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Clogher Mart has made wearing of face masks compulsory for all farmers attending livestock sales on its premises this week.
The Co Tyrone-based auction centre introduced the requirement in an effort to increase the level of farmers complying with COVID-19 protocols, which in Northern Ireland currently recommend the wearing of face masks, gloves and keeping a social distance over 1 metre.
Farmers are asked to bring their own mask with them. However, should farmers arrive at the mart without a face covering, masks will be issued on entry to the premises. Where customers fail to comply, they will be asked to leave, a spokesperson for the mart has confirmed.
Health and safety
The move follows fresh calls from mart managers and farming organisations for farmers to adhere to the health and safety guidelines when attending sales.
In a statement this week the Ulster Farmers’ Union urged farmers to abide by the rules, warning that the Health and Safety Executive for NI could order the closure of marts at any stage.
Failure to comply with protocols increases the prospect of more severe restrictions being placed on marts, or in the worst-case scenario, temporary closure of sale yards. That would be a disaster for the wider sector, just as breeding sheep sales get under way and with suckled calf sales due to start in late September.
Last week, Ballymena Mart introduced temperature checks for all farmers attending sales.
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