Online Fodder, Crop & Livestock Auctions Continue to Expand
Stags' South West Fodder, Crop & Livestock Online Timed Auctions have continued their impressive growth throughout 2026, with stronger prices, increased bidder participation and a widening geographical reach demonstrating the growing strength of the online auction market. For vendors, the platform is providing an effective and convenient way to market livestock, fodder, and crops to a much wider audience, while buyers are benefiting from straightforward access to quality entries from across the South West and beyond.
The continued growth can be seen clearly through the increasing number of registered bidders and catalogue views within each sale. The recent August Auction generated 47,049 catalogue visits, an increase of 11,115 views compared with the previous sale in July.
The value of bids placed has also risen significantly. Last year's August Auction saw approximately £67,200 worth of bids placed, compared with £259,304 worth of bids placed this year, an increase of 286%. This substantial increase demonstrates the growing confidence buyers and vendors have in the online platform, as well as the ability of timed online auctions to generate strong competition for the right entries.
A key factor behind the continued success of the online auctions is the accessibility and convenience they offer. Vendors can market their stock to a much wider audience without the need to transport them to a central location, reducing unnecessary haulage costs and minimising stress on livestock. For cattle entries, vendors are not required to undertake TB testing prior to sale, instead only once a sale has been confirmed, helping streamline the selling process and reduce costs.
The widening geographical reach of the sales reflects these advantages. Recent auctions have attracted buyers from across the South West, as well as from counties further afield including Cumbria and Aberdeenshire. The ease of online bidding has enabled vendors to present quality stock to a national audience, while buyers are able to participate from the comfort of their home, farm or office and access entries from across the region.
This year, Stags also introduced the South West Standing Crop Online Auction, providing an alternative way to market crops and reflecting demand from both buyers and sellers for more targeted marketing opportunities. Recent highlights include 112 acres of standing maize which was auctioned in 5 lots and sold for £890 per acre.
Demand for fodder has remained exceptionally strong throughout 2026. While the hot and dry weather has presented challenges for crops, demand has remained strong and is expected to continue into the winter months. Recent sales have seen round bale hay, wheat straw and haylage top at £55 per bale.
Entries are now invited for the South West October Fodder, Crop and Livestock Online Timed Auction, running from Friday 23rd until Sunday 31st October.
