Barzona cattle development began in 1942 when F.N. Bard, an
Arizona rancher, decided to develop a breed that would be adapted to their
rugged, dry, and rocky terrain. He used Hereford, Angus, Afrikander, and Santa
Gertirudis cattle in more or less equal parts. Production records were
maintained and a rigid selection was carried out for fertility, rate of gain,
and mothering ability.
Only the most desirable animals were retained for the breeding program. Selection was made for hardiness traits that include good feet and legs and the ability cover rough ground and graze sparse ranges and survive in simi-desert conditions.
Modern Barzona are a hardy medium size beef animal, distinguished a longish horned or polled head. They are generally medium red, but color may vary from dark to light red.