Agricultural News

Good cattle, good crowd and good trade at country’s largest one day sale

May 2013

A FRENETIC seven hours of selling took place in Devon yesterday (May 14) as the country’s largest one-day sale of organic cattle took place.

Top price went to a second calver. It fetched 2,100gns at the sale of 615 Holstein Friesians from the highly regarded and long established Hitchcocks Dairy at Langlands Farm, Uffculme, near Cullompton. Calved heifers went for 2,000gns.

More than 200 people braved the rain for the impressive sale conducted by Derek Biss, Chairman of Greenslade Taylor Hunt and the farm sales team, on behalf of the Persey family.

Make a date for country’s largest one day sale

May 2013

The largest one-day sale of organic cattle in the country takes place in Devon on Tuesday. (May 14)

Nearly 600 Holstein Friesians from the highly regarded and long established Hitchcocks Dairy will go under the hammer, near Cullompton Devon.

Derek Biss, Chairman of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, who will be conducting the event, said: “The sale comes highly recommended especially in a year when dispersals appear to be few and far between. The consistent high quality nature of all the cows and heifers makes this a sale not to be missed.”

For the discerning dairyman this is the chance to buy a large number of top quality cattle from a leading organic herd that can trace its origins back to the 1940s.

Sadly the original British Friesian herd was lost to Foot and Mouth. The Persey family under the guidance of Bill then established the ‘Plymtree’ herd which garnered a number of successes on the show circuit including wins at Devon County and Honiton Show.

The dispersal sale follows a decision by the Persey family to cease dairy production and focus fully on other enterprises at Langlands Farm, Uffculme, near Cullompton.

Mr Biss said: “Having walked through the herd you cannot fail to be impressed by these modern cows which are consistent in type being not extreme but with excellent feet and udders. The youngstock are equally impressive and looking exceptionally well.”

Complying with the very highest welfare and health standards these cattle come from a long line of champions.

In total 597 Holstein Friesians will be offered for sale.

The sale begins at 10am.

In addition the well maintained dairy equipment and machinery which is now surplus to requirements also goes under the hammer on Wednesday, June 5th.

For further information contact Greenslade Taylor Hunt on 01278 410250.

Pictured: A ‘Plymtree Prettyface’ daughter is pictured which won best dairy animal at Devon County and Honiton Show.

Massive crowds flocked to South West’s largest one-day machinery sale

April 2013

Bumper crowds from home and abroad packed the South West’s largest one-day machinery sale at Walford Cross, near Taunton.

The event – put on by auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt and now in its 59^th year – attracted visitors from Poland, Ireland, Wales and all parts of England.

Around 1,300 people turned out for this major event in the agricultural calendar, filling every available space in the car parks.

Derek Biss, Chairman of Greenslade Taylor Hunt and co-ordinator of the event said: “After last year’s deluge of rain it was so much easier to stage this massive event in favourable weather which resulted in a larger crowd than normal.”

Overall, the machinery and effects were of a much higher quality this year, although entries were down on previous years.  The high prices achieved for scrap metal coupled with a very strong export trade resulted in a flying trade for all the machinery on offer selling to top prices of £13,700 achieved for a Massey Ferguson 4335 FE02 FDO, £8,400 for a MF 6180 Dyna Shift R188 MES and £7,500 for a MF 3085 4wd 1993. Other top prices included £9,000 for an Agrimac 2600 Slurry Tanker, a Dooley Silage Trailer 16T at £8,400, MF700 14T Grain Trailer at £7,500, a Twose Hedgetrimmer at £7,200, a MAS 14T Grain Trailer at £6,600, and £5,000 for a Vaserstead 3M Drill.

The vendors that attended this year’s Walford Cross certainly reaped the rewards this year.

Preparations are already in hand for next year’s event which will mark the occasion’s landmark Diamond Jubilee.

Walford Cross 2013

April 2013

Walford Cross Machinery Sale is the largest one day Machinery sale in the South West and takes place this Thursday (18th April). Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt runs the mammoth sale and preparations have been underway for a matter of months in order to stage the Sale for the 59th time. 

