THE AAM Investment Group (AAM), which manages and operates the Regional Livestock Exchange (RLX) network of livestock selling facilities, has announced ‘minor but important management changes’ to sale-day management procedures across the RLX network in response to the COVID-19 virus.

Garry Edwards

AAM managing director, Garry Edwards, said the changes, which are in line with the latest advice of the Australian Government Department of Health and state-based health authorities, are aimed at protecting the health of anyone who visits the eight RLX sites across Eastern Australia.

“Our first priority is the health of our staff, users and visitors and we are proactively implementing changes to reduce the risk of exposure whilst in attendance at our network of livestock facilities,” Mr Edwards said.

“We’re adhering to the latest government advice and that means everyone implementing the highest standards of personal hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly and avoiding unnecessary interpersonal contact, and that anyone who is showing symptoms of illness stays at home and accesses livestock sales through alternative means”.

“There is absolutely no intention to cancel any sales at this point in time, however we will implement the StockLive system of live-streaming and online bidding across all sales and sites to provide an effective and efficient remote participation alterative to physically attending events.”

Mr Edwards said the StockLive system has been used by RLX over the past two years and “had proven to be a simple and effective platform for both vendors and buyers”.

Additionally, ‘viewing areas’ utilising digital screens will be made available at sites to allow vendors and interested parties to easily inspect animals presale, without causing crowding and congestion, and to allow buyers easy access to laneways and walkways.

“This illness is one that brings many challenges, including the provision of a reliable source of safe and nutritious food, and as the manger and operator of large agricultural assets that are integral to both the domestic and export food supply chain, AAM is acutely aware of our role, and the role of our facilities, in maintaining an active and transparent market place,” Mr Edwards said.

“AAM will continue to monitor the most current State and Federal Government advice on the situation and provide communications regarding any further advice that may require additional changes to onsite procedures.”

Source: AAM Investment Group