Black and white images show livestock marts in all their former glory

The marts are still as important as ever to the rural community. And these classic images show they always have been.

clock • 1 min read
Black and white images show livestock marts in all their former glory

Although times have moved on and technology has taken over many parts of the farming sector, livestock auction marts are still vitally important to the farming community.

Gone are the days when farmers donned a full suit to go and sell their stock, but the marts still give farmers the chance to meet up with others and, in terms of business, they are a great shop window. 

But community has always been at the heart of farming, and always will be. Take a trip down memory lane with some black and white classics from the Farmers Guardian archive.

null
Jerseys, 1959
null
Champion Swaledale ram, 1962, shown by Stanley Harker at Kirby Stephen

See also: 88-year-old farmer shares passion for farming in heartwarming video: 'Keep flying the flag'

null
Machinery tractor sale, 1989
null
Welshpool sheep sale, 1982
null
Melton Mowbray, 1988
null
Classic pig show, 1939
null

More on Farm Life

UK's loneliest sheep now expecting twins after miraculous farmer-led rescue

UK's loneliest sheep now expecting twins after miraculous farmer-led rescue

Fiona made the headlines in 2023 after being dubbed the UK's loneliest sheep. Two years after she was rescued by farmers, which included the Sheep Game's Cammy Wilson, Fiona is now expecting twins

Chris Brayford
clock 05 January 2026 • 5 min read
Family pays tribute to 14-year-old son who died following tractor collision

Family pays tribute to 14-year-old son who died following tractor collision

Teenager was happiest 'working on farms and fixing trucks', say heartbroken relatives

clock 02 January 2026 • 2 min read
Third generation cheesemaker recognised in New Year Honours List

Third generation cheesemaker recognised in New Year Honours List

Wyke Farms' Richard Clothier receives MBE as big names in nature and conservation make 2026 rolecall

clock 02 January 2026 • 3 min read