EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN HEREFORD ASSOCIATION RESEARCH

1999

AHA participated in the beef checkoff-funded Carcass Merit Project (CMP), which was initiated to develop genetic selection tools for carcass and consumer-satisfaction traits, such as marbling, tenderness and meat composition. This was in response to two decades of declining domestic consumer beef demand and challenges revealed by the National Beef Tenderness survey. Olsen Ranches, Inc., Harrisburg, Neb., and Stahly Ranch, Cavour, S.D., provided and fed some of the Hereford and Hereford-influenced cattle that were part of the CMP. For AHA, this project also served as the template and starting point of the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP), as founders recognized the opportunity and value of comparing sires via larger contemporary groups to prove merit and increase prediction accuracy faster.

2001

AHA established Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™), building upon the early performance programs of the late 1960s. This enabled the collection of complete calf crop information and eliminated reporting bias.

2004

AHA and Hereford associations in other countries conducted the national genetic linkage project demonstrating the efficacy of intercontinental genetic evaluation.

2005

AHA conducted the Harris Ranch Project, which validated the direct and maternal heterosis advantages of Hereford genetics. The study documented a $30 dollar advantage for Hereford-sired black baldies, compared to purebred Angus contemporaries, due to health, pounds produced and efficiency throughout the finishing phase. Black baldy females also had a 7% advantage in pregnancy.

2007

AHA conducted the Circle A Ranch Project to validate the direct and maternal advantage of Hereford genetics. Economist Vern Pierce demonstrated the baldy female had a $51 advantage over straightbred Angus due to fertility and longevity.

2009

The first Pan American Cattle Evaluation was released.

2010

Olsen Ranches, Inc., implemented feed intake systems, adding individual feed efficiency data to the NRSP.

Simplot Ranch, Inc. became a NRSP test herd and validated that Hereford genetics could be used successfully on heifers.

2011

AHA collaborated in the National Feed Efficiency Project. This project established collection of multiple genotypes that would serve as the foundation of the AHA’s genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDS). This project also served as the basis for the first across-breed comparison for feed intake developed by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US-MARC).

2017

US-MARC released the first across-breed comparison for feed intake, showing Hereford has a feed intake advantage of nearly 2 pounds.

AHA transitioned its genetic evaluation to a mixed marker effect model using only data from progeny born after 2001, when TPR was established, but including three generations of pedigree.

2019

Mershon Cattle LLC, Buckner, Mo., becomes NRSP test herd.

Oklahoma State University published research results showing the baldy female consumes 2 pounds less feed per day while carrying a 0.5 higher body condition score (BCS), compared to straightbred Angus cows.

2020

AHA established a research project with the University of Illinois to fully characterize the maternal efficiency advantages of the baldy female. This project expands on previous research — Harris Ranch, Circle A Ranch and Oklahoma State University –– documenting direct and maternal heterosis.

2022

AHA established a research project with Colorado State University to enhance understanding of the genetic differences in seedstock relative to enteric methane production and nitrogen excretion. The research includes identifying selection tools that can help reduce beef’s carbon and environmental footprint.

Hereford Genetic Improvement

Much of the breed’s genetic progress during the previous two decades is rooted in the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™), which removed reporting bias from genetic evaluation.

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Look at Chart 1 and you can see Hereford’s continuous improvement in economically relevant traits over the past two decades. It has become a complete and balanced breed offering moderate cow size, adequate weaning and yearling growth, along with appropriate milk levels and carcass quality.

Chart 1

Percentage change in breed-average EPD (2002-2021)

Conversely, you can also see the transformation of Angus from what used to be regarded as a maternal breed to more of a terminal breed, which has emphasized continuous weaning and yearling growth, carcass size and carcass quality. At the same time, mature cow size increased significantly, along with dry matter intake (Chart 2).

Chart 2

Percentage change in breed-average EPD (2002-2021)

Chart 3

Accurate Genetic Evaluation Is Essential

At the same time, Chart 3 illustrates the Hereford breed’s remarkable improvement in carcass marbling and ribeye area. AHA’s pioneering National Reference Sire Program (NRSP) has enabled comparing young Hereford sires via larger contemporary groups, which proves genetic merit sooner and accelerates the prediction accuracy of expected progeny differences (EPDs). This means breedchanging sires can be identified earlier and with less risk. Since it began in 1999, the NRSP has evaluated more than 460 sires.

Expected progeny differences (EPDs) are the gold standard for genetic selection. Unlike actual and adjusted weights and ratios, EPDs rank animals based on their in-herd performance, compared to those in other herds by the same sire. They utilize contemporary groups that account for contemporary group size as well as management and environmental differences.

The AHA’s genetic evaluation is unmatched. AHA is one of the only two U.S. beef breed association that require whole herd performance reporting. AHA’s is this nation’s only breed-specific intercontinental genetic evaluation.

AHA was also one of the first to incorporate genotypes into genetic evaluation. Genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) increase prediction accuracy faster.

The AHA recognizes breeders who go above and beyond in collecting phenotypes and genotypes as Gold and Platinum Whole Herd Total Performance Record (TPR™) breeders.

AHA Provides Myriad Member and Customer Services

The American Hereford Association offers members and commercial users of Hereford genetics a number of services and programs beyond maintaining the accuracy of the herd book and conducting the breed’s genetic evaluation.

Commercial Opportunities

AHA commercial programs focus on expanding market opportunities for users of Hereford genetics.

The Hereford Advantage, Premium Red Baldy and Maternal Advantage programs highlight the use of Hereford bulls of superior genetic merit. The programs provide a platform for program participants to document and market calves sired by genetically superior Hereford bulls.

The Hereford Feedout Program and the National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout provide participants a convenient, cost-effective way to evaluate how their genetics perform in the feedlot and on the rail.

AHA staff represent the breed at key commercial events and sales, as well as networking one-on-one with auction markets, order buyers, feedlots and beef packers.

Connecting Producers And Consumers

Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) is a premium branded beef program providing foodservice and retail customers the opportunity to grow their business through offering a unique, differentiated beef product of the highest eating quality, backed by unwavering customer service. Through beef packing partner, National Beef LLC, the CHB value grid also expands marketing opportunity for users of Hereford genetics. Overall, Certified Hereford Beef elevates the visibility of the Hereford breed.

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Serving Hereford Breeders

AHA member services range from helping members register cattle and submit performance data to conducting research pertinent to breed improvement and advancement to breed promotion and industry communications.

AHA field staff assist members with advertising and marketing their genetics, while also promoting the breed and providing information to breeders and commercial producers.

Hereford World, the official breed publication, published by Hereford Production, Inc. provides articles aimed at informing and helping AHA members and their customers. Commercial issues of Hereford World offer broader coverage of the commercial sector and highlight Hereford success in the commercial industry.

AHA’s communications department develops promotional and educational content for delivery across a range of media — everything from videos about how commercial producers are using Hereford to their advantage to podcasts featuring the breed and breeders to targeted social media messaging.

Junior Growth

The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is second to none among junior beef breed organizations. It offers Hereford youth multifold opportunities to share their common passion for the cattle they raise, while increasing their knowledge, honing leadership skills, networking and engaging in professional development opportunities. Nearly $200,000 in scholarships are awarded to NJHA members each year, supported by the tireless efforts of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The annual VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo is one of the largest junior shows in the world.

Leadership

The American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors determine organization policy and strategy. AHA staff conduct the organization’s business, developing and executing tactics that fulfill the Board’s strategy. Both groups include recognized industry leaders.