Patsy Hunter

UK agricultural tractor registrations fell 1.7 in August 2026, but AEA figures show year-to-date registrations up 18.4 on 2025, despite a weak month.

Over the years the Limousin breed has built its reputation as a strong terminal sire making it the smart choice to meet market needs of efficient, consistent and quality beef production, Add in their ease of calving, longevity, and milkiness, Limousin is now firmly recognised as a reliable dual-purpose breed on modern beef farming enterprises.

Swaledale ewes reach a record £900 per head at Kirkby Stephen sale in Cumbria, as 2047 sheep sell and averages rise for ewes, gimmers and ewe lambs.

Blackface sheep reach a Northern Ireland record high 50,000gns at the Ulster Ram Breeders’ Association sale in Ballymena, with 14 rams exceeding five figures.

Charolais cross bullock from Crookston topped St Boswells’ suckled and store cattle sale at £2480, while Headshaw won champion and pen awards.

Cheffins reports second-hand agricultural machinery sales fell 34 in Q3 2026 as poor yields, rising costs and Budget fears hit farmers, despite exports.

Blackface rams met strong demand at Hexham and Northern Marts, where 246 entries sold to a top price of £16,000 for Wanwood Hill.

United Auctions’ Oban ram sale topped £2800, while store cattle reached £2460 at Stirling, £2600 at Thainstone and £2700 at Kirkby Stephen.

Springhill and Logie Durno Charollais sale tops at £5100 for a ewe lamb, with strong demand for pedigree females across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Suckled calves met a flying trade at Darlington where a show and sale staged alongside the mart's usual sale of 450 cattle and 1800 sheep saw prices peak at £3700