That's the message from the Victorian Government and it seems saleyard operators are listening.
Echuca & District Livestock Exchange remains open for prime sales only, with access to the site strictly limited to livestock exchange staff, active buyers, necessary cattle agents and truck drivers.
Campaspe Shire Council has suspended store sales and horse sales until further notice.
In Euroa, the Special Cattle Sale scheduled for April 1 will be proceeding as an essential service to the food supply chain, but will not be open to the general public.
“As this is a rapidly changing landscape, we would ask that all buyers intending to participate in person check the (Strathbogie Shire) council website, or contact the saleyards or their agent beforehand to check whether the sale is still proceeding as it may be cancelled with little notice,” a saleyards committee spokesperson said.
“Should the sale go ahead, strict hygiene and social distancing principles will be applied, as well as security checks before granting admission.”
While the Greater Shepparton City Council have announced only live weight sales will be held at the Shepparton Regional Saleyards as of March 31.
The sale will be open to abattoir and commissioned buyers only, and registrations must be done 24 hours prior to a sale with the saleyard manager.
All animals for sale must be booked through an agent of the Goulburn Valley Stock Agents Association and truck drivers are restricted to loading and unloading only.
The per head auction, and the bobby calf sale will be cancelled until further notice.
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