Champions, Top Prices and Strong Trade

Saturday 25 April 2026

Many spectators lined the showring in anticipation of the society’s second show and sale of the year, where five females and more than thirty bulls were presented for judging by Mr George Harvey of Harveybros Herefords, Glasgow Scotland.

Female Classes

Proceedings opened with the female section, where Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 from SC & GL Hartwright, Wantage, Oxfordshire, won the heifer born in October 2024 class. The stylish young female impressed the judge with her presence and correctness, later going on to secure the reserve female championship. She is sired by Rempstone 1 Waspy N641 and out of Spartan 1 Plum SP W163, selling for 3,400gns.

The overall female championship was awarded to the March 2025-born heifer Castle Mount 1 Lilac 465, exhibited by P Massey, who travelled from Lancashire. Out of Castle Mount 1 Lilac 355 and sired by Kinglee 1 Vanguard, the flashy young heifer topped a class of four strong females before selling for 4,200gns to C Jones.

Male Champions

In the male division, the overall junior and male championship went to Coley 1 Condor, exhibited by Miss H Whittaker, Halifax. This stylish January 2025-born bull is sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Gold Spice and out of Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 916. Judge Mr Harvey praised the bull’s style and correctness, awarding him top honours after winning the largest class of the day. He later sold for 6,000gns to M Voss.

 

Taking the reserve junior and reserve overall male championship was Normanton 1 Chrisla, exhibited by the Livesey family. The October 2024-born bull stood out in a strong class of four and is sired by Cleland 1 Nelson and out of Normanton 1 Jews Ear 33rd T439. Nelson also sired Normanton 1 Crumbie, the Livesey family bull that secured the overall male championship at the Society’s February sale, marking another notable success for the Leicestershire-based herd. Normanton 1 Chrisla went on to sell for 4,800gns to R Williamson.

The senior male championship was awarded to Deanery Flowrider, exhibited by Mr R & Mrs N Birchall, Staffordshire. The powerful February 2024-born bull, sired by Free Town Tiger and out of Free Town Peace 45th, impressed with his strength and strong Hereford breed characteristics.

The reserve senior male championship went to Normanton 1 Chief, exhibited by TD & WT Livesey of the renowned Normanton Hereford herd. Sired by Cleland 1 Nelson and out of the homebred cow Normanton 1 Black Trompette, he later sold for 3,600gns to M & J Holden.

 

Other leading prices

Trade remained strong throughout the sale, with several bulls achieving notable prices. Havenfield 1 Captain, exhibited by EL Lewis & Son, Herefordshire, a Fabb 1 Northern Star son, sold for 5,000gns. Another strong performance came from the Livesey family with Normanton 1 Condor, a Cleland 1 Nelson son, also selling for 5,000gns.

Meanwhile, Pepperstock 1 Callum from Speirs Farms Ltd, a Kinglee 1 Wolfman son, reached 5,700gns.

Judges Comments

Judge Mr George Harvey described it as a privilege and honour to take on the task of judging the Society’s show and sale. He praised the overall standard of the cattle, saying he was particularly pleased with his championship winners, which he described as outstanding animals.

He added that the day’s champions were stylish, correct and fleshy, and remarked that he thoroughly enjoyed his day judging such a strong show of Herefords.

 

