Cattle Vendors

Posted on 08/07/202602/07/2026 by Amy Paddock

Important reminder to cattle vendors

As of 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, it is a requirement for all Welsh cattle herds to undertake an annual BVD screening test.

Cattle from England can continue to move to a Welsh Market unaffected, however animals from English holdings that do not have a known BVD status will require post-movement testing if moved onto Welsh holdings – 𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗩𝗗 ‘𝗧𝗮𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁’ 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼, 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Knighton Market: 01547 528621
Brecon Market: 01874 622386
Ludlow Market: 01584 872251

McCartneys Chairman – Simon Edwards

Posted on 18/06/202625/06/2026 by Amy Paddock

Leading today, inspiring tomorrow.

At McCartneys, leadership is about more than guiding a business—it’s about championing the people, communities and industries that shape rural life.

As chairman, Simon Edwards embodies the values that have defined McCartneys for over 150 years: integrity, expertise, commitment and a genuine passion for supporting the rural economy.

With a deep understanding of farming, land and rural enterprise, Simon leads our team with a clear vision—helping clients navigate today’s challenges while building confidence for the future.

Under Simon’s leadership, McCartneys continues to deliver trusted advice, specialist knowledge and practical solutions that make a real difference across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Mid Wales.

Rooted in rural life. Trusted since 1874. Committed to supporting rural success for generations to come.

716030686 1602277731898059 5176606930501453547 n

Support for Rural Wales

Posted on 06/05/202606/05/2026 by Amy Paddock

It was encouraging to see members of Reform, including James Evans local Senedd Candidate and party leader Nigel Farage, visit us at Brecon in a clear show of support for rural Wales. Their presence highlighted the importance of farming communities and the vital role they play in the local economy and culture. By taking the time to engage directly with farmers, demonstrating an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas, from agricultural policy to cost pressures. Visits like this help ensure that the voices of rural communities are heard and valued, and they were warmly received by many in attendance.

British Beef Week

Posted on 23/04/202622/04/2026 by Amy Paddock

It’s British Beef Week!

At McCartneys, we’re proud to stand alongside the farmers who produce some of the finest beef in the world. From well-bred store cattle to thriving finished stock, it all starts with strong foundations, and that’s where we come in.

Week in, week out, we’re privileged to support producers by bringing quality store cattle to market, helping drive the next generation of British beef production. The dedication, care, and expertise shown by our farming community is what keeps this industry moving forward.

As demand for traceable, high-quality British beef continues to grow, there’s never been a more important time to back our farmers and invest in the future of the sector.

Let’s keep putting beef on our tables!

Countrytastic 2026

Posted on 14/04/202613/04/2026 by Amy Paddock

Countrytastic 2026 held at Three Counties

We had an amazing time at Countrytastic 2026 held at Three Counties.

McCartneys was proud to help bring farming and the countryside to life for children at the Three Counties Showground. Children also had the opportunity to take part in a mock auction, experiencing the excitement of the sale ring and learning how it all works! Inspiring curiosity, big smiles, and a love for the countryside — it was fantastic to be part of such a special event.

Mart Safe Training

Posted on 21/01/202621/01/2026 by Amy Paddock

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.

Auctioneer Qualifications

Posted on 19/01/2026 by Amy Paddock

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

(Photo courtesy of LAA)

Market Dates over the Festive period

Posted on 15/12/202530/03/2026 by Amy Paddock

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.

Ludlow Market Christmas Show & Sale

Posted on 04/12/202503/12/2025 by Amy Paddock

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!

Welsh Winter Fair

Posted on 01/12/202512/01/2026 by Amy Paddock

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.

Ludlow Market Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

Posted on 26/11/2025 by Amy Paddock

Ludlow Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

Monday 1st December

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

Bromfield Sand and Gravel

Caleb Roberts Insurance Services Ltd.

Edwards Seaweed Fertiliser UK

L Evans & Son Hereford Ltd.

Marches Farm Vets

Presteigne Gates Ltd.

Severn Edge Farm Vets

Streets Accountants

T H White Group

TFM Farm & Country Superstore

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2025

Posted on 14/11/202525/11/2025 by Amy Paddock

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.

Property

Property Sales

Lettings department

Livestock

Equine

Rural

Planning & Survey

Fine Art & Antiques

Important reminder to cattle vendors

Leading today, inspiring tomorrow.

It’s British Beef Week!

Countrytastic 2026 held at Three Counties

LAA Mart Safe Training – Livestock Markets

Graduation and awards ceremony at Harper Adams University

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

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

Ludlow Christmas Primestock Show & Sale

Monday 1st December

Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2025

Latest Insights

Welsh Pony & Cob Society Official Autumn Sale

DPJ Foundation Anniversary Dinner

SFI26 Window 1

The Portcullis Auction Room – Upcoming Sale

Meet our Leadership – Geraint Jones

Half Marathon Walk

Cattle Vendors

Worcester Equine Sale 18th July

SFI26 is now open

A Future Rural and Property Professional in the Making