IFA calls for people to support their local mart

The Irish Farmers Association are calling on farmers to sell their livestock at their local mart.

A promotion was held at Cork Marts, Corrin, Fermoy on Thursday last, October 1, by IFA members to promote and encourage local farmers to return to the mart.

Mart manager, Seán Leahy outlined the struggles being faced by local marts.

“We’re doing our best but it’s sad that you can’t just open the doors and leave everyone in.”

“The business side is working away but the social side is the biggest loss, it’s one of the last places in rural Ireland where people could go. We’re looking forward to the day where we don’t have to control people coming in and we only have to control the cattle,” Mr Leahy added.

With Covid-19 restrictions, local marts have taken a hit as they faced long closures and now social distancing guidelines have been put in place, while many fear returning to public spaces.

Posters issued by the

IFA advertise the benefits of selling livestock via the mart, including guaranteed payment, instant market prices, the ability to choose whether to sell or hold, full transparency on AIMS, finished cattle sales and the option to sell under fit and over fit cattle to avoid slaughter penalties.

Fermoy mart has been open for business since June, but there has been a major decrease in attendance since Covid restrictions were put in place.

Despite full compliance with Covid restrictions and regulations, such as social distancing, hand sanitising facilities and designated entrance and exit points, attendance remains low.

STAYING 'VIBRANT'

Ann Baker, county chairperson of the IFA, reiterated the importance of farmers keeping their business with their local marts.

“Our aim is to try and get people to remember that the mart is there, traditionally, it’s a great place for people to meet and you get a better price at the mart.”

“We want people to know that it’s open for business and it’s important for farmers to support the local mart. It’s about keeping the mart vibrant,” she added.

(Pic: Katie Glavin) IFA County chairperson Ann Baker; Fermoy Mart administrator Catherine Dorgan; mart manager Seán Leahy; sheep chairperson Edmond Roche and dairy chairperson Mary Twomey Casey, pictured at the Fermoy Mart promoting the virtues of selling at the local mart.