Minister Smith to open modernised Mohill Mart
On Friday September 10 the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith TD, will travel to Mohill, Co. Leitrim for the official opening of the newly upgraded Connacht Gold Mohill Mart. The modernisation of Mohill Mart has involved the investment of approximately v750,000.
This investment can be seen in works such as the mart's washing / recycling treatment system, an acre and a quarter of parking space, penning for 300 extra cattle, cattle handling facilities at sales points and new lairage area for the intra community trade in livestock.
Connacht Gold marts division became involved in Mohill Mart in 2001 and since that time have made a substantial investment in the facility, such is their confidence in the strength of the mart.
According to Stephen Hannon of Connacht Gold throughput at the mart has been growing on a yearly basis from 13,500 head of cattle to over 20,000 at present.
This growing throughput was the key reason for the additional penning. With the construction of the new penning the mart will now comfortably hold approximately 800 head of cattle on sale days. The option also exists to use the new lairage area if needed and this would provide housing for an additional 300 head of cattle.
As is logical, this high level of penning requires the use of a lot of water to keep the areas cleaned. The new treatment system will assist in this process as it will recycle water that can then be re-used for washing purposes and will also separate the organic matter.
One of the first enhancements that the visitor to Mohill Mart will notice is the car park. Prior to this one and a quarter acre extension cars, trucks and tractors had to park outside the main entrance which was disrupting traffic flow into the town of Mohill. Now all vehicles will be able to park on the premises site itself.
New displays boards have also been installed at Mohill which show Quality Assurance and animal movements information. These boards have also been erected in Balla, Ballymote and Ballinrobe.
Mohill Mart was successful in gaining funding under the Capital Investment Scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products. The total sum allowable for grant aid was approximately €300,000 with Connacht Gold funding the remainder.
To celebrate the official opening there will be a special Bullock and Heifer Sale on Saturday September 11. There will also be a sale of dry cows and springers at the new time of 11.30am sharp. Included in this sale are five top quality in-calf heifers on the point of calving.
On Wednesday September 15 there will be an opening sale of Weanlings at 11.30am (day sale).
Farmers are advised to have cattle export tested as a northern buyer will attend these sales and all sales start at 11.30am sharp.
Cattle must be penned by 11am. Late comers will go to end of sale. Booking for Bullock, Heifer, Dry Cow and Springers on Tuesday at 9.30am. Booking for Weanlings on Thursday September 9 at 11am on 0818 301 401. The official opening ceremony will take place at 2pm on Friday September 10 and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Friday 10 February 2012
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