RENDELLS auctioneers, of Chagford, say they had probably the best trade of the season at the annual on-farm sale of grass keep for Mr and Mrs C Scott, held at Fairhaven Farm, Whiddon Down, on April 19.

The grass on the farm was professionally presented, with all fields having been dressed with farmyard manure and complete fertiliser, piped water to all fields, excellent fencing maintained by the fencing contractor vendors, and good quality attention.

Despite the ground lying on the 900ft contour, the crops were well forward, some fields showing growth well over 12 inches high, resulting in exceptional demand for all eight lots on offer in this year of forage shortage.

A number of fresh faces on the trailer joined the regular buyers to fuel an exceptional overall average price of just over £220 per acre, with a top price of £255.10.