Each year the sale has grown and last year we totaled over 3,500 lots of Tractors, Machinery and Miscellaneous items with buyers travelling from all over the UK and Ireland. This Tuesday (9am-5pm) and Wednesday (9am-4pm) all of the lots are booked in at the sale filed. Viewing for the general public is between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday (17th April).  

The first Auction commences at 9am on Thursday 18th April and by midday up to five auctions will be running simultaneously. Last year over 1600 people registered to bid on the morning of the sale as with the sheer number of lots all bidders must register for a bidding number.

For more information contact 01278 410250

Work experience proves springboard to rural career

April 2013

A stint of work experience with leading Westcountry property specialists Greenslade Taylor Hunt while still at school has proved a springboard to a career in rural property sales with the firm for Will Chanter.

He is delighted to have just joined the firm’s Tiverton and South Molton offices where he will focus on farm, land and rural property sales.

Will, who is both a qualified Chartered Surveyor and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, has spent the last five years working for another Westcountry firm where he dealt with rural property and farm and land sales in particular.

Will has close ties to the region and lives on Exmoor. He was educated at St. Michael’s, Tawstock, and Blundell’s, Tiverton, before attending university at Southampton where he achieved his degree. It was work experience at Greenslade Taylor Hunt when he was still at school that convinced him to become a rural surveyor and he is pleased that he has returned to the firm that first inspired him to pursue this route as a career.

Will said: “I am delighted to have joined such a prestigious Westcountry firm and I am pleased to be continuing to work in the region that I was born and grew up in. Greenslade Taylor Hunt undoubtedly provides a great platform to work from, especially with the booming Sedgemoor market and the company’s supportive and strong interest in Westcountry farming.”

Tony Overhill, Tiverton office and Richard Webber, South Molton office, both partners of the firm said: “We are delighted that Will has joined the firm. As both a qualified Chartered Surveyor and Agricultural Valuer he is able to bring a good level of knowledge and expertise to the rural property agency that confirms Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s commitment to this sector. Furthermore he has an excellent local knowledge of Exmoor, Mid and North Devon and even Dartmoor and the South Hams that is essential in the business and we look forward to working with him.”

East Devon Land For Sale

February 2013

The Honiton Office of Greenslade Taylor Hunt are delighted to be marketing land near Membury which occupies a magnificent position overlooking the picturesque Yarty Valley and within an extremely sought after part of East Devon.

In total the land extends to about 33.41 acres and is offered for sale by informal tender, as a whole or in two lots, with a guide price of £140,000 for Lot 1 (21.43 acres) and £85,000 for Lot 2 (11.98 acres). 

 For further details please contact Will Handel at Greenslade Taylor Hunt Honiton Office on 01404 46222.

Free Seminar - "After the storm" Helping you develop your farming business

February 2013

Greenslade Taylor Hunt in association with the National Farmers Union, Albert Goodman, Clarke Willmott and Lloyds TSB are pleased to be holding a free seminar on 14 March 2013 at Taunton Rugby Club.

 The seminar, entitled “After the storm - helping you to develop your farming business” brings together leading professional advisors from the respective firms who regularly deal with agricultural industry issues. The seminar presentations include:

 Are you maximising the business opportunities on your farm? (Will Handel – Greenslade Taylor Hunt)

1. Borrowing in challenging economic times (David Fowler – Lloyds TSB)
2. Protecting profits from HMRC (Sam Kirkham – Albert Goodman)
3. IHT reliefs – how to protect the value of the family farm. (David Maddock – Clarke Willmott)

 A question and answers session will follow the presentations to be followed by a free hot meal.

 Please note that spaces are restricted and to reserve your place please see the attached form or contact your local Greenslade Taylor Hunt office.

Over 100 Jersey Youngstock

January 2013

Over 100 Jersey youngstock

Various ages

Ref: DRB/JG

Dairy Round-up 2012

January 2013

Another busy year for the Greenslade Taylor Hunt Farm Sales Team witnessed Sedgemoor Auction Centre cementing itself as the dairy centre of the South with hugely successful Collective Sales, the largest weekly Dairy Market in the UK, and an inaugural elite sale providing many top prices of the year. 

