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A submission has been made to the Department of Agriculture calling for a limited number of buyers to be allowed to return to mart rings.
It a submission to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, the IFA says while online sales systems had been working well, there was a risk in operating using these systems alone. The issues caused when one of the systems went down on Saturday underlines the risks, the association says.
Under level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, mart sales can only take place remotely via online sales platforms. The IFA is calling for a controlled number of buyers at the ringside subject to social distancing guidelines and mask wearing.
Concerns
IFA president Tim Cullinan acknowledged the efforts of the Department to ensure marts remained open, but stressed the option to hold cattle did not exist for the majority of farmers selling at this time of year.
Disruption to the sale of these animals could have serious consequences for animal health, welfare, and farm income, he said.
Autumn is among the busiest time for cattle sales. Over 450,000 cattle were sold through marts between October and December last year, with 385,000 of these sold in October and November. Weanling sales are the main driver of these numbers.
Submission
In its submission, the IFA highlights that suckler, beef, and sheep farmers are heavily dependent on an effective mart system at this time of year. It says that not all buyers are comfortable using online systems, affecting the integrity of the market.
Poor quality broadband is also identified as an issue which contributes to difficulties for marts and buyers.
The IFA pointed out that most mart rings are very spacious, with high roofs and numerous openings and good airflow.
Essential
IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden said: “We recognise this is a difficult time for all businesses, but given the essential nature of providing an effective market outlet for cattle and sheep at this time of year and the consequences of this not being available.
“The current measures must be reviewed and a limited number of buyers must be allowed at the ringside to ensure sales proceed and the market functions in as open and transparent a means as is possible."
SHARING OPTIONS: