WATCH: Four key ways to stay safe at marts

National rural support charity The Farming Community Network (FCN) has created a useful video highlighting four key ways farmers can stay safe while attending marts against the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
By Darryl Armitage
Published 23rd Oct 2020, 14:00 BST
Updated 23rd Oct 2020, 14:24 BST
Summer show and sale of livestock, sheep and cattle at Holmfirth Attested Auction Mart. This photograph was taken in 2019 pre Covid-19. Picture: Tony Johnson/Yorkshire Post NewspapersSummer show and sale of livestock, sheep and cattle at Holmfirth Attested Auction Mart. This photograph was taken in 2019 pre Covid-19. Picture: Tony Johnson/Yorkshire Post Newspapers
Summer show and sale of livestock, sheep and cattle at Holmfirth Attested Auction Mart. This photograph was taken in 2019 pre Covid-19. Picture: Tony Johnson/Yorkshire Post Newspapers

The video, which features Richard Betton, tenant farmer and FCN’s Regional Director for the North of England, is a helpful reminder to all those in attendance to make sure they:

1) Social distance, trying to maintain a 2 metre distance where possible

2) Wear a mask at all times

3) Do not take anyone to the mart who isn’t essential to selling or buying

4) Record and register your name and contact details whenever you’re asked to at the mart

Following these rules is essential to ensure that farmers marts can remain open and continue trading, Richard says.

Richard said: “This is a challenging time for everyone and we’re all trying to continue operating with as much of a sense of normalcy as we can. However, if we don't follow these rules, there is a risk we may lose access to marts.

Richard Betton, tenant farmer and FCN’s Regional Director for the North of England, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone and we’re all trying to continue operating with as much of a sense of normalcy as we can. However, if we don't follow these rules, there is a risk we may lose access to marts.”Richard Betton, tenant farmer and FCN’s Regional Director for the North of England, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone and we’re all trying to continue operating with as much of a sense of normalcy as we can. However, if we don't follow these rules, there is a risk we may lose access to marts.”
Richard Betton, tenant farmer and FCN’s Regional Director for the North of England, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone and we’re all trying to continue operating with as much of a sense of normalcy as we can. However, if we don't follow these rules, there is a risk we may lose access to marts.”

“Marts across the UK have to demonstrate they're obeying the rules in lockdown. It is essential all those in attendance look out for their fellow farmers and take sensible, practical precautions to ensure everyone is safe and social mingling is kept to a minimum.

“To continue operating our businesses, we need mart activity to continue as well, which will require everyone to do their part.”

Further information around business resilience during Covid-19 can be found via FCN’s FarmWell website here: https://farmwell.org.uk/covid-19-business-resilience/