²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Black and white images show livestock marts in all their former glory

The marts are still as important as ever to the rural community. And these classic images show they always have been.

clock • 1 min read
Black and white images show livestock marts in all their former glory

Although times have moved on and technology has taken over many parts of the farming sector, livestock auction marts are still vitally important to the farming community.

Gone are the days when farmers donned a full suit to go and sell their stock, but the marts still give farmers the chance to meet up with others and, in terms of business, they are a great shop window.Ìý

But community has always been at the heart of farming, and always will be. Take a trip down memory lane with some black and white classics from the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian archive.

null
Jerseys, 1959
null
Champion Swaledale ram, 1962, shown by Stanley Harker at Kirby Stephen

See also: 88-year-old farmer shares passion for farming in heartwarming video: 'Keep flying the flag'

null
Machinery tractor sale, 1989
null
Welshpool sheep sale, 1982
null
Melton Mowbray, 1988
null
Classic pig show, 1939
null

NEW AND REFURBISHED MILK TANKS

£±Ê°¿´¡

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

£±Ê°¿´¡

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Farm Life

EXCLUSIVE with Farmer Will: "If people understood where food comes from and the process behind it I think people would pay a bit more"

EXCLUSIVE with Farmer Will: "If people understood where food comes from and the process behind it I think people would pay a bit more"

Many will know Will Young as Farmer Will on social media, and since he began creating videos a few years ago, his following has exploded, and he now hopes to connect more of the public with their food. Emily Ashworth finds out more

clock 02 November 2025 • 5 min read
Farming in harmony with the environment brings economic benefits to North Yorkshire farm

Farming in harmony with the environment brings economic benefits to North Yorkshire farm

Making environmental delivery stack up financially is the goal for a tenanted farm in North Yorkshire

Chloe Palmer
clock 30 October 2025 • 8 min read
RABI appoints Mark Herrod as its new Chair

RABI appoints Mark Herrod as its new Chair

Two new Trustees, Terry Jones and Tom Rawson, also join the Council, bringing valuable experience to strengthen RABI’s governance and long-term direction

clock 29 October 2025 • 2 min read