Why Heritage Shorthorns ?

When the American Milking Shorthorn Society started their “Native” Shorthorn registration program in 1988 nothing previously existed to separate pure full blood 100% Shorthorns (all ancestors tracing to the original 1822 Coates Herd Book) from other less pure Shorthorns. The AMSS Native program provided a way to document the purity of specific Shorthorn bloodlines; however, in today’s environment the term Heritage Shorthorns is preferred because it more readily captures the significance of these cattle, and it links them directly to the heritage livestock movement. 

HSS was formed on January 1, 2018 to stimulate the preservation, production, and promotion of Heritage (Native) Shorthorns. There currently is a surge of interest in all types of heritage livestock, including cattle, presenting an opportune time to raise and promote Heritage Shorthorns because they embody so many of the desirable traits (listed below) that farmers and producers are looking for. The opportunities that exist with Heritage Shorthorns are boundless, and HSS members are dedicated to forging successful new beef, dairy, and family cow markets. (Visit our “Opportunities” Page)

The HSS Heritage Verification Program is an efficient process available to document whether any particular Shorthorn qualifies as a Heritage Shorthorn. The ongoing verification of Shorthorn bulls which meet this purity “bar” provides a very wide genetic base of pure Shorthorn bloodlines which can be used in current breeding programs. Breeders of Heritage Shorthorns and breeders who use Heritage genetics in their modern Shorthorns can also register their cattle with the Heritage Shorthorn Society to document their cattle’s pedigree.

1.    Triple Purpose = efficient production of both milk and meat, as well as usage for draft oxen.  

2.   Docility

3.   Longevity

4.   Meat Marbling Ability, even on grass pasture

5.   Wide Variety of Red & White & Roan Color Patterns.

6.   Homozygous Polled Cows and Bulls Available. (Alternatively, horned cattle are also available)

7.   Within-Breed Genetic Diversity

8.   Foundation Breeding Stock Available Nationwide.

9.   Environmental Adaptability

10.   Fertility

11.   Calving Ease

12.   Strong Maternal Instincts

13.   Reduced Health problems

14.   Capacity to thrive and produce in Grass Fed Situations

Various pages in Our website menu (located in upper Rt. corner on Phones or tablets, or along left side on computers) provide extensive historical and modern usage information about these cattle.