Mission

Formation of this Society

For too long, Heritage Shorthorns (HS) did not receive the respect, promotion, or interest that they deserve.  Simply resting on their “heritage laurels” will not expand the numbers of these important cattle nor expand their usage in the general cattle industry.  This was the motivation for the formation of the Heritage Shorthorn Society (HSS) which was launched in January 2018.  Our goal is to have a central website where both prospective and current breeders of HS can access information, promote their herds, and connect with other HS breeders.   If HS are to grow in numbers and relevance it is imperative to create cache, breeding value, and ultimately find a niche in today’s livestock industry.  (See Why Heritage? and Opportunities Pages).

To further enhance the utilization of HS in the commercial cattle industry, membership in HSS is open to any Shorthorn breeders who have an interest in using Heritage Shorthorn genetics in their breeding programs.  Already there are many Shorthorn breeders with operations geared primarily to the commercial cattle market, who are exploiting the value of HS genetics in their herds (Heritage Influenced Shorthorns).  

HSS is helping in the preservation, promotion, and production of Heritage Shorthorns.  We encourage anyone who has an interest in Heritage Shorthorns to become a member of this Society and to help “spread the word” about these important cattle.   Until 2022 Heritage Shorthorns were listed on the “Critically Endangered” list by the Livestock Conservancy, but their numbers are starting to increase.  HSS works with the Livestock Conservancy to publicize how they fit into today’s cattle industry.

All of the content on this website, as well as all management, is done completely by volunteers—no salaries or monetary benefits are paid in connection with the Heritage Shorthorn Society. All money generated through HSS memberships, ads, donations, and sale of HSS merchandise is used for advertising Heritage Shorthorns through brochures and targeted ads in cattle & livestock magazines, and for maintenance of the HSS website to disseminate information about Heritage Shorthorns. 

Website Improvement and Outreach

Do you have ideas or volunteer skills which might help with the promotion of Heritage Shorthorn cattle? We welcome input on improving this website or adding useful features.  Please “drop us a line”:   office@heritageshorthorn.org. 

Historical information and reference materials:

—Bert Moore PhD—he authored the section on the Historical Shorthorns, and provides additional historical expertise.

—Gary Kaper—he provides a variety of historical perspectives to HSS.

—Joseph Schallberger, DVM PhD—he has researched and authored the Classic Bulls Section, and provided references for the Books Page. He has also supplied much of the information on the other pages, with coordinating support by many HSS members.

Website photographs:

Stanley Ward—he has provided many of the historical scenery photos throughout the website, and he is a founding member of the British Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Ralph Larson

Bert Moore

Jean Pierre Martins Machado

Chris & Sarena Blotter

Authors & contributors of Cattle Viewpoints articles

Roy Lovaas

Gary Kaper

Ralph Larson

Bert Moore, PhD

Martin Lee, DVM

Phillip Sponenberg, DVM PhD

Ralph Larson

Joseph Schallberger, DVM PhD

Don Ashford

Gregory Mitchell

Benjamin Hudson

Content and Website Management

Susan Schallberger

Logo and initial website design

Matthew Schallberger