The latest coronavirus restrictions which came into effect in NI in the last week have not had a significant impact on the business of farming.

Livestock marts remain open under their existing COVID-19 protocols, and there have been no changes to bovine TB testing or farm inspections.

However, as COVID-19 cases rise in NI, marts are keen to ensure everyone attending sales complies with the rules, which includes maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings.

The current protocol at marts has been agreed by representatives from local marts, DAERA and the Health and Safety Executive NI. However, the rules are under constant review, and could be changed at relatively short notice.

Sales in NI will still be able to proceed under almost all scenarios. For example, livestock were sold conditionally when only buyers were permitted to enter marts earlier this year.

If restrictions go further, where buyers are not allowed around sales rings, marts in NI are now set up for online sales. This approach is temporarily being taken in the Republic of Ireland, where buyers view livestock beforehand by appointment and then bid online.

Farm inspections have also not changed under the new COVID-19 restrictions in NI. For example, under the NI beef and lamb farm quality assurance scheme, inspections are still taking place outdoors with social distancing.

There is an option to get a remote inspection via video call instead, however, there has been little demand for this so far.

Bovine TB tests are also continuing and calves under 180 days can still be exempt if animals cannot be tested whilst maintaining social distancing.

“There is no change to departmental advice on the conduct of TB tests,” a DAERA spokesperson confirmed.