The World Hereford Council is the international breeding authority on Hereford cattle, existing for the promotion of breed excellence and the cultivation of global trade in Hereford genetics. Originally based in England, at the Hereford Cattle Society, the Council was established in 1951 as a response to the increasingly widespread international export and breeding of Hereford cattle, and the need to maintain a global authority connecting Hereford cattle to the original English herd book.
Today, the World Hereford Council still exists to advance the mutual interests of pedigree Hereford breeders on a worldwide scale, to act as an international breed authority, and to act as mediator in any disagreements or conflicts that may occur between any of the member countries. Structurally, the Council is led by a Secretary General, voted in by the twenty member countries (each nominating two representatives). The Headquarters of the Council are based in the country of residence of the Secretary General (Uruguay, as of 2015), and move with each new election.