Before You Go — Preparation
Buying livestock at auction can be one of the quickest ways to build or add to a herd, but it pays to do your homework before you arrive. Start by checking the catalogue online — most UK markets now publish lot lists in advance. Note the lot numbers you are interested in and research the vendor if possible.
Make sure your CPH (County Parish Holding) number is registered and active with the Rural Payments Agency. You will need this to legally move animals onto your holding. If you are buying cattle, ensure your herd number is set up with BCMS (British Cattle Movement Service). For sheep, you will need a flock mark from APHA.
Bring your holding number, a form of ID, and a chequebook or confirmation of your credit facilities with the market. Most auction houses require you to register as a buyer before your first purchase.
Inspecting Stock Before the Sale
Arrive early. The best buyers walk the pens well before bidding starts. Look at the animals carefully — check for lameness, discharge from eyes or nose, condition score, and general demeanour. A dull coat, hunched posture, or animal standing apart from the group can indicate health issues.
For cattle, check TB test status. The vendor should declare the TB status of their herd, and the market will usually display this. Avoid buying from herds under TB restriction unless you fully understand the implications. Ask about BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) status and vaccination history.
For sheep, look for signs of foot rot, check teeth (particularly important for breeding stock), and ask about worming and vaccination programmes. Condition score is crucial — thin sheep in autumn may struggle through winter.
Bidding and Buying
If you are new to bidding, watch a few lots go through before you start. Each auctioneer has their own rhythm and it takes a moment to adjust. Bids are usually made with a raised hand, a nod, or a catalogue held up — whatever feels natural.
Set yourself a maximum price before bidding and stick to it. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and pay over the odds. Remember to factor in the buyer's premium (typically 2-5%), VAT if applicable, and transport costs when calculating your total spend.
Once the hammer falls, you are committed. Make sure you collect your purchase documentation from the office — this includes the movement document which you will need for transport.
Movement Licences and Compliance
All livestock movements in the UK must be reported. For cattle, movements are recorded on the BCMS system and each animal must have a valid passport. The passport must travel with the animal at all times.
For sheep and goats, you must report movements through the APHA movement reporting system (eAML2 in England). The standstill period applies — once animals arrive on your holding, no other animals of the same species can leave for 6 days (in England and Wales) or 13 days (in Scotland, with some exemptions).
Keep accurate records. DEFRA and Trading Standards can inspect your holding register at any time. Record the date of movement, number of animals, holding of origin, and the movement document reference.
Transport Requirements
If you are transporting animals yourself, your vehicle and trailer must meet welfare standards. Animals must have enough space to stand in their natural position, and the vehicle must have adequate ventilation, non-slip flooring, and a means of containing the animals safely.
For journeys over 65km, you may need a transporter authorisation and a certificate of competence. If you are using a haulier, check they are properly authorised and insured.
Bedding should be provided for longer journeys, and cattle should not be transported for more than 8 hours without rest, water, and feed. Plan your route and timing — avoid moving animals in extreme heat.
Auction vs Private Sale
Auctions offer transparency on price and a wide selection, but you pay buyer's premiums and have limited time to inspect stock. Private sales — including through platforms like FarmExchange — let you visit the farm, see animals in their home environment, and negotiate directly with the seller.
Private sales can also mean fewer disease risks, as you can inspect biosecurity measures and ask detailed questions about health history. Many farmers prefer selling privately for breeding stock, while commercial stores and finished cattle often go through the ring.
Whichever route you choose, always get paperwork in order before moving animals and quarantine new arrivals for at least 3 weeks where possible.