51AVÊÓÆµ

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.

Emily Ashworth
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 Farmers 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

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Clarkson attempts to diversify, after leaving hundreds of acres untouched

Clarkson attempts to diversify, after leaving hundreds of acres untouched

Having fields left generating no money, Jeremy Clarkson tries his hand at diversifying into rabbits, herbs and flax

Mia Willemsen
clock 26 August 2026 • 2 min read
In Your Field: Emma Jones - 'Water is something we take for granted, until there isn't enough of it'

In Your Field: Emma Jones - 'Water is something we take for granted, until there isn't enough of it'

A family holiday in Brittany offered a welcome break from the farm, but concerns over drought, water supply and the challenges facing dairy farms were never far from mind.

clock 26 August 2026 • 3 min read
In Your Field: James Robinson - From drought to dairy success as Strickley milk hits supermarket shelves

In Your Field: James Robinson - From drought to dairy success as Strickley milk hits supermarket shelves

Farmer and columnist John Geldard reflects on the severe drought affecting much of the country, the long-awaited launch of Strickley milk in Booths stores and a visit from Farming Minister Stephen Morgan.

James Robinson
clock 26 August 2026 • 3 min read