Breed Spotlight: Hereford Hog

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Young Hereford Barrow

Hereford hogs were developed in Iowa and Nebraska in 1920 by a group of breeders led by John Schulte. Type, color, conformation, superior feeding qualities and other favorable characteristics were taken into consideration during the development of their foundation stock. Duroc , Chester White and Poland China blood lines were used to considerably in a program of crossing, inbreeding, interbreeding and selecting to develop superior foundation stock. The breed is named after Hereford cattle due to their resembling color pattern. In 1934, about one hundred animals were selected as foundation stock and the National Hereford Hog Association was organized in order to insure the future of the breed.

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Hereford

The breed began to decline in the 1960s with the shift away from the commercial use of purebred hogs towards using crossbreeds. Today, the breed population is estimated at fewer than 2,000 pigs in the United States, most of them found in the upper Midwest. Herefords often require less feed than their large breed counterparts and adapt well to various climates. The breed is currently on the Livestock Conservancy’s watch list.

 

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Hereford Boar

 

The most recognizable characteristic of the Hereford breed is their strict color pattern. To be eligible for registration, a hog must have: A white face, no less than two-thirds red exclusive of face and ears, with at least two white feet, with white showing not less than one inch above the hoof. Herefords must be red in color, either light or dark red.” The shade of red may vary from light to dark, but a deep red color is preferred. An animal that has a white belt or carries more than one-third white, exclusive of the head and ears, is NOT eligible for registration and cannot be exhibited. Hogs with swirls are also ineligible for breed registration. It is stated in the association publications that at least 90 percent of the offspring of well-marked Herefords carry acceptable color markings. The Hereford hog structure wise is of the same general structure of other major hog breeds and has a medium length of face with a slight dish. Herefords also carry a drooping ear of at least medium size. It is not as trim about the jowl and has a longer neck than most other breeds. Hereford hogs are known for a quiet and docile disposition, making them an excellent choice for young people and as 4-H prospects.

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Deep Red Hereford

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