Online auction popular in wake of M. bovis

Evans, who has already used bidr for a few lines of livestock, says it’s user friendly, not overly complicated and will make a big difference for users.

“Because of what’s happening with M. bovis there are clients out there who basically don’t want to send their cattle to a saleyards and want to try an alternative,” he told Rural News. 

“To have their cattle stay on their property, be in control of the animals, not having to pay cartage and that sort of thing, it will certainly make a difference to people.”

Described as an “innovative rural trading channel,” bidr.co.nz was unveiled at Fieldays following a “soft” launch that had seen it already used for several online auctions over the past several weeks.

It was developed by PGW in consultation with customers and key partners and is initially focused on livestock. However, in future, it is hoped to enable farmers and agents to bid, buy and sell all things rural online. 

PGW says it has already achieved strong results in feature livestock sales (including stud bull sales, store lamb, store bull and dispersal sales). The company says it will continue to extend its livestock product and service offering with weekly auctions from July 2. 

PGW general manager livestock and bidr chair Peter Moore says the online system was developed over several years to get it right. 

“The input from our agents, customers and strategic partners during the development process provided us with valuable insight,” he says. 

“This collaborative approach allowed us to deliver this new channel successfully and we are pleased at how well the market is embracing this new technology.” 

Moore says the global livestock market’s constant change has a significant flow on effect to the New Zealand market and PGW’s business. “bidr is an example of PGW’s focus on technical excellence and innovation, along with future-proofing our business to add value to our customers’ farming operations.”