Full Show Results

Class 1 – Heifer born on 26/10/2024

1st – Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 – SC & GL Hartwright

Class 2 – Heifer born on or between 01/01/2025 – 13/03/2025

1st – Castle Mount 1 Lilac 465 – P Massey

2nd – Bosa 1 Brownie 1098 – S Hawkins

3rd – Hollybush 1 Griselda-Leslie 11th – G & R Watkins

Class 3 – Bull born on or before 28/05/2024

1st – Deanery Flowrider – Mr R & Mrs N Birchall

2nd – Creuddyn 1 Kingsize – G Davies

3rd – Barwise 1 Bono – Mrs CS Fletcher

Class 4 – Bull born on or between 31/08/2024 – 23/09/2024

1st – Normanton 1 Chief – TD & WT Livesey

2nd – Havenfield 1 Captain – EL Lewis & Son

3rd – Pepperstock 1 Corker – Speirs Farms Ltd

Class 5 – Bull born on or between 01/10/2024 – 26/10/2024

1st – Normanton 1 Chrisla – TD & WT Livesey

2nd – Normanton 1 Condor – TD & WT Livesey

3rd – Havenfield 1 Cowboy – EL Lewis & Son

Class 6 – Bull born on or between 01/11/2024 – 24/12/2024

1st – Studdolph 1 Knight – Miss EN Thorne

2nd – Normanton 1 Christos – TD & WT Livesey

3rd – Big Red 1 Electric – H Pocock & G Scott

Class 7 – Bull born on or between 01/01/2025 – 15/01/2025

1st – Coley 1 Condor – Miss H Whittaker

2nd – Pepperstock 1 Callum – Speirs Farms Ltd

3rd – Glenvale 1 Kopparberg – TG, EI & EN Thorner

 

Class 8 – Bull born on or between 16/02/2025 – 31/03/2025

1st – Bosbury 1 Commander – S Hawkins

2nd – Benacre 1 Christian Grey C076 – The Benacre Company Ltd

3rd – Spartan 1 Casablanca – SC & GL Hartwright

Grand Overall and Junior Male Champion – Coley 1 Condor – Miss H Whittaker

Reserve Junior Male and Reserve Overall Male Champion – Normanton 1 Chrisla – TD & WT Livesey

Senior Male Champion – Deanery Flowrider – Mr R & Mrs N Birchall

Reserve Senior Male Champion – Normanton 1 Chief – TD & WT Livesey

Female Champion – Caste Mount 1 Lilac 465 – P Massey

Reserve Female Champion – Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 – SC & GL Hartwright

Sale results

Bulls to an average £4,432.05

Show heifers sold to an average £3,192.00

 

Briars Herefords Dispersal Sale

The dispersal of the Briars Herefords herd presented a rare opportunity to acquire cattle founded on quality, proven genetics and carefully considered breeding principles. Over several years, the vendors invested in females sourced from many of the breed’s most respected and established herds, creating a programme built on depth, functionality and performance. With both UK and international sires represented, the sale was prompted by a restructuring of the business.

Trade was topped by the September 2022-born young cow Sky High 1 Lavish Lucy, bred by B Birch and G Brindley. Sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman and out of Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy, the cow comes from a strong female line and demonstrated excellent maternal ability, having produced twin heifers in January 2026. She sold for the section leading 7,500gns to Steve O’Kane.

Next best was Hoghton View 1 Alice 3rd, bred by S & E Walker of Hoghton View Herefords. Born 20 January 2024 and running with Pepperstock 1 Blackstaffe, the stylish heifer is sired by Auckvale 1 Walktall and out of Hoghton View 1 Alice 1st. She realised 6,200gns, also selling to Steven O’Kane.

Pepperstock 1 Fashion A918, a January 2023-born female bred by Speirs Farms Ltd and sired by Kinglee 1 Romeo out of Pepperstock 1 Fashion L181, sold for 4,100gns to C Jones.

Completing the leading prices was Starline 1 Nugget 11th, bred by AG & LE Gifford. Sired by Romany 1 Prince BL P41 and out of Starline 1 Nugget 6th, she sold to C Jones for 4,000gns.

Trade throughout the day reflected strong demand for quality Hereford cattle, with competition keen across all sections. Vendors were well rewarded for their stock, bringing a successful day’s trading to a close for all involved.

Dispersal sale results

Average £2,890.78

 

At the April Native Breeds Sale, held at Dungannon Mart on Friday 17 April, it was a day to remember for Co Armagh breeder Heather King when her sole entry, Sommerville 1 Bandit, first took the championship and then made the top price of the day at 4,800gns. The first bull brought forward to a sale from the herd, it was a son of the widely used Fabb 1 Northern Star. Its dam, Sommerville 1 Duchess, was the first female born into the herd and a successful show female. Born in April 2024, it won class one before being tapped out as champion under judge Robin Lamb. It then sold to Jim and Ann Henning, Co Armagh, for their pedigree herd.