Open the PDF for more

12 Freshly Calved Cows

January 2013

12 freshly calved cows 2nd & 3rd calvers

NMR recorded - 9500kgs herd average

Cubicle housed

Herringbone parlour

Devon

Ref DRB/JG

TB RESTRICTED 38 Incalf Heifers

January 2013

38 TB restricted Incalf Heifers (Mainly due March - May)

Mostly Pedigree

Incalf to Aberdeen Angus (Named Sire)

Ref ATC/JR-

Sunshine behind the rain

November 2012

Despite the atrocious weather conditions experienced this year, poor yields and poor quality crops, land price are still shining through says Martyn Venner, Associate with property specialists Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Whilst it has been one of the most difficult years in history for farming, farms and land prices appear unaffected.  The lack of supply continues for large commercial farms and for bare land during 2012 which has resulted in values of this type in the South West either being sustained or increased.

It appears that the highest demand is still for bare land from adjoining farmers wanting to buy to expand their existing holding.  Prices have achieved as much as £14,000 per acre this year, with land frequently making in excess of £10,000 per acre.  The demand from investors is still present wanting to take advantage of the tax benefits, but it is apparent that the farmer is the dominant driving force.

In the early part of the year 122 acres of pasture/arable land between Honiton and Ottery St Mary made in excess of £7,000 per acre. An attractive 114-acre livestock holding at Chilworthy, just outside Chard, went under the hammer in lots in May and achieved a sale total of £1,306,000.This total included a five acre parcel of woodland which achieved £13,736 per acre. 

As the winter of 2012 takes a grip, we see no reason why farm and land market will not remain strong.  We have changing times ahead of us, with the reform of the single payment scheme, which has much to be decided still and is evolving on a daily basis.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt has 18 offices throughout the South West, with a wealth of qualified experts at hand to help with all aspects of rural property, whether it be agency or professional advice.

Martyn Venner can be contacted at the Bridgwater Office on 01278 425555 or visit the Greenslade Taylor Hunt website www.gth.net to search for a surveyor in your area.

New appointment brings “added value”

November 2012

Greenslade Taylor Taylor Hunt are delighted to announce that Graeme Biffen MRICS FAAV has re-joined the firm as an Associate and Senior Valuer to further strengthen their multi-faceted professional divisions at Sedgemoor Auction Centre and Hammet Street, Taunton.

Graeme commenced his training as a surveyor with GTH at Tiverton, later moving on to work in the property consultancy department of another West Country firm, where he was based in Exeter for four years dealing with valuations and other professional work across Devon.

Graeme sees his move back to GTH as a great opportunity to help expand the valuation expertise and professional advice offered by the firm. 

His specialist areas include valuations of property for taxation, banks, and family matters, compulsory purchase and compensation claims, landlord and tenant matters including tenancies and licences, rural planning and estate management.

He considers it essential that his clients receive the best professional advice and that both technically and personally he is committed to providing this. He already has strong links with members of the professional community in this area, who have for a number of years been recommending his services to their own clients, and looks forward to working with other professionals, farmers and property owners. 

Graeme was born in Taunton and educated at Queen’s College and Richard Huish College, after which he spent a year working his way around Australasia before returning to attend university where he gained a BSc Econ (Hons).

With both parents being chartered surveyors, and with close family ties to the farming community in Devon and Somerset, surveying was a natural choice of profession. Having joined GTH as a trainee he gained a post Graduate Diploma in Surveying with Distinction, and qualification as a chartered surveyor followed shortly after his move to Devon.

He then qualified as a Fellow of the specialist Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, with one of the highest marks in the country.  Aside from his professional work, Graeme has also delivered seminars on professional matters and was appointed by the College of Estate Management, at Reading University, as a tutor to post graduate students on the Rural Estate Management course.  In his spare time Graeme is a keen snowboarder and guitarist, and tries to keep fit!

To contact Graeme ring the Sedgemoor Auction Centre on 01278 410250 or the Taunton office on 01823 334466.

Picturesque and versatile organic farm

November 2012

Set in a beautiful location in the heart of its own land this organic farm is bursting with features to commend it to a prospective purchaser.

Eye-catching West Hele Farm at Kings Nympton, Umberleigh, near South Molton, is Grade II listed due to its historic and architectural importance. It has recently come to the market with Greenslade Taylor Hunt at a guide price of £925,000.

