Buyers welcome bidr introduction at Frankton and Tuakau sales – online option set for introduction at more saleyards in spring.

Autumn feeder calf sales at the Frankton and Tuakau Saleyards have started well, with plenty of interest in the calves coming through, and strong motivation to make the most of current positive market conditions.

Adding to the impetus, bidr was introduced for feeder calves at these two saleyards in March. Online buyers have welcomed the initiative.

After a cautious start, the number of registered buyers and online watchers grew week on week. By the third week of Frankton sales every third pen was bought by an online buyer, with every other pen having bids placed via bidr.

At Tuakau, with the implementation of bidr for feeder calves at the end of March, the first week of sales featured 15 per cent of tally sold through bidr, which took bids on 68 per cent of offerings.

Although initial uptake was modest, bidr Upper North Island territory manager Bruno Dos Santos says momentum built quickly.

“As buyers become more confident and familiar with the platform, it will be interesting to see how much feeder calf sale activity goes online.”

Beyond direct purchases, bidr is playing a significant role driving competition within the saleyards, says Bruno.

“While it is early days, the consistently high level of online bidding underscores the way the platform supports prices, providing vendors with better outcomes. As saleyards embrace digital channels and integrate bidr into their calf sale programmes, building on its established presence in weekly cattle sales and helping to modernise livestock marketing practices, the market is set to benefit further.”

By spring bidr will also be in place for feeder calf sales at Paeroa, Tirau, Te Awamutu, and Reperoa Saleyards.

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