Livestock auctions will continue despite lockdown by Gemma Mackenzie FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: Scottish auction marts are to keep functioning during lockdown using stringent protocols. Scottish livestock auctions will continue during the latest lockdown and farmers and crofters are being encouraged to adopt a “drop and go” selling strategy. The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IASS), which represents livestock auctioneers and markets, said the guidelines remained similar to those introduced last year at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. “Since the first lockdown in March 2020 auction marts have been functioning under stringent protocols to ensure the continued operation of livestock auctions, meaning the supply of quality produce to the food chain has been uninterrupted and cashflows to farmers and other primary producers maintained,” said IAAS executive director Neil Wilson.