The NI Livestock Auctioneers Association (NILAA) is understood to have forwarded a proposal to DAERA that would see the resumption of live sales, but with strict protocols in place.The proposal would only permit buyers on mart premises, who will have to observe social distancing rules, with animals then sold on a conditional basis. Farmers selling livestock will be contacted by the mart, and if these prices are accepted, sale transactions are then finalised.
The NI Livestock Auctioneers Association (NILAA) is understood to have forwarded a proposal to DAERA that would see the resumption of live sales, but with strict protocols in place.
The proposal would only permit buyers on mart premises, who will have to observe social distancing rules, with animals then sold on a conditional basis. Farmers selling livestock will be contacted by the mart, and if these prices are accepted, sale transactions are then finalised.
It is the preferred option for mart managers, although it will probably take three weeks to get everything set up.
Online sales would be extremely complex to carry out
The marts have also explored other ways of doing business, including online sales. However, online sales would be extremely complex to carry out, and while marts could stream sales, buyers would have to be pre-approved in advance of bidding.
Broadband access is another issue, given the poor coverage in many parts of rural NI.
Since the shutdown was announced last week, mart managers have received calls from farmers looking to sell animals, as well as buyers enquiring after various types of livestock from dairy bred calves to grazing stores.
Farmers looking to weigh animals are asked to contact the mart in advance to ensure such facilities are available
While marts remain closed, some marts managers have indicated they will provide a weighing service for regular clients, although they are reluctant to get involved in valuing animals or facilitating transactions between two parties.
Farmers looking to weigh animals are asked to contact the mart in advance to ensure such facilities are available. Time slots will then be allocated.
Farmers who do use mart facilities do so at their own risk.
Others marts are providing an online advertising service for farmers with stock to sell, or to link up sellers with potential buyers.
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