Big-ticket machines with an estimated value of more than £2m will go under the hammer in Cambridgeshire on 10 September following a change of strategy at Eastern Farms.

The business, which manages 2,700ha of arable and grassland, is in the process of a comprehensive fleet renewal, driven by a switch from conventional establishment methods to direct drilling.

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This has left a substantial portion of the machinery fleet surplus to requirements.

“Farming is facing a period of major transition,” says Eastern Farms owner Charles Leadbetter.

“Between extreme weather patterns, labour challenges and rising input costs, the direct drilling and low disturbance cultivations approach not only helps protect us against establishment costs but also delivers stronger returns than conventional methods.

“We are still actively seeking all-farm business tenancies and contract farming opportunities, and it is our belief that economies of scale are the way forward for long-term sustainability.”

© Eastern Farms

More than 200 lots will be up for grabs, headlined by two John Deere RX articulated tractors – a 2023-built 9RX 640 valued at £300,000 and a 19-plate 9620 RX worth about £180,000.

Joining them on the sales roster are a pair of John Deere 6R 215s: a 2024 model expected to hit £130,000 and a 2022 version likely to land nearer £90,000.

Competitive bidding is also anticipated for the 2022 John Deere X9 1100 combine (£300,000 estimate), 2021 JCB 435S loading shovel (£100,000) and 2020 Richard Western GR25 chaser bin (£40,000).

© Eastern Farms

“With strong demand and prices in the second-hand machinery market, now is the right time to streamline our fleet and invest in equipment tailored to the demands of sustainable farming,” says Charles.

The on-farm sale, run by Cheffins, will take place in Somersham, Cambridgeshire.