Taking the day’s second top price of 4,600gns was Solpoll 1 Crossfire for John and William McMordie, Co Down. A September 2024-born son of their successful stock bull, Fabb 1 Top Prize, it was out of the home-bred Solpoll 1 Starlet V2. It sold with excellent figures, with weight and terminal index in the top one per cent, to Derek McClements, Aughnacloy.

The reserve champion was the winner of the youngest class, bred by Bertie and Greer Watson, Raffrey. Barnburn 1 Cola, a 17-month-old son of the previous NI Sire of the Year, Solpoll 1 Ringo, was out of the herd’s best cow, Barnburn 1 Nolana, the 2024 National Show champion. Alan Rea, Ballynahinch, purchased it for his pedigree herd for 4,200gns.

Also selling for 4,200gns was the first prize winner, Annaghbeg MJ, and the choice of Cathal McMullan, Castlewellan. Bred by Mark and Lawrence Moore, Aughnacloy, it was a son of their successful stock bull, Cave Hill Max, out of the home-bred Annaghbeg Candy.

Another first prize winner took the next highest price of 4,000gns when Alan Shaw, Dungannon, sold his 19-month-old Benburb 1 Cameron to F and N Fox, Dungannon. A son of Normanton 1 Laertes, it was out of the purchased Solpoll 1 Dainty W16.

Ten bulls sold to average £4,000 at 84 per cent clearance. Judge Robin Lamb commented he was impressed with his champion and reserve, both structurally correct with good locomotion, a must for any potential bull going into a herd.

Coinciding with the renowned Valentine’s Day celebrations, the new February Spring show and sale gave Hereford enthusiasts even more reason to gather and trade. Despite the cold weather, optimism remained high among exhibitors and purchasers alike, and the day proved that many successful matches were made.

The event commenced with the inaugural show, where judge Mr Richard Bowen of Herefordshire, stockman at Bounds Herefords, cast his experienced eye over a strong lineup of pedigree entries. No stranger to the showring, the Livesey family under the Normanton prefix once again found themselves in the spotlight.

Winning his class of four bulls was Normanton 1 Crumbie from TD & WT Livesey, Leicester. The September 2024-born bull has already enjoyed success, having claimed reserve senior male champion at the Hereford Cattle Breeders Christmas calf show in December 2025. On this occasion, Crumbie went one better, securing not only his class win but also male champion and overall champion on the day.

Crumbie is out of Normanton 1 Fistulina 38th V479 and sired by Cleland 1 Nelson. Mr Bowen admired his ease of movement, conformation and squareness, and praised the team for the exceptional turnout. The champion later sold for 6,200gns to Goodwin and Powell, Rough Moor Herefords.

Taking reserve male champion and reserve overall champion honours was Thornysure 1 Chuckles, a smart August 2024-born bull from the Shaw family, Warwickshire. Chuckles had been previously placed first in his class at the National Poll Show, and his quality was again evident. Mr Bowen commented on his soundness and described him as a good, strong bull.

Chuckles is out of the homebred cow Thornysure 1 Sky and sired by Maxstoke 1 Sovereign. He went on to sell for 5,100gns to AD Richards, Celynen Herefords, Carmarthen.

Three strong females were presented before the judge, with Bowendu 1 Penelope 7th from Bowen Farms taking first place and securing the overall female championship. Standing second in her class and awarded reserve female champion was Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 from SC & GL Hartwright.

Born in November 2024, Penelope is out of the homebred cow Bowendu 1 Penelope 4th and sired by Havenfield 1 Wilf. Mr Bowen commended her style, describing her as a flashy heifer, clean throughout. She later realised 5,000gns in the sale ring going to D & AC Shakeshaft, Quaiken Herefords, Ellesmere.

Spartan 1 Plum RW C272, born October 2024, is out of Spartan 1 Plum SP W163 and sired by Rempstone 1 Waspy N641.

Topping the female trade with 10,000gns going to Welshpool for S, H & A Smith of Helens Herefords was Pepperstock 1 Blossom C1144, a January 2025-born heifer. She is sired by the renowned show winner Spartan 1 Typhoon and combines style with strength in a very feminine package. Blossom attracted strong interest ringside before going on to lead the female section, reflecting both her breeding credentials and the continued demand for quality young females within the breed.

