Hereford is one of the oldest British beef breeds, valued for hardiness, a calm temperament and steady growth on forage. In calf trade it appears both as purebred stock and as the sire of crossbred calves from dairy herds.
Type and origin
The breed originates in Herefordshire, England. The classic animal is red with a white face, white underline and often white on the neck and legs, which also makes Hereford-cross calves easy to recognise. Herefords are medium to large in frame, thrive on grass and cope well with variable conditions. Both horned and polled lines exist, so the horn status of a lot should always be stated.
Typical use
Hereford calves suit extensive and semi-intensive rearing: grass or forage in the growing phase and a finishing diet afterwards. They are a good fit for farms that want robust animals that do not demand fine management. Hereford-sired calves from dairy cows are a common beef-from-dairy option, see beef-dairy crossbreeds.
What we buy
We buy Hereford and Hereford-cross calves for rearing and fattening. Tell us whether the lot is purebred or crossed and the dam breed, and whether the calves are horned or polled. Weaning status and the feeding used before loading help us match the lot to a farm. Our weight bands are 52–90 kg for dairy calves, 110–150 kg for starter calves and 220–350 kg for weaned or stocker calves, the last for beef breeds only. Put exact weights, ages and ear-tag numbers in your offer.
Where the calves come from
Hereford genetics are used across Ireland, France and Germany, and cross calves turn up in dairy-region lots. See our supplier pages for Ireland, France and Germany. If you sell from another listed country, tell us and we will check how it fits.
Offering a Hereford lot
The most useful first message is short and complete: country and region, breed and cross, number of head, sex split, age and weight range, feeding and health history, ear-tag numbers, the documents available and the week you can load. We buy for rearing and finishing farms in Poland, and we start with a trial lot where a new supplier is involved. Payment and trial terms are agreed with each supplier. Read how we buy for price basis, transport and minimum lots, then send your offer through the supplier form or the partner page. You can also write to biuro@eurocieleta.pl or call +48 691 900 728.
Other breeds: Aberdeen Angus, Salers, Limousin, or see all cattle breeds.
Photo: Hereford Calf Portrait, SC, Vic, 13.10.2007.jpg by Jjron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
