The decision to allow a limited number of farmers around the sales ring at the Irish Charolais cattle society bull sale has caused confusion among mart managers and farmers. On Saturday 23 May, in the GVM mart premises in Tullamore, some farmers were let in around the ring to bid on animals.

It is understood that up to 15 people were allowed entry around the sales ring during the sale to purchase animals. Social distancing was adhered to at all times.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, society secretary Nevan McKiernan said: “The Irish Charolais Society sent a standard operating procedure to the Department where a limited number of people, 15, would be allowed around the ring to bid for animals. The Department requested changes and when we implemented the changes, they were happy to approve it”.

The Department requested changes and when we implemented the changes, they were happy to approve it

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said that there is ongoing contact between the Department and marts representative groups and preparations are underway to allow marts carry out further activities from 8 June.

“Mart managers must submit new ‘safe sales’ SOPs to their local regional veterinary office for approval if they wish to resume auctions and use show rings from 8 June.

“The new SOP will require agreement by DAFM on proposals by mart management on the maximum number of individuals that may be permitted entry to the ‘trading room areas’ of the mart.

“No marts have had a safe sales SOP approved as of 27 May,” the spokesperson added.