How to save time and fuel by using New Zealand’s virtual saleyard to buy stock.

Farmers in remote districts are taking particular advantage of bidr to save time and fuel.

A PGG Wrightson Livestock sheep, beef and dairy representative based in Taumarunui, Marty Cashin works with numerous clients in more isolated areas.

Before New Zealand’s virtual saleyard became a regular feature, to procure stock for clients, he would typically drive two or three hours to Feilding or Hawke’s Bay to attend sales.

“With a plan in place for a client, we will have agreed what they want to buy and at what value, at which point the objective is to purchase stock that meets those criteria.

“Knowing what the market is doing, and where appropriate stock will be offered, we can now do a significant proportion of this task via bidr, in front of a screen rather than spending several hours in the ute heading to and from a sale.”

In recent weeks Marty has bought at numerous weaner sales, online.

“It can be busy. I have sometimes attended two sales at once via bidr, and on one occasion bid on three simultaneous sales, which was challenging, and not ideal, though you can make it work.”

He says plenty of preparation is required to use bidr so thoroughly.

“You need to know what is being offered where, and of course you need to fully understand your clients’ stocking requirements. Typically farmers go back season after season to the same sale, and often to the same vendor, to re-stock. If you are going to participate online, you need a good idea about what lines of stock will be put up at a particular sale. After that, it’s a matter of being confident of your price point and bidding accordingly.”

Although Marty has focused on purchasing weaners online recently, he does not hesitate to buy other classes of stock through bidr.

“So long as you understand what is offered, and that those lines meet the characteristics you are seeking, it doesn’t matter what you buy.”

While Marty predominantly buys at upper North Island sales reasonably close to home, he is also branching out further and wider

“It is an option for many farmers to buy from further away than they would otherwise. Careful planning, including knowing the farmer you are purchasing from, and if they are outside your district, their livestock representative as well, helps to maximise the benefits of buying stock online through bidr.” he says.

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