Rural Services

Welcome to McCartneys Rural Professional Service. With a long standing heritage in supporting the needs of the countryside economy McCartneys is one of the oldest and largest multi-disciplined private practices in the United Kingdom.

Our range of Rural services

Offering a wide and comprehensive range of services across the Midlands and throughout Wales, McCartneys has a large, dedicated team of professional experts specialising in all aspects of rural property, planning and business advice.

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Valuations & Rural Business Management

Comprehensive valuations and business management services tailored to the needs of the rural community.

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Landlord & Tennant Matters

Support for all landlord-tenant matters, ensuring fair and effective rural property management.

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Compulsory Purchase & Compensation

Expert support in navigating compulsory purchase and securing fair compensation.

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Sale & Lettings of Land and Farms

Expert services for selling and renting agricultural land and farms, ensuring successful outcomes.

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Entitlement Trading

Professional advice for buying, selling, and leasing agricultural entitlements, maximising your farm's potential.

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Farm Subsidy & Grant Schemes

Expert support to navigate farm subsidies and grants, maximising your business potential.

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Renewable Energy

Expert advice and support to harness renewable energy for your agricultural and rural needs.

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Woodland Management

Services and advice for sustainable woodland management, ensuring your woodland's health and productivity.

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Agricultural Mortgage Services

Tailored mortgage solutions and expert advice to grow your agricultural and rural business.

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Empowering Farmers

McCartneys’ Rural Professional Services offer comprehensive support to farmers and rural businesses. Our team of experts provides specialised advice and services including farm business consultancy, valuations, tenancy agreements, and subsidy applications.

We understand the unique challenges faced by the agricultural sector and are committed to delivering tailored solutions to enhance productivity and profitability. Whether you need assistance with strategic planning, environmental stewardship, or rural property management, McCartneys is here to guide you with expertise and dedication.

Empowering Farmers

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Sales Department

Whether you are buying or selling, McCartneys combines tradition with modern expertise to support your agricultural sales needs effectively.

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Farm and Commercial Dispersal Sales

Farm and Commercial Dispersal Sales

Expert auction services for farm and commercial sales, ensuring smooth processes and optimal results.

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Grass Keep, Fodder & Standing Straw Sales

Grass Keep, Fodder & Standing Straw Sales

Auction services for grass keep, fodder, and standing straw, ensuring optimal returns and smooth transactions.

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Collective Machinery Sales

Collective Machinery Sales

Auction services for agricultural machinery, dedicated to achieving the best results for clients.

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Rural Experts

Introducing the McCartneys team.

Simon Edwards

Chairman

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Simon Joined McCartneys LLP in October 2009 and currently undertakes professional work from Brecon, Hay on Wye and the Llandrindod Wells Offices of McCartneys.

Simon is a graduate of the University of Manchester, a post graduate of the University of Reading, a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), a Member of the Institute of Revenue, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and a RICS registered valuer.

Simon began his surveying career working for the Estates Department of Powys County Council undertaking a wide range of estate management activities. In October 2009 Simon joined McCartneys LLP to work as part of the professional team in Hay on Wye & Brecon and has since specialised in the sale and letting of all types of residential, commercial and agricultural property. His other specialisms include Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, Planning Matters, Business Rating, Landlord & Tenant Matters and Valuations for Probate, Security and Taxation.

Simon is married and living in Llanfrynach near Brecon and takes a keen interest in local life and is a keen all-round shooter when he gets the chance.

Katie Davies

Partner & Auctioneer, Rural Chartered Surveyor

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Katie Davies

Katie joined McCartneys in August 2008 following graduating from Harper Adams University College with a First Class Honours Degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management, and became a Partner of McCartneys in January 2017. Katie is a qualified member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), RICS Registered Valuer and Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV). Based between our Knighton and Welshpool offices Katie undertakes Rural Professional work across Mid Wales and the Borders, as well as being an auctioneer at Knighton Livestock Market. Katie’s daily work includes sales and lettings of land, farms and rural property, valuations, landlord and tenant matters, compulsory purchase and compensation matters, Basic Payment Scheme and grant applications, planning appraisals and livestock auctioneering. Katie is a farmer’s daughter originating from Llangunllo, Radnorshire. When young enough Katie was an active member of Young Farmers! She is proud to have held the position of County Chairman of Radnor Federation. Always willing to have a go she has been lucky enough to achieve success in a variety of competitions. Her proudest moments are her stock judging and public speaking successes with memorable moments including winning the Welsh Black cattle judging and dairy Holstein judging at the Royal Welsh Show, the Butchers Lambs judging at the Royal Welsh Show Winter Fair, twice winning Radnor YFC Senior Stockman of the Year and being a member of the winning Radnor YFC Senior debating team at Wales and representing the county at National. Outside of work she enjoys helping on the family farm.

