Charlottesville, VA (RocktownNow)—Miniature Herefords, a smaller version of standard cattle, are gaining popularity among farmers. They are a great fit for smaller farms due to their lower grazing requirements compared to full-size cattle.

Richard Fox, operator of Roslyn Farm & Vineyard in Albemarle county told Virginia Farm Bureau “They’re a great fit for (smaller farms) because their grazing requirements are far less than full-size cattle. They also reduce the barrier of entry for families that want to raise cattle but, for various reasons, full-size cattle wouldn’t be the right fit.”

For instance, while a full-size cow needs 2 to 3 acres of pasture, two miniature cattle can be supported on just one acre.

With over 500 registered breeders in the US, miniature Herefords weigh between 500 to 1,000 pounds, making them suitable for agritourism, youth competitions, and as a viable beef product.

“The miniature Herefords are the perfect introduction into the show ring for many young, aspiring showmen,” Fox added.

Virginia Farm Bureau also spoke with Debbie and Tim Bryan of Bryan Hill Farm in Rockingham County who noted that miniature Herefords are “a viable beef product.”

“They’re very healthy, very low-maintenance,” Tim said.

They are low-maintenance, require less fencing and feed, and eat 30%-40% less than their larger counterparts. Many families find the smaller cows to be a convenient option for limited acreage and appreciate the high-quality beef they provide.

“You can put one of these in the freezer and feed your family as opposed to having to split a full-size cow with someone,” said Debbie, whose customers across the East Coast purchase the couple’s cows.