Traditional Hereford breed row reaches High Court

A legal battle over whether Traditional Hereford cattle should be recognised as a separate native breed reaches the High Court today.

The court will consider whether Australian cattle breeder Peter Hall should be allowed to bring a judicial review challenging Defra’s treatment of Traditional Herefords.

Mr Hall disputes Defra’s decision to classify them as a sub-population of the wider Hereford breed, rather than as a separate breed in their own right.

The case concerns how Traditional Herefords are classified in relation to the UK’s Native Breeds at Risk list.

The Hereford Cattle Society is supporting Defra’s position and will appear as an interested party in the proceedings.

It is being represented by agricultural law specialist Laura Mackain-Bremner, a partner at Clarke Willmott.

At the centre of the dispute are questions over breed classification, genetics and conservation.

The Society maintains that Traditional Herefords are an important part of the wider Hereford breed and should continue to be recognised as such.

It says that position is supported by pedigree records, international breeding standards and expert advice.

Seth Wareing, general manager of the Hereford Cattle Society, said Mr Hall was seeking permission to challenge two decisions.

The first is “Defra’s decision to class Traditional Herefords as a sub population of Herefords, rather than a separate breed”.

The second concerns “Defra’s decision not to exercise its investigative or enforcement powers against the Hereford Cattle Society”.

Mr Wareing said: “The Hereford Cattle Society is robustly defending its position alongside Defra.”

He said the Society had maintained a closed Hereford Herd Book since 1886 and had adopted advances in science and DNA technology in an effort to protect the breed’s integrity.

The Society and Defra also dispute the genetic evidence relied upon by Mr Hall.

Mr Wareing said: “The Society and Defra do not accept that the Aberystwyth genetic test relied upon by Mr. Hall provides a basis for defining Traditional Herefords as a separate breed.”

Ms Mackain-Bremner said the dispute extended beyond genetics.

She said: “This case is not simply about genetics; it is also about breed governance, conservation policy and the role of recognised breed societies.”

The hearing will determine whether Mr Hall’s challenge can proceed to a full judicial review.

Its outcome is likely to be closely followed by cattle breeders and breed societies across the UK, with the dispute raising wider questions about how native breeds are defined and recognised.