Prince of Wales opens new mart in the North East

Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM) played host to royalty on Tuesday (5 April), as the Prince of Wales officially opened the company’s new facility in the presence of around 200 shareholders, customers and staff.

The site actually opened in September 2020, following a protracted move from its previous town centre location to a new greenfield site near the A68 to the north of the town.

But the official opening was delayed due to Covid restrictions and was only possible this week.

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Prince Charles met directors, shareholders, customers and staff alongside some of the tenants of DFAM’s internal units, and took tea and cake in the award winning café, before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the event.

“It’s a great joy to have a brief moment to come and meet some of you who I know have been dragged in specially to watch me being auctioned,” said the prince.

“I’m sorry it’s taken me 18 months to get here to open this new facility, but I hear it’s been a great success, in fact too much of a success because it’s already becoming too small.”

He also praised the efforts of farmers in the area, for their hard work and the “critical” role they play in rural communities.

“I do hope these new facilities are really worthwhile. Judging by what I’ve learned today, the prices of cattle and sheep aren’t too bad, so I pray they stay like that for as long as possible.”

DFAM fieldsman Stephen Dodsworth said having Prince Charles on site for the morning was an honour. “The prince was terrific, spending loads of time with everyone,” he said.

“He is so well connected with the farming industry. It was a privilege and pleasure to have him here.”

Prince Charles with DFAM chairman Mark Dent and market manager Scott Ferrie
© Robert Smith

History

There has been a livestock market within Darlington Borough since the 11th century – and a royal charter to be able to hold a market was granted in the 13th century by Henry III.

“In the 1820s, with the arrival of the railway which brought many more animals to the town, we were obliged to move to fields at Top Bank near Darlington Railway Station,” Mr Dodsworth explained.

“We spent nearly 200 prosperous years there, until the time came for us to move on again as the town had built up around us.

“With the help of our local council we were able to relocate to Humbleton Park – a brand new purpose-built premises for the new age.”

Prince Charles meets Hugh and Olivia Dent at the opening © Robert Smith

Welfare

Many animal welfare and health and safety features have been built into the new facility, including ticketing races with raised platforms; mechanical sorting races to help keep staff safe; powered ventilation for livestock comfort; and a purpose-built lairage building with bedded areas.

The new building also houses various business lets, including insurance companies, accountants, solicitors, animal health and feed merchants, machinery dealerships, chartered surveyors and estate agents.

Externally, the auction centre is surrounded by its own 53ha farm, giving space for machinery sales, livestock shows and exhibitions. This year the site will host the National Beef Expo on 28 May.

DFAM is owned by its shareholders, many of whom are farmers, and handles more than 250,000 livestock annually from North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cumbria and further afield.