Keep up to date with the latest Stags news.
Thu 20 February 2020
Stags Auctioneer Harvey Pile has been named the top graduating student by the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association and Harper Adams University. Read More
Mon 3 February 2020
Stags Head of Farm Agency, George Alder, reflects on the 2019 farmland market and looks ahead to what the future might hold. Read More
Wed 27 November 2019
Andrew Dodds of Stags Farm Agency discusses the pros and cons when it comes to dividing farms into smaller lots and selling as a whole. Read More
Fri 25 October 2019
With farm subsidy payments set to reduce after 2021, diversification could be an opportunity to boost incomes and help future proof farms. Andrew Lawes of Stags Professional Services sets out his top four considerations for farm diversification. Read More
Mon 21 October 2019
North Warcombe Farm in Lee, North Devon boasts a spectacular and unique backdrop and is for sale with Stags Farm Agency. Read More
Wed 16 October 2019
Stags Farm Agency has been contacted by a number of Exeter-based firms seeking land to purchase for the creation of woodland in order to offset the company’s carbon footprint. Read More
Mon 14 October 2019
As part of this year’s open day at Tavistock Livestock Centre, Stags held a decorated goose competition with the winning school being awarded a cash prize of £100. Read More
Thu 29 August 2019
As autumn fast approaches the Stags Agricultural Sales team turn their attention to the upcoming annual sheep breeding sales. Read More
Wed 17 July 2019
Andrew Dodds of Stags Farm Agency department discusses the pattern of farms and land buyers in the first half of 2019. Read More
Thu 20 June 2019
Stags Farm Agent Andrew Ranson discusses land sales achieving high returns. Read More
Mon 15 April 2019
Stags Farm Agency is pleased to announce that they have been instructed to sell just over 99 acres near Upottery in the Blackdown Hills. Read More
Thu 4 April 2019
Stags Farm Agent George Alder MRICS looks for trends in the South West farms and land market over the last 10 years. Read More
Wed 20 March 2019
Stags Farm Agency is delighted to be selling Waterbrooks Farm in North Devon. Read More
Mon 11 March 2019
Sally Blowey of Stags Professional Services in Cornwall outlines the key dates landowners should be aware of in 2019 as set out by the RPA. Read More
Thu 28 February 2019
Stags Farm Agent Andrew Ranson discusses recent trends in the South West farmland market. Read More
Wed 20 February 2019
Stags Land Agent Andrew Ranson offers his advice for anyone thinking of branching out into woodland. Read More
Thu 24 January 2019
Stags Farm Agency department sells three farms across Devon, all in quick succession, reports head of department George Alder. Read More
Thu 24 January 2019
With the start of the 2019 grazing season fast approaching, now is the time to think about your grass! Read More
Mon 21 January 2019
How can Stags Farm Agency help you stay one step ahead this year? Read More
Wed 16 January 2019
Stags Farm Agency is pleased to announce the sale of a Dartmoor smallholding to a family-run business. Read More
Tue 4 December 2018
For Stags On Site Sales team, 2018 has been a very busy and exciting year with 41 machinery sales both on site and online. Read More
Tue 27 November 2018
Andrew Dodds of Stags Farm Agency discusses the South West land market in 2018. Read More
Fri 23 November 2018
Andrew Lawes discusses how share farming agreements can be a flexible tool to help businesses transition through Brexit, disappearing BPS payments, emerging Environmental Land Management Schemes and retirement. Read More
Mon 12 November 2018
Following the success of last year, Stags is set to hold more online timed auctions of fodder this autumn and winter. Read More
Wed 29 August 2018
George Alder of Stags Farm Agency considers the year so far and discusses what we can expect for the rest of 2018. Read More
Thu 7 June 2018
Following the success of Stags’ online timed auctions, online sales are fast becoming an integral part of the new West Country Sales Centre at Willand. Read More
Wed 30 May 2018
As the decision to sell a farm or block of land is usually the result of careful consideration, it is important to use an agent who can understand your reasons and guarantee the best possible outcome. Read More
Tue 29 May 2018
Will Smaldon of Stags Professional Services outlines the measures farmers must take to benefit from inheritance and capital gains tax relief. Read More
Wed 16 May 2018
The difference between residential and commercial farms is key when it comes to selling up, says Stags Head of Farm Agency, George Alder. Read More
