Another lockdown has brought with it increased restrictions at livestock markets and a change of date for several bull sales in February.

With the recent announcement by the Scottish Government that mainland Scotland is again under lockdown restrictions, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland is encouraging another ‘drop and go’ policy only for vendors until further notice.

Buyers wishing to view stock pre-sale, can only do so at appointed times and in full compliance with the guidelines to include strict 2m physical distancing, hand hygiene and face coverings. Only one person per farming enterprise should attend.

As a result of the increased restrictions, United Auctions have postponed their February Stirling Bull Sales by two weeks when it is hoped the risk to public health will be significantly reduced for both vendors and potential customers.

Hence, the sales of Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Lincoln Red, British Blue and Limousin will take place between Saturday, February 20 and Monday, February 22.

United Auctions’ sales of Simmental, Salers and Charolais at Stirling will be staged from Saturday, February 27, to Monday, March 1.

A new programme of events will be scheduled early next month and the sales themselves will be livestreamed with a new online bidding facility.

The Galloway cattle sale at Wallets Marts’ Castle Douglas auction mart is also being rescheduled, while the Luing sale is going ahead as planned on the same date but online only

While The Scottish Farmer went to press on Wednesday, the in-lamb sales at Harrison and Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Monday, January 11, were planned to go ahead as normal.

However, Scott Donaldson, joint managing director at H and H said the team is working in an evolving market which can change by the hour and by the day depending on the rules and regulations and the needs of their customers.

Longtown Ladies evening sale of pedigree in-lamb breeding sheep is also going ahead as planned on Monday through C and D Auction Marts, although all potential customers have to register their interest prior to the event and are encouraged to use the new live on-line bidding, via MartEye.