Pedigree ram sales and replacement ewe lamb, ewe hogget and ewe sales will commence towards the end of July, with a packed diary of sales taking place in August and September.

Coronavirus-related restrictions are concerning breeders who are afraid that limitations around the number of buyers allowed at the ringside will reduce the level of competition and potential price received.

Procedures

Marts are working on putting procedures in place to work around this and provide customers with the best possible service, while ensuring health and safety remains priority.

All sales are likely to operate a policy whereby only potential buyers are allowed ringside, along with dedicated viewing times in advance of sales, with buyers asked to remain in laraige areas until sheep are entering the ring.

Some marts with small rings are looking at erecting marquees on a temporary basis

Some marts with small rings are looking at erecting marquees on a temporary basis to increase the number of people who can attend the sale.

Online sales platforms will be utilised where available, with many groups planning to weigh female replacements to give customers bidding online more information.

Snapshot

This is a good step, as it provides a snapshot into whether ewe lambs are on target for breeding or the possible mature weight of ewes. This is an aspect you would like to see remain in sales, even when normal service resumes.

Breeders are also concerned that a lack of a shop window could temper demand. Anecdotal reports suggest that this will not be the case, with a steady dead trade this year helping to insert confidence in advance of sales.

Some breeding groups are also planning to host competitions online among members to generate some friendly competition and maintain a social aspect to the sales, while others will use online platforms in advance of sales to showcase their offerings.

Sale catalogues will, in most cases, also be available online to allow those purchasing at home or sending representatives to sales on their behalf to study genetic evaluations in advance.