I take my hat off to everyone in the livestock sector for the way they’ve responded to the changes that have had to be made at our mart, and indeed all marts, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Not since foot and mouth have we operated under such strict biosecurity measures – and we all know that it’s vital we do. Protecting human health is our top priority.

There was undoubtedly a collective sigh of relief across Scotland’s livestock sector when it was confirmed that sales in the live ring could continue, with stringent safeguards in place.

The fact that we are able to do so, is something that no auction mart business takes for granted. I for one am grateful to Neil Wilson, Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, for the work he has done – and continues to do – with the government to ensure we can trade. This means the supply of quality produce to the food chain is uninterrupted while maintaining cashflow to farmers.

Yes, things are different at marts, as they are everywhere. None of us would wish to have sales in this way, but the important thing is that they’re happening, that they’re being supported and that trade remains healthy.

My thanks go to buyers, sellers and hauliers. Everyone has reacted exceptionally well to what has had to be done.

I’ve been an auctioneer for 43 years and this is different to anything I’ve experienced before.

There’s no doubt that biosecurity lessons from foot and mouth have played a big part in shaping our industry’s response to coronavirus. Of course, the big difference to 2001 is that we have been able to maintain live sales. I know farmers like to see their stock through the ring and that they’re unable to right now. But the important thing for them is that the buyers are there, that there’s competition and that they will receive a fair and transparent price. That’s the huge positive for the whole livestock industry. If we go back to foot and mouth, farmers had to sell privately off farms, sometimes just getting one offer and taking it.

As an industry we have shown our ability to work collectively to ensure confidence in us, recognising our vital role in maintaining a stable food supply at a time when stability has never been needed more.

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Thanks – and stay safe