Introducing FarmAds Auctions: a new online auction platform built for farmers

Built on the same principles as the long-established FarmAds marketplace, FarmAds Auctions brings private farmers together to trade farm machinery, farm equipment and other agricultural items in a secure, clearly structured environment. The focus is on keeping costs low, maintaining trust, and making the process as straightforward as possible for both buyers and sellers.

The platform has been developed by the FarmAds and Farmers Guide teams, drawing on decades of experience connecting farmers with machinery buyers. While online farm auctions are nothing new, FarmAds Auctions aims to remove much of the complexity and high cost often associated with selling through traditional auction routes.

The first event of FarmAds Auctions

For the first FarmAds Auctions event, bidding opens at 12:00 GMT on Friday 27 February and closes on Friday 6 March, with staggered finishing times from 12:00 onwards.

The auction is now open to entries, and farmers and agricultural businesses based in the UK are invited to submit items on a no-commitment basis. Lots will be added ahead of the auction start, giving buyers time to review what is on offer and plan their bidding.

Early sellers will benefit from additional exposure and hands-on support from the FarmAds team, helping to ensure listings are presented clearly and accurately.

Designed to keep costs low

One of the key differences with FarmAds Auctions is its pricing structure. Selling is completely free, with no listing fees or commission charged to vendors. Buyers pay a 7% + VAT fee on the hammer price, keeping overall costs transparent and predictable.

We intend this approach to encourage participation from private farmers and smaller agricultural businesses who may have previously been put off by higher auction fees or complex selling arrangements.

From small kit to big machinery

FarmAds Auctions is designed to accommodate a wide range of items. From smaller pieces of farm equipment such as wheels and weights, through to tractors and larger farm machinery, the platform provides a flexible route to market.

Livestock will also feature in future auctions, with each event tailored to the type of lots being offered. Rather than running continuous weekly sales, FarmAds Auctions will host a limited number of bespoke auctions each year, allowing each event to be properly promoted and supported.

Built on trust and transparency

Trust has been a central focus in the development of FarmAds Auctions. All items are submitted directly by sellers and reviewed by us before being listed, with checks carried out to ensure listings meet the platform’s standards.

Clear descriptions, detailed imagery and transparent auction terms are designed to give buyers confidence when bidding, while sellers retain control of their equipment until a sale is completed. Inspection is encouraged where appropriate, and the platform has been structured to make responsibilities clear for all parties involved.

A natural evolution of FarmAds

FarmAds Auctions represents the next step in the evolution of a brand that has been serving farmers for more than four decades. FarmAds first appeared in Farmers Guide in September 1979, offering free classified adverts for farmers at a time when options were limited.

The FarmAds website launched in 2017, expanding that service into a dedicated online marketplace. The introduction of auctions builds on that foundation, offering another practical route for farmers looking to buy and sell machinery in a changing market.

How to take part

Sellers can submit items for consideration now, while buyers can register in advance to bid and receive auction updates and notifications.

To upload items or register to bid, visit the web page here.

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