Sales of livestock which are held within marts in the UK have been told to bring in a 'drop and go' policy with an immediate effect due to the latest national lockdown across the UK which was announced on January 4.

The UK government has agreed that livestock marts continue to play a 'vital role' in keeping the supply chain steady across the UK.

Marts will be allowed to continue trading due to their importance to the food supply.

The Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) has recommended that all marts that are hosting livestock sales should adopt this 'drop and go' policy until further instruction.

All marts are also advised to stringently enforce the social distancing gap of 2m as was seen during the first lockdown in March 2020.

Sales of cull animals, breeding stock, store and prime stock will be allowed to continue, but sales of machinery and other agricultural goods will have to be held online.

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the LAA, said:

"The LAA appreciates the continued support and understanding of our clients and operating member marts.

"Our priorities are to protect public health while still being able to supply the food chain, and therefore we will do everything possible to mitigate the risk of further virus spread."

The LAA has outlined and reiterated the following key guidelines for marts:

The national lockdown is expected to last until mid-February.