The Western Farming Co-Op Store in Balla, County Mayo stocks a comprehensive range of agri supplies (fuel, feeds, farming accessories etc.), building & construction materials, household, hardware and gardening products at competitive prices. To mark the 50th anniversary of Western Farming Co-Op, we met up with general manager John Conway to find out more about this multifaceted operation.
Western Farming Development Co-Op was first registered as an agricultural organisation on October 22nd, 1965. Starting out as a co-op purchasing and fattening pigs, it has evolved into retail sales, farming and forestry, catering for farmers, builders, pet owners and members of the general public.
Construction of a spacious new store / yard began in May 2013 and this superb, state-of-the-art facility was officially opened by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD on November 11th of that year. The modern, user-friendly store stocks a comprehensive range of animal feeds, animal remedies, tools, fencing equipment, household goods, clothing, footwear, pet foods, oils & lubricants, diesel & kerosene and much, much more.
A vast stock is carried on-site and supplied to customers from all over the region, with a prompt store-to-door delivery service available if required.
Since the game-changing new store opened, Western Farming Co-op has continued to go from strength to strength, opened to the public from 9am until 6pm Mondays to Fridays and 9-5 on Saturdays. A professional and knowledgeable team – comprising John, Enda, Michael, Shane, Padraig, Tim, Alan and Niall – provides a top-class service to customers, assisting, advising and supporting in every way possible.
When it comes to farming and agricultural products, Western Farming Co-Operative excels with the diverse range of products on offer. Various feeds are available to suit the needs of all farmers, including Grennan, Nutrias and Erin branded feeds. Agri fuels such as diesel and kerosene are available at competitive prices, while a fine selection of tractor accessories such as top-link stabiliser bars, bolts, filters, and shackles is also offered
Other farming peripherals including shears, tapes, hooks, syringes, tongs and medicines (Noromectin, Levacide, Levafas pour-on solutions, etc.) are supplied, while fencing materials stocked include Cheeta electric fencers. Meanwhile, silage wraps and square bales can also be ordered from the yard at very reasonable prices. In a nutshell, anything a farmer could want, Western Farming Co-op Store can provide.
On the building / construction side of things, steel and timber are available from the yard alongside felt, galvanised iron, sewer pipes and fittings, PVC gutters, cement, concrete blocks and much more. Abrasives and ironmongery (door hinges, household fittings) are also stocked as well as safety equipment and lighting for machinery and vehicles. An authorised weighbridge is also available for use.
Reflecting on the genesis of the business half a century ago, general manager John Conway notes: “The co-op was started when farmer from around the county came together in 1965 and the first agri store was opened here in Balla in ’69. The co-op has grown steadily over the years, with members from within a 20-mile radius.”
In terms of products stocked, John agrees that the store provides a bit of everything. “We have a very wide range of items, covering agri,, building, hardware and household,” he notes. “This includes feeds and fertilisers, fuel, timber, pesticides, detergents, animal heathcare and veterinary products, clothing, paints and painting accessories, power tools, fencing and gardening materials, electrical and plumbing products as well as general hardware. While the majority of our customers would be from farming backgrounds, we cater for a mixed customer base.”
Direct, gainful employment is provided to a team of six full-time and two part-time employees – another vital contribution to the local economy. The team at Western Farming Co-Operative also oversee a thriving 50-acre farm, including 40 head of beef cattle.
Since the new store was opened to the public exactly two year ago, a significant increase in business has been recorded. “Turnover has increased substantially over the past two years. In fact, it has risen by €1m since 2012,” John confirms. “This has been achieved by sourcing a wider range of products. We feel that we have most bases covered at this stage.
“The store is an inherent part of the local community and it’s more or less like a family-run business. We know all of our customers and we understand their needs. They, in turn, know us. We are here to provide them with the products and service that they require. To be fair, we get great support from our loyal customer base and we benefit from a large number of long-standing customers and their families, who have been doing business with us on a regular basis down through the years.”
“Without their continued support, there’d be no point opening the doors in the morning.”
It’s a classic, mutually-beneficial, symbiotic relationship; one that will continue for many more years – nay, decades – to come.
Western Farming Co-Op Ltd.,
Lognamuck,
Balla,
County Mayo.
Tel: 094 9365033 / 9366591
Email: [email protected]
www.westernfarmingco-op.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 11, December 2015
