REGIONAL centres across the state have been thrown into the spotlight recently as part of the state's ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Outbreaks and lockdowns in areas such as the Hunter, Guyra and Armidale districts have thrown many peoples' plans into a tailspin.
So what does this mean for the state's agricultural sector?
Several stud sales across the state's North West were slated for this week, such as Yalgoo Herefords, Walcha, DSK Angus and Charolais, near Coonabarabran, Booroomooka Angus, Bingara, and Eaglehawk Angus, Glen Innes.
As of Monday morning, all stud sales in non-locked down local government areas (LGAs) including the ones listed above, are allowed to be attended by registered buyers from lockdown areas as well as auctioneers and stock agents, which are considered essential workers under the state government's ag exemptions.
However, Wakefield Charolais and Angus has opted to postpone its sale from August 13 to September 1 .
"It does get a bit complicated, but to make it simpler, people from lockdown areas can not leave lockdown areas unless they have a reasonable excuse and work is a reasonable excuse," NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall told The Land.
"For example, if there was a sale in Walcha, agents and buyers from say Tamworth could still attend, if they have a reasonable excuse, which would be that they have to be there for work because they can't undertake that work from home.
"What that means is people who just go to things like a bull sale to catch up with their friends and get a free steak sandwich can't go, it's only those who would be registered buyers and the likes of stock and station agents that can attend.
"However, what we are encouraging people to do is to avoid attending if they can find an alternative way of conducting their business without attending, such as using services like AuctionsPlus or enlist an agent that is going to buy on their behalf."
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Mr Marshall said while sales slated for non-lockdown areas could go ahead, it was bad news for those in lockdown LGAs because they would not be allowed to continue.
"A bull sale in the traditional sense in a lockdown area can't happen because gatherings of more than two people in a lockdown area are prohibited," he said.
"They can hold the sale, but the can't have a mass gathering, however if the sale is outside of a lockdown area, then it is fine.
"As I said, technically people from lockdown areas can go to a sale in a non-lockdown area, but they are required to wear a face mask at all times and sign in via a QR code, but we are really strongly encouraging people to avoid going if possible.
"If you live in a non-lockdown area, you can still attend a sale in that area regardless, the only complication comes for people needing to leave lockdown areas to attend."
It is a similar story with other livestock sales as saleyard facilities across the state tighten restrictions amid the current outbreaks.
Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange (TRLX) will continue to only be open to essential saleyard staff, agency staff and professional buyers.
However, in a statement released via social media on Sunday said livestock transporters were permitted on site to pick up and drop off livestock, but are not permitted to attend sales.
"Strict restrictions will be enforced as of Monday 9th August and will remain in place until further notice," the post read.
"Access will not be granted for media, vendors or the general public.
"Please stay at home. The sale is not to be used as a social outing especially in these times."
The Gunnedah Stock and Station Agents Association followed suit, also taking to social media to announce its site would only be open for essential personnel.
However, non-professional buyers are able to inspect cattle between 7am and 7.45am before passing on their instructions to their preferred agent or professional buyer and leaving the site.
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) has also elected to postpone its two-day auctioneering school event, which was slated to be held in Tamworth on Wednesday and Thursday.
The move comes as the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the Tamworth LGA, which includes Manilla, Barraba, Kootingal, Nundle, Attunga and Somerton, would go into a one-week lockdown from Monday.
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