Mon 14 May 2018
Alex Stevens of the National Farmers’ Union takes a long, hard look at the impact of Brexit on the rural economy. Read More
Thu 3 May 2018
Stags Senior Surveyor, Lydia Cox, offers her advice on how to help your farm prosper as we approach Brexit. Read More
Mon 5 March 2018
Stags has opened a new facility for auctioning machinery and other kit, called the West Country Sales Centre. Read More
Wed 28 February 2018
If farm and land sales in 2017 can be described as ‘better than expected’, what does 2018 hold for the farmland market? Read More
Tue 20 February 2018
Stags’ online fodder sale, which was the first of its kind in the West Country, has proved popular, selling more than 800 bales of fodder. Read More
Tue 20 February 2018
Stags’ latest online machinery sale attracted strong interest from as far as Edinburgh. Read More
Thu 8 February 2018
The new Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme is now available for farmers in England to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farms. Read More
Wed 24 January 2018
Stags Estate Agent has launched the West Country’s first ever online fodder sale to provide a digital platform for farmers and landowners. Read More
Wed 20 December 2017
Stags auctioneers conducted the full dispersal sale of Dulford Nurseries, where more than 20,000 trees and shrubs were sold. Read More
Mon 18 December 2017
Considering letting your land? Here are five options to consider. Read More
Thu 14 December 2017
The New Year will bring important changes to the Countryside Stewardship programme. Read More
Wed 29 November 2017
Stags Chartered Surveyor, Lydia Cox, discusses why the West Country land rental market is standing strong through uncertain times. Read More
Wed 29 November 2017
Stags Auctioneer and Markets Manager, Chris Clapham, discusses the future of the lamb industry post-Brexit. Read More
Wed 8 November 2017
Stags Head of Farm Agency, George Alder, discusses the high demand for East Devon land. Read More
Thu 26 October 2017
A farming family from West Sussex are the proud new owners of a small farm on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Read More
Mon 2 October 2017
Following the tragic death of a popular farmer, a dispersal sale at Berry Farm in Devon received unprecedented interest. Read More
Wed 13 September 2017
Considering selling farmland but not sure where to start? Stags Head of Farm Agency George Alder offers helpful tips for increasing saleability. Read More
Mon 4 September 2017
According to Stags head of Farm Agency, George Alder, a lack of supply, coupled with strong local demand, has affected South West land values. Read More
Wed 2 August 2017
Stags Farm Agent, Andrew Ranson, shares his views on Brexit and the West Country farmland market. Read More
Thu 27 July 2017
Are you considering investing in Cornish farmland? This market update discusses the latest trends for farms and land in the county. Read More
Wed 19 July 2017
Are you a landowner looking to generate extra income from old farm buildings? This article will help you get to grips with agricultural development rights. Read More
Thu 8 June 2017
With the ever increasing uncertainties arising around the future of agricultural subsidies, now could be the perfect opportunity to ensure another 5 years of funding through Countryside Stewardship. Read More
Tue 6 June 2017
Stags Chartered Surveyor, Sally Blowey, discusses post-payment amendments and the future of BPS. Read More
Tue 6 June 2017
Stags Farm Agent Andrew Ranson reviews the market for farms and land across Cornwall. Read More
Mon 5 June 2017
Stags Head of On Site Sales, Chris Clapham, offers the latest facts and figures from our South West livestock markets. Read More
Thu 11 May 2017
South Molton Market, like most other centres around the country, has seen as upturn in sheep trade over the past month. Read More
Tue 9 May 2017
Stags Farm Agency is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of 100.29 acres of productive arable land in Eggesford, near Crediton, Devon, which had a guide price of £700,000. Read More
Sun 23 April 2017
Stags Head of On Site Sales, Chris Clapham, reports on a successful dispersal sale at Shute Farm in Crediton. Read More
Thu 6 April 2017
With Spring finally in the air, Stags have launched two blocks of land in the sought after South Hams to the market. Both are being offered for sale by informal tender and are expected to appeal to different types of buyers. Read More
Fri 24 March 2017
Stags Farm Agency are delighted to announce that Binham Grange & Farm at Old Cleeve near the West Somerset coast has sold to an investor, off a guide price of £3,500,000. Read More
