Marts across Galway have sales for heavier cattle lined up over coming weeks
THE IFA driven campaign to encourage farmers to sell their heavier cattle at the marts – rather than the factories – kicks off this weekend at Headford Mart.
Headford will host the first of the fatstock events as part of their sales programme on this Saturday, September 19, with at least six other marts lined up for further such events over the coming weeks.
Gort Mart will host a fatstock sale on Friday, September 25 followed by Loughrea (Saturday, September 26); Tuam (Monday, September 28); Ballinasloe (Wednesday, September 30); Clifden (Friday, October 2) and Portumna (Wednesday, October 7).
A number of other marts around the county, including Athenry, are also expected to announce dates for upcoming fatstock sales over the coming weeks.
According to the campaign to encourage the sales of cattle at the marts, Galway IFA have said that the events will give farmers the opportunity to sell cattle that are either under-fit or over-fit for the meat plants, resulting in financial penalties being imposed.
The also point out that the mart sales should be actively considered for the heavier cattle for the following reasons:
■ Payment is guaranteed.
■ Instant market prices.
■ Farmer can make the decision either to sell or hold.
■ Full transparency on AIMS (Animal Identification and Movement System).
■ Specialist buyers/agents will be at the marts to buy such cattle.
Galway IFA Chairperson, Anne Mitchell, told the Farming Tribune that there was a very solid market basis for farmers selling their heavier stock at the marts.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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