I disagree that the root cause of land degradation is due to chemicals. I believe the root problem was replacing animal power with mechanization. When the animals left so did their manure. Even vegetarian India recognizes the benefits that cattle provide to the long term land health. I am a big believer in re-integrating cattle into modern cropping systems. When looked at through the lifespan of the rotation, grazing cover crops is more profitable than continuous cropping. The best way to sequester carbon in the soil is to return to an economic system that allows farmers to be able to see a return owning land for the long term. Unfortunately, outside money has squeezed farmers out land ownership.

As a seedstock producer, I view hybrid vigor as something that should be left for our customers to take advantage of. Hybrid bulls breed poorer than their conformation but inbred cattle tend to be prepotent. All too often I have seen herds ruined by chasing the high that is hybrid vigor and neglecting the more difficult work of making real improvement. In the end, those herds lose what made them special. Currently, I have two breeding groups and I think the closest inbreeding this year is half aunt to half nephew. I put a lot of focus on maintaining a robust genetic base. I find I have much better luck bringing in proven older genetics through AI.

I have no reason to believe that the genetics behind cancer eye is unique to the American genepool. Being in a dry sunny climate exacerbates any genetic predisposition to eye issues. If I were to guess I would expect that around half the breed would have a genetic predisposition to cancer eye. One advantage that the OP Herefords have is that they are largely derived from older cows that have stayed in good health.

Most of a herds genetic base is on the cow side. Your cows are adapted to your local microclimate and conditions. The best thing we ever did was to start using bulls out of our cows.

My name is Paul Strojan from California and my grandfather started raising Herefords after he returned home from World War II. Although, my cattle are not strictly speaking traditional, I share the same desire to keep breed vibrant. I hope there is a place within the Traditional Hereford Breeders Club for those of us who are working to keep the authentic Hereford relevent.