With excellent growth, muscle and fat coverage, Hereford-cross cattle finish well and hit target specs across a range of production systems. Picture supplied
This is branded content for HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Bull buying season is well underway, and with it comes one of the most important decisions for any breeder or producer – where to invest in the genetics that will shape the next generation of your herd.
It’s a decision driven by performance, profit, and practicality.
And when it comes to crossbreeding, there’s one breed that consistently delivers across all three – the Hereford.
“Crossbreeding isn’t just a trend, but a proven method to unlock greater productivity, resilience, and return,” Herefords Australia CEO Alastair James said.
“In operations across Australia, Hereford genetics are quietly powering some of the most successful commercial programs in the country.
“They’re not loud about it. They just get the job done.”
WHY CROSSBREED?
Crossbreeding results in hybrid vigour, an increase in performance that comes when two different genetic lines are combined.
“The results speak for themselves – stronger growth, improved fertility, better feed efficiency, and improved resilience to environmental pressures,” Mr James said.
“It’s nature’s way of giving your herd a leg up.”
Herefords are renowned for their docile nature, and when used in crossbreeding, that calm, easy-handling quality carries through. Picture supplied
BORN FOR AUSTRALIA
Herefords have been part of Australia’s beef story for generations as they’ve proven that they can handle the country’s toughest conditions.
Heat, cold, drought, distance to water, rough feed – Herefords take it in their stride and perform well.
Their hardiness doesn’t just benefit purebred lines; those same traits pass directly into crossbred progeny.
The cattle keep their condition in dry years, cover the paddock with ease, and convert roughage into kilograms with quiet efficiency, Mr James said.
“In extensive environments, those gains matter.
“And when it comes to crossing, the adaptability of Herefords ensures their influence builds a better-balanced animal that can thrive no matter what the season throws at it.”
EARLY GROWTH AND MATERNAL STRENGTH
One of the standout traits of Herefords-infused calves is their ability to put weight on fast.
With efficient weight gain and excellent weight for age performance, more calves are hitting target weights sooner.
That means quicker turnoff, reduced time on feed, and more streamlined operations, all key factors in both profitability and sustainability.
Faster growth reduces pressure on resources like water, feed, and labour.
“And in an industry where efficiency matters more than ever, that early performance translates into lower emissions per kilogram of beef produced,” Mr James said.
On the maternal side, Herefords genetics bring proven fertility, strong mothering ability and longevity.
“The result? Productive, low-maintenance breeders that consistently raise fast-growing calves, season after season.”
Herefords have been part of Australia’s beef story for generations as they’ve proven that they can handle the country’s toughest conditions. Picture supplied
QUIET BY NATURE
Temperament may not always make it onto the spreadsheet, but for anybody working in the yards or moving cattle, quiet cattle are worth their weight.
Herefords are renowned for their docile nature, and when used in crossbreeding, that calm, easy-handling quality carries through.
That means safer working environments, lower stress on the animals, better feed conversion, and smoother management from weaning to finish.
“Whether it’s about staff safety, yard efficiency, or meat quality outcomes, temperament counts, and Herefords deliver,” Mr James said.
MARKET-READY PROGENY
Today’s market demands consistency, and Hereford-influenced calves have long earned a reputation for being even, well-grown, and highly adaptable to different programs.
Whether targeting grass-fed, grain-assisted or feedlot systems, Hereford and their crosses hit the mark.
The breed’s carcase traits help producers meet a wide range of grid specs.
“At the same time, their efficiency and growth on pasture deliver the kind of profitability that’s increasingly essential in a cost-conscious industry,” Mr James said.
“Add to that their suitability for backgrounding, finishing, and direct-to-processor programs, and it’s easy to see why using Hereford genetics is the sensible decision.”
With efficient weight gain and excellent weight for age performance, more calves are hitting target weights sooner. Picture supplied
CONSISTENT MSA PERFORMANCE
When it comes to carcase quality, Hereford-influenced cattle deliver where it counts.
In crossbred programs, these genetics consistently achieve strong MSA results, offering compliance, eating quality, and yield in one package.
With excellent growth, muscle and fat coverage, Hereford-cross cattle finish well and hit target specs across a range of production systems, Mr James said.
“Herefords Australia has collated more than 35,000 MSA carcase records voluntarily submitted from producers across the country, and the results speak for themselves.
“Hereford-influenced cattle are consistently hitting the mark, ranking in the top 25-30 per cent of all carcases nationally on the MSA Index.”
This strong MSA performance gives producers greater flexibility when it comes to marketing options, better returns, and increased confidence when targeting premium, quality-driven supply chains.
“Whether it’s improving calf growth on pasture, or increasing weaner sale weights, the difference is measurable and repeatable.”
This is branded content for HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA LIMITED