AGRICULTURAL events are experiencing what will be one of the world's largest shutdowns in history due to the impact of coronavirus.
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Sydney Royal Easter Show is off for just the second time.
President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Robert Ryan OAM said it was distressing and disappointing to cancel the show for 2020.
"There are many people who will be very upset by this decision, and this is the first time the Sydney Royal Easter Show has been cancelled because of a public health emergency since the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919," Mr Ryan said
Last week Australians watched on as the largest livestock show in the world, Houston, in the US was shut down mid way through.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was cancelled last Wednesday as officials in Houston and Harris County declared a health emergency.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the case of coronavirus that was reported Tuesday in Montgomery County was not related to international travel, and there was evidence of community spread, however, that is what resulted in the decision to cancel the event.
In a follow on here in Australia the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) began cancelling scheduled shows and events on the calendar.
ASC president, Tim Capp said the recommendation was for all agricultural shows and show related activities in NSW to not proceed.
"As there is no definitive timeline on the spread of COVID-19 where it is logistically possible to delay cancellation of your event until closer to your show please do so," he said.
"In consultation with your insurance broker, PSC, for those shows that insure through the ASC policy are advised there will not be public liability insurance, if shows run an event that has 500 or more people in attendance."
In this region exhibitors have already learned that the 2020 Yass Show and Holbrook Show will not run.
Meanwhile, saleyards have had to implement contingency plans too with Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre releasing plans on Tuesday morning.
Nutrien Ag Solutions, formerly Landmark, issued a statement this week saying the company would cancel clearing sales throughout Australia due to coronavirus concerns.
With the industry now moving into what is new territory for marketing livestock agents and vendors anticipate seeing a lot more sales moved to the online portal, AuctionsPlus.