Video mart aids ailing farmers

Auctioneer Terry Johnston: "This is a new one for all of us."

The latest technological advances have helped throw a lifeline to hundreds of farmers hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis in Northern Ireland.

Although markets across the province remain shut as a precautionary measure, a video auction has enabled some catttlemen to get back to dealing.

The big-screen cattle sale, designed to help overcome the crisis, took place at Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, on Thursday night.

It was the first cattle auction in the 13 weeks since the first outbreak of the disease in the province.

Northern Ireland has had four outbreaks to date, in south Armagh, Tyrone and Antrim.

Planned

Despite the unusual method of selling animals via a video link, farmers in the area showed plenty of interest in it.

Auctioneer Terry Johnston said it seemed to be working.

"I think if someone had said to us three months ago, that we would be selling cattle by video in Enniskillen, we would have all laughed at them," he said.

"Tonight is a new one for all of us."

Afterwards, the cattle were moved directly from farm to farm to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.

And with no sign of traditional markets opening, other video sales are planned.

Earlier this week it was revealed that the European Commission is to consider the case for easing foot-and-mouth export controls in the province.

Agriculture minister Brid Rodgers said she had received a commitment from the food safety commissioner in Brussels, that controls would be eased next month if there are no further outbreaks.

Mrs Rodgers said that when Department of Agriculture testing was completed at the end of May, she would apply for regional export status for Northern Ireland.