Inside Hereford Poultry Auction

Journey back to the bygone era of Hereford Poultry Auction through the lens of B&W film photography. Witness the hustle and bustle of this beloved event, capturing the essence of poultry trading in the heart of Herefordshire. Incidentally, I took the photos below of the inside of the poultry auction at Hereford in 2009. Back then, it took place at the old Hereford Livestock Market.

Two farmers, one eating ice cream, enjoying a break at the old Hereford Cattle Market

Hereford Poultry Auction at the Old Hereford Livestock Market

Hereford Poultry Auction is a cherished event in Herefordshire, where farmers, breeders, and poultry enthusiasts converge to buy and sell their feathered treasures.

Moreover, the auction has been operating for over 100 years and is popular with the local farming community. It is like a social meeting place, attracting people outside Hereford, including Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Wales.

Its origins trace back to the grounds of the old Hereford Livestock Market. This historic venue was the epicentre of agricultural commerce in the region, dating back to when horsepower meant more than just engine capacity.

Though the auction found a new home in 2011, its spirit and tradition remain as vibrant as ever.

Sunderlands Salerooms at the old Hereford Cattle Market.

Capturing the Moment Through B&W Film Photography

On the day, it was a little dark inside Sunderlands Salerooms—an old brick building with enough natural light from the narrow horizontal windows to capture the bidding frenzy. Birds of all kinds were in cages around the four outer walls so potential buyers could inspect them before bidding.

These B&W photographs offer a glimpse into a world where tradition and community are paramount.

Hereford Poultry Auction: A Diverse Gathering

The auction typically attracts a mix of people, gathering inside the saleroom to bid on various birds. These include chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, baby chickens, ducklings and fresh eggs.

During a sale, the auctioneer sets the starting price, and buyers bid until the highest bidder wins.

It’s a good place for restaurants to obtain birds for fresh poultry meat. In addition, people rely on the auction towards Christmas to provide a goose or turkey for the festive table!

The Legacy Lives On: Hereford Poultry Auction Today

While the old Hereford Livestock Market may have faded into memory, its spirit endures in the modern incarnation of the Hereford Poultry Auction. Today, the auction continues to thrive, attracting poultry fans from far and wide to partake in the age-old tradition of livestock trading. It happens on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month (February through November) at Hereford Market. I imagine a lot has changed since 2009! But long may it continue!

Through the lens of B&W film photography, we have glimpsed into a world where tradition and commerce intersect. So, the next time you find yourself at the Hereford Poultry Auction, take a moment to reflect on the echoes of the past.

A Farmer Inside Hereford Poultry Auction

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