Cattlemen experiment with sale over the internet

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Cows in space? Well not quite... but the local producers did have their animals in cyber-space as the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association tried its first ever cattle sale that included a live feed over the internet from the Stratton sales barn!
RRCA member and sale helper, Kim-Jo Bliss, always is busy at a sale, helping record every bit of sale information as the animals pass through the sales ring. On Saturday she had company from all over the world to keep an eye on what transpired.
“The internet equipment was set up in the office right behind me. The camera was up on the walkway to the office,” said Bliss Monday.
There were several buyers on hand bidding as well as many bids from cyberspace. The most successful bidder from the internet was from Wellesley, Ontario. “He purchased nearly $30,000 worth,” said Bliss.
There were buyers watching the feeder sale from as far away as Nebraska. Bliss said the Wellesley, Ont. buyer could not get away to come to the sale. “He had to stay on the farm and do chores, but still was able to purchase cattle.”
They did have a few technical glitches. Sound did not work part of the sale and, “Then about mid-way the system went off-line for a bit but it had nothing to do with our stuff it was “Cattle in Motion’s” equipment.”
They also faced a delay due to the internet. “One time the auctioneer was waiting for the internet bidder and asked what they were going to do. Before the response came from them a buyer in the barn was awarded the cattle. But these are bugs that will have to be worked out.”
Overall there were 1,735 head sold at the sale and it grossed $1,486,393.90.
Since a major cull cow plant has been temporarily closed in Alberta local cows that were Age Verified brought as much as 10 cents more than non-age verified cows. The age verified cows can be exported and that paper work is a real bonus. Bliss said, “I certainly will do this for our producers but just a reminder to have it to me a week or so before the sale so that I can insure it is done!
As well they saw interest and a slight premium in protocol cattle as well.
Bliss felt the on-line bidding was good for local producers. “The more bidding means more price for cattle! It was definitely good. Who knows, maybe someday we will do all our sales on line as well!”
The addition of the internet broadcast and bidding was a pilot project for the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association. That meant it cost RRCA nothing to host it.
Bliss said Monday, “We do not know if we will do it again. This time didn’t cost us anything. The costs are about $2,200 (per sale).”
More than a decade ago they did try broadcasting via satellite. That was before the internet was everywhere. They abandoned it due to the high cost.