Auctions present an easy option for farmers who have surplus animals to sell or have no agreements with buyers. They also give a true reflection of what the market is willing to pay at any given time, and money and animal transfers are done on the same day.
Animals can be sold at a private or public auction, with the number of animals involved and the value of the animals being the main determinant of where they should be sold.
Cornel Landman, owner of Karoo Lusern, regularly buys and sells animals at auctions in the Klein Karoo.
“I buy most of the livestock we finish in our feedlots directly from farmers. But I still go to auctions at least twice a month to get a feel for the market, network with buyers and sellers, and support the local farming industry by purchasing livestock from smallholder farmers. Their only means of selling livestock is at auctions.
“When auction volumes are low, the auctioneers often ask me to supply the auction with additional animals to increase auction numbers, which I happily do if my livestock numbers allow,” he says.
Private auctions are usually hosted once a year, with the animals of only one seller or group of sellers being on offer. Public auctions, in contrast, are held weekly or monthly, with schedules being available from auction houses.
Hosting a private auction can reduce transport costs if the auction is hosted on the farm, but it adds other costs, as the farmer needs to set up amenities and facilities to host the event.
Anton Vos, managing director of Vleissentraal, says this can be overcome by making use of the facilities of the auctioning company, but it adds the challenge of moving a large number of livestock.
This story is from the October 08, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 08, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.