There are many different aspects to the farming industry all centred on livestock as right from birth to death, the animals’ needs are looked after.

Many not associated with farming might wonder what happens to fallen animals that don’t make it to the factories and in this article, we will try to highlight that process.

The collection of fallen animals is a specialised job that sees operators adhering to stringent regulations and legislation.

The disposal of category one meat and bonemeal is the single largest issue facing the rendering industry on a daily basis.

It is a complex industry that requires every ‘T’ to be crossed and every ‘I’ to be dotted before a business can perform its duties. The legislation regarding the collection of fallen animals has forced ‘rogue operators’ to cease trading much to the delight of those that do everything by the book.

One such company is Tubbercurry based Maloney and Matthews Animal Collections Ltd who have over 45 years’ experience working in the industry.
For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, managing director Jim Matthews speaks to us about the service that they provide to a large customer base.

Jim and his business partner Vincent Maloney have built up a company which is a leader in its field of expertise in the west and north-west of the country.

Situated on the Mayo/Sligo border, Maloney and Matthews cover those two counties along with parts of Leitrim, Donegal, Galway and Monaghan.
Jim revealed that they were the only recognised knackery in the area and are authorised by the Department of Agriculture to carry out their duties.

Our Knackery is located in Achonry, Tubbercurry County Sligo near the Mayo/Sligo border. It is the only facility of its kind in counties Mayo and Sligo, making us the only people in the region with our own facility to handle dead and worn-out animals. We are the only operaters in this area approved by The Department of Agriculture and with our own license number (License number: KN65),” said Jim.

With a fleet of nine lorries on the road, specialising in the fallen stock collection, Maloney & Matthews Animal Collections Ltd have grown the business over the years and their catchment area

“We specialise in the collection of fallen animals mostly from farmers. The animals are brought back to our plant, which is located just outside Tubbercurry where the hides are stripped off and then the carcass is disposed of accordingly.

Jim stated that when contacted, they are obliged to remove fallen stock from any farm within two working days after a request having been received. All fallen stock is delivered to Plant where the dead animals are rendered.

The state of the art facility has Department of Agriculture vets carry out their daily inspections on the fallen animals. All paper work is carried out there to ensure animals are taken off the farmer’s system.

“The facility, has the first of its kind air filtering system to ensure all odours and smells are removed from the air. The facility also contains offices and wash areas,” added Jim.

Of the fleet of nine trucks, Isuzu is the preferred choice for this business and Jim revealed that these specialised vehicles are well maintained.

“The fleet is maintained to the highest standards and can access all farm locations. They would have hydraulic roofs on them for the collections and we upgrade the fleet on a regular basis. Last year alone, we bought two new trucks, while we also have a brand new teleporter bought from MacHales in Kilmaine.”

Of course, Jim and Vincent know that they wouldn’t be half the business it is without a reliable work force and Jim admitted that they are very fortunate in that regard.

“We would have a very loyal staff, some of who have been with us for many years now. They are on first name terms with our customers and they have been sympathetic with the farmers’ needs over the years.

“Our aim is to provide local farmers with a competitive priced and reliable collection service. The collection charges are extremely competitive across the board particularly where larger, mature animals are concerned.

“All our staff is trained to remove all fallen stock in a professional manner with the minimum of fuss and disturbance to the farmers involved. Dead animals represent an unwanted cost on every farm and it is our aim to make the removal cost effective and a straight forward process.”

There is plenty of paperwork in this industry, but it is of benefit as it has tightened the industry up and now there are traceability regulations in place that can show every step taken from when a carcass is collected at a farm until it reaches a rendering plant.”

“We have all the necessary licences and certificates needed to operate legally and we always strive to meet any legislation implemented. The new regulations have certainly been a positive for the industry.”

Maloney & Matthews also operate a Dead Animal Drop-Off Service which allows farmers to bring the dead animals to the knackery at special reduced rate.

Each truck is located in a different area so that not only can they cover a wider area, but they can also get to the customer as quickly as possible.

“Our trucks are based in Ballinrobe, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Tubbercurry, Sligo, Donegal and Monaghan, so you are guaranteed we have a driver near you who will know your area and will provide you with a prompt service. Our aim is to provide farmers with a value for money, reliable service.”

Maloney & Matthews Animal Collection Ltd
Sligo
Tel: 0719121928
Mayo
Tel: 0949541555

e-mail: [email protected]

Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 7, August 2015

Animal Collection, Maloney, Matthews