McConalogue welcomes buyers back to the marts
Minister pays tribute to marts and farmers
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, TD, has welcomed the return of buyers to the rings of livestock marts all over the country and Westmeath in particular while adhering to public health guidelines.
Online trading will continue to be facilitated, alongside the return of in-ring buying.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Minister McConalogue paid tribute to their efforts in keeping mart sales going while online.
“This is great for our network of marts across the country. Mart managers, their staff as well buyers and sellers of livestock have shown tremendous resilience, agility and resourcefulness over the past 12 months in dealing with the challenges of Covid-19 while continuing to trade so seamlessly.
“I know the farmers and mart staff in Delvin are all delighted to return to the rings,” said Minister McConalogue.
“I’m convinced the efforts of farmers and marts in recent months, adhering to the Covid-19 measures, has undoubtedly played a role in minimising and reducing the threat of Covid-19 in our communities,” the minister added.
Cattle throughput from January 1 to March 14 was at 94pc of the comparable period in 2020. Sheep throughput in the same period was at 100pc of the comparable period for 2020.
Buyers can attend the sales ring and view stock in pens – however, that has to be done by prior appointment with the livestock mart.
Buyers who want to be present at ringside have to wear face coverings and adhere to strict 2m social distancing.
Marts also have to prevent the congregation of members of the public in the mart car park or at entry ways into mart buildings.
Marts have to operate according to Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), which have been approved by Regional Veterinary Offices.
Minister McConalogue is encouraging farmers and buyers to continue to use online platforms as a way of trading livestock. “Livestock mart sales will continue to be a blend of both online and ringside and that approach, with a strong online element, has proved to be an excellent way of trading cattle and sheep.
“I am urging farmers, buyers and marts to pay particular attention to the public health guidelines. We all have our role to play in keeping each other safe and this is as important at the mart as anywhere else,” the minister concluded.