Selected breeding stock sales to recommence in England and Wales
Selected categories of breeding stock sales are set to recommence in England and Wales under newly established protocols.
It comes as the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) came to an agreement with Defra and Welsh Government earlier this week.
Marts have had to demonstrate that they can adhere to social distancing procedures and also make several operational changes implemented to protect public health.
LAA executive secretary Chris Dodds said: “The heightened level of safety measures and security standards adopted by all LAA markets mean that, by following the same protocols, we have agreed that some breeding sales can commence from Monday, April 27.
"Additional conditions will be implemented and extended to the sale of breeding animals, to ensure continued safe trade within LAA marts.
This not a relaxation of controls, but an extension to the stringent conditions already implemented to allow for these sales.
“We will continue to work with Government officials to provide reassurance that market activity does not undermine the important public health priorities of stopping the spread of Covid-19,” he added.
However, show and sales, or sales that would normally generate a large gathering of people, such as special pedigree bull sales, are not permitted under this review.
As with stores sales, markets will encourage buyers to work together, buying on behalf of others where possible to reduce attendance numbers.
New protocols
All markets will continue to adhere to the conditions already in place as detailed below:
