Aurivo and Cork Marts defer reopening

A number of marts have decided to defer reopening sales in light of rising Covid-19 numbers.

Aurivo and Cork Marts are among those who have issued statements regarding their decision.

In a statement this afternoon (Monday, January 4^th), a spokesperson for Aurivo Marts said:

“In light of the rising Covid-19 numbers and in the interest of the health and safety of our customers and staff, Aurivo Marts have decided to defer the reopening of its marts for one week from the previously scheduled dates.”

The following online sales will now take place:

• Balla Mart – Saturday 16th January – Cattle
• Ballymote Mart – Tuesday, January 19^th – Sheep
• Ballinrobe Mart – Wednesday, January 20^th – Cattle
• Ballinrobe Mart – Thursday, January 21^st – Sheep
• Ballymote Mart – Thursday, January 21^st – Cattle
• Mohill Mart – Saturday, January 23^rd – Cattle

“Sales will continue on a weekly basis after these dates.” the statement concluded.

Cork Marts

A spokesperson for Cork Marts said:

“In light of the serious Covid situation, we have decided to DEFER all our mart sales for one week. Therefore, we will resume our weekly sales from MONDAY 11th JANUARY.”

“Sorry for any inconvenience but we are very conscious of the safety of all our staff and customers at this difficult time.”

“Our mart offices and local managers can be contacted by phone at the usual numbers from Monday 4th January. Stay safe everyone.”

ICOS

Meanwhile, ICOS has urged farmers nationwide to minimise all contacts with others in line with guidance from the health authorities.

Farmers are being advised to take every possible precaution to suppress and prevent COVID-19 at community, regional and national levels.

While marts are allowed to continue offering online sales only, customers are asked to check in with their local mart in advance of anticipated sales.

Some marts have decided to remain closed until January 11th at the earliest based on their consideration of local and regional circumstances.

Marts are operating under the following guidance under Level 5:

• There are currently no ringside/live auctions taking place.
• Marts may take decisions to operate temporary suspensions of trading, or restricted hours, in the interests of safety.
• Face coverings are mandatory and must be worn.  Hand washing is essential and sanitising gels must be used.
• As is currently the case, all people attending the mart must have their time and mobile number recorded.
• All sellers dropping animals must then immediately leave the mart premises.
• All potential buyers must contact the mart manager to arrange and get approval to view livestock before the sale.
• The actual viewing time allotted for viewing is up to the mart manager to decide.
• When the viewing time is up, all potential buyers must leave the mart premises and bid remotely on line.
• Any mart not online can use a tendering system. Sales cannot start if buyers are on the premises.
• Buyers must co-operate and adhere to all necessary measures instructed during viewing times.
• Social distancing of 2 metres is obligatory at all times. There is to be no waiting or hanging around by customers on the premises.
• All sellers must be available to receive phone calls to accept /decline final bids for livestock, by arrangement with their local mart.