    Jenny Layton Mills

    Partner & Auctioneer, Rural Chartered Surveyor

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    Jenny Layton Mills

    Upon leaving Harper Adams University College with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management, Jenny joined McCartneys in 1999 at their Knighton Office and Livestock Market. Striving to be one of the first female livestock auctioneers in the country, she quickly began to sell at weekly finished markets, fortnightly store markets and farm dispersal sales.

    While expanding the large range of Rural Professional work within Mid Wales and the borders, she became a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. Her favourite part of the job is to see a good result for a client. She says “the hardest jobs are always the best when they work out right”. Jenny is also a RICS independent Expert Witness and has acted in Rural Valuations on many disputes. Jenny completes over 120 BPS applications, many of which are cross border applicants together with a large range of Compensation work recently including the Elan Valley Aqueduct Rehabilitation works. Jenny is also a Fellow of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and became an Equity and LLP Partner of McCartneys in 2006.

    She lives with her husband Richard and son Tommy on the family farm at Vowchurch. She enjoys playing hockey for Kington Ladies Hockey Club when times allows and enjoys supporting and judging YFC Competitions.
    Qualifications & Experience

    Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV), Fellow of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (FLAA) and registered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as an Expert Witness, Qualified in the Rural Divisions of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with in excess of 10 years’ post qualification experience specialising in the RICS faculties of Rural Property, Dispute Resolution and Rural Land & Property Jenny is fully conversant with the RICS Practice Statement & Guidance Notes “Surveyors acting as Expert Witnesses”, the Civil Procedure Rules – Part 35, the “Civil Justice Experts‚ Protocol” and has considerable experience in preparing Expert Witness Reports.

    Jenny also has the practical experience of Livestock, both cattle and sheep, from selling on a weekly basis at Knighton market.

    Joanna Wall

    Head of Rural Department , Associate Partner, Rural Chartered surveyor

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    Joanna Wall

    Joanna graduated from Harper Adams University College with a 2:1 Honours Degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management in 2012, and is a qualified Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), an RICS Registered Valuer and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV). She has also sat the exams to become a Member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA), the Association of Residential Letting and Property Management(MARLA) and the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (MNAVA).

    Having been back at McCartneys since March 2018, and became Associate Partner in January 2021, she is now solely in charge of the Craven Arms office undertaking all aspects of residential sales and lettings, and a wide range of rural professional work to include agency, landlord and tenant matters, agricultural licences, compulsory purchase and compensation, grant schemes, environmental stewardship and subsidies, valuations for a variety of purposes and general practice.

    Joanna is a local farmer’s daughter hailing from near Bishop’s Castle in rural south Shropshire. In her spare time, she enjoys walking with her beloved Labrador, Gin, traveling and socialising with friends.

    Ellie Hopkins

    Rural Chartered Surveyor

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    Ellie Hopkins

    Ellie returned to McCartneys in 2021 after graduating from Harper Adams University with a first-class honours degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management, after previously completing her placement year with the firm in 2019/2020. Ellie is a qualified member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), a RICS Registered Valuer and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV).

    Based in the Brecon and Hay-on-Wye offices, Ellie undertakes a wide range of professional services to include rural property sales, landlord and tenant advice, Red Book valuations for Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax purposes and compulsory purchase and compensation matters.

    Ellie is a farmer’s daughter from Breconshire and lives near Brecon with her husband on a mixed beef, sheep and arable farm. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on the farm, cycling, running and socialising with friends.

    Josh Balsdon

    Associate Partner & Rural Chartered Surveyor

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    Josh Balsdon

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    John Uffold

    Consultant, Rural Chartered Surveyor

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    John Uffold

    John Uffold was the Chairman of McCartneys and partner in charge of Ludlow Livestock Market, having joined the partnership some 44 years ago, previously working in private practice in the West Country and East Midlands and, for a time, as a senior surveyor for the Land Service (formerly part of the then Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food – at the time John was the youngest senior surveyor appointed by the Ministry since the war). He is now a consultant with the business carrying out professional work.

