Euston’s new farming agreement sees estate sell machinery

More than 70 pieces of machinery went under the hammer last month after the Euston Estate extended its farming agreement with RG Abrey Farms.

The machinery sale by auctioneers Cheffins follows a 10-year deal that gives RG Abrey responsibility for cereal farming alongside its existing root vegetable work at Euston. It means the estate no longer requires machine as it reshapes its farm team.

“As a result, much of our agricultural machinery which was used for cereals and arable crops is now surplus to requirements, hence our auction with Cheffins,” said the Duke of Grafton, who owns the estate.

Euston Farms and RG Abrey Farms have worked together on root vegetables at the 10,500-acre estate for the past 15 years. The new arrangement runs for 10 years and expands the contractor’s role into cereals.

Auction highlights

Sale highlights included a 2024 JCB Fastrac 4220 tractor, a 2019 Fendt 718 and a 2016 Fendt 716. Buyers were also able to bid on a 2020 Amazone Pantera and a 2018 Sands Horizon 5500 self-propelled sprayer.

“Every item of machinery in the sale has been carefully maintained as part of a highly professional farming operation, where reliability and regular servicing are fundamental to day-to-day management,” said Cheffins head of machinery Oliver Godfrey.

The auction offered an opportunity for farmers and contractors to invest after harvest and strengthen their businesses, said Mr Godfrey. Arable equipment and trailers attracted interest from buyers across the UK.

The Duke said the agreement reflected a shared commitment to “the long-term success and sustainability of farming at Euston”. Three Euston farm staff will transfer to Abreys, while remaining on the estate. The farm manager and other staff will stay with Euston.

Their work will focus on broader estate priorities, including expanding the Red Poll cattle herd, environmental stewardship, conservation enhancement, hedge and woodland management, educational visits and other opportunities.

The estate said it was saddened by the recent death of estate director Robert Childerhouse.  It said the auction formed part of planned changes to its farming operation.