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

Carolina Classic Fair

Winston-Salem, NC

10/11/2024
Cardinal Creek Cattle Company Fall Female Sale

Online

10/11/2024

Maricopa, CA

10/12/2024
Jim D. Bellis Family Polled Hereford Production Sale

Aurora, MO

10/12/2024

Madill, OK

10/12/2024

Rockford, IL

10/12/2024
Switzerland of Ohio Polled Hereford Association Annual Meeting

Sarahsville, OH

10/12/2024
Mohican Polled Herefords and Guests Sale

Glenmont, OH

10/12/2024
Jim D. Bellis Family Polled Hereford Production Sale

Aurora, MO

10/12/2024
Purple Reign Cattle Online Sale

Online

10/13/2024

Hereford Headlines

October 1, 2024

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

A busy month ahead as Hereford breeders and enthusiasts from across the country descend for the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum, Oct. 24-27 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Special events …

September 6, 2024

Sires Used in NRSP

The NRSP program that allows Hereford breeders to test young sires in real-world commercial settings.

August 29, 2024

NJHA News Now

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is charging forward into the fall season and we hope your school year is off to a good start. From scholarships applications and the NJHA Fed Steer …

August 9, 2024

Even Leadership is Bigger in Texas for Hereford Juniors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — “Don’t let the speed bumps become stop signs,” is how Matt Rush, Levelland, Texas, set the tone for National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members attending the 2024 Faces of Leadership conference …

August 7, 2024

Davis Named Certified Hereford Beef® CEO

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ernie Davis, Jr. was recently named Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) president and CEO. He brings three decades of merchandising experience to his new role, across all animal proteins. Much of his …

July 17, 2024

Buesing Wins the JNHE Grand Champion Steer Title

Grand and champion division III steer, Rilynn Buesing, Stockton, Iowa, with JBS Steer 3, a 1,350-pound son of CH High Roller 756 ET.

July 17, 2024

New Mexico, Texas Top State Group Shows, Denton Shows Winning Produce-of-Dam

Grand champion state group of three, New Mexico.

July 17, 2024

Coleman, Barber Take Home Top Honors in JNHE Owned Female Show

Grand and champion division III horned owned female, Aidyn Barber, Channing, Texas, with BR GKB Ruby L178 ET, a June 3, 2023, daughter of KLD RW Marksman D87 ET.