    Graduating from Reading University with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Estate Management and being the last winner of The Estates Gazette Cup for the student of the year, John is a member of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, a fellow of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and member of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers. (John won the Society of Valuers and Auctioneers National Competition for young auctioneer of the year more years ago now than he cares to remember).
    Whether a Lord or a smallholder, John treats everybody the same and has acted for both in his time at Ludlow, firmly believing it is the job of professional men to help the vulnerable in society and not just those that can pay a good fee.

    John is married to Mary and has two children, Oliver and Ruth. He is a member of a small family farming partnership breeding Pedigree Texel Sheep.

    Formerly a keen young farmer himself, winning a Gold Medal at Smithfield for beef cattle and carcass judging, John also representing England at the European Rally for Tractor driving and fencing.
    John has been associated with the Y.F.C. since moving to Shropshire and was instrumental in McCartneys apprenticeship scheme aimed at bringing young people into the firm and giving them professional training, a career and a job for life. An outdated concept to some but not to McCartneys.

    Traditional values and principles, coupled with modern efficient service and keeping the business in its widest sense relevant to the world in which we live, have been and still are John’s core principles.

    Field of Expertise
    Family disputes? Divorce? Probate? Partnership disputes? Then read on.

    It is a truism that experience is something that you can sell but never buy. Thirty two years of experience, in private practice and government has given John a wide range of experience in all rural professional work and livestock auctioneering. His specialisms, as regards professional work are:

    Valuations for tax planning
    Divorce valuations
    Valuations involving tenancies and legal issues
    Livestock valuations of all types
    As Chairman he has been involved in disputes concerning umpires, arbitrations, court cases and is known in the locality as being able to broker a deal between parties even where they are, to start with, intransigent and emotionally involved. The ability to see both sides of the argument in a pragmatic, rational and businesslike manner is the key to his success. This is particularly important when dealing with divorce cases and partnership disputes.

    Clive Roads

    Consultant

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    Clive Roads

    Clive joined McCartneys in 1984 from Leamington Spa based Pedigree Livestock auctioneers, John Thornborrow & Co. It was at this time that McCartneys took over Worcester Market where Clive has been based ever since. He has seen the market move out of Worcester City Centre to an excellent location adjacent to the M5 motorway.

    He has previously been responsible for the day to day running of Worcester, as well as seasonal pedigree sales at Brecon and other venues throughout the Country.

    He joined the full partnership in 1989 and has been largely responsible for the increase in Society pedigree sales for most of the cattle and sheep breed societies, several of these breeds having national sales at Worcester or Brecon.

    In 2019 he was privileged to receive a “Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Farming Awards.

    In 2021 he stood down as a partner and Chairman of the firm and now acts as a Consultant still being involved in Worcester market, Farm Sales, Valuation Work and Rural professional matters.

    He is a Monitor Valuer for the Welsh Assembly Government to oversee TB Valuations throughout Wales.

    Over the years he has been privileged to judge cattle and sheep classes at most County Shows, in fact judging, at the Royal Welsh and the Royal Show on three occasions. Other connections with the livestock sector includes Chairing the NBA Beef Expo committee at the Three Counties Showground, at Malvern and he is also Chairman of Council of the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

    His “good looks” have been moulded by a rugby career that took him to County level and he dines out on the fact that he was “the best back row forward never to play for England” (as quoted by an ex England International)!

    Apart from his involvement in country sports Clive is keen on genealogy with a family tree tracing back to 1532 – in his words “plenty of history but not much money”.

    T. Wyn Jones

    Consultant, Rural Chartered Surveyor

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    T. Wyn Jones

    cWyn is qualified in both the Rural & General Divisions of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with in excess of 25 years post qualification experience specialising in the RICS faculties of Residential, Rural & Commercial Property together with Dispute Resolution.

    A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) and a Member of the Expert Witness Institute (MEWI) Wyn is registered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as an Expert Witness, Accredited Valuer, Arbitrator, and Independent Expert. Wyn also holds office as a member of the First-tier Property Chamber Tribunal, appointed “Chair” on the Welsh Valuation Tribunal and Lord Chancellor’s appointed member of the Agricultural Land Tribunal for Wales.

    Sion Thomas

    Graduate Rural Surveyor

    Adleis Jones

    Graduate Rural Surveyor

    Eloise Phillips

    Professional Assistant, Rural Surveyor, Apprenticeship Trainee

    Olivia Hale

    Rural Chartered Surveyor and Auctioneer

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We're committed to providing clear and helpful information to ensure a seamless experience for all our clients. If you need further assistance, our dedicated team is always ready to help. Explore our FAQs to get started and make the most of McCartneys Livestock Services.

