An agreement has been reached between the Marts Managers of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture in relation to the blanket closure of marts throughout the Country.
The decision to close marts has led to a lot of distress for farmers right across the North West, that were trying to finds ways to sell their stock.
The new agreement will allow for movement of stock while also protecting and preventing the spread of the virus through marts
The new deal facilitates the sale of livestock under specific guidelines.
Emer McGuinness, is the manager of Donegal Co-operative Livestock Mart she says a working model had to be found that met the safety guide lines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and which allowed the sale of livestock:
Farmers will also be covered when it comes to payment for animals sold during these sales through the marts.
Emer McGuinness explains how the new sales will operate at Donegal Livestock mart:
The new style sales will not just be confined to the sale of cattle, Emer McGuiness says sheep will also be sold this way:
