About the SOPHA

Switzerland of Ohio Polled Hereford Association

The Switzerland of Ohio Polled Hereford Association was established in 1972 by a group of polled hereford breeders in southeast Ohio, with its headquarters in Monroe County. Its membership came from the counties of Monroe, Belmont, Noble, Washington, and Guernsey in Ohio, and the counties of Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler in West Virginia. SOPHA has since opened its membership to anyone interested in polled hereford cattle.

The purpose of the association includes breeding better polled herefords, extending the influence of polled herefords, creating and improving marketing opportunities for polled herefords, and cooperation with and participation in the activities of the Buckeye Hereford Association, West Virginia Polled Hereford Association, and American Hereford Association.

Currently, SOPHA provides its members with an educational opportunity each March by conducting a seminar based on some aspect of beef production. Our annual sale is held on the second Friday in May at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds, Old Washington, Ohio. A show for junior exhibitors is held on the third Sunday in June at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Caldwell, Ohio. The SOPHA district show, open to all members, is held in early September. The annual business meeting and banquet are held in mid-October. The association welcomes all interested persons to participate in any its activities. Please contact any officer or director for more information.