Wed 22 March 2017
A wet and sticky entrance greeted salegoers at Cheriton Farm, Cheriton Bishop on Monday the 21st March but this did not deter a large crowd from attending the Farm Machinery sale on behalf of Messrs M W & J M R Dobin. Read More
Wed 22 March 2017
Stags Auctioneer Andrew Ranson demonstrates to pupils the art of livestock auctioneering, as 1,500 children enjoy an interactive day learning about farming and where their food comes from. Read More
Fri 10 March 2017
Stags Farm Agency is delighted to announce that 18.95 acres (7.61 hectares) of productive Grade 2 arable land close to the Exe Valley village of Thorverton has sold at auction for £194,000, equivalent to £10,238 per acre. Read More
Fri 10 February 2017
Stags have been instructed to disperse the contents of what is thought to be the oldest public house in Devon. The sale will include furnishings, catering equipment, antiquities, industrial appliances and various other lots, and will be sold via Stags' s new state of the art online auction technology. Read More
Mon 30 January 2017
If used correctly, a grazing licence agreement can allow a landowner to claim under the Basic Payment Scheme and provides protection against breaches of Cross Compliance by a grazier says Jenny Cox of Stags Professional Services. However, we often see grazing licences being used incorrectly and this leads to risks. Read More
Fri 27 January 2017
The government has published details of how another round of grant funding, designed to help projects that will create jobs and generate money for rural areas, will work. Read More
Thu 26 January 2017
Prominent South West auctioneers, Stags, have recorded a 60% increase in the number of properties they have sold by auction across Cornwall and along the Devon borders. Read More
Wed 25 January 2017
West Country land and estate agents, Stags, report an increase in the number of enquiries they are receiving for small recreational/amenity parcels of land. Read More
Tue 17 January 2017
Trainee Auctioneer Harvey Pile, from Dunkeswell in East Devon has gained success by achieving top marks and being awarded ‘The Golden Gavel’ by the Dick Harrison Trust while completing his first year of a Flagship Livestock Market Operations and Management course run by Harper Adams University. Read More
Wed 14 December 2016
Prime sheep being sold through the South Molton Market to the beginning of December show a 15% increase compared to the same period of 2015, at just under 56,000 lambs. Read More
Mon 12 December 2016
Much to everyones surprise, payments have already started rolling in for the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) are hoping to have paid 90% of claims by the end of the year. Read More
Fri 9 December 2016
The partners at Stags have announced that they have added to their ranks, with the appointment of George Alder as full equity partner from 1 January 2017. Read More
Thu 8 December 2016
Stags Farm Agency is delighted to announce that it has been instructed to sell 183 acres of productive and arable and grassland at Bicton College, East Devon. Read More
Tue 6 December 2016
Partners at the West Country's leading estate agency Stags have announced that they have added to their ranks, with the appointment of George Alder as full equity partner from 1 January 2017. Read More
Tue 22 November 2016
Stags held their final On Site sale of the year last Saturday at Crockers Farm, Hemyock on behalf of John and Barbara Churchill. Johns family have farmed the land for over 100 years and are now hoping to move into a bungalow in Hemyock. Read More
Wed 16 November 2016
Stags Auctioneers were delighted to conduct the dispersal sale of the Stone Farm Pedigree and Organic Devon Cattle, Surplus Farm Machinery and Fodder on behalf of Ray and Ilga Auvray at their farm on the outskirts of Bideford, North Devon. Read More
Wed 26 October 2016
Stags Farm Agency has brought 114 acres of land on the edge of Cullompton, Mid Devon, presently being the main part of Padbrook Park Golf Course, to market. The main driver for the sale is the owner’s decision to refocus investment on the hotel and leisure side of this well-known facility. Read More
Mon 24 October 2016
The remarkably dry summer enjoyed by the West Country this year has been followed by a continued spell of clement weather for autumn cultivation's and maize harvest, a much welcome piece of good fortune for our region’s farmers. Read More
Mon 17 October 2016
Simplifying the planning system has been an objective of successive governments, and each year there are claims from Whitehall that progress is being made. Some might agree that there has been a degree of success: around 88% of all planning applications are now approved compared with around 85% at the start of the decade. However, for all but the most basic of planning applications, the system is often far from simple. Read More
