IRISH breeders top the bidding at the Mara Herefords reduction sale on October 29.

Having built the Mara Herd of Herefords up to is present size over the last 30 years or so, Bob and Margaret Borwick, Preston Deanery, Northampton have had to reach a decision to reduce numbers to a more manageable size.

The sale held at Hereford Livestock Market on October 29 and conducted by the auctioneers, Brightwells of Leominster, saw 30 Lots sell for a total of £58,750.00 to average £1,958.25.

Cows and calves in demand with four and a half year old Mara Blossom 40th, along with her four week old bull calf, selling for 3,100 gns. to Mr M Moore, County Tyrone.

The seven and a half year old Badlingham Blossom 155th and her four week old bull calf also selling for 3,100 gns. to Mr C McGrath, Co. Meath.

The four and a half year old cow, Mara Bonny 38th with her three week old heifer calf, sold for 3,000 gns. to Mr F Harrington, Co. Roscommon.

Another four and a half year old in calf Mara Bonny 40th sold for 2,600 gns. to Mr D Dickinson, Mallowburn Herefords, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and her seven month old heifer calf Mara Bonny 45th selling for 1,100 gns. to Herefordshire Meats, Madley, Herefordshire.

The in calf heifers topped at 1,900 gns. for Mara Bonny 42nd which was also purchased by Mr D Dickinson.

The bulls on offer saw four year old Mara Kestrel, who had been running with most of the sale females, sell for 2,700 gns. to Mr C McGrath, Co. Meath.

A small offering of three females included in the sale from The Elms School of Ledbury saw their five and a half year old cow, Elms School Zodina, along with her week old heifer calf, sell for 2,550 gns. to Mr C R Amphlett, Craven Arms, Shropshire who also purchased the 18 month old maiden heifer, Elms School Cinnamon for 1,950 gns.

The last heifer in the sale, 18 month old Elms School Bonny Cracker, sold for 1,900 gns. to Mrs J A Pudge, Black Hall Herefords, Kings Pyon, Herefordshire.

Mara herd: 10 cows and calves sold to average £2,730.00.

Six in calf heifers sold to average £1,592.50.

Six maiden heifers sold to average £1,277.50.

Five bulls sold to average £1,501.50.

Elms school: Three females sold to average £2,240.00.