DEFRA splits Shropshire sale in half

Indecision by DEFRA has forced leading Shropshire auctioneers Halls to split a farm dispersal sale near Whitchurch tomorrow (Friday).

The auctioneers had planned to conduct the entire sale of dairy and store cattle, farm machinery, implements, silage and 21 acres of standing maize at Malt Kiln Farm, Ightfield, near Whitchurch.

But they have now had to transfer the cattle to Shrewsbury Auction Centre for a sale at 12 noon tomorrow because DEFRA would not agree to on farm livestock sales in England, whilst they have been approved across the border in Wales.

The dispersal sale, minus the 160 dairy production cattle, one Charolais bull and 68 Charolais store cattle, will still go ahead at Malt Kiln Farm at 10.30am tomorrow.

“On farm livestock sales have been approved in Wales but we were left with no other option than to move the cattle to Shrewsbury Auction Centre at great expense because DEFRA in London wouldn’t make a decision,” said Halls’ director David Giles.

“DEFRA is due to have another meeting today, but we couldn’t wait any longer for a decision.”

The sales have been prompted by the retirement of Mr and Mrs Tom Hopwood.

For a sale catalogue or more information contact Halls at the Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury on 01743 284 777.