Ringside at Chelford

Chelford Agricultural Centre, Cheshire

A small entry of potatoes for this time of year saw 250 bags go under the hammer on Wednesday (17 October). Maris Piper sold to £10 a bag (£400/t), but other varieties were also in demand, said auctioneer Roy Waller from Frank Marshall & Co.

Celine sold to £8.50/bag, with Wilja between £7 and £8.50, and Harmony from £7.50 to £8/bag. Only stock-feed quality potatoes achieved less than £7 a bag. “Farmers are having a bad time with potato harvest in some parts, but the Moss Land in South Lancashire has not been so affected, with some varieties cropping well.”

Small bale hay sold to £3.75 a bale, with barley straw to £3. Outgrade carrots sold to £1.50/28lbs.