Thu 13 October 2016
Following a run of successful fodder auctions in Exeter last Winter, Stags will be organising further new sales in South Molton and Honiton beginning January 2017. Read More
Wed 12 October 2016
Despite BREXIT uncertainty and continuing pressure on farming incomes, banks are keen to lend to the agricultural sector, writes Toby Perry, Rural Practice Surveyor at Stags Professional Services Read More
Tue 11 October 2016
A major international project that will see tidal-generated electricity flowing between the Channel Islands and the UK and France has taken a step closer to reality, with a route having finally been decided and construction scheduled to commence in 2018. Read More
Wed 14 September 2016
The 2016 Budget earlier in the year announced significant changes to the Capital Gains Tax regime for individuals, partnerships and trusts. Read More
Wed 13 July 2016
Stags Rural Professional Department can offer advice and assistance with applications and all aspects of a variety of schemes. Read More
Wed 6 July 2016
At Stags, our Professional Services Team deals with many claims on behalf of our clients which may arise from a variety of utilities works. Read More
Sat 2 July 2016
Stags Farm Agency look back at the first half of 2016 in the Farms and Land Market where there have been challenges for farmers. Read More
Fri 1 July 2016
Stags Auctioneers start 2016 off on a positive note following two years of reduced Standing Straw Auction Prices. Read More
Thu 9 June 2016
Compulsory Purchase and Compensation are you getting what you are entitled to? Read More
Thu 24 March 2016
Whilst the number of On Site Sales throughout the South West has fallen over the past 10 years, spring is finally arriving and our On Site Sales calendar is looking much busier. Read More
Tue 22 March 2016
Major changes to the Planning System have been a ‘hot topic’ for the last few years, however the core principles of the system should not be overlooked. Read More
Mon 21 March 2016
George Alder, Head of Stags Farm Agency, comments on the market for farms and land in 2015 and makes his predictions for 2016. Read More
Wed 2 March 2016
Farm Agent for Cornwall, Andrew Ranson considers how the well reported downturn in commodity prices across all agricultural sectors is raising concerns that land values may ease. Read More
Mon 1 February 2016
I am delighted to report that 2015 was a record year for the sale of land and farms throughout Cornwall and along the Devon Cornwall borders for Stags. This year we have seen the number of agreed sales for farms increase by 20% and the number of land deals have more than doubled. We put this down mainly, to an increase in market share, rather than an increase in the supply across the region. Interestingly we and other local agents do not appear to being valuing any more land or farms than would be expected at this time of year, unlike the slight increase in supply seen nationally. Read More
Mon 9 November 2015
Stags Farm Agency is pleased to offer two blocks of land with smallholding opportunities. The land at Barton Vale Farm, near Tedburn St Mary, extends to about 13.93 acres (5.64 hectares) and is suitable for a range of uses and has far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Predominately pasture but with a young orchard comprising apple and plum varieties, field shelters and a copse of 75 Christmas trees, Barton Vale presents an opportunity for the ‘Good Life’. Why not rear your own Turkey on the land and harvest your home grown Christmas Tree at the same time! Read More
Fri 6 November 2015
On what turned out to be a day full of sunshine the Stags On Site Sales team travelled to Cheddarmarsh farm, Kingswood, Stogumber, on Wednesday the 28th October to disperse a range of surplus sheep and general farming equipment on behalf of Chris and Jeanette Chilcott. Read More
Fri 23 October 2015
Stags is delighted with the results of their auction on 22 October when a diverse range of properties were sold, achieving a total of £2,239,000 for their clients. Auctioneer Andrew Luxton offered four properties in various lots to a packed room at the Hartnoll Hotel near Tiverton. Read More
Fri 16 October 2015
Burrow Farm at Ashbrittle, close to the Devon/Somerset border, is a superbly positioned mixed farm with three dwellings, modern farm buildings and traditional barns with planning permission for conversion. Read More
Wed 14 October 2015
