The exact origins of the Hereford are unknown but it is generally agreed that it was founded on the draught ox descended form the small red cattle of Roman Britain and from a large Welsh breed once numerous along the border of England and Wales.

Records of the breed were first kept by the local breeders. The first Herd Book was produced in 1846 by Mr Thomas Duckham of Holmer and was published by T C Eyton of Donnerville, Wellington, Salop.

The Hereford Herd Book Society was founded in 1878 by Mr J H Arkwright of Hampton Court, Herefordshire, under the patronage of Queen Victoria. The Herd Book has been closed since 1886 to any animal whose sire or dam had not been entered previously. So for over 100 years, the purity of the breed has remained intact.

The characteristics of the modern Hereford were implanted by a group of breeders more than 200 years ago. Their objective was to fix in one strain of animal the desirable traits of hardiness, early maturity, prolificacy and the swift, efficient conversion of grass into meat, so firmly that the transmission of these qualities from father to son could always be relied upon.

Their success was spectacular and the Hereford became thecornerstone of the beef economy in all the cattle-raising countries in the world.

Known for their longevity, many females live and produce calves beyond the age of 15 years. Bulls are capable of remaining profitable at stud to the age of 12 or more.