Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Smallhold Farming and Rural Living => Livestock and Growing on a larger scale => Topic started by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 09:57

Title: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 09:57
I have tried all the usual searches (google, MSN, Yahoo)

But are there any cattle markets around ?

They used to be quite common, but the one I used has shut down, years ago (Slough)

I used to go there to buy rabbits, chickens, eggs, in some visits even pet birds

I have had a few suggestions on other pages, but when I try and find a web page for them, they dont have one or the search turns up nothing

Has anyone been to a cattle market in the past (not years ago)

What did they have ? (apart from cattle, sheep, pigs)

I'm trying to find a cattle market that has the smaller live stock, chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, even hatching eggs

Okay I know that some are just going to be too far for me to get to, but there must be cattle markets out there or even small livestock auctions

Any replies about auctions would really be appreciated
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: Spana on January 09, 2013, 10:32
They are still there, but you are right ,a lot of markets have disappeared. The old sites are usually in the center of small market towns and inconvenient for the big lorries  of today. Lots have been sold off for housing development because the cost of bringing them up to new regulations is not cost effective.
Sometimes a new market is built on the outskirts of the town with better transport access.

The small animal and plant auctions are sometimes held at a different time/day to the cattle sheep and pigs. Sometimes down here in the evening.

I hate auctions and only go if i have to.

We have a local paper and all forthcoming sales are advertised there. :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 10:39
WOW, I love the auctions, I bought goose eggs from there, they all hatched out, 7 geese followed the kids everywhere, same as rabbits, hens,

All the livestock I saw was well kept, looked good (it had to or they wouldnt sell)

The RSPCA was alway there to make sure everything was fine

Its a real shame these are all shut now though, so where do people sell their small live stock now, they cant all be on EBay  >:(

So where are these auctions held, how do I try and find them (auctions with small livestock, poultry, eggs)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: tosca100 on January 09, 2013, 11:11
Your local farmer's news paper  (don't know if you have a Farmers Guardian in your area) and Farmers Weekly magazine should have details of sales. Thame still do chickens and plants, depends how far it is from you.

Love Thame, one of my favourite towns in the south.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 11:47
Nope, as far as I know there isnt any farmers papers or farmers weekly magazines round here

I looked in the newsagents for this 'farmers weekly' they had never heard of it

Not sure about Thame or how far, but there is always google maps

How often they have their markets ?
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 12:37
There are a few markets in Scotland, I know far from you, but just to indicate they do exist. United Auctions (http://www.uagroup.co.uk/) might be worth contacting to give you more nationwide information.

:)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: joyfull on January 09, 2013, 12:43
Take a look on here:-

http://www.stackyard.com/marts/index.html
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 12:45
There are a few markets in Scotland, I know far from you, but just to indicate they do exist. United Auctions (http://www.uagroup.co.uk/) might be worth contacting to give you more nationwide information.

:)

I wonder if there is a English website like the Scottish one
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 13:02
I had a look at both websites, both very good, but it seems that any poultry auctions are few and far between, regardless of where these auctions are held,

Doesnt seem to be anything down south for any poultry auctions, makes me wonder if they have them and what they do to sell their stock, considering there was an auction every 2 weeks in Slough and it was always well attended, both by famers and joe public
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on January 09, 2013, 13:08
The others are right, they are still around, but I don't know of any poultry/stockauctions around London.

Bury St Edmunds moved out of the town onto a new site on the outskirts.  There is one near Mildenhall Suffolk.  Melton Mowbray still has one.

Not sure if Colchester still do animals.  And don't think Ashford in Kent do animals anymore.

But a lot of them did close down because of all the health and hygiene regulations etc.

I think Louth up here still have one too, but quite a drive from you!
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 13:16
So what do the poultry farmers do now all these have either stopped selling poultry, birds, eggs or closed down

I assume they still sell them, but I'll be buggered if I can think of the right search terms or know how to find them (especially around London)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on January 09, 2013, 13:26
I think a lot are sold on the internet and through the magazines like Farmer's Weekly.

Farming is a whole different ball game these days I'm afraid!