The male section began with bulls born on or before 22nd February 2024. Taking top honours in this class was Fisher 1 Barney B585 from RJ Hutchings, West Sussex. The oldest in his class, born January 2024, Barney showed strength and power throughout. He is sired by Fisher 1 Prospect P464, a bull that has enjoyed considerable breeding success for the Hutchings family and across the wider membership, and out of Fisher 1 Susan T515. Mr Bowen praised his locomotion, stating he was a bull that would stand out in any field. He went on to sell for 8,500gns, top price in the male division to A & P Massey of Hollyvale Herefords, Bury, Lancashire.

In the following class for bulls born between 2nd March 2024 and 18th May 2024, Lowesmoor 1 Blenheim secured first place. A well-fleshed, solid March 2024 bull, he is sired by Romany 1 Viking FR V61 and out of Lowesmoor 1 Kinella 1086. Blenheim went on to sell for 5,000gns and now heads to J Martin, Hilgay Herefords in Norfolk.

The February Spring show and sale proved a promising addition to the calendar, showcasing both the strength in depth and forward-thinking breeding within the Hereford breed. Quality cattle met with genuine demand, reflecting continued confidence in Herefords as a profitable and sustainable choice for commercial and pedigree producers alike. With strong trade, keen competition in the showring and a positive atmosphere throughout, the event set a solid foundation for future spring fixtures and underlined the resilience and ambition of Hereford breeders nationwide.

 

Sale results

Bulls total price £62,685.00 to an average £5,699.00

Show heifers total price £15,750.00 and sold to an average £7,875.00

Grand total £78,435.00 Grand average £6,033.00

 

Full Show Results

Class 1 – heifer born on or before 17/01/2025

1^st – Bowendu 1 Penelope 7^th – Bowen Farms

2^nd – Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 – SC & GL Hartwright

3^rd – Pepperstock 1 Blossom – Spiers Farms Ltd

Class 2 – bull born on or before 22/02/2024

1^st – Fisher 1 Barney B585 – RJ Hutchings

2^nd – Allwood 1 Brigadier – FJ Wood & Sons

3^rd – Auckvale 1 Boss 2332B – W & R Kemp & Sons

Class 3 – bull born on or between 02/03/2024 – 18/05/2024

1^st – Lowesmoor 1 Blenheim – MJ Clark

2^nd – Spartan 1 Billy-the-Kid – SC & GL Hartwright

3^rd – Fisher 1 Bentley B589 – RJ Hutchings

 

Class 4 – bull born on or between 07/06/2024 – 11/09/2024

1^st – Normanton 1 Crumbie – TD & WT Livesey

2^nd – Thornysure 1 Chuckles – M & C Shaw

3^rd – Allwood 1 Boringdon – FJ Wood & Sons

 

Class 5 – bull born on or between 17/10/2024 – 08/11/2024

1^st – Spartan 1 Cowboy – SC & GL Hartwright

 

Class 6 – bull born on or between 16/12/2024 – 09/01/2025

1^st – Spartan 1 Cupid – SC & GL Hartwright

2^nd – Coley 1 Cavalier – Miss H Whittaker

 

Overall and Male Champion – Normanton 1 Crumbie – TD & WT Livesey

Reserve Overall and Reserve Male Champion  – Thornysure 1 Chuckles – M & C Shaw

Female Champion – Bowendu 1 Penelope 7^th – Bowen Farms

Reserve Female Champion – Spartan 1 Plum RW C272 – SC & GL Hartwright

At the Premier Show and Sale held at Dungannon Farmers Mart local breeders witnessed another total clearance of bulls with the 9 on offer selling to average £4410 with many potential buyers going home without a bull.

It was a great day for Ballygowan based John & William McMordie whose 3 bulls took the top 3 prices. Leading the days trade was the first bull into the ring the 23 month old Solpoll 1 Becker, a son of Herberry 1 Humberto his dam was the hombred Amber S13 with his full brother topping the February 2025 Sale. Backed by easy calving genetics and having stood 2nd in class 1 he sold for 4900gns to L Heslip, Dungannon.

Following closely behind was judge Christopher McCrea’s choice of the bulls, Solpoll 1 Boris. Another son of Humberto, he stood first in class 1 before being tapped out as champion, a 22 month old his grandsire had sired last years champion and was a previous Sire of the Year. The choice of K Hunter, Magherafelt he sold for 4600gns.

