These are difficult and unprecedented times for all of us but life is going on and things will return to normal after the current government restrictions are eased. Although we do not have visibility on when this might be, we do need to keep essential businesses like farming continuing to operate and to prepare for a restart of businesses and the economy at large.

We at Mitchells are very focussed on how we can help farmers and our other customers during these difficult times. We wanted to provide you with a brief update on our various services:

We are continuing to facilitate sales of stock on a private basis. In the last 4 weeks we have sold significant numbers of prime cattle, cull cows and prime sheep. We are also arranging private sales of store cattle of all types, with over 700 sold to date. Breeding cattle and ewes with lambs at foot are now our focus as well. If you are interested in buying or selling stock, please contact:

Unfortunately, given government restrictions, we have had to stop until further notice our weekly household sales and similarly, cannot make collections for these sales. As soon as we can, we will begin collections and sales. If you have household goods for these sales to collect, please either go online and complete the collection form or give us a call. We will collect by reference to this list of requests when we can. Our office number is 01900 827800 and our email address is [email protected]

Similarly, given government restrictions, we have had to stop until further notice our fine art and other sales and cannot make collections for these sales. As soon as we can, we will begin collections and sales. If you have fine art for these sales to collect, please either go online and complete the collection form or give us a call. We will collect by reference to this list of requests when we can. Our office number is 01900 827800 and our email address is [email protected]

Our land agency and farm advisory business is broadly “business as usual” whilst ensuring we comply with government guidelines and social distancing. During the virus lockdown period property viewings have been suspended, although we see no reason why the sales of agricultural land and buildings should not continue. We have successfully sold properties recently and are in negotiations with others. Whether you are considering buying, selling or renting agricultural properties we are here to advise clients during these uncertain times. Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Countryside Stewardship application deadline dates have not been extended and we would advise all clients requiring assistance to contact us without delay. Andrew Wright and his team are all working from home but continuing to work for and advise farmers as usual. They are all contactable by email and phone, and very happy to help both with existing matters and any new areas of advice that farmers and others might need. We will continue to offer the best service we can at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspects of your business.

Unfortunately due to government restrictions, both VeeVa! and Fairfield restaurants are closed – we will let you know when they reopen.

Again, given government restrictions, we have had to stop the car boot sales but will restart them as soon as we can and will notify everyone. Mitchells is determined to do what we can to continue servicing farmers and other customers as best we can given the restrictions and the need to ensure the health and safety of our employees. We have not made any employees redundant and are hopeful that we can keep the team together ready for a restart as soon as restrictions end. If any of you have any ideas as to what we can do to help then please email the Directors c/o Ann Cummings [email protected].