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the new market , both director and auctioneer and previous heavyweight champion at the Highland Games he sadly passed away in 2013 .
The business now has a much more strategic location and the foundations of a modern agricultural hub that will benefit both the local and regional farming community , and Darlington itself . Something that everyone has wanted for a long time . Having great access from all major routes , it will make visiting DFAM a much more pleasurable experience and the whole business of buying and selling livestock more streamlined and safer for all .
The new market has been built with human and animal health welfare as well as energy
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efficiency , top of the agenda . It has the most up-to-date penning areas that will transform the experience for livestock , their welfare being at the forefront . Up-to-date equipment allows the handling of larger animals to be much safer for both staff and the animals . Improved staff facilities include showers , changing rooms and kitchen .
There are two sale rings , one for cattle and one for sheep . The indoor penning can accommodate 900 cattle and 5000 sheep , with additional pens outside if needed . There are 10 loading bays and extensive parking , along with wash out facilities and showers for hauliers .
Energy efficiency and environmental consciousness are
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Some of the DFAM board of directors & staff
much in evidence , with its own borehole , ground source heat pump , underfloor heating , solar panels , rainwater collection for use in washing out and their own water treatment plant extracting solids from the animal waste to spread back on the land as fertiliser , therefore reducing the volume pumped into the sewer system .
Within the bright modern market building there are ten units available to office , retail
rural or agri-businesses . First to move into their brand new 69 square metre office space was rural chartered surveyors and estate agents Vickers & Barrass , who are a subsidiary of DFAM , they now cover the North East of England from Darlington and their office in Tow Law .
Already Eden Farm Supplies , Castle Farm Vets and McGarry Solicitors have taken up space . Negotiations are in hand with other businesses .
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An absolute must for farmers when visiting an auction mart is an abundance of good food . Well they certainly won ’ t be disappointed with “ Dots Café ”, not only does it have brand-new up-to-date facilities serving ample amounts of delicious home cooked food every day , they were also winners of the prestigious Farmers Guardian “ Marts the Heart ” award ” 2019 .
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