Ranfurly farm sells 2500 capital stock ewes South Island-wide via bidr® 

A recent dispersal sale of a Ranfurly farm’s capital stock ewes was successfully carried out fully online via bidr®.

Initially apprehensive about loading the entire responsibility for the sale onto bidr®, in hindsight farmer Pete Johnston says it was a smart move.

“I was nervous, particularly with the way the market is now. However, PGG Wrightson and bidr® worked out the details, and it went exceptionally well. I am impressed. Doing it online was much easier than organising an on-farm sale, and the overall result was the proof of the pudding.”

Ryan Dowling of PGG Wrightson Ranfurly organised the sale, with bidr® Lower South Island Territory Manager Sam Murphy providing technical support.

Ryan says the number of active buyers participating in the dispersal exceeded expectations. 

“These are very good sheep, and easy to present online. Buyers didn’t need to be there in person to make a judgement on their quality, so for this line of stock, bidr® was ideal, opening the market to a much wider geographical spread than would otherwise have been the case.”

With a yarding comprising 2500 head in total, the sheep were drafted into seven large lines, giving winning bidders the option to nominate their preferred tally. Strong competition ensued from 13 different bidders located throughout the South Island, from Nelson to Tokanui, plus local buyers. Run alongside a livestream, with Sam providing some commentary and controlling the closing of the lots rather than the usual countdown timer, the sale achieved a 100 per cent clearance.

Sam Murphy says the buyers were pleased.

“All involved gave positive feedback for the 100 per cent online auction system, mentioning ease of use and convenience as the main benefits for buyers. The results of this sale show a real opportunity for different ways to use 100 per cent online selling.”

Sale summary:

• 70 attendees
• 40 registered buyers
• 13 bidders
• 9 successful purchasers 
• 674 2-tooth ewes averaged $198.57
• 571 4-tooth ewes averaged $181.65
• 341 6-tooth ewes averaged $164.76
• 257 5-shear ewes averaged $154.00
• 267 6-shear ewes averaged $142.00
• 389 annual draft ewes averaged $126.37