Matching the 4600gns price was the 21 month old Solpoll 1 Bushmills. A son of Fabb 1 Top Prize who sired the record priced bull in the April 2025 sale he had exceptional figures being the highest terminal index bull under 2 years old and sold to F McGurk, Cookstown.

The McMordie Family, Saintfield claimed the days next best price of 4500gns with River-Dale 1 Bonanza. A 20 month old son of the Australian ai sire Wirruna Katnook he had figures for muscle and terminal index in the Top 5%. He sold to G Cuddy, Dungannon.

Roy & Pat McClenaghan, Hollywood brought forward another son of popular ai sire Fabb 1 Northern Star, with Top 5% figures for calving, eye muscle and terminal index. Born in May 2024 he sold for 4100gns to O Keown, Enniskillen.

Mark & Lawrence Moore, Aughnacloy brought forward 2 June 2024 born sons of stock bull Cave Hill Max, standing 1st & 2nd in Class 2 and taking the Reserve Championship. Annaghbeg Masala was the higher placed and higher priced bull of the pair, his dam was the homebred Annaghbeg Flo, he had won his class at the 2024 calf show and sold for 4000gns to A Liggett, Clogher. J McConville, Rathfriland paid 3700gns for the herds other entry Annaghbeg Mixer.

Nathaniel Shaw, Dungannon brought forward 2 bulls with another Northern Star son selling for 3800gns, the June 2024 Sessiagh 1 Burger King joining B Henry, Clogher. Sessiagh 1 Bacardi a son of Dendor 1 Kohinoor sold for 3600gns to head to Dungannon with E Robinson.

 

Report by  Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association – Photo Credit – Katherine Shaw, Agri Images

 

Quality and Enthusiasm Shine as Hereford Show Format Makes Triumphant Comeback

 

 

Stirling’s famous bull sales were back with a bang on 31 January 2026, as the Galbraith Stirling Bull Sale played host to the first Hereford show and sale at the venue in four years. The atmosphere in the ring was electric, with breeders, buyers and enthusiasts alike relishing the long-awaited return of this hallmark event. After several years’ absence, the show element was enthusiastically reintroduced. This year’s fixture drew a strong turnout, with nine bulls and three heifers forward.  The standard on display was exceptional, with every entry contributing to an impressive line-up that underlined the depth of quality currently found in the UK Hereford population.

Show Highlights: Judging the Best of the Breed

With the task of judging falling to Audrey Anderson of Easter Knox, the show ring buzzed with anticipation as each animal made its way before a critical but appreciative audience. The return of the show format injected a keen sense of competition into proceedings, and Anderson’s experienced eye was put to the test by the depth and type on parade.

First place in the bull section went to Moralee 1 Clint PA381 from T. & D. Harrison, a bull whose credentials were never in doubt. Born in October 2024 and already with a string of show successes, Clint impressed with his power, structure and balance. Sired by Moralee 1 Panda and out of the Royal Highland Champion, Coley 1 Pippa 356, he combines stellar genetics with show ring presence. The top price of 7,600 guineas achieved in the sale ring was testament to his appeal and the ongoing demand for quality Herefords at the top end of the market.

Hot on his heels was Craigdhu 1 Bracken from Margaret Galbraith, who secured second place and a sale price of 5,500 gns. Bracken’s outstanding polled genetics and strong show record, first at Borderway Agri-Expo and impressive placings at the Royal Highland and Scottish National Hereford Shows—ensured he drew plenty of attention from both commercial and pedigree breeders. Third place went to his paternal brother Craigdhu 1 Brechin, another bull with excellent performance figures, though he remained unsold—a reflection of the discerning standards among today’s breeders and buyers.

Fellowhills 1 Chief from J. Hodge was another standout, taking fourth place and coming from a line that includes both Royal Welsh and National Poll Show champions. Fifth spot was filled by Auckvale 1 Brandy 2342B from W. & R. Kemp, a bull praised for his length, thickness and notable performance data. While several bulls did not sell on the day, their presence spoke volumes for the breed’s resurgence.

