PGG Wrightson South Island dairy sales manager Mark Cuttance, of Gore, said the third annual sale was held exclusively on the Bidr online auction platform.
‘‘It is a novel way of selling compared to the traditional method.’’
Of the 26 lots on offer, 17 sold including a pen of 28 Angus yearling steers selling for $4.15 per kg.
Simmental steers fetched the most per head, he said.
‘‘We had a good result on traditional cattle.’’
A positive aspect of the sale was vendors being able keep their cattle on their farms, rather than having to pay for transport to get them to a saleyard.
‘‘It gives the vendor a bit more control, as the cattle stay on their property and they can set their reserve.’’
Traditionally cattle transported to a saleyard were on a ‘‘one-way journey’’ and the vendors had to take the highest bid.
If bidding failed to meet a vendor’s reserve at the online sale, the cattle could be retained and no cost was incurred.
‘‘They don’t pay anything unless the cattle is sold.’’
About 20 vendors, mostly from Central Otago, North Otago and Southland, offered nearly 500 cattle.
More than 40 people registered to bid and the sale had an online audience of nearly 80 people.
‘‘That’s a reasonable gathering for that type of sale.’’
Buyers were from Central Otago, North Otago, South Canterbury and Southland.
Wet conditions in the South had delayed the sale about a fortnight.
He expected the sale to return next spring.
‘‘I'm trying to establish it as an annual online sale and demonstrate alternative methods of selling livestock to the wider farming community.’’
