Farming Talk: Sale time to reflect and look out for the positives

Sales of live and dead stock at the end of a farming chapter are by implication a time of reflection, deep thoughts, memories (good and bad) but certainly a solid proven way to draw the curtain down on the end of an era whatever the circumstances.

During this year, to date, we have conducted 13 such sales and it is perhaps no accident that we have had the "lion's share" in an area from Stow on the Wold in Gloucestershire to Aberystwyth in West Wales.

Why should that be? Well, apart from acting for valued long standing clients we have been fortunate to have received instructions from new clients as their belief that our client base attracts many buyers not only from the region but nationally, from machinery dealers to livestock, arable and mixed farming operations and the growing need for good sound genuine used machinery, implements and equipment from a reliable source at a competitive price.

There is always the "do-gooder" who is prepared to "cherry pick" the best kit but shies away from the less attractive items – a genuine dispersal sale including EVERYTHING always attracts buyers from all parts of the globe and proves there are buyers for EVERYTHING.

The support factor for and from farming families who can all relate to sale circumstances and the social aspect should not be underestimated. Most farm sales are like Point to Point meetings – with cars and people everywhere!

Much support comes from word of mouth but our coverage within the region from an existing client base is, simply, phenomenal and is available to all farm sale clients whatever the size.

Hands on help and advice is also valued by clients at such an apprehensive time. We are there to help, to discuss promotion, marketing, layout, sale order, timings and other aspects for a successful day. No one should ever be left in a position to say "perhaps we should have…"

"A dispersal sale in any context need not be a sad occasion…" Take the positive thought of a job well done, surrounded by friends, locals and supporters congratulating you and wishing you well for the future. How good is that?

• Clive Roads, McCartneys