Gridiron Acres

Gridiron Acres raises miniature Hereford cattle in Ackley, IA, located in Hardin County and the Iowa heartland near Cedar Rapids. For more than a decade James Koop has focused on breeding cattle that combine manageable size with robust health, participating in American Hereford Association programs and conducting routine genetic and health screenings.

The cattle are raised on rotational pastures with a focus on gentle handling and early socialization, ensuring they adapt calmly to farm life and visitor interactions. Each calf grows up in small herd settings with shelter access and fresh forage, reflecting a philosophy that animal well-being supports productivity and character. Biosecurity steps and routine hoof and fertility checks help keep the herd strong through changing seasons. Visitors often comment on the cattle’s calm presence and the ease of interaction during pasture visits.

Gridiron Acres regularly exhibits offspring at regional fairs, and their stock has earned recognition for consistent temperament and structural soundness.