Parts of the farmhouse, which is thought to have been a Devon Hall House, date from the 15^th Century with later 17^th and 18^th Century additions. The building is brimming with period features including an attractive oak plank and muntin screen, exposed beams and large fireplaces.

It has been sympathetically restored to provide roomy four-bedroom accommodation while retaining its original charm and character. There is scope for further enhancements if required as listed building and planning consents have been granted.

The idyllic location provides a perfect holiday destination and to this end

planning permission has been granted to turn a separate two storey traditional barn on the farm into a spacious four-bedroom holiday cottage.

“The position of the farm is superb, enjoying stunning views over the pretty valley of the River Mole,” comments Richard Webber from the firm’s South Molton office, “This really is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an outstanding and versatile property in an excellent rural situation.”

A key feature of the smallholding is its productive organic status land. The farm extends to 62.33 acres (25.22 hectares) which includes an attractive parcel of amenity woodland.

Previously the farm was home to a pedigree herd of Red Devon cattle and a potential purchaser may want to pursue farming interests. Equally the property is likely to appeal to those with an eye for equestrian or other amenity pursuits.

For further details and to arrange a viewing contact the South Molton office of Greenslade Taylor Hunt on 01769 574500.

William Wallis MRICS joins Greenslade Taylor Hunt

October 2012

Greenslade Taylor Hunt are pleased to announce that William Wallis MRICS has just joined their agricultural agency and professional team based at Yeovil.

William is a farmer’s son from Ansty, near Dorchester, where his family has been farming for 12 years. William has been very much involved in the home farm and helped with the design and development of their renowned farm shop, caravan park, storage and growing and selling of Christmas trees. 

William studied at Harper Adams University, Shropshire, where he obtained a BSc Honours Degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management and then joined Rendells Auctioneers based in Chagford, Devon, where he has been more recently running their office.

During this time he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and auctioneer. His specialist areas of work include sales of farms and land; valuation of agricultural and rural property for a variety of purposes, compensation claims and single payment applications. He also specialises in stewardship schemes, advice on rules and regulations relating to livestock and cross compliance, planning for agricultural buildings and agricultural assessments, woodland improvement grants and management plans, grant applications, sales of livestock and fodder, tenancy and grazing agreements and boundary disputes.

William enjoys country pursuits and sports including shooting and playing skittles as well as being an active member of the Dorset Young Farmers Club participating in activities and representing the county in various competitions whilst also helping with fundraising.  William is a member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and is a committee member of various agricultural shows including the Devon County Show where he acts as a steward for the cattle section.

William will be working with Justin Lowe MRICS, partner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, based at their Yeovil office dealing with the sale and purchase of agricultural and rural property throughout Dorset and South Somerset and undertaking professional work for their  expanding client base.  At the weekends you will be able to see William at Sedgemoor Market, in either the pig, sheep or poultry sections and he looks forward to meeting up with many of you in the future.

To contact William ring the Yeovil office on (01935) 415300.

100% Success at Land Auction

June 2012

A huge crowd gathered at the Collective Land Auction held at the Langport Arms Hotel, Langport in May.

WET WEATHER DOESN'T PUT OFF SALE-GOERS

April 2012

Once again records were broken at Walford Cross as the sale exceeded last year’s record sale total cementing Walford Cross’ position as the largest one day machinery sale in the South West.

The Largest One Day Machinery Sale in the South West Keeps on Growing

April 2012

Walford Cross Machinery Sale is the largest one day Machinery sale in the South West and this year takes place on Thursday 19th April. Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt runs the mammoth sale and preparations have been underway for a matter of months in order to stage the Sale for the 58th time.  

Each year the sale has grown and last year we totalled over 3,500 lots of Tractors, Machinery and Miscellaneous items with buyers travelling from all over the UK and Ireland. The two days prior to the sale the lots are booked in and between 4-7pm on the Wednesday night the sale filed is opened up for the general public to view.

The first Auction commences at 9am and by midday up to five auctions will be running simultaneously. Last year over 1600 people registered to bid on the morning of the sale as with the sheer number of lots all bidders must register for a bidding number. With machinery trade looking strong we anticipate another record sale.

