Rules for livestock marts will mean remote bidding

Farmers must make appointments to visit cattle marts; sellers must leave once they have dropped off their animals and all bidding will start only when there are no buyers on the premises.

These are just some of the rules governing Ireland’s livestock sales under the Level 5 Covid Restrictions, taking effect from midnight tomorrow Wednesday October 21.

The  Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has issued guidance for farmers and mart owners setting out how salesyards must now operate following the Government’s announcement of the move to Level 5.

“It’s essential that we all work together to protect health and wellbeing of people and communities throughout Ireland, and that we ensure animal welfare, all of which we have been doing throughout this crisis to date and which must continue with a redoubling of all our collective efforts to suppress and stop the spread of the virus,” said Ray Doyle,  National Livestock & Environmental Services Executive of ICOS.

The guidance was drawn up following negotiations held jointly between ICOS, Associated Livestock Marts and the Department of Agriculture.

·         The mart is no longer a public auction but rather an auction by appointment whereby all sellers and buyers must give advance notice of their intention to attend the centre.

·         Face coverings are mandatory and must be worn.  Hand washing is essential and sanitising gels must be used.

·         As is currently the case, all people attending the mart must have their time and mobile number recorded.

·         All sellers dropping animals must then immediately leave the mart premises.

·         All potential buyers must contact the mart manager to arrange and get approval to view livestock before the sale.

·         The actual viewing time allotted for viewing is up to the mart manager to decide. When the viewing time is up, all potential buyers must leave the mart premises and bid remotely on line.

·         Any mart not online can use a tendering system as was in place last March. Sales cannot start if buyers are on the premises.

·         Buyers must co-operate and adhere to all necessary measures instructed during viewing times.

·         Social distancing of 2 metres is obligatory at all times and there is to be no waiting or hanging around by customers on the premises.

·         All sellers must be available to receive phone calls to accept /decline final bids for livestock, by arrangement with their local mart.

“We are very grateful for the co-operation of our customers and we ask for their continuing support and adherence to the measures that are necessary to ensure ongoing compliance and the continuance of our essential mart services,” said Mr Doyle.

“I also strong commend mart management and staff for the excellent job they are doing. While onerous, the measures are designed to support health and wellbeing for everyone in our communities.”