The Society is currently planning for its National Sales at Lanark, Welshpool, Worcester and Ballymena to go ahead, albeit while bearing in mind restrictions imposed due to Covid-19.
Society chief executive John Yates said the Society was liaising closely with all auctioneers for the National Sales and planning accordingly. “It is highly likely these sales will operate under strict restrictions which are likely to include limits on the number of people able to attend, with adherence to social distancing rules while present at sale venues.
“There will not be pre-sale shows at the National Sales and vendors may be restricted on the number of people able to attend with their consignment, this will obviously be different at each sale.
“From a buyers’ perspective all those intending to attend with a view to purchasing are likely to have to register in advance and anyone not registered will not be able to attend.
“It is expected that only one person per household or flock will be able to attend with a view to purchasing. The Society’s focus is very much to encourage members to only attend if they are selling or definitely buying, social goers and browsers will be discouraged. Online bidding is also likely to be available for some sales,” he explained.
The practicalities of running a sale under these restrictions will of course result in a reduced attendance and the Society asks that members use their own judgement when deciding whether their attendance at a National Sale is both sensible and justifiable in the current circumstances.
“The different format these sales are undoubtedly going to follow will result in a change in the nature of the sales this year, with them being very much a business event and much less of a social outing.
“The Society’s staff and board of directors ask that members work with the Society and auctioneers within relevant restrictions at all venues to enable these sales to take place safely and efficiently. It won’t be easy, but the alternative is not to hold them at all. I am quite sure no member wishes to be in that position,” added Mr Yates.
Organisers of the NSA Ram Sales, Builth Wells, have taken the difficult decision to cancel both sales, while other major sales, including the Kelso Ram Sales have yet to make any firm decisions about their events.
The Society is keeping a close eye on how plans for these events develop to ensure members are kept up to date and are able to maximise their sales opportunities this autumn.
Members should keep up to date with the Society’s website and social media channels for the latest information regarding sales.
