Why Miniature Herefords?
There are many reasons for choosing to raise Miniature Herefords. A few of these reasons are: easy-keeping adaptability, homegrown beef, possible agricultural tax exemption status, a comparatively safe financial investment, showing and 4-H for the kids, free pasture mowing services, fertilization and maintenance as well as the simple fact that they are downright cute.
The Hereford has always been a beef animal. Their primary purpose is to efficiently convert poor quality feed and forage into flesh and fat. Because their genetics have been so programmed, they are able to survive in a far wider variety of climates and with far less pampering than say, a Holstein who has little natural protection from the elements and who requires high-energy feed in large amounts. This also translates into fewer health problems for the Miniature Hereford, less time at the vet's, and less expense.
For those of you interested in providing your family with beef to eat, the Miniature Hereford is the cow for you. Raise your own steer from birth to slaughter, and you know exactly what your family is eating - or rather, what your family is not being subjected to by eating store-bought beef. Miniature Herefords are early maturing animals, and can be slaughtered as early as 12-14 months of age. With a little determination and know-how, one family can process the beef in an average kitchen; or, if you are fortunate enough to have a trustworthy local butcher you can take your steer there.
In many areas of our country, the real estate values are skyrocketing. This is good if you want to sell your land, but it can make taxes difficult to pay. The Miniature Hereford can assist you in obtaining agricultural tax exemption status. You can pasture approximately twice as many Mini Herefords than regular cattle on any given piece of land. The increase in animal units per piece of property should reduce your taxes.
If you purchase the very best and smallest Miniature Herefords, you are going to be looking at a considerable start-up expense. Cattle, however, are a great asset in that they multiply yearly with very little intervention on your part. Offer them plenty of good feed and fresh water, and one year after your initial purchase you should have a tidy little calf crop for sale.
Miniature Herefords are just that: Miniature. While they may not be as tiny as one might imagine at the name, they are still roughly half the size of most cattle today. They require less equipment for safe handling, and they are far less dangerous for children than modern-sized calves. Organize a 4-H or FFA Miniature Hereford show for the local kids, and you can be sure that the youngsters aren't going to be dragged around the arena after a nervous calf.
Another advantage of the Miniature Hereford is that they will happily mow your lawns and pastures day-in and day-out and they won't charge you a thing for it! In fact, they'll pay you yearly for their mowing privileges in the form of a fuzzy baby calf. They'll fertilize your pastures exactly as Mother Nature intended; and if you rotate your cattle through your pastures you'll notice an increase in overall pasture health. Your grass will be greener, thicker, and growing faster than if you simply applied commercial fertilizer and mowed with machinery.
And yes, Miniature Herefords are cute animals. With very little effort, they
can be gentled to eat out of your hand, come to your call and follow where you
lead. Naturally docile and easy-going, they make excellent, economical pets.