Zug Stierenmarkt 2020 will not take place

Against the background of the corona-related uncertainty, the officers of Braunvieh Schweiz (Brown cattle Switzerland) have examined various scenarios and alternatives in recent weeks. They have come to the conclusion that the event will have to be cancelled.

Every year, the Zug Stierenmarkt (Bull Market) is the prelude to the autumn markets for brown cattle. It is an attractive platform for the trade, according to a press release from Braunvieh Schweiz. There is also an attractive supporting programme, including festive refreshments and entertainment, which are enjoyed annually by 10,000 to 12,000 visitors. For the people of Zug and for many brown cattle breeders, the Stierenmarkt is therefore an absolute must. City and countryside meet at the Stierenmarkt.

The developments surrounding the coronavirus have now presented the association officers of Braunvieh Switzerland with the question as to whether it would be socially responsible  to hold the Stierenmarkt on the 9^th and 10^th of September. The proximity and interchange between exhibitors and visitors are inseparable elements of the Stierenmarkt. And the Corona-related measures make it impossible to hold such an event within the usual framework.

A picture that will not be seen this year: the Zug Stierenmarkt in September 2019.

The implementation of an event of this size also requires a planning and organisational preparation time. This applies not only to the Braunvieh Schweiz as organisers, but also to the exhibitors, the entertainment and the festive refreshments, which include a coffee shop, a bar and snack stands. A timeframe would also be needed in order to be able to place orders in good time and carry out the preparations.

The decisive factor for the definitive rejection is the current assessment that carrying out the Stierenmarkt with the prescribed protection concept (maintaining social distance or the requirement to wear masks and taking contact details in sectors of up to 300 persons) is unrealistic, the report continues. The other reasons, such as costs, image damage in the event of entry restrictions or a possible two-week quarantine for the entire workforce of Braunvieh Schweiz in the event of a positive Corona test, are, of course, also important. The move is extremely regrettable. But the organisers also state that they are already looking forward to a successful Stierenmarkt in 2021.