    What services does McCartneys Rural Professional Service offer?

    McCartneys Rural Professional Service offers a comprehensive range of services including Valuations & Rural Business Management, Landlord & Tenant Matters, Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, and more. Our team of professional experts specialises in all aspects of rural property, planning, and business advice to support the countryside economy.

    Where does McCartneys operate their Rural Professional Service?

    McCartneys operates across the Midlands and throughout Wales, providing extensive support and services to clients in these regions. With a long-standing heritage, we are one of the oldest and largest multi-disciplined private practices in the United Kingdom.

    Who can benefit from McCartneys Rural Professional Service?

    Our services are designed to support a wide range of clients, including rural property owners, farmers, landlords, tenants, and businesses involved in the countryside economy. Whether you need assistance with valuations, rural business management, planning, or compensation matters, our dedicated team of experts is here to help.

    Testimonials

    "I highly recommend McCartneys because they always endeavour to achieve the best results for their client."

    Mr H

    "Jenny Layton-Mills has been a real helping hand in professionally advising us on a farm deceased estate to which I was executor. She completed the Probate Valuation, Farm Dispersal Sale and sold the farm by public auction in excess of the guide price. McCartneys go the extra mile to help clients."

    Mr P

    "Excellent service at all times. All staff very courteous and friendly and made everything run smoothly. Very good team. Thank you all."

    Mrs B

    Other Departments

    McCartneys provides diverse services, including estate agency, property management, fine art auctions, rural professional services, and planning and development. Our expert team offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring exceptional service across all our departments.

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    Property

    Delivering expert guidance and support for all your property transactions and management needs.

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    Livestock

    Providing comprehensive livestock services, including weekly primestock sales, store sales, pedigree sales, and private dairy cattle exchanges.

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    Fine Art & Antiques

    We hold monthly auctions and offer free item valuations by appointment, with no obligation to sell.

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    Equine

    Join our premier horse sales in Brecon and Worcester, featuring top facilities and convenient access for buyers and sellers.

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    Rural

    Offering a wide and comprehensive range of services across the Midlands and throughout Wales, McCartneys has a large, dedicated team of professional experts specialising in all aspects of rural property, planning and business advice.

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    Planning & Survey

    Delivering expert solutions for all your residential, commercial, agricultural, and rural planning and surveying needs.

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    Latest Insights

    Stay informed with the latest insights from McCartneys.

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    McCartneys Fine Art & Antique Sales 2026

    Fine Art & Antiques Sales – 2026 Dates Now Available   Following a successful 2025, we are pleased to announce our Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables sale dates for 2026. Held in The Auction Room at our Head Office, Ludlow Livestock Market, our monthly sales continue to go from strength to strength. With a bespoke […]

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    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from All of Us at McCartneys   As we come to the end of another busy and successful year, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to all our clients, customers, vendors, buyers and supporters across the business. It’s been a pleasure working with you throughout 2025 and […]

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    McCartneys Equine Sales 2026

    Equine Sales 2026 – Building on the Success of 2025   Following an outstanding year of strong entries and exceptional buyer demand in 2025, we are delighted to announce our full calendar of Equine Sales for 2026. With consistently high-quality stock and strong trade throughout the year, our 2026 programme is set to be another […]

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    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 […]

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    Charity Run

    Our very own Bethany Jones from our Welshpool office is running the Manchester Marathon!   “I am running the Manchester Marathon 2026 in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Charity. This cause is incredibly close to my heart. It’s the one charity I know I would give every inch of myself for. I’ve already begun my […]

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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 CLASSESClass 1 – Best pair of lambs up to 41 kgs live weight: 1st Marston Court Farms, 2nd JR BlandfordClass 2 – Best […]

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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 […]

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    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: 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 […]

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    Brecon Special Fair Day Sale

    Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 2025   Saturday saw a very busy market with strong entries and a lively crowd of bidders. Foals were forward in large numbers for our Traditional Fair Day Sale and met a trade that exceeded many vendors’ expectations. The Shetlands were the highlight, with 140 sold and consistently strong […]

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    Small Grants Environment – Open Now in Wales

    Small Grants Environment – Open Now in Wales   Applications close 12th December 2025. For more information and assistance in making an application contact: Knighton Office: 01547 528621 Kington Office: 01544 230316 Welshpool Office: 01938 531000 Hay on Wye Office: 01497 820778 Brecon Office: 01874 610990  

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