Heifer Line-Up Demonstrates Depth of Female Genetics

The parade of three heifers also drew admiring glances, with the Moralee team continuing their strong run of success. Leading the way was Moralee 1 Wispa, a Dendor 1 Tewcwyn daughter, which sold to E. Innes and Son, Glenlivet for 6,800gns. Another standout, the September 2024-born Moralee 1 Mink, sold for 6,000 guineas to D. Lister, Fife. These young females highlighted the careful breeding strategies being employed and the exciting future for Hereford herds across Britain.

A Triumphant Return: Herefords Back in Stirling Spotlight

It was clear to all present that the Stirling Bull Sales have reclaimed their place as a must-attend event for Hereford breeders and enthusiasts. The combination of outstanding animal quality, competitive spirit, and the return to a full show-and-sale format signalled a new chapter for the breed in Scotland.

Show Results

1st Place: Moralee 1 Clint PA381 from T & D Harrison

2nd Place: Craigdhu 1 Bracken from M Galbraith

3rd Place: Craigdhu 1 Brechin from M Galbraith

4th Place: Fellowhills 1 Chief from J Hodge

5th Place: Auckvale 1 Brandy 2342B from W & R Kemp

Bulls

Top Price 7,600 gns

Average £6,878

Heifers

Top Price 6,000 gns

Average £4,933

The 10^th Annual Designer Genes event took place on the 12^th and 13^th December 2025 at Shrewsbury Auction Centre, with genetics selling on Friday and live lots selling on Saturday. Both sales were organised and managed by Dowbiggin Marketing in partnership with Halls. Auctioneer was Jonny Dymond. The event was held in conjunction with the Hereford Cattle Breeders Association’s annual Christmas Calf Show.

Embryos topped at 560gns each for embryos consigned by G & A Redmayne, Ings Herefords, from their donor female Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy. Semen peaked at 580gns per straw for Panmure 1 Henry semen consigned by Vaughan Farms Ltd. The Friday sale of genetics grossed £23,850.75.

The Saturday Sale was topped by the lead-off lot Moralee 1 Big Time RK349 from Tom & Di Harrison, Moralee Herefords Northumberland. The reigning UK Polled Hereford Bull of the Year, he sold to SC & GL Hartwright, Spartan Herefords, Oxfordshire for a new breed record of 22,000gns (£23,100).

Females topped at 10,000gns (£10,500) for Pulham 1 Lucy 7^th from Phil & Laura Vincent, Pulham Herefords, Norfolk. She was sold to SJ & H Smith, Welshpool. 11 females averaged £5937.27.  

A pick of the 2025 calves from Steven & Lizzie Walker, Hoghton View Herefords, Lancashire sold for 5,500 (£5,775) to G & MC Shepherd, Moorside Polled Herefords, Lancashire & Josh Dowbiggin, Ghyll Beck Genetics.

13 total lots sold to gross £94,185 and average £7,245, a new European record for a Hereford sale average. Clearance for the Saturday sale was 94%.

Averages

• 1 bull sold for 22,000gns (£23,100)
• 1 pick of the 2025 calves sold for 5,500gns (£5,775)
• 11 females sold to average £5937.27
• 25 embryos averaged £486.36
• 100 straws of semen averaged £116.92

Totals

• Friday sale grossed £23,850.75
• Saturday sale grossed £94,185
• Total weekend gross was £118,035.75

Sale Team

Sale Management – Josh Dowbiggin (Dowbiggin Marketing)

Auctioneer – Jonny Dymond (Halls)

Saturday Sale

A record-breaking trade was met at the 10^th Annual Designer Genes Sale. 13 lots sold to a top price of 22,000gns and average £7,245, a new European record for a Hereford sale average. Clearance for the Saturday sale was 94%.

The Saturday Sale was topped by the lead-off lot Moralee 1 Big Time RK349 from Tom & Di Harrison, Moralee Herefords, Northumberland. The reigning UK Polled Hereford Bull of the Year sold to SC & GL Hartwright, Spartan Herefords, Oxfordshire for a new breed record of 22,000gns (23,100gns). Big Time RK349 was sired by former Champion of Europe and multiple interbreed winning Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks, and out of leading donor female Moralee 1 Kylie, who is also the dam of the 2024 Hereford Miss Europe female.