For More information contact 01278 410250

The Farms and Land Market

February 2012

Richard Webber from the South Molton office reviews the current market for farms and land

Records Broken in Dairy Section at Sedgemoor

January 2012

The Winter Warmer collective sale saw 300 Dairy Cattle sold in front of over 200 people, which created a grand total in excess of £418,000 which set a new record, £23,000 more than the previous record that was set at our Christmas Cracker Sale just last month.

Calved heifers averaged £2260 with three lorry loads travelling back to Carmarthen, one to Kent and another to Leicestershire. We are a National Dairy Centre

Dairy Round-Up 2011

December 2011

Sedgemoor’s Buzzing in the Lead up to Christmas

November 2011

One of the largest livestock markets in the UK is building up for a busy December with Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt reporting weekly numbers staying strong around 100 dairy, 800 stores, 180 fat cattle, 200 barren cows, 300 stirks, 400 calves and 5000 sheep. Throughout 2011 the trade in each and every section has been reported as some of the best we have seen in many years. Sedgemoor really has surpassed expectations and is favoured by buyers and vendors alike.

East Devon Land For Sale

October 2011

The Honiton Office of Greenslade Taylor Hunt are delighted to be marketing land at Part Alfington Farm, Alfington, Ottery St Mary. The sale of this land provides a rare opportunity to purchase a number of excellent blocks of highly productive pasture and arable land. Situated in an agriculturally renowned area, the holding was formerly run as a livestock holding, although the versatility and quality of the land may make it well suited to a variety of other livestock or arable cropping enterprises.

In total the land extends to about 122.30 Acres (49.49 Ha) and is being offered for sale by Informal Tender, with a closing date of 12 noon on Tuesday 15 November 2011.

For further details please contact Will Handel in the firms Honiton Office (01404 46222)

The Future is bright for one Devon farmer

October 2011

The first large scale solar farm has now been completed and connected to the National Grid in East Devon. The four megawatt site near Axminster has been a long process but has resulted in a successful connection last Friday.

Toby Bateman of Greenslade Taylor Hunt commented "Having been involved with this scheme from the outset it is extremely pleasing to see all our hard work come to fruition. With a change in the feed in tariff scheme, many of these larger solar renewable energy schemes have not been completed and were put on hold following the drastic cutting of the feeding tariffs."

Dispersal Sale of the 'Knightwood' herd of 650 Holsteins

August 2011

Selling 17 EX; 124 VG & 176 GP Cows and Heifers

Auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt will welcome 650 head of Diary Cattle to Sedgemoor Auction Centre (just off junction 24, M5) on Thursday 18th & Tuesday 23rd August comprising the entire high yielding herd for Knightwood Trust Farms Ltd, Oxted, Surrey (ceasing milk production.) This represents one of the largest and best dispersals to take place this year and comprises:

GTH leading the way with photovoltaic developments

August 2011

Greenslade Taylor Hunt have been at the forefront of large scale photovoltaic (solar) development in the South West of England.  We are pleased to announce that several large scale developments have finally come to fruition.  Greenslade Taylor Hunt were instrumental in identifying sites in Devon and Somerset and negotiating with developers on behalf of landowners.

Demand for land remains strong in South Molton Auction

July 2011

The recently established South Molton office of Greenslade Taylor Hunt is delighted to report an extremely successful property auction held at The George Hotel, South Molton on Thursday 28th July 2011.

'All Smiles at Worthy Farm'

May 2011

Following the recent election of our Partner, Jeremy Bell (front right of photo), as Chairman of the Western Counties Agricultural and Valuers Association (Devon & Somerset) he organised for 50 members to have a jaunt around the renowned festival site which also included a seminar and inspection of the roof top solar photovoltaic panels which have been installed at Worthy Farm, followed by a meal afterwards.

Agriculture on the Up

May 2011

Over the last twelve months we have seen a marked improvement in returns for the sheep and beef sectors and most of the commodity sectors, albeit that in-puts have unfortunately kept pace with sales, leaving the bottom line not much better than before.

Despite promises and some wishful thinking on the part of some of our dairy men things have not moved much in favour of our dairy producers to date. It must be said though that the modest rises in milk prices from some milk purchasers has installed a glimmer of hope for better times ahead.