When we raised our chickens to sell at POL, we bought them from a big hatchery at day old.  Meat chickens bought at day old from a local breeder who I found on the River Cottage forums, and the turkey poults we buy from Kelly's turkeys in Essex.

We don't do lambs or anything, so not sure exactly what happens with them now.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 13:32
I think a lot are sold on the internet and through the magazines like Farmer's Weekly.

Do they have a website ?

Farming is a whole different ball game these days I'm afraid!  But is it any better ?


When we raised our chickens to sell at POL, we bought them from a big hatchery at day old.  Meat chickens bought at day old from a local breeder who I found on the River Cottage forums, and the turkey poults we buy from Kelly's turkeys in Essex.

We don't do lambs or anything, so not sure exactly what happens with them now.

Ah it would seem that things have really changed, but I was working and all this changed and I never noticed it happening, I guess you never miss something until you need it  ;)




........................................................................................

They do have an online magazine (I should have looked before asking  ;)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 14:29
There are a few markets in Scotland, I know far from you, but just to indicate they do exist. United Auctions (http://www.uagroup.co.uk/) might be worth contacting to give you more nationwide information.

:)

I wonder if there is a English website like the Scottish one

Thinking of this topic whilst I was out just now, we also deal with auction markets around the Carlisle area more for sheep though than cattle. As I said, you could contact the company I mentioned and they might tell you of places or organisations nearer to you.  Alternatively, one of the animal health supplier, such as Cox (http://www.coxagri.com/) or Ritchey (http://www.ritchey.co.uk/) to name but two, would have access to market location information, as they deal directly sometimes due to urgent eartag orders.

Through having dealt with them for a number of years, I'm sure any of these companies I have mentioned would try to be helpful with your enquiry. :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 14:41
I gave that Farmers Weekly a phone call, reference poultry auctions, they said that they are few and far between these days, most farmers dont have the time or inclination to attend a auction to sell eggs, birds (Turkeys, Geese, Hens, Ducks) as the rewards dont meet the time outlay and they very rarely meet the costs of transporting them and selling them

He had no idea what they do now, but would asume they are 'garden gate' sales now

Turkey breeders do their sales online, mostly around Easter/Christmas time, but a lot are bought by various stores

He did say they do the shows during the year and some sell eggs and birds, piglets, lambs

He did remember the cattle market in Slough and did say why it was closed (it wasnt on health or safety reasons,) it was pressure from the RSPCA and the treatment of poultry by a certain part of the community that attended


It would seem that any poultry auctions are a thing of the past now >:( :(
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: joyfull on January 09, 2013, 14:59
As Grannie Annie has said already Melton Mowbray still have cattle auctions and fur and feather auctions every month. They also have a rare breeds auction twice a year but be careful when buying supposed pullets some may be cockerels (I have known this happen to a couple of friends who didn't have enough knowledge to know what they were looking at).
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 15:04
Do poultry shows have associated sales? I thought I had heard about this in the past.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 15:10
Do poultry shows have associated sales? I thought I had heard about this in the past.

Places like the county shows, Middlesex show, South of Engl;and shows,

(Some who show their stock sell some of them off,)

I missed out on them last year, they have a show place to show of various breeds of sheep, pigs, hens, there are a few smaller village type shows around, IF I can find them, I try and go along

(the 2 previous websites didnt really help much, but thanks anyway)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 15:24
It would probably be worth going to a show/sale then. :)

(the 2 previous websites didnt really help much, but thanks anyway)

I posted those for contact information so you could phone the companies (both in England). ;)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 15:30
It would probably be worth going to a show/sale then. :)

(the 2 previous websites didnt really help much, but thanks anyway)

I posted those for contact information so you could phone the companies (both in England). ;)

I was looking at the Melton Mowbray website, that seems more like I was looking for, but hoping there would be something nearer home, but it dont look like it, a 4 hour round trip isnt something I would look forward to, but if thats all there is around, I dont have much choice, I could get the wife to have a day off and make a day of it  :) :) :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: joyfull on January 09, 2013, 15:45
well worth a visit and Melton has some lovely shops - it is after all the home of such fine foods  :D
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 15:52
well worth a visit and Melton has some lovely shops - it is after all the home of such fine foods  :D

