Live breeding auctions back in business for Ballymena Limousin sale

Postponed from its usual May date, the sale brings the UK’s first pedigree sale of live animals since restrictions began with both vendors and purchasers present under strict distancing rules.

26 vet-inspected bulls and 17 females are catalogued from the following herds: Aghadolgan, Ashmara, Ashview, Ballyrickard, Boleyn, Carnew, Clydevalley, Craigatoke, Droit, Greenvale, Heathmount, Kilclass, Pointhouse, Rahoney and Rossbrook.

Mart Manager, Sam McNabney, says individual animals are to be penned in every second pen to allow for social distancing and pre-registered buyers can view the cattle up to two hours before the sale through a one-way system via the 2m wide alleyways. Staff will be on hand at the end of each alley to ensure people adhere to the safe distancing rules and regulations with hand sanitisers available throughout the mart. One vendor per animal is permitted and individual animals can be walked round the sale ring when being auctioned.

Comments Sam: “A lot of preparatory work has gone on with the likes DAERA and the Health & Safety Executive to safely run a sale with live animals, vendors and buyers present whilst keeping to social distancing rules. There will also be online bidding available and we will be accepting telephone bids.”

Limousin Council Member, David Hamill, adds: “Our members were keen to get a sale going with vendors, buyers and the animals all in the market together and by communicating with them and the correct authorities we believe we have come up with a solution to suit everyone. It has taken weeks of negotiations, but where there is a will there is a way, because the one thing this crisis has taught us is how important the live auction mart is in determining the true value of livestock.”

Catalogues are available shortly on www.limousin.co.uk. For further information, please contact the Auctioneers JA McClelland & Sons on 028 2563 3470.