Recovery of the Hereford breeding herd after livestock theft in South Auckland

The owners of Bluff Herefords, Philip Jackson and Christine Lerecouli, faced a major livestock theft three years ago. The perpetrators stole 50 cows and calves from the 200 ha farm located around the Glenbrook Steel Mill. During the crime, fences and gates were damaged, and tire tracks along with traces of materials used to navigate the mud indicated an organized removal of the animals.

For a stud farm, the loss of 50 head means not only quantitative damage but also the loss of genetic material accumulated through years of breeding work. According to the owners, after the incident, the herd was in a state of stress due to calves being left unattended and animals being mixed in the pens, which required a full inventory of the livestock.

Despite the difficulties associated with leasing land on a busy industrial site, where strict access control is required, the farmers managed to stabilize the situation. Christine Lerecouli noted that working on the plot requires constant monitoring of the gates, regular reseeding of kikuyu pastures, and winter feeding with silage.

To date, the herd size has been fully restored. Daily care for the animals is aimed at maintaining their calm temperament and the breed's good maternal qualities. All bulls have undergone veterinary testing and vaccination before the upcoming breeding season.

The farm owners invite potential buyers to inspect the animals before the auction begins. The next annual Bluff Herefords sale is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026.