A pick of the 2025 calves from Steven & Lizzie Walker, Hoghton View Herefords was sold for 5,500gns (£5,775). The pick offered the successful buyer the opportunity to pick from any of the 2025 born calves at Hoghton View, including both bull and heifer calves. The pick was sold to G & MC Shepherd, Moorside Polled Herefords, Lancashire & Josh Dowbiggin, Ghyll Beck Genetics.

Females topped at 10,000gns (£10,500) for Pulham 1 Lucy 7^th from Phil & Laura Vincent, Pulham Herefords, Norfolk. Lucy 7^th was sired by £10,000 Solitude 1 Vantastic and out of a daughter of Appel 1 Kaboom. She was sold to SJ & H Smith, Welshpool.  

The second highest priced female was Sky High 1 Louis-Vuitton Lucy from Boomer & Millie Birch and family. This female was crowned Reserve Overall Junior Champion at the recent National Poll Show. She was knocked down for 7,500gns (£7,875) to A Baxter, Lancashire.

Two females sold for 7,000gns. 5-year-old cow Dendor 1 Ruby 38^th sold for 7,000gns to R Moore, Northumberland. She was herself a daughter of noted sire Dendor 1 Nairobi. Her March-born heifer calf sold for 3,800gns to Panmure Herefords Scotland, valuing the cow/calf pair at 10,800gns.

Also to reach the 7,000gns mark was February 2025-born heifer Grifford 1 True Beauty. This heifer calf was Reserve Female Champion at the 2025 English Winter Fair. Sired by Normanton 1 Laertes and out of the 10,000gns Greenyards 1 True Love, she was sold for 7,000gns to M J Sharlot, Warwickshire.

Other prices

• Lot 4 – Bosbury 1 Rosa B201 GT sold for 6,000gns to Vaughan Farms Ltd
• Lot 9 – Glenvale 1 Kylie 969 sold for 5,000gns to Jacob Agri Ltd
• Lot 8 – Auckvale 1 Pansy 2419C sold for 4,200gns to RL Morgan
• Lot 10 – Pulham Olive 9th sold for 4,100gns to GF Harrison
• Lot 5 – Bosbury 1 Margaret B203 GT sold for 3,800gns to RF & ZL Chilman
• Lot 13 – Fardre 1 Julia C396 sold for 3,800gns to A Baxter

Averages

• 1 bull sold for 22,000gns (£23,100)
• 1 pick of the 2025 calves sold for 5,500gns (£5,775)
• 11 females sold to average £5937.27

Friday Sale

The DGS On Ice Sale Volume IV took place on Friday evening with 36 genetic lots selling to buyers both in the room and online. The sale was hosted in conjunction with the HCBA’s annual Christmas dinner.

• 25 embryos sold to 560gns per embryo (Ings Herefords – Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy) averaged £486.36 per embryo
• 100 straws of semen topped at 580gns per straw (Kingsland Herefords – Panmure 1 Henry) and averaged £116.92 per straw
• Total sale gross for the genetics was £23,850.75

Top Embryo Prices

• 3 Female Sexed Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy x Sky High 1 Take-a-chance embryos from G & A Redmayne (Ings) sold for 560gns each to DG & HM Davies
• 2 Greenyards 1 Truelove x Normanton 1 Laertes embryos from Nick Griffin (Grifford) sold for 520gns each to H Davies
• 4 EU exportable embryos of various matings from T & D Harrison (Moralee) sold for 480gns each to Richard & Petra Strijker, The Netherlands.
• 10 embryos from Rempstone 1 Anna Mary D594 (consigned by Ellie Williams) sold to top at 460gns and average 450gns, selling to G & A Redmayne (Ings) sold and G Davies, Wales

Top Semen Prices

• 4 straws of Panmure 1 Henry sold for 580gns each
• 3 straws of Normanton 1 Laertes (stored in Ireland) sold for 340gns each
• 3 straws of Normanton 1 Laertes (stored in the UK) sold for 190gns each
• 2 packs of 5 straws of Moralee 1 RHS Prince sold for 110gns and 100gns per straw
• 2 packs of 5 straws of Grifford 1 Try sold for 100gns per straw
• 10 straws of Solpoll 1 Trailblazer sold for 100gns per straw
• 3 packs of 5 straws of The Ranch Remington R028 sold to average 85gns per straw
• 10 straws of Haven Basil averaged 75gns per straw
• 2 packs of 5 straws of Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo sold for 75gns and 70gns per straw
• 3 packs of 5 straw of Coley 1 Pilot averaged 45gns per straw

 

There was fantastic trade for Hereford bulls at the Premier Sale held at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Tuesday 11th February with bulls topping at 4500gns leaving an average of £3623 with a 86% clearance rate.

