Livestock markets disrupted due to online bidding system crash

An ONLINE TENDERING system that has been put into use by livestock stores collapsed today, causing disruption to farmers trying to sell their livestock.

Under Level 5 restrictions, which were implemented this week, buyers have not been allowed access to sale rings in livestock markets.

Instead, the bidding is conducted online during the new restrictions.

However, the online system was blocked today in several markets across the country.

Irish Farmers Association president Tim Cullinan said that the failure of the system in several markets caused “big problems” because the cattle were already collected in the markets for sale.

“The reality is that relying on the ‘online only’ system is too ambitious,” Cullinan said.

“The system has adapted well as a complementary system to the offerings in the ring. However, clear challenges have now emerged related to broadband and the ability of systems to cope with the volume of livestock and offers during a busy time of year, ”he said.

Cullinan said the fall trade is “crucial” for farmers and that it would be “hugely disruptive if the trade couldn’t continue or the market compromised.”

“We need to allow some level of in-person commerce once social distancing and other guidelines are fully and rigorously followed,” he said.

Roscommon’s independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said some farmers faced having to bring their cattle home again after the online bidding system went down.

In one market, only two cattle pens were sold before the system collapsed, according to Fitzmaurice.

“Given the time of year, farmers have to market their livestock. This is an exceptionally busy time for farmers and markets, especially when it comes to weaning sales, ”Fitzmaurice said.

Fitzmaurice described the collapse of the online bidding system as the “worst-case scenario” that could have occurred.

“Farmers, both buyers and sellers, accepted what the market administration was doing. Compliance with social distancing and wearing masks was extremely high.

“Today has shown that the concerns around the state of rural broadband and the potential for disaster when it comes to bidding 100% online were well founded,” said Fitzmaurice.

“The Minister of Agriculture must step up and fight to allow buyers to stay in the ring once the strict regulations are followed,” he said.

“Otherwise, farmers’ livelihoods will plummet. A common sense approach is necessary to address this issue, ”Fitzmaurice concluded.

Level 5 restrictions were implemented across the country since early Thursday morning, with limits on most social activities.

Marts are allowed to continue, but only if they move online.

Agriculture, farm work, agricultural relief services, and agricultural and animal productions have been considered essential services.