The herd structure is characterized by his small size. In the year 2001, the Association included 1'076 breeders with a total of 7'411 registered cows and pregnant heifers. This result in an average of only 6,8 animals per breeder.

62% of the breeders own 30% of the animals. The size of this herd is between one and six animals. Only 8% of the breeders keep 16 or more animals in their herd.

This statistics clearly show: cattle breeding is a sideline for most of the Hérens breeders. For only 10% of all Hérens breeders, livestock farming represents the main activity. This special structure of the herd makes the principal difficulty for a more systematical improve of livestock. But on the other hand, these very small structures have ensured the maintain of traditional types of management and its socio-cultural aspects of Hérens cattle breeding.