Carrigallen, Granard, Ballymahon and Drumshambo marts are set to allow suckler farmers sell their weanlings as antibiotic and GM-feed free for export to Coop Italia.

This follows the announcement by the retail giant that it wants to source such weanlings here.

The four marts are working with the retailer’s representatives here, Edell Point Server Ltd, to find an arrangement that won’t slow down sales but will meet Coop’s requirements. The plan is that farmers delivering weanlings on the morning of a sale will be invited to declare if any are antibiotic and GM free.

Passport numbers will be entered on a tablet; the farmer will sign, on screen, to make the declaration formal.

The weanlings will then be identified on the electronic display board in the ring as suitable for Coop – hopefully maximising sale price.

The farmer’s signature will at the same time instruct his or her vet to provide Edell Point Server with all information Coop requests on the history of the herd.

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Four marts prepare to sell antibiotic-free Coop weanlings

They are hoping that weanlings they identify as antibiotic- and GM-free will fetch better prices in the ring.