The West Country’s first ever online fodder sale is taking place on Monday January 23.

Stags Agriculture department is providing an online platform whereby fodder from farmers and landowners from across the West Country can be offered for sale in one place.

The Stags platform incorporates competitive bidding, competitive fees, and a 10-day period allowing purchasers to make enquiries and visit the lots listed for sale at their convenience.

The online fodder sale is a concept devised by young auctioneer Harvey Pile and follows multiple successful machinery sales which offer a wide range of vehicles and machinery at the touch of a button. Mr Pile, whose family farms near Honiton in East Devon, has helped to bring Stags’ agricultural auctioneering department into the 21st century.

The online auction means that purchasers have no need to attend a traditional auction, freeing up time and potentially enhancing the value and geographical market place for the feedstuffs on offer. So far the sale has attracted entries from north Devon, east Devon and mid Devon and Stags will be accepting further entries until 5.30pm on Monday January 22. A further sale will run at the end of February.

Mr Pile said: "Although we are sure that online sales will take time to establish themselves and become a widely accepted service we fully intend to make online fodder sales a regular fixture on our calendar and lead the way in offering the service.”

For full details, entry forms and updated entries visit the Stags website or for further information call Stags Agriculture office on 01769 572042.