AUCTION MART executives have thanked buyers, sellers and hauliers for their response to strict measures put in place to ensure livestock trade can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Stringent steps have been taken at marts across the country following talks between the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure the continued operation of livestock auctions, meaning the supply of quality produce to the food chain will be uninterrupted and cashflows to farmers and other primary producers maintained.

Earlier this week, IAAS issued guidelines to members on the public health procedures which must be enforced to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

These include limiting the numbers of people at marts for sales and set down the controls needed to ensure ringside buyers are at least two metres apart. They must also sign in and out of sites, with access controlled and offices also subject to social distancing measures. Sellers or hauliers must drop-off stock for sale and then leave without going beyond designated loading and unloading areas. They are not allowed inside the marts. Only mart staff are allowed in penning areas. Rigorous handwashing is promoted.

Despite these restrictions, trade was reported as being healthy at many sales across the country on Thursday (March 26).

IAAS corporate member Craig Wilson Limited sold 525 store cattle at Ayr Auction Mart, with all classes selling well. Managing director Jim Craig said: “I would like to thank all of the buyers, sellers and my staff for acting as they have and for their support. Everyone can see the severity of the situation. The steps taken mean we can continue to hold sales. There was a good trade on Thursday – what we would have expected in normal times.

“We have been getting key messages out to farmers, including for people aged over 70 not to attend, and that really has got through. Our experience of foot-and-mouth means we know all too well about the importance of biosecurity.”

At Caledonian Marts, Stirling, another IAAS member, about 170 cattle – just over 100 prime and 60 OTM – went through the ring. After the surges seen across the board last week amid increased demand from butchers and wholesalers, trade at the Cally was also in-line with levels seen a fortnight ago.

Caledonian Marts managing director John Kyle said: “It was a different way to operate, but the buyers were there. We are very much open for business, albeit slightly differently. There's still competition around the ring for buyers to buy stock.

“During foot-and-mouth, auction marts were brought to a halt and farmers had to sell privately off the farms, sometimes just getting one offer and taking it. The difference here is that we have managed to stay open and keep competition there. That's what we need. It keeps the live sales going, which is important for food supplies, as well as farmers, at this critical time.”

IAAS executive director Neil Wilson praised members, along with the entire livestock industry, for the urgency with which they have responded to the actions needed: “There has been great praise for the steps taken by marts and know of buyers who say staff have been unbelievably professional, given the circumstances. Our members are grateful for the support of buyers, sellers and hauliers.

“We have worked hard to secure a workable solution so that we limit exposure to Covid-19 while also maintaining trade in the live ring, which is vital for farmers, the food chain and wider rural economy. We remain in close contact with the Scottish Government about the measures which have been implemented.”