VI.

Economy

Herefordshire is largely rural and agriculture forms the mainstay of the local economy. There are many apple and pear orchards, and the city of Hereford is an important cider-making centre, producing over 50 per cent of all British cider. The local Hereford cattle, with their deep red coats and white faces, are one of the world's major breeds of beef cattle. Ryeland sheep, one of Britain’s oldest breeds of sheep, originated in Herefordshire and are still raised in the region. Hereford is the main employment and service centre for the area and food- and drink-processing industries are based in the city.