19 of the country’s 68 marts affected by broadband difficulties

Nearly 31,000 animals traded through marts to date, despite four marts having to abandon sales on the Saturday

'“The level 5 restrictions at marts are having a very serious and significant impact on farming families and rural communities.'

The Government has opposed any relaxation of the level 5 mart rules which allow sellers to “drop and go” only, pre-sale viewing for buyers by appointment with marts, and 100% online buying only.

Public representatives and ICOS, representing co-op marts, requested the Government to bring about as speedy a return as possible of ringside attendance by buyers and sellers, augmented by online systems.