American
Hereford
Association

Built on Tradition. Engineered to Sustain.

Longevity

Efficiency

Docility

Sustainability

Fertility

Longevity

WHAT WE DO

The American Hereford Association (AHA) is the second largest beef breed association in the United States, serving more than 7,000 active members.

Member Services

Register purebred Hereford cattle, providing verified pedigree documentation and maintaining the integrity of the breed’s herd book which was established in 1881.

Genetics

Conduct ongoing breed-wide genetic evaluation and provide genetic selection tools for purebred Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics.

Research

Conduct relevant third-party research documenting the genetic and phenotypic performance of Hereford and Hereford-influenced cattle, relative to other beef breeds.

Commercial

Share the breed’s benefits with cattle producers via national advertising, social media, cattle exhibitions and industry events, as well as AHA’s Hereford World and Baldy Advantage publications.

Marketing

Provide AHA members with communications and promotions tools to help them serve their purebred and commercial customers.

Certified Hereford Beef

Add value and marketing opportunity for Hereford and Hereford-influenced cattle through Certified Hereford Beef® — one of the largest premium brand beef programs in the United States — as well as a variety of commercial cattle verification programs.

Youth

Cultivate breed and industry leadership. This begins with conferences, contests and educational opportunities through the National Junior Hereford Association and extends through the Hereford Seedstock Academy where young, established Hereford breeders delve into each sector of the beef cattle industry.

Advocate for efficient, sustainable beef production.
The cows are brown and white at home.

Efficiency Pays. Numbers Matter.

A breed to fill the need as the nation rebuilds the beef cow herd. Hereford breeders’ are at the threshold of a historic opportunity.

Focus on Fertility

Fertility is an important trait for seedstock and commercial herds alike. Documented research and rancher tested success has shown the positive impacts Hereford genetics can have on fertility. Nate Frederickson, Spearfish, S.D., has seen firsthand the power of the Hereford-influenced female.

Fertility, Docility and Longevity Reign Supreme!

Leveraging the traits the Hereford breed has to offer is the foundation of Merritt Ranch. Joseph Merritt, Porterville, Calif., has seen the added docility, fertility and longevity that belongs to Hereford genetics.

aha podcast

1881: Hereford Network

Powered by the American Hereford Association, 1881, has a mission to share stories of the breed’s rich history in the beef industry, connect with the faces behind the bald face and share the progress that has impacted operations across the country. Check out our latest episode.

Upcoming Events

South Dakota Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Banquet

Brookings, SD

11/08/2024
South Dakota Excellence Sale

Brookings, SD

11/08/2024
Mid-Atlantic Fall Bonanza Sale

Harrisonburg, VA

11/09/2024
Big League Genetics Annual Female Sale

Ft. Cobb, OK

11/09/2024
Heitshusen Cattle Co. Inaugural Female Sale

Online

11/10/2024
Chapman Land & Cattle Fall Freeze Frozen Genetic Online Sale

Nunnelly, TN

11/11/2024

Toppenish Livestock Commission - Toppenish, WA

11/12/2024

San Saba, TX

11/13/2024

United Producers - Columbia, TN

11/13/2024
Hoffman Ranch Fall Bull Sale

Thedford, NE

11/14/2024

Hereford Headlines

November 5, 2024

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Feeding off of the momentum from an amazing week spent in Kansas City, Mo., with the Hereford family during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum, the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) …

October 29, 2024

Belcher Announced as 2025 National Hereford Queen

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Prior to the selection of the grand champion bull at the 2024 American Royal hosted in Kansas City, Mo., Nataleigh Belcher, Twin City, Ga., was selected to represent the breed as …

October 29, 2024

2024 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Winners Recognized in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout teaches young people about the cattle feeding industry. HRC Feed Yards LLC, Scott City, Kan., hosts the annual event. This year the …

October 27, 2024

National and Regional Show Award Winners Recognized

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Hereford exhibitors were honored for exhibiting their breeding programs at national and regional shows prior to the Ladies of the Royal Sale hosted at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., …

October 27, 2024

US Foods-Atlanta Recognized as CHB Distributor of the Year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brands are often only as good as those who stand behind them, and Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) curates powerful partnerships between the brand, its distributors, Hereford producers and consumers. US Foods-Atlanta, …

October 27, 2024

Hereford Breeders Recognized for 50 Years of Commitment 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four longtime Hereford producers were named Golden Breeders during the 2024 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting on Oct. 26 in Kansas City, Mo., in honor of 50 years of unwavering commitment …

October 27, 2024

Ellsbury Ranch Takes Home AHA Commercial Producer of the Year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ellsbury Ranch, Sundance, Wyo., took home Commercial Producer of the Year honors at the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 26.  Ellsbury Ranch LLC is …

October 27, 2024

Honorees Inducted into Hereford Hall of Fame, Merit

KANSAS CITY. Mo. – Keith Fawcett, Ree Heights, S.D.; Doug and Maxine Gerber, Richmond, Ind.; and Dale and Nancy Venhuizen, Manhattan, Mont., were inducted in the Hereford Hall of Fame on Oct. 26 in Kansas …