I been searching these forums, found one from several years back (fur and feather auction,  Binley Wood) unfortunately the links on there dont work  :(

I would assume you are near here then ? :) :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 15:56
I thought Binley Wood was near Coventry.  :unsure:
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 16:06
I thought Binley Wood was near Coventry.  :unsure:

It probably is, but the old posting and poster was asking for a fur and feather auction near there (Binley), it was Joyfull I was replying to, she lives in Linconshire, near Melton Mowbray I suspect  :) :)

I have found a Fur and Feather auction at Thirsk, on a Thursday (I think) but I am trying to find out how often, every Thursday or certain Thursdays through the month  ;)


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Jeez, Thirsk is miles away, that is definately 'a not going to'

Melton is winning so far  ;)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: tosca100 on January 09, 2013, 16:22
This is our local, quite famous one.

http://www.frankmarshall.co.uk/information/101/108c128/Poultry_Cage_and_Aviary.htm

This is close to you

http://sepoultryauction.moonfruit.com/

Can't find where I saw the Thame info.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: arugula on January 09, 2013, 16:26
it was Joyfull I was replying to, she lives in Linconshire, near Melton Mowbray I suspect  :) :)

I know, but I was replying about the location of Binley Wood. Melton Mowbray is in Leicestershire. :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 16:35
it was Joyfull I was replying to, she lives in Linconshire, near Melton Mowbray I suspect  :) :)

I know, but I was replying about the location of Binley Wood. Melton Mowbray is in Leicestershire. :)

Whew, glad thats sorted, now I have a fur and feather auction in Thurrock (every month), I know that is is in Essex  :) from Tosca
 (thank you  :) ) but Chelford is just too far


I think we could do with messenger on this website now, it gets really good when a topic starts a bit of interest and people reply  :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: Spana on January 09, 2013, 17:23
We still have lots of poultry auctions down here mainly from about March to September.  Altho there is one every Tuesday in Hatherleigh. Cattle sheep and pigs are on Thursdays.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 17:39
We still have lots of poultry auctions down here mainly from about March to September.  Altho there is one every Tuesday in Hatherleigh. Cattle sheep and pigs are on Thursdays.

Cornwall would be a summer destination for me, but its a bit far just for an auction
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: Yorkie on January 09, 2013, 19:19
I think we could do with messenger on this website now, it gets really good when a topic starts a bit of interest and people reply  :)

You can subscribe to a thread.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 19:37
I think we could do with messenger on this website now, it gets really good when a topic starts a bit of interest and people reply  :)

You can subscribe to a thread.

of course I know that, it was a tongue in cheek comment, a joke, nothing to be taken literaly ;)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: yaxley on January 09, 2013, 20:02
Hi try typing in ''chelmsford livestock market ''.............
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: Madame Cholet on January 09, 2013, 20:12
we still have weekly livestock markets in Thrapston Northants contact Henry H Bletsoe and sons for more details.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: leelee on January 09, 2013, 20:14
Colchester do a poultry market on a Saturday and that's only 1hour 40mins drive
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 09, 2013, 20:32
Have to se how I get on Saturday, going to look at some day old chicks,

When does the Colchester poulrty market run ?
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: ryetek on January 10, 2013, 08:42
pepsi100, I know it doesn't help you much based on your location but we still have several of these kind of markets in North Yorkshire. I'm not really in to markets but my Mum and Dad go to one almost every Saturday. I've heard them mention Thirsk and Selby quite often so I guess that they are their favourite ones.
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: pepsi100 on January 10, 2013, 12:05
If they were nearer, I would be a regular to any of these Farmers markets or Poultry auctions, always good to get a few new birds in, get rid of the birds that dont lay

Also a good place for a chat with others, see what they are upto, see what they have for sale, giveaway, but I like just wandering about seeing prices, and trying to keep my hands in my pockets  :)
Title: Re: cattle Markets
Post by: Redgoat on March 15, 2016, 13:59
I have actually sold cattle at a livestock market.

Still part of the social fabric of rural life. Very much computerised these days and the larger ones are mainly concerned with sheep and cattle.

Still get a buzz when you hear the bidding go beyond what you had in your mind beforehand