Livestock Marts are a part of Irish heritage and an important section of the agricultural industry that have been running for many generations.
Ireland’s livestock mart sector today consists of over 60 co-operative mart centres across the country. Marts provide many services to the farmer shareholders, in addition to the primary function of a transparent method of selling and guaranteeing payment for livestock.
In recent years, we have seen the emergence of farmer producers coming together regionally to promote and cultivate marketing opportunities with geographically pasture-grazed stock.
Not only are Livestock Marts a place to sell and buy cattle, sheep and pigs, but there is a social aspect to it as well as many farmers gather to discuss the trials and tribulations of their livelihood.
One of the largest livestock marts in the country in the Kerry based Castleisland Co-op Livestock Mart Ltd which has been the focal point of the Kingdom’s farming community and indeed surrounding counties, since it first opened its doors in 1959.
Castleisland Co-op was the first such mart to be set up in Munster and was established as a result of the foresight of a group of individuals who came together in the late 1950s to put a stop to the situation where livestock were sold privately and give farmers an opportunity to have stock weighed publicly and sold at public auction.
This farmer-owned co-operative sees farmers not only travel from within the county, but come from west Limerick, north and west Cork also.
With so many dairy and suckler farms in the region, the mart plays host to a top class range of suck calves from all breeds, while some of the finest suckler weanlings can also be sought there.
There is a huge selection of store cattle and cows for further feeding, while finished stock are also a common sight at the mart.
It serves a vast hinterland, attracting cattle from the counties mentioned. The cattle in these areas are renowned for their quality and ability to thrive after purchase.
Castleisland Co-op concentrates solely on the sale of cattle and operates every Monday and Wednesday, while there are seasons dairy sales held on Fridays from November to May.
“We would have suck calves and weanlings in on a Monday and then a general cattle sale on Wednesdays. This is generally adult cattle which includes heifers, cows, bullocks, bulls and sucklers,” said Castleisland Co-op Livestock Mart Ltd General Manager Richard Harnett.
“During the Spring time, we would hold a number of breeding bull sales and this would see every major breed covered in that.”
Richard revealed that major investment has gone into the mart over the years in order to maintain its mantle as being one of the best in the country.
“We are operating here since the late 1950s and all through that time, there has been a lot of investment into the mart, which would have run into a couple of million euro over the years.
“There are eight people employed here full time, while we would also have 15 part time staff who would come in on sales’ days when we are at our most busiest.”
From its humble beginnings, the mart premises has continued to be enhanced, expanded and updated on a regular basis, delivering a first-rate service to buyers and sellers alike.
Quality livestock has always attracted some of the country’s best buyers to Castleisland Coop. Better marketing and merchandising of the product together with the modern facilities have ensured complete customer satisfaction to a very high level.
Of course health and safety and animal welfare are two important aspects of running the mart as Richard stated that no stone was left unturned in that regard.
“The department of agriculture have set regulations that must be adhered too and we are very much up to date on that front. Animal welfare is of the utmost importance and all cattle that are brought here are housed in a safe environment.”
With so many livestock trucks using the premises every week, Richard added that access to the mart is well controlled and operated accordingly.
“We would have many dealers here on Mondays and Wednesdays, so there would be a good few lorries around. In fairness to the drivers, they are all very experienced and they can get in, get loaded and move out fairly promptly.”
Richard revealed that even though there are no plans to expand the mart further in the near future, they are dedicated to maintaining the high standards that they have set for themselves.
“We continually strive to improve our service to ensure our customers have the best market place to sell and buy livestock in terms of price, quality and choice.”
Castleisland Co-op
Convent Street,
Castleisland,
Co Kerry
Tel: (066) 7141247
Fax: (066) 7141881
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 11, December 2015
