Poignant on-farm sales in Dorset

Published: 13/10/2022 By Greg Ridout

Symonds & Sampson have conducted a number of farm dispersal sales this autumn with the last two being particularly poignant, as Partner Greg Ridout reflects. 

The Coombes family had farmed at Manor France Farm, Blandford for over 70 years – first as tenants of the Crown Estate and more recently the Rothermere Estate. Retiring from the farm, David Coombes let on that to this day, he still sleeps in the very bedroom in which he was born!

Notable prices achieved on the day included

• 2008 John Deere 6630 with Loader: £36,500
• 2007 Deutz Agrotron £23,900
• Merlo TF Telehandler £32,300
• 2001 As Marston 12 tonne grain trailer £6,400

David Selby and his family had been tenant farmers of Dorset Council at Twyford near Shaftesbury for many years and were also retiring. Alongside farming, Dave is also a published author of the highly regarded children’s book ‘Where does my food come from?’ This is an illustrated book, written in rhyming couplets, exploring the different food produced on farms and other aspects of farming including care for the environment and using technology.

Greg Ridout, Auctioneer and Partner at Symonds & Sampson said “Both sales were very well attended which not only shows the high regard in which these two farmers are held within the rural community, but also the demand for well-maintained machinery and equipment. Buyers from the UK and Ireland competed both in the field and online for the larger ‘ticket’ items and prices remain strong for all items.

Symonds & Sampson hold regular farm and business dispersal sales and monthly online machinery sales throughout the south of England, to discuss the sale of your machinery and equipment, please contact:

Greg Ridout -  07817 517467
Rachael Holder -01935 382909
Paul Heard (Devon) - 01884 218911

Image - Partner & Auctioneer Greg Ridout with student surveyor Harriet Andrews

Symonds & Sampson's dedicated Agricultural Sales department hold regular onsite and online auctions across the region. Find further information here.