Marts are waiting anxiously for news of when they can reopen on a limited basis after 5 May. Mart inspections are taking place this week prior to being given the green light to resume sales.

Mart managers say that movement of stock is proving challenging with online sales and buyer-matching not making up for live auctions. Trading is down to 20% of normal throughput in some marts.

Mart representative bodies and the Department of Agriculture held “constructive” talks this week, with Ray Doyle of ICOS saying strict protocols are ready, once approval is granted. IFA president Tim Cullinan said it is very important to get marts reopened to establish the value of stock.

In the meantime, the coronavirus is causing increased problems for meat factories, with vets calling for COVID-19 testing to be ramped up in plants.

Meat factories

There are growing concerns close working conditions in factories provide an ideal environment for the spread of the virus among staff.

Conor Geraghty, president of Veterinary Ireland, said vets working in factories want to see “more testing for COVID-19 at certain factory sites, contact tracing and PPE”.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that all staff were tested by the HSE in Rosderra Meats pig plant in Roscrea last Friday and Saturday.

This newspaper also understands that there are calls for HSE testing to be rolled out to other plants.

Some meat factories have reported staff testing positive for COVID-19 or are self-isolating but insist HSE guidelines are being followed.

Beef prices have risen by 5c to 10c/kg this week as farmers see increased competition between factory buyers.

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