As reported by That’s Farming, a number of livestock marts have announced a change to their rules regarding the subject sale of cattle.
Across many marts nationwide, customers, who sell their cattle subject (not present in the sellers’ box when their livestock come under the hammer), generally, have, in many cases, up to 60 minutes to confirm or reject a price for their livestock.
But, in a number of marts, going forward, sellers will have a shorter window of between 15-30 minutes after their animal(s) has passed through the ring.
The onus is on the seller to make contact with the mart, and a failure to do so will result in the mart “assuming that the sale is okay,” as a statement from a number of marts read.
So, what are your thoughts on these new rules? Are you in favour or against it? Let us know in our poll below:
New TB testing rules
In other news, sellers of cattle in marts will be able to trade all cattle within the timings of their current annual herd tests, under the new TB regulations, which came into effect on February 1st, 2023, according to ICOS.
A spokesperson outlined that only animals that originate from a herd that has not been tested within the last six months, or an animal itself not having had a TB test within the last six months, will require post-movement testing.
In that instance, the spokesperson added, buyers of cattle will subsequently be notified of any additional post-movement testing requirements directly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Doyle comments
Ray Doyle, ICOS Environment and Livestock Executive, commented that:
“Farmers are guaranteed their sale day at the mart and their will be no disruption to buying or selling activity caused by the new rules.”
“If your herd has been tested in the last six months, including the animal that you are selling, then additional testing will not be necessary.”
“The majority of animals being brought to the marts satisfy the required time intervals and will not need additional testing.”
“In time, as buyers and sellers become more familiar with the new regulations, most will be able to time their annual herd tests to remain compliant and to avoid any unnecessary costs arising from standalone or additional testing,” he added.
