, vet care, entry fees and travel are added up.
• A steer or heifer needs a sturdy pen, a wash rack, a trailer and a place to work every day.

Caring for your project

Plan on daily feeding, brushing and halter work for months before the show. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Polled Hereford. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
• How old is she, and what has she been fed?
• How has she been handled, and what is her temperament?
• What vaccinations, health care and treatments has she had?
• Will she be eligible for the classes and sale at my show?

Bottom line

Polled Herefords are a calm, easy-to-handle choice with strong breed support.

To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has 6666 Ranch Cowboys Sick and Tired of being Mistaken for DALLAS COWBOYS, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.