Leading the days prices was Solpoll 1 Alberto from John & William McMordie, Ballygowan. Sired by Herberry 1 Humberto and from the homebred dam Solpoll 1 Amber S13, with a pedigree full of easy calving sires he was victorious in Class 1 in the mornings judging and after a flurry of bids for auctioneer Trevor Wylie to deal with he was eventually knocked down to Nigel Patterson, Portadown.

The same exhibitors also bred the champion and winner of class 2, Solpoll 1 Arizona. Sired by the 2023 Sire of the Year Solpoll 1 Promoter and from the Panmure 1 Henry daughter Solpoll 1 Starlet L6. This powerful and long bull caught the eye of Judge James Nelson and then purchaser Ivan Haire, Dundrod who paid 4100gns to get him.

The youngest class was won by Dungannon based Alan Shaw with Benburb 1 Bert. A son of Moorside 1 Panda out of the imported Fabb 1 Northern Star daughter Appel 1 Starlight this well muscled young bull had been a 1st prize winner at both the calf show and nation show and sold for 4300gns to William Toner, Coleraine.

Mark & Lawrence Moore sold the 3rd prizewinning Annaghbeg Flavia for the next best price of 2800gns to J & J Herron, Whitecross. A son of Cave Hill Max his dam is full of home bred genetics.

This Spring’s February Stirling bull sale was a success with strong demand and solid results. A 100% clearance rate highlights the quality of the animals that were entered. With the bulls reaching good prices, it’s a clear sign that buyers were willing to pay top money for strong genetics and performance.

Sundays live stream added a great element, allowing buyers who couldn’t be there in person to still participate and get a close look at the bulls. It created a great atmosphere, with the show hall full of spectators and discussions buzzing about current trends and high prices in the beef market.

These high prices reflect the confidence in the breed, with two bulls finding homes in Somerset and Orkney, proving that distance is no barrier when purchasing good, strong solid bulls. The healthy competition at this sale, and these prices should encourage breeders to invest in the breed.

Auckvale 1 Almighty 2276A 7000gns price is a clear indicator of the strong demand for top-quality Hereford genetics. Coming from the Kemp family in Durham, this powerful March 2023 bull is sired by Auckvale 1 Tundra 2009T and is out of Auckvale 1 Beauty 1867S. Notable family lines including Dendor and Solpoll have contributed to the muscular structure and success of this bull.

Next in the money was Harveybros 1 A-Ladies-Man from G & S Harvey seeing a price of 4,800gns. This May 2023 born bull has been successfully shown so it was no surprise that he caught the bidder’s eye. Out of a homebred cow Harveybros 1 Crocus N1 and sired by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman he showed class and power, securing a new home.

Criffel 1 Apollo from the Criffel Pedigree herd realised a price of 4,500gns. Sired by Wirruna Peace P198 and out of Criffel 1 Shona, the dark red bull oozed style in and out of the ring. The young June 2023 bull demonstrated to the market to favour bulls with solid breeding potential.

Finally, Moralee 1 Bond DC313 from T & D Harrison made a significant impact and is out of the renowned Moralee 1 Kylie cow and sired by Days Calibre G74. The youngest bull on the day displayed strength and conformation to compliment the breed and the four bulls power packed a punch.

Sale results

Lot 259 – Auckvale 1 Almighty 2276A  – W & R Kemp & Sons

Lot 260 – Harveybros 1 A-Ladies-Man – G & S Harvey

Lot 258 – Criffel 1 Apollo – E Burgess

Lot 257 – Moralee 1 Bond DC313 – T & D Harrison