Mart Safe Training

LAA Mart Safe Training – Livestock Markets

 

We feel Drover training is vital at our Livestock Markets because it ensures animals are handled calmly, safely, and efficiently, protecting both livestock and the people working with them.

Courses run by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) provide Drovers with the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour, reduce stress, and maintain high welfare standards. At McCartneys, this training supports safe working practices, smooth market operations, and a professional environment that reflects the high standards expected by farmers, buyers, and the wider industry.  With thanks to Gwyn Williams from the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association for putting together another informative and productive day of learning and development.

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Auctioneer Qualifications

Graduation and awards ceremony at Harper Adams University

 

Congratulations to Lloyd Humphreys and Tom Pritchard for achieving a Certificate in Higher Education in Livestock Market: Operations & Management, and fellowship status to the Livestock Auctioneers Association.  The four-year programme concluded with a graduation ceremony at Harper Adams University on Monday 5 January.

Tom Pritchard, associate partner and livestock auctioneer at Brecon and Kington Livestock Markets, McCartneys LLP, said:

“The course has helped me understand the importance of the work done before and after a sale. Ensuring you have the right buyers, staff and facilities is just as important as the sale itself, as is maintaining strong relationships with buyers and sellers afterwards.”

“I have made a lot of friends from all over the UK who I know I can call on for advice or help if needed. It has given me an insight into how farming and the marketing of livestock is done in other areas.”

Email | Tom Pritchard

Email | Lloyd Humphreys

 

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(Photo courtesy of LAA)

 

Market Dates over the Festive period

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬!

Our Livestock markets are gearing up for a bustling festive season, and we want to make sure you don’t miss any of the key dates! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just love the atmosphere of a busy market day, there’s plenty happening across Brecon, Kington, Knighton, Ludlow and Worcester.

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Ludlow Market Christmas Show & Sale

Ludlow Market Primestock Show & Sale – Monday 1st December 2025

 

Congratulations to all the vendors that attended the Show and Sale at Ludlow. The prize winners were as follows:

LAMB CLASSES
Class 1 – Best pair of lambs up to 41 kgs live weight: 1st Marston Court Farms, 2nd JR Blandford
Class 2 – Best pair of lambs from 41.5 – 45 kgs live weight – 1st SH Hillage, 2nd S&A Perkins, 3rd JR Blandford
Class 3 – Best pair of lambs weighing over 45 kgs – 1st B Blandford, 2nd Marston Court Farm, 3rd S&A Perkins
Class 4 – Best pair of lambs any weight/any breed, exhibited by a YFC Member – 1st G Williams, 2nd S Bemand, 3rd G Williams
Class 5 – Best pair of lambs sired by a native sire (any weight) – 1st TTE Brown, 2nd C Amphlett, 3rd J&P Owens

Supreme Champion Pair of Lambs: B Blandford, sold at 665p/kg
Reserve Champion Pair of Lambs: S&A Perkins, sold at 468p/kg

CATTLE CLASSES
Class 6 – Best Steer or Heifer sired by a native beef breed (halter trained) – 1st PH & SE Powell
Class 7 – Best Steer sired by a Continental beef breed (halter trained) – 1st C Paddock, 2nd EA & EC Fletcher
Class 8 – Best Steer (un-led), home bred and fed – 1st C Paddock, 2nd PH & SE Powell, 3rd PH & SE Powell
Class 9 – Best single Steer (any breed) purchased in a McCartneys Market – 1st M Roberts, 2nd M Roberts
Class 10 – Best Heifer sired by a Continental beef breed (halter trained) – 1st B Blandford, 2nd M Roberts
Class 11 – Best single Heifer (un-led) home bred and fed – 1st D Evans, 2nd WJ Brick, 3rd E Morgan
Class 12 – Best single Heifer (any breed) purchased in a McCartneys Market – 1st M Roberts, 2nd M Roberts
Class 13 – Best Barley Bull – Continental sire – 1st A&S Price, 2nd JT Hughes, 3rd JA, D & SA Madeley
Class 14 – Best Barley Bull – Native sire – 1st PH & SE Powell, 2nd PH & SE Powell
Supreme Cattle Champion: Limousin-x heifer from B Blandford & Sons, sold at £6/kg
Reserve Supreme: Limousin-x steer from C Paddock, also reaching £6/kgIn the evening following the show over 70 guests joined us for the very first Ludlow Christmas Primestock Dinner, enjoying a delicious two course roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success!

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Welsh Winter Fair

Welsh Winter Fair 2025 –  Monday 24th November & Tuesday 25th November 2025

Long time supporters and highly successful showmen, Edwards Bros, Corwen made the long trip
to Builth Wells with a string of top class show cattle and made their presence felt when their
598kg pedigree Limousin heifer ‘Glangwden Velvet’ took Supreme Champion and Champion
Heifer and romped to a record price of £27,000 to Katherine Jones, Breechfa, Carmarthen. Even
in these days of unsurpassed cattle prices, the record price still hushed a capacity crowd which
erupted into applause as the hammer came down!

The Reserve Supreme Champion, another Limousin heifer at 526kg from Mike Alford, Devon also
found favour with buyers. The heifer enjoyed a spirited following and was finally knocked down at
£14,000 to Stillmans (Somerset) Ltd., Taunton. This strong competition set the pace for the rest
of the day when prize winners and alike enjoyed the trade of a decade.

Pic 2

Ludlow Market Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

Ludlow Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

Monday 1st December

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous sponsors:

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Sponsors Xmas 2025

Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2025

Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2025

Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th November – Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells

We’re thrilled to be returning as official auctioneers and proud sponsors of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Celebrated as one of Europe’s finest primestock shows, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair welcomes visitors from near and far for two unforgettable days of competitions, festivities, and Christmas cheer.

Alongside an exciting schedule of livestock classes, exhibitions, and displays, the Fair is the perfect place to discover unique, handcrafted, and locally made Christmas gifts. Wander through the bustling Food Hall, where the very best Welsh producers showcase their mouth-watering creations — from artisan cheeses and chocolates to seasonal treats and festive favourites.

Kick off the Christmas season in style with a visit to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair , celebrating the very best of British livestock, rural life, great food, and festive spirit.

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Ludlow Market Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

✨ New for 2025 ✨

Join us for the inaugural Christmas Primestock Show & Sale Dinner at Ludlow Market on Monday 1st December.
Enjoy a relaxed evening with a delicious two-course Roast Beef meal for just £20pp. Open to all.
📅 Monday 1st December
🕖 7:00pm
📍 Ludlow Market
🍷 Bar open until late!
Limited spaces — book now!
📞01584 872251
Ludlow Xmas Primestock Poster 2025

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