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Archives On The Air 253: Herefords of the High Plains – Wyoming Hereford records

Hereford cattle may have originated in England, but they also have a long history in Wyoming, dating back to 1883.

Alexander Swan founded what is now known as the Wyoming Hereford Ranch by importing 146 purebreds from Britain. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived. Four years into his Hereford project, Swan went bankrupt. All was not lost, though and the Hereford herd lived on.

Ranchers were impressed with the Hereford’s ability to thrive year-round on native Wyoming grasses. The Wyoming Hereford Ranch became a brand symbolized by quality and tradition.

The most famous bull of the ranch was Prince Domino. His short two-year influence on the Wyoming herd was so significant that a monument over his gravesite was erected on the ranch.

Purebred Herefords routinely won first prizes and Grand Championships in the National Western Stock show.

See the Wyoming Hereford Ranch records at UW’s American Heritage Center to learn more about the Herefords of the high plains.