The tills are alive - or soon will be - after agri machinery sale
Set to be one of the most important agricultural auctions of 2025, lots go under the hammer on Wednesday September 10 on-farm in Somersham.
Prompted by a shift toward a new farming strategy, a comprehensive fleet renewal, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture, Charles Leadbetter – owner of Eastern Farms – has made the decision to part with nearly half his machinery.
The company farms some 6,700 acres of arable and grassland with some in Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes across Cambridgeshire. As a progressive farming company, Eastern Farms has experimented with direct drilling and intends to roll this out across business and has decided to reduce establishment costs in order to remain financially viable when growing combinable crops and grassland.
The combination of this move and a fleet renewal policy has shown that a substantial portion of machinery is now surplus to requirements.
With approximately 200 lots offered, highlights from the sale will include a 2023 John Deere 9RX 640 tractor which has an estimate of £300,000; a 2019 John Deere 9620 RX tractor with an estimate of £180,000; a 2022 John Deere X9 1100 combine harvester, estimate £300,000; a 2021 JCB 435S loading shovel, estimate £100,000; two John Deere 6R 215 tractors from 2024 and 2022 which are estimated at £130,000 and £90,000 apiece and a 2020 Richard Western GR25 chaser bin which is set to sell for £40,000.
Leadbetter says: “Farming is facing a period of major transition. Between extreme weather patterns, labour challenges, and rising input costs, the direct drilling and low disturbance cultivations approach not only helps protect us against establishment costs but also delivers stronger returns than conventional methods.
“We are still actively seeking all farm business tenancies and contract farming opportunities, and it is our belief that economies of scale are the way forward for long term sustainability. With strong demand and prices in the second-hand machinery market, now is the right time to streamline our fleet and invest in equipment tailored to the demands of sustainable farming.”
Originally from a farming family in Staffordshire, Leadbetter established Eastern Farms Limited in Cambridgeshire two decades ago, starting with just 291 acres. Through strategic growth and innovation, he has expanded the operation significantly, while also building one of the region’s leading agricultural contracting businesses.
Oliver Godfrey, Director at Head of Machinery Sales at Cheffins comments: “This sale is a major undertaking and will bring a series of highly desirable tractors, combines and other equipment to the market. Charles has been exemplary in how he has cared for his kit, with all of it dealer maintained and kept under cover and I am sure that the effort he has put into this will be reflected in the prices achieved on the day.
“Second-hand machinery prices have continued to grow; however they still represent a serious financial saving in comparison to buying new, and this sale is an example of how farmers can turn to auctions to purchase the best in class of machinery to support their farming operations.
“We are delighted to be able to offer these quality machines to the market and are sure that the John Deere 9RXs and the John Deere combine are sure to be of interest for farmers and contractors not just in the UK, but throughout Europe.”
• The auction takes place at Eastern Farms Ltd, Dunkirk Drove, Somersham, Huntingdon PE28 3HN. For more information, visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.