The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Iveragh Mart: a symbol of vibrancy and continuity
NO business that has been in existence for over three decades can avoid evolution or changing trends. But the secret is to be receptive and willing to embrace change if and when it arrives as it invariably does. Traditionally, Iveragh’s local livestock was sold at the fair green once a month and understandably when the new mart started it was greeted with a combination of scepticism and curiosity. But as time progressed people realised the mart brought with it better facilities, which are clearly evident today.
“For the first 12 months when it opened you couldn’t draw a leg in the mart. That faded out after a while but the mart is now part of everyday life in the area. It was new to the area, but it has since embedded its own reputation,” Mike Kissane said.
Guaranteed payment is another positive that stems from dealing directly with the mart. In the past, stories of farmers being ‘caught’ with money were commonplace. But a co-op mart is a bonded structure that guarantees payment.
“Thank god over the years we’ve been able to pay everyone within 7 to 14 days. We’ve never had a problem with our turnover in 30-years as I’ve only ever had to write-off €4,500 in debts. That is unbelievable considering our turnover would be in excess of €6 million a year.”
Mike has noticed how people are now spending less time in the mart compared to years ago. Today, customers are dropping cattle off in the morning and returning for a half hour to sell them, and then they’re gone again. This reflects the changing trends in 30-years as many of these men are now plumbers, builders and electricians.
“Even though the social aspect of the mart isn’t as strong, it’s still very important especially in difficult springs like we had this year,” he said.
Mart safety is another major change since 1988 and Iveragh Mart is extremely proactive in this regard. Staff are only allowed in the yard in the morning, and the public are only allowed to view the cattle in the pens from 11 to 11:30am.
“Safety is important and we all have to embrace it. Insurance is now a major cost regardless of whether or not there’s an accident. But there is no compromising when it comes to safety. Our customers understand this and they work with us,” Mike said.