Rathfriland Farmers Co-Op Society Limited are one of the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s (UFU) newest Corporate members.
A group of South Down farmers decided to form a co-op around 1 July 1987 for the sale of livestock. On the 20 July of the same year, a committee of eight men, who later became directors, officially opened the co-op. Subsequently, this committee became members of the Ulster Agriculture Organisation Society (UAOS) and this organisations B-Rules were adapted for the fledging company.
The UAOS is no longer in existence. Idle sheds were purchased for £22,000 and adequate parking facilities were also obtained. A further shed was built and outside pens added. The mart started trading on 20 November 1987 with 275 shareholders who were mainly local farmers. Sadly, many of these men have passed away along with six of the foundation directors.
On the first year of trading, a profit of £26,000 was recorded and back in 1988 this was a lot of money. Down the years, the co-op has gone from strength to strength and only one year, back in the 1990’s, failed to show a healthy profit.
In later years, an office block and a new canteen were built and four acres of land adjacent to the mart was purchased. The main car park was also tarmacked. The total cost of this expenditure was in the region of £300,000 and no grants were sought. All was paid from the profits generated. During those years the mart came through a BSE and Foot and Mouth crises resulting in the ceasing of all sales for a period of time.
The present Covid-19 crises is by far the most challenging to overcome. However, major renovations have been carried out to the sale ring and office to secure uninterrupted trading, and to do so safely. This has been a boost, coupled with a live stream and bidding website for all sales with martbids.ie.
At present, we await approval for a new building and spacious car parking facilities adjacent to the existing mart. As with previous improvements, no grants are being sought with all expenses paid from existing funds.
Our motto “Farmers United in Business” has stood the test of time. It is hats off to the past and coats off to the future.
