Strong demand for farm machinery and implements continues

The company, which conducts the largest monthly sale of second-hand tractors and agricultural machinery in the world, has reported sales of more than £23 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared to £12.4m in the first quarter.

The sales, through the company's Cambridge machinery sales near Ely, its April Vintage Auction and at on-farm auctions across the UK, were up 30% on the year and from £17.6m in the second quarter 2025. The first quarter saw 4800 lots forward compared to 11,741 in the second. Average prices also up on the year with vintage machinery sales at on farm rising from £6966 in April 2025, to £8459 in 2026.

Growth was led by the firm's on-site auctions, which generated £11.3m in sales, compared with £3.5m during Q2 2025. This was achieved despite conducting fewer auctions, with 17 sales held during the quarter compared with 20 in the same period last year. The Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sales generated £9.45m during the quarter, while the April Vintage Sale contributed a further £2.3m.

Demand from overseas buyers also remained strong. Cheffins exported 158 pieces of machinery during the quarter, including 102 tractors, four combine harvesters and a range of other agricultural equipment destined for Poland, Sweden, Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. Of the tractors exported, 47 were John Deere models, alongside eight Massey Ferguson and eight Fendt tractors.

Some of the top prices for the quarter were - £257,000 paid for a 2023 Fendt 942 Vario Profi+ tractor at a timed online auction in Bedfordshire; £187,000 for a 2022 Claas Trion 720 Terra Trac combine harvester at a timed online auction in Somerset and £160,000 for a 2018 New Holland CR9.90 combine harvester at a live sale in Devon.

Charles Wadsley, senior director at Cheffins comments: "Demand for direct-from-farm machinery has remained exceptionally strong at both our monthly collective sales and on-site auctions. Farmers continue to invest in machinery, but many are opting for high-quality second-hand equipment rather than buying new.

"The significant increase in sales during the quarter, together with the higher average lot values achieved, reflects buyers investing ahead of harvest. We've conducted sales across the country, from Devon to Northumberland, ranging from timed online auctions through to major full farm dispersal sales, including significant instructions on behalf of Velcourt," he said.

“The agricultural sector continues to operate against a backdrop of uncertainty, from changing grant funding to questions over the viability of this year’s harvest following difficult weather conditions. Despite this, farmers remain willing to invest where they see value, and quality second-hand machinery continues to represent an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

"While approximately 50% of our forthcoming auctions are full dispersal sales as some retire or leave the industry, many others reflect farmers restructuring, changing direction or releasing capital while continuing to invest in their operations. Demand remains resilient, particularly for well-maintained machinery with a clear provenance and we expect this trend to continue through the remainder of the year.”