I have been in marts over the last few days, as Covid-19 has gripped the country. Despite the best advice and efforts from individual marts, holding [mart] sales during this period simply does not make sense.

[colored_box color="green"]I think marts – similar to what some pubs and social outlets did, before some of which were shut down – need to take a stand and voluntarily close, before restrictions are enforced and they are closed as a matter of public safety.[/colored_box]

There will be people put out by this – sellers, buyers and staff too. However, it will be for the greater good of society. I say this as a weekly buyer in several of the marts in the east of the country.

‘There were children there…’

I was at sales a number of days ago, where the 100-people limit was being enforced. However, there were children there – probably because schools are closed, whereby one parent might be working and the other needed to sell the cattle. Those kids were simply brought along to be minded.

[colored_box color="green"]People were on top of each other at the ring. Surely that’s a breeding ground for the virus and is nonsensical.[/colored_box]

Marts need to take a stand and stop being shortsighted. There will be lots of stock to be bought and sold when this is over but, if they continue holding these sales – even with restrictions, will there be consequences for people who are more vulnerable than others?

As a large-scale beef finisher, I need to attend marts to keep my business going as much as the next person, but for a couple of weeks I can do without…for the good of the country.