Stags On Site Sales team have again been busy this Autumn with trade for second hand farm machinery still strong, despite the very disappointing stock, milk and cereal prices producers are receiving. Read More
Mon 12 October 2015
Stags has over a hundred years experience in farming in the South West. Over the decades we have become experts not only in the sale of farms and land, but in a whole range of ancillary services as well. Read More
Wed 30 September 2015
Stags’ auctioneer and farm agent Andrew Ranson offered approximately £800,000 of property comprised in 6 lots to a packed auction room at Lanhydrock Golf and Country Club, Bodmin on Thursday 24th September. Read More
Mon 28 September 2015
Stags On Site Sales team travelled to Chulmleigh for the dispersal of sheep flock and sheep equipment on behalf of Mr Johnathan Small at South Week Farm. The 500 sheep were all penned and sorted before the crowds began to arrive on another bright sunny day. Plenty of interest had been shown prior to the sale in the Ewes and Lambs so it as no surprise there was little room around the pens at sale time. Read More
Mon 21 September 2015
Our autumn collective sale at Uplowman Court (by kind permission of the Blake family) received brilliant support from both vendors and purchasers with over 1200 lots on offer and 250 purchasers registering on the day of the sale. Read More
Thu 17 September 2015
Farmers turned up in numbers despite their finally being a settled period of sunny weather to see the dispersal of farm machinery for Jerry and Sarah Alford at Silverton Park Farm, Silverton, Exeter. Just under 400 lots were on offer when the sale commenced at 11.30am. Read More
Wed 16 September 2015
Stags On Site Sales team were out again in the Bradninch area between Cullompton and Exeter on Saturday 5th September to disperse the Farm Machinery and General Equipment for Peter Morrish at Higher Combe Farm. Read More
Mon 14 September 2015
Stags On Site Sales team were out again in the Bradninch area between Cullompton and Exeter on Saturday 5th September to disperse the Farm Machinery and General Equipment for Peter Morrish at Higher Combe Farm. Read More
Fri 11 September 2015
The sun shone after a very wet period of weather on Saturday 29th August at Stags annual Autumn Collective sale at Honiton Showground. The car park area soon filled up with over 300 people registering to purchase on the day many of whom were having their first visit to the saleground. Just over 1200 very varied lots were on offer when the sale started at 10.30am. Read More
Thu 10 September 2015
The Government has announced it will use the Rural Productivity Plan to announce a review of the residential conversion threshold for agricultural buildings reports Jo Maynard of Stags Launceston Office. Read More
Wed 9 September 2015
Stags’ farm agent and auctioneer Andrew Ranson launches a number of interesting auction lots including a 58 acre farm near Camborne and numerous land lots. The collective auction will be held on the 24th September at the Lanhydrock Golf and Country Club, Bodmin. Read More
Wed 9 September 2015
On Tuesday 25th August the Stags On Site Sales team visited Court Barton Farm in Venny Tedburn, Crediton after receiving instructions to disperse the full range of Tractors and Farm Machinery on behalf of M R & R S Aldworth. Read More
Tue 8 September 2015
Stags’ auctioneer and farm agent Andrew Ranson sells an attractive 48 acre block of land at Horndon, Mary Tavy to a full room at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock. The moorland farmhouse with traditional and modern outbuildings and consent for holiday use was sold with approximately 5 acres by Mark Berry of Stags’ Okehampton office for a figure close to its guide of £599,950 in less than a month from being launched. Read More
Mon 7 September 2015
There are few places that remain quite so unspoilt and original as Abbotsham Farm near Winkleigh. Positioned at the end of its entrance lane, surrounded by 193 acres of land, the farm is offered for sale by public auction (unless previously sold) in up to four lots, or as a whole. Read More
Tue 18 August 2015
On Wednesday 12th August the Stags On Site Sales team visited Elbury Farm in Broadclyst after receiving instructions to disperse the excellent range of Tractors and Farm Machinery on behalf of Messrs Kittow. Read More
Fri 14 August 2015
Stags On Site Sales team travelled to Rhode Farm, Bradninch for a unique sale of Bygone Farm Machinery and Vintage Tractors on behalf of Mrs S Hammett on Saturday 8th August. The Sale consisted of a lifetime collection including 13 Vintage Tractors and numerous bygone implements amounting to 696 Lots. With views of the Exe Estuary and the Sidmouth gap, a bright sunny day only complimented the setting of the sale field. Read More
Mon 3 August 2015
Two new capital grant schemes for farmers and rural landowners are now open under the Rural Development Programme for England, writes Jenny Towill of Stags Professional Services. Read More
Mon 3 August 2015
The latest auction of property held by Stags on Thursday 30th July in Honiton saw that there is still strong demand for land in East Devon. Read More
Fri 10 July 2015
Stags Auctioneers have completed this season's round of On Site Standing Straw sales and report prices overall down £12 per acre on last year, following last year's £15 per acre drop. Stags have sold a total of 2034 acres this season including 3 new instructions which was up 413 acres on last year. Read More
Fri 29 May 2015
Stags On Site Sales team were busy yet again with another sale, this time near Exeter, Kenton at Deer Park Farm. The full range of machinery and farming effects were dispersed on what turned out to be a sunny and pleasant day on behalf of the Administrators of the Estate of the late Mrs J Matthews. Read More
Tue 26 May 2015
Stags Agricultural departments report an easier trade for Grass Keep this Spring following the kind weather last year. Many farmers have had plenty of silage and hay left over this year and pressure on nearly all commodity prices has not incentivised producers to keep more stock. Read More
Mon 18 May 2015
Stags on Site Sales team conducted another successful and well attended sale at Lower Preston Farm, Stogumber, Taunton on behalf Jonathon and Rosemary Moorhouse. After taking the decision to change their farming policy Stags were instructed to disperse their farm machinery and farming effects. Read More
Mon 30 March 2015
With spring just around the corner, Stags Farm Agency team is reporting early signs of activity in the farms and land market. George Alder, Head of Stags Farm Agency, says that January and February were remarkable busy. Read More
Fri 20 March 2015
Stags on Site Sales team conducted another successful and well attended sale at Stantyway Farm, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton. With Mr Martin Williams having made the decision to retire and relinquish the current farm tenancy agreement, Stags were instructed to disperse his farm machinery and farming effects. Read More
Mon 9 March 2015
Stags On Site Sales Spring Machinery sales got off to a great start with a genuine dispersal at Yarmleigh Farm, Sandford, Crediton. The farm has been farmed by brothers John and Tim White for many years, wh Read More
Wed 14 January 2015
Stags, the South West's largest regional firm of Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents and Auctioneers with 19 offices across the region, are delighted to announce the promotion of George Alder MRICS FAAV to Head of their Farm Agency department. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Stags Auctioneers have completed this season's round of On Site Sales of Standing Straw and report prices overall down £15 per acre on last year. Stags have sold a total of 1600 acres across 7 different locations between East, Mid and North Devon. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Choice is a marvellous thing. When it comes to selling a farm or some land it is important to choose an agent that not only knows the market, but can also offer advice on the most appropriate method of sale, the once that suits your own individual needs. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Stags On Site Sales team held a complete dispersal of farm machinery on behalf of Mrs S Turner at Quarrystone Farm, Bickenhall, Taunton. The sale included a wonderful line-up of 5 David Brown/Case Tractors causing large amounts of interest from a number of enthusiasts to attend from far and wide. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Stags On Site Sales team recently held a very successful sale of farm machinery on behalf of Colin and Helen Copp at Woonton Farm, Holy City, Chardstock who are relinquishing their farm tenancy. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Stags Professional Services and On Site Sales departments recently teamed up to let the 180 acre dairy farm at Larkbeare Court, Whimple, near Exeter and recently hold a very successful sale of all the farm machinery and dairy equipment on behalf of Messrs C Pratt & Partners. Read More
Thu 11 December 2014
Purchasers attended from 15 Counties with the longest travelled by Messrs S & V Gray from Perthshire, Scotland who purchased 44 lots, when the Maervale Herd of 350 Jerseys was dispersed at Green Farm, Exmouth, Devon for the Skinner Family. Read More
