Ballybofey and Stranorlar Mart is set to host the first-of-its-kind native, traditional, and organic cattle in a prestigious sale this November.
The catalogued sale will take place on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, with viewing from 11 am and the sale at 12 noon.
The sale will include registered and pure-bred un-registered:
- Dexter;
- Droimeann;
- Kerry;
- Shorthorn;
- Galloway;
- Highland;
- Moiled;
- Certified organic cattle of any breed.
Special sale
Speaking ahead of the sale, Angela Flack, secretary, told www.thatsfarming.com editor, Catherina Cunnane:
“It is not just about running a sale. We get inquiries from potential buyers looking to purchase animals and we then try to source suitable stock.”
“Speaking with breeders, they are delighted to have a good outlet for the stock that will be going to good homes and not just to buyers to tick boxes for schemes.”
“We hope to make this an annual sale. Last year, we ran a Dexter-only cattle sale and even though it was a huge success, the prices were driven by the ACRES scheme.”
“Organic farming is becoming more popular, and farmers are taking concern in the biodiversity of farming.”
“Native breeds are becoming more popular because of this,” she added.
Out and about showing her Dexter cattle Angela says, “You often meet genuine people that are interested in breed have done their homework and wish to purchase some quality stock”.
“If we can bring buyer and seller together our team have done our job.”
Des McFadden, chairman, has been breeding native breed cattle for several years and knows how important a “quality outlet is for animals, not just for sale, but the beef end too”.
He supplies wholesalers who distribute to top-end restaurants and private buyers and understands how important it is to “bring everyone together”.
All native breed societies have been invited to the sale so they can give potential buyers information on the breed and advice with simple things like registrations.
Angela continued: “Ballybofey and Stranorlar Mart is very well-known for pedigree sales and offering a Saturday sale, with export facilities, it is the perfect venue.”
“Brian Crawford, mart manager, has been very supportive and encouraging and is looking forward to hosting the sale.”
“There will be prizes on the day for top-priced cattle. The buyer is the judge, in that the top price will be the champion of the sale with €100 in prize money,” she concluded.
How to enter
Entry forms are available from [email protected] or WhatsApp – 0876092969.
Entries close on October 16th, 2023. €10/entry – capped at €50 for 5+ entries.
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