Recommendations for Canadian Cattle Sales during COVID-19

Recommendations for Canadian Cattle Sales during COVID-19

For those hosting sales

• make the cattle available for viewing prior to the sale    
• make on-line or phone bidding available where possible
• limit attendance to a maximum of 50 people
• consider online photos and videos as an alternative to in-person viewing
• restrict general public access
• do not shake hands and maintain a social distance of 2-metres
• provide information to employees on COVID-19
• provide hand sanitizer in common areas
• provide space for handwashing
• consider not providing food and if you are providing food consider individual packages and serving to avoid surfaces being touched by multiple hands
• frequently sanitize workstations and eating areas including special attention to telephones, computer keyboards, calculators, desks, photocopiers, counters and common areas, shared by more than one person on a regular basis.

For those purchasing cattle and attending sales

• where possible view bulls ahead of the sale
• do not attend sales without an intention to purchase or seriously considering purchasing
• do not attend a sale if you are sick with even mild symptoms
• one person per farm operation
• do not shake hands, maintain a 2-meter social distance
• consider phone bidding, call ahead to make arrangements with sales staff
• consider online bidding, sign up for online platforms ahead of time
• consider online photos and video as an alternative to in-person viewing
• wash your hands thoroughly and frequently

Through working together and good preparation we will keep our families, customers and employees safe and continue to provide stability within the Canadian beef production system.

These are recommendations of the livestock Markets Association of Canada, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association made through consultation of the Public Health Agency of Canada website found here. This is not an exhaustive list and businesses should stay up to date on their government recommendations and regional requirements.