Those yards already have livestream facilities operational and general manager Bill Sweeney said farmers will be able to actively participate and bid at livestock auctions streamed live from those yards as well as some on-farm auctions.
“The new platform is a first for NZ.
“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 three becomes operative will complement the traditional sale yard auction and on-farm sale format,” he said.
The Frankton sale yards will host the first sale on Wednesday with dates also set for Stratford and Rongotea.
“We are also looking to roll it out to other sale yards associated with NZ Farmers Livestock, such as Stortford Lodge through Redshaw Livestock.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ regulations for level three say stock sales are permitted but the public must not attend.
Carrfields livestock general manager Donald Baines said “While we respect the position that New Zealand Farmers Livestock have taken we are seeking greater clarification from MPI before proceeding as there are still too many grey areas.”
PGG Wrightson general manager Peter Moore said “Our number one priority is to help eradicate covid-19 and to try and run a traditional sale under level three would be very difficult when having to adhere to such restrictions as social distancing.
“We do not wish to put all the work to date at risk and so we are talking to MPI to get clarification on level two restrictions.”
