Sometimes going back to the good old days (and good old genetics) isn't all its cracked up to be. People remember things about the past that they like, they tend to forget things about the past they didn't like.
I am not an expert in cattle by any means. But I got into Herefords recently at the recommendation of a very experienced and helpful neighbor and friend.
I put together a starter herd by buying some here and there from local sources. After one season with a rent-a-bull, I was fortunate enough to purchase a very good bull with help from a breeder.
My Herefords are outdoors their entire life in SW WI including -30 degrees F last January with only the woods for shelter. They calve unassisted, most of them 205 day wean calves near 50% of their own weight. They generally breed back on the first cycle as evidenced by the fact all of my calves this past spring were born in a 21 day period. My group average 205 day weaning weight this fall is 662 lb. That is with no creep. The only grain they get up to weaning is a treat to gentle and train them - not significant as far as nutrition goes.
I have had no udder problems, no cancer eye and no pinkeye problems. I do use rubs and keep them oiled religiously during the fly season.
I have not processed any calves from my latest bull yet but he has a negative backfat and positive marbing EPD. He outwinters well even though he obviously does not have a lot of backfat. I think this thing about a lot of backfat being required to be good at northern outwintering is an old wives tale. Most Herefords have a disposition where you are not taking your life in your hands when working with them in close quarters. Even my bull is easy to work with - for a bull (caution still advised!!).
Here is a picture of a group of this years calves I took over the weekend as they were eating their bucket of gentling/training grain treat. These calves weaned 3 weeks ago at an avg 205 day of 662 lb. No creep. They are well above that now. There was almost now bawling at weaning they are eating mostly good hay and mineral like they mean it.
Now I appreciate the fact you want to improve things.
But tell me, what part of my Herefords are going to be improved by going back to the old days??? What are old time genetics going to bring me to improve on the Hereford genetics I have now??? What problem(s) are we going to solve??? What positive traits that they once had are you hoping to bring back???
Personally I think the Hereford's current problem is in marketing more than genetics. There have been a lot of positive improvements made over the old genetics. Let's make use of them and many of the new technology tools and market the breeds advantages rather than just trying to make them black. jmho.
Jim
Maybe you are not seeing the same Herefords that I am. I am not experienced enough to know if maybe all Herefords don't perform like mine - or maybe have a different market...
In any case I think you should sit down and write down just exactly what "old time" traits etc that have been lost and you want to bring back. In the pocess please don't lose the positive traits we have developed and maintained. Best of luck to you.