The Dams of Distinction program recognizes superior cows in the breed and the cattle producers who manage them based on data submitted to the American Hereford Association (AHA). Efficient, fertile and productive females are the foundation of the most successful cow herds.

To be honored as a 2018 Dam of Distinction, a cow must have:

• Weaned a calf born since Jan. 1, 2017.
• Produced at least three calves.
• Initially calved at 30 months of age or less.
• Had an interval between the first and second calves of no greater than 400 days. In addition, a 370-day calving interval must have been maintained after her second calf. The longer initial calving interval allows breeders to calve 2-year-old heifers prior to the mature cow herd.
• Had weaning records submitted to the AHA Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Program for every calf produced that was born before June 30, 2018.
• Had a progeny average 205-day adjusted weaning weight ratio of at least 105.

A cow receiving the Dam of Distinction honor is a cow that meets the highest standards of commercial cattle production. The cow must do her job, but her owner must also manage the herd correctly to give her the opportunity to excel.

Only a few active cows are recognized. All heifers have the potential to be a Dam of Distinction, but only a small percentage fit the job description of an ideal cow year in and year out. For more information about the Dams of Distinction Program, visit Hereford.org, click on “Genetics” and select “Recognition Programs.” Females attaining the Dam of Distinction status are recognized with “DOD” after their names on the AHA website.

The 2018 Dams of Distinction list recognizes 2,586 Hereford cows from 644 Hereford performance herds in 40 different states. For 38 years Rausch Herefords, Hoven, S.D., has led Hereford breeders with the most cows qualifying as Dams of Distinction. With 432 cows recognized, South Dakota is the top state again this year.

The Sires of Distinction program recognizes superior Hereford bulls. The American Hereford Association Board of Directors initiated the program in August 2007 to recognize Hereford bulls that sire efficient, fertile and productive females. To be honored as a Sire of Distinction a bull must have produced daughters that have received at least seven Dams of Distinction awards.

Bulls attaining the Sire of Distinction status are recognized with “SOD” after their names when doing an animal or expected progeny difference (EPD) inquiry on Hereford.org. A list of the 105 sires recognized as Sires of Distinction for the first time can be found below.

Dams of Distinction

Sires of Distinction