In practically all walks of life, if you stand still, you will get left behind. You have to move with the times and, more often than not, that mean embracing new technology, new ideas and new strategies. The recent developments at Xtra-Vision is a clear case of technology driven obsolescence. Thurles-based Mid Tipp Mart certainly can’t be accused of standing still. General Manager Martin Ryan tells us why…
Established in 1966, the Thurles-based Mart is the premier centre of cattle trading in Tipperary and indeed much of the surrounding counties. Their mission is to provide sellers and buyers of cattle with a fair trading platform in a modern, efficient and customer focused environment.
The Mart is a farmer co-operative run by farmers for farmers. They cater for all types of stock and use three active sales rings for most of the year.
The Mart operates under the management of General Manager Martin Ryan who explained: “We are a farmer co-op owned by approximately 800 farmers, divided into 20 regions with a representative from each region as a member of the board.”
Cattle are pulled from Tipperary and several surrounding counties. The motorway network has made it easier for both sellers and buyers and according to Ryan has helped the expansion at Mid Tipp Mart. The Mart is renowned for the quality of the cattle offered, with many buyers returning year after year.
This year Mid Tipp Mart is celebrating its’ Golden Jubilee milestone being 50 years in existence.
“There has been a gradual increase in strength from 1966,” he continued. “It was very much a case of steady as you go for many years but the last five years has seen us undertake a lot of modernisation.
“There has been a major investment in the technologies use in Mart operations and the structural aspects of the Mart site itself. For example, we have invested in additional covered penning and also the intake area, we’ve invested heavily in waste management removing the solids from the slurry, yard and truck washings etc. We have also invested in a lot of concrete and our patrons can comfortably frequent the Mart in their shoes.
“On the technology side of things, we’ve upgraded our software to provide much better management reporting systems while we are the first Mart in the country to develop a mobile phone app which allows for bids out of sight in the ring. This is currently being phased into use. The Sales Ring Boards provide more detail than in any other facility with QA status, QA days, Breed, Number of previous movements etc, as well as other more usual data being provided for every animal in a lot (even lots of 10+). We can also display genetic evaluation but in the context of the BDGP scheme only evaluations with genomic data included will be displayed for now, to avoid any confusion.
“In addition, our website (midtippmart.com) always contains the most up-date market information, special sales catalogues and our sales calendar. The customer texting service is a big hit and is regularly used as a marketing tool.”
It has been very much a case of onwards and upwards for Mid Tipp Mart and their hard work has already reaped huge dividends.
“We had a turnover just shy of €35m for 2015,” Martin revealed. “It was an excellent year for us. In fact, the last three years has seen 8-10% growth year on year in terms of cattle numbers.”
Martin added: “We take great pride in how modern the Mart has become and the facilities that our customers enjoy, everything from catering to truck wash facilities.
“We’re generally rated one of the top three Marts in the country for catering while there is a 100% consensus amongst livestock hauliers and sellers that we have the best truck wash. The Department of Agriculture have acknowledged that as well. We have a three lane truck wash on site which is free of charge!”
Martin and his team are proud of their reputation for offering a first class service to their customers. They endeavour to put customers and their needs first and provide them with a highest quality service. At Mid Tipp Mart, their objective is to be the best at what we do, whether that is livestock sales, land leasing or generally giving good advice, and Martin and the board have no intention of resting on their laurels.
To date, the success and growth of Mid Tipp Mart has been built on its reputation for honesty and integrity, its qualified and professional staff and thousands of satisfied customers.
Not to mention its pioneering role in industry innovations and its goal to be the best, most complete cattle marketing service in the country.
Sales Schedule;
Regular sales are held on Mondays and the only exception is The August Bank Holiday and the Christmas break. These sales cater for Bullocks, heifers, Cull Cows, Calves and Breeding stock. In the Autumn (September-November) calves are sold in conjunction with weanling sales on Wednesdays.
Dairy Cows/Heifers and Suckler Cows are sold on alternate Wednesdays from late January until late May.
The Mart provides a comprehensive service for land letting/leasing and entitlement leasing and trading.
Mid Tipp Mart
Ballycurrane
Thurles
Tel: 0504 -21499
Martin 086 -7735958
Email: [email protected]
Website: midtippmart.com
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 2, February 2016
