Indiana Beef Cattle Association: Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

• We continue to be in constant contact with our state and national leaders and agencies, the Governor’s office, national affiliate groups, livestock marketing groups, and the Indiana Department of Agriculture to address the importance of keeping cattle moving during this situation.  
•  At this time, the Government has issued a broad exemption for agriculture, and we will continue to monitor this. We are addressing the need for exemptions for agriculture, retailers, wholesalers, veterinarians, feed suppliers and producers to conduct necessary business and commerce to adequately care for livestock, purchase inputs and plant crops, in the event that mandatory closures and limitations on travel are implemented.   
•  We are in the middle of Spring sale season and realize that many of our producers are making some really tough decisions right now regarding how to move forward. The reactions have been mixed, with many postponing or moving sale dates, while others are choosing to continue on with their sales. We encourage you to remain diligent in your efforts on the farm and help combat the spread of COVID 19. If you do attend sales, maintain social distancing and limit attendance to buyers only. Consider using online and phone bidding options that many of the sales are currently offering.   
•  We have been in contact with Congress regarding a stimulus package and what that would look like for Indiana’s producers.
• Please follow this link for weekly market reports by ISDA

Recommendations for Livestock Sales During COVID-19

For Those Hosting Sales

• restrict general public access ü  limit attendance to a maximum of current local, state, and federal guidelines
•  consider online photos and videos as an alternative to in-person viewing ü  make animals available for viewing by only “small” groups prior to the sale ü  do not shake hands, and maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet 
•  restrict access to “pets” that could be coughed on and touched by multiple hands 
• make online, or phone bidding available where possible 
• provide information to employees on COVID-19 
•  provide hand sanitizer in common areas 
•  provide space for hand washing 
• consider not providing food, if food is provided, 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. 
• avoid check-out/payment line congestion areas 

• where possible only view animals in “small” groups ahead of the sale 
• consider online photos and video as an alternative to in-person viewing 
• utilize sale manager, auctioneer, ringmen and consultants to help with purchase 
•  allow only one person per farm operation to attend ü  do not attend sales without a serious intent to purchase 
•  do not attend a sale if you are sick (even mild symptoms), or have been exposed to anyone sick, and/or positive for COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks. 
• do not shake hands, maintain at least 6-feet social distance 
• do not take your dog/cat that could be coughed on and touched by multiple hands  
• consider online bidding, sign up for online platforms ahead of time 
• consider phone bidding, call ahead to make arrangements with sales staff 
• avoid check-out/payment line congestion areas 
• wash hands thoroughly and frequently