A recent recruit to the Fane Valley Co-operative Society stable, Smyths Daleside Feeds is one of the most modern feed mills in the country serving an extensive customer base across the northern half of Ireland. The company’s motto is: “Evolution, Expansion, Excellence”.
Based in Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal, Smyths Daleside Feeds manufactures high quality animal feeds for ruminant and monogastric animals (Beef, Dairy, Calf, Sheep, Horse, Pig and Poultry). The ingredients used are carefully selected and are sourced both locally and internationally.
All products are specially designed by some of the top nutritionists in the country and provide essential vitamins and minerals for each species.
Finished feed is delivered in bulk and bags and they provide an excellent delivery service which has proven unaffected by adverse weather conditions, and where possible, they aim for next-day delivery.
This is enhanced by a vehicle tracking system, which assists their transport department in the schedule of deliveries. Customers may collect products directly from the mill during business hours.
The progressive operation manufacture to standards set by: The Department of Agriculture, Universal Feed Assurance Scheme, An Bord Bia (Poultry Products) and IGAS Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (Intake and storage of grain). These standards are monitored on a daily basis by an integrated system and ensures a full trace is available for all their products.
Smyths Daleside Feeds’ sales extend from Donegal to Sligo, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Monaghan and Cavan, and cover all counties in Northern Ireland. It is one of the biggest manufacturing firms in their area and provide employment for 58 people at present.
The company can trace its roots back 156 years. Robert Smyths & Sons, Animal Feed Millers was founded at Canal Basin Mills, Strabane in 1865 by Robert Smyth from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
When the border was forced between the Republic and Northern Ireland in the 1920s, it was necessary for Smyths to source a premises in Co. Donegal from which they could care for the Donegal customers.
They purchased a flax mill in Ballindrait and it became known as Swilly Valley Mills. ‘Cookquick’ Porridge Oats was produced there and distributed throughout the North West.
Under the directorship of Robert Smyth, grandson of the founder, the mill changed with the times and gradually phased out oatmeal production, concentrating more on the production of animal feed compounds for Cattle, Sheep, Pigs and Poultry.
Donegal Creameries purchased Swilly Valley Mills in 1995 and continued producing feed until it was badly damaged by a fire in 2000. A nearby mill was purchased in Ballindrait, Daleside Mill, and production continues under the brand name Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds.
In 2019, Fane Valley Co-operative reached agreement with Donegal Investment Group plc to acquire Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds. The acquisition incorporated Smyth’s subsidiary companies including Burke Shipping Services Ltd, based in Lisahally Port.
Heaquartered in Moira, Co Down, Fane Valley Co-operative Society is a progressive agricultural and food processing business with interests in red meat processing, (beef, lamb and edible offals) the production of beef dripping, fully integrated duck production & processing, porridge oats & breakfast cereal, animal feed manufacturing, agricultural supplies and the provision of agronomy and forage services.
The Group operates from 34 locations based across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Belgium.
Formed in 1903 Fane Valley remains 100% farmer owned. The business, which employs almost 3,000 people, continues to develop through a strategy of organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
At the time of the acquisition of Smyth’s Daleside Animal Feeds, Fane Valley Group Chief Executive Trevor Lockhart commented: “We are delighted to be acquiring Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds. It has built a strong brand and reputation for premium feed products, flexible and innovative feed solutions and excellent customer service.
“The company will continue to trade under the Smyths Daleside name and day-to-day operational responsibility will remain with local management and staff. Customers can therefore be assured of a ‘business as usual’ approach in their dealings with the company going forward.
He continued: “The acquisition is a ‘natural fit’ for Fane Valley and presents an opportunity for the Co-op to further extend its catchment area for the supply of animal feed products and nutritional services.
“It will complement the Co-op’s £18m investment in a new feed mill in Omagh, Co. Tyrone in 2010 and demonstrates Fane Valley’s commitment to the future of livestock production in this region.”
Smyth Daleside’s sales team is based at their offices in Lifford and can be contacted by using the main telephone line: 00353 (0) 74 9171300 or by email: [email protected].
Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds
Ballindrait
Lifford
County Donegal
Tel: 074 9171300
Fax:074 9171321
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.smythsfeeds.com
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 10 No 1, January/February 2022
