Livestock market reopens its doors
CARMARTHEN livestock market has reopened following a significant refurbishment by Carmarthenshire Council and the creation of more rural jobs.
New leaseholders Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP opened the mart doors on Wednesday, March 2, with their first sale of calves and weanlings and dairy cattle since it was closed in July 2020.
Former international rugby referee Nigel Owens (pictured above) cut the ribbon in front of a packed auction hall of farmers and livestock.
Carmarthenshire Council secured the future of the mart at Nantyci on the western outskirts of the town last year by bringing a new operator onboard and investing in the facilities. Additional staff have already been employed with more jobs planned as the business grows.
Council leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “What a significant week this is for Carmarthenshire and particularly so for the farming industry and community because it sees the reopening Carmarthen mart.
“We welcome our new tenants Nock Deighton with their innovative plans.
“It will be a pleasure to work alongside them as they develop their ambition and put this market which has been at the centre of Carmarthenshire’s farming industry and community back where it belongs. I look forward to visiting in order to see that for myself.”
Sales will be held weekly and supplemented by sales of suckled calves and breeding bulls on the first Monday of every month, and an Orange TB restricted sale on the second Monday of every month.
Speaking last month Cllr David Jenkins, Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “The Carmarthen mart is an important element of Carmarthenshire’s rural economy and I’m sure the people of Carmarthenshire will be thrilled to see it brought back into use.”
The mart at Nantyci has two auction rings with associated livestock pens for cattle, sheep and pigs together with modern purpose-built facilities including a reception and mart office, cafe area and bar. Nock Deighton has full control of the Nantyci site including the rental units and the Rural Business Development Centre. Interest has already been expressed from a range of businesses with a rural focus aiming to take advantage of the significant footfall at the site. Mark Burgoyne, partner of Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP, said previously: “Carmarthen mart has been in the doldrums for a few years and it is our intention to breathe new life back into the place. We need to revitalise the mart into a vibrant centre, both socially and from a business perspective. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone concerned and personally I am really looking forward to the challenge.” The Nock Deighton company runs the large Bridgenorth Livestock and Auction Centre in Shropshire, and took over the Newcastle Emlyn livestock market in 2018, resulting in a 60% increase in throughput and turning a declining market into a thriving one.
What a significant week this is for Carmarthenshire and particularly so for the farming industry and community because it sees the reopening of Carmarthen mart
Carmarthenshire Council leader Emlyn Dole