Considered the “Father of Milking Shorthorns in America”.
1860-1922 | Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876-1936)
Impact & Accomplishments
Considered the “Father of Milking Shorthorns in America,” Leland May partnered with his brother-in-law, J. K. Innes, to operate Glenside Farm in Granville Center, Pennsylvania. The work that he did there, to promote and advance the breed, helped reestablish the dual-purpose Shorthorn at a time when it had fallen out of favor.
In 1886, May managed the farm, later becoming superintendent and partner. Two cows from Henry Clay’s herd, Kitty Clay 3rd and Kitty Clay 4th, led at milking demonstrations during the World’s Columbia Exposition in Chicago, 1893, and launched the herd’s success.
May was a pioneer in recordkeeping, hand milking the cows himself and documenting production. He was also a superb feeder and an efficient steward of the land. He was director of the American Shorthorn Association and president of the American Milking Shorthorn Association. C. A. Otis bought out Innes in 1909, and Otis and May operated Glenside until 1916, when the herd was divided, with May retaining Glenside. The two largest public sales at the farm occurred over the next two years. By the time L. D. May died in 1922, Glenside genetics served as the basis for several hundred herds across the U. S. and internationally.
Did You Know?
Photo of a modern milking shorthorn.