Saleyards re-open and online auctions from yards launched

NZ Farmers Livestock Limited
201 Broadway, PO Box 304, Stratford 4352
t: 06 765 6199 f: 06 765 6195
e: headoffice@nzfll.co.nz
w: www.mylivestock.co.nz



1

22 April 2020

Innovative platform a first for NZ – saleyards reopen for normal
livestock trade and online auctions

NZ Farmers Livestock will reopen its saleyard facilities once COVID-19 alert level 3 is activated.

In a New Zealand first, farmers will also be able to actively participate (including bidding) in
livestock auctions streamed live and direct from these saleyards and a number of on-farm
auctions.

Bill Sweeney, NZ Farmers Livestock General Manager Livestock said it’s a great concept which will
open livestock trading up to all farmers.

“We have been working on this for some time but the urgency ramped up when we went into the
COVID-19 lockdown. We have literally worked night and day to bring this to the market as soon as a
date for Level 3 was announced.

“The new platform is a first for New Zealand. Until now dairy and beef farmers have had limited
ability to sell livestock online but the livestream auction format that we will launch shortly after
Level 3 becomes operative will complement the traditional saleyard auction and On Farm sale
format.
“The new platform will also support and enhance our agents’ ability to deliver superior service to
our farmer clients during a challenging time.”
Bill Sweeney said farmers are “under the pump right now to move stock. Many have come through a
tough drought with lingering impacts. Feed and grass is tight on many farms. Winter and dairy
changeovers are approaching and this, combined with long processor wait times and recent
schedule movements, means there is plenty of demand to get trade moving.
“We’re a New Zealand owned business and our prime objective is working with farmers for
farmers and adding value. New Zealand needs farming firing on all cylinders and the world needs
the food farming has to offer. We’re committed to getting livestock yards and on-farm auctions
underway during COVID-19 alert level 3 and beyond. Adding this on-line option alongside the
ability to attend a COVID-safe sale will, we believe, deliver for farmers.”
Bill Sweeney said NZ Farmers Livestock vigorously lobbied to have stock agent services classed as an
essential service and as the online auction platform became a reality, again lobbied Government
urging early re-opening.
“Until now the only recourse farmers have had to sell stock has been via paddock selling and a
variety of online sites which offer a type of direct sale or auction programme but which have not

met farmer needs and do not provide the price discovery that the saleyard programme generates to
guide farmers in setting a price for their stock. It’s been a tough market, with limited trade and
pricing transparency, and we expect that yard re-opening and on-farm auctions will quickly improve
trade and pricing confidence.
“With little over a month till the dairy farm moving date, there is a critical need for effective on-
farm clearance sales.
“NZ Farmers Livestock has upgraded our MyLiveStock digital platform adding the on-line live
capability that will support a range of real livestock auctions run either in saleyards or on-farm. This
hybrid of the traditional saleyard format will meet stringent MPI conditions and support a return to
confident trading.”
Bill Sweeney said the sales will be safe and compliant with Ministry of Health guidelines. “A range of
safety rules will apply when you attend making them different to what farmers may be used to at
sales, but they are critical to support the safe re-opening of this vital option for farmers – with live
on-line capability added for those from anywhere in New Zealand who cannot get to the sale.
“The need for this range of sale options is urgent. NZ Farmers Livestock will have the new auction
platform operating shortly after Level 3 comes into force on Tuesday 28 April.
“Auctions at saleyard venues will run on our standard sale calendar and we will advertise restart and
On Farm sales (Clearing sales and Bull sales) dates and venues. Full details of the new standards and
conditions of all sales will be published on MyLivestock (which, along with the on-line live facility, is
available free). Farmers are advised to talk now with their NZ Farmers Livestock agent to book
stock,” Bill Sweeney said.
Ends
For further comment:
Bill Sweeney. General Manager Livestock, NZ Farmers Livestock Ltd phone 0274 515 310