• APR / MAY 2022
NBA BEEF EXPO 2022 25
HRH PRINCE OF WALES OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW DFAM PREMISES
ON a sunny 5th April HRH Prince Charles came to Darlington to officially open DFAM ’ S brand new premises and cattle mart . They were unable to hold the opening ceremony in September when it was completed due to COVID restrictions .
The Rescheduled official opening was a huge success for all concerned at DFAM .
Prince Charles met with directors , shareholders , customers and staff alongside some of the tenants of our internal units and enjoyed tea and cake in their award-winning “ Dots Café ”. The prince then embarked on a tour of the mart before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the event .
His enthusiasm towards both the industry and the people at DFAM was totally infectious , he had time for everyone and a genuine interest in everyone and what they were doing .
History of DFAM 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 . DFAM are immensely proud of their heritage and especially to have received Royal interest once again .
DFAM have always been up to a challenge . In 1820s with the arrival of the railway which brought many more animals to the town , they were then obliged to move from the town centre to fields at Top Bank near Darlington Railway Station . Nearly 200 prosperous years were spent there until the time came to move on again as the mart had outgrown the town , so with the help of our local council they were able to relocate to brand new purpose-built premises at Humbleton Park .
The Auction centre`s new location and size has not only put DFAM in a very accessible and strategic position , but it has enabled the company to provide so much more than traditional livestock sales .
Within the main building there are function suites with a bar and a board room for hire , let Business units providing various services from ; insurance , accountants , solicitors , animal health and feed merchants , machinery dealerships , an award-winning cafe , topped off with a Chartered surveyors and Estate Agents , which are all open to the general public .
Externally , the auction centre is very fortunate to be surrounded by its own 130ac farm , thus giving space to hold machinery sales , host events such as fundraising / charity ball , livestock shows and machinery exhibitions . This year sees DFAM hosting the National Beef Expo event on 28th May .
The Companies aim is to provide a rural hub and a venue
to support agriculture and the wider community .
The Humbleton Park Auction Centre boasts many environmental features that lower its operational carbon footprint ; from solar array , rain water harvesting topped up by a borehole also providing its own drinking water requirements , heating provided by ground source , a highly insulated building with underfloor heating , heat capture and recirculation , the very latest LED lights on PIR sensors for efficiency , the design of the livestock pennage floor that reduces the areas and distances to be cleaned , easy access and docking for HGV`s with vehicle washdown facilities to meet hygiene requirements , right through to the collection and treatment of animal waste for use as natural fertilizer on the land .
There are many animal welfare and health and safety features built into the new facility ; ticketing races with raised platforms and mechanical sorting races to help keep staff safe , powered ventilation for livestock comfort , comprehensive overhead LED lighting to prevent shadowing that can scare livestock to a purpose-built lairage building that provides bedded areas and sustenance for pre and post-sale animals . DFAM IS definitely the jewel in the crown for an extra level of animal welfare and flexible service for customers and places it as one of the UK ’ s top Auction Marts .