Internet cattle sale being lauded

Cows in space?
Well, not quite—but local beef producers did have their animals in cyberspace 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 Kim Jo Bliss is always busy at a sale, helping record every bit of sale information as the animals pass through the ring. But this past 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,” Bliss said Monday.
“The camera was up on the walkway to the office.”
There were several buyers on hand bidding, as well as many bids from cyberspace. The most successful bidder on the Internet was from Wellesley, Ont.
“He purchased nearly $30,000 worth,” noted Bliss.
They did have a few technical glitches, including the sound not working for part of the sale.
“Then about midway, the system went off-line for a bit but it had nothing to do with our stuff,” added Bliss.
“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,” recalled Bliss.
“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,” she stressed.
Overall, 1,735 head were sold at the sale, which grossed $1,486,393.90.
Since a major cull cow plant in Alberta has been closed temporarily, local cows that were age-verified brought as much as 10 cents/pound more than non-age verified cows.
The age-verified cows can be exported and that paperwork is a real bonus.
“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 ensure it is done,” Bliss stressed.
As well, they saw interest and a slight premium in protocol cattle.
Bliss felt the online bidding was good for local producers.
“The more bidding means more price for cattle!” she enthused. “It was definitely good.
“Who knows? Maybe someday we will do all our sales online, as well!”
The addition of the Internet broadcast and bidding was a pilot project for the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association. That meant it cost the RRCA nothing to host it.
“We do not know if we will do it (use an Internet feed) again,” said Bliss. “This time didn’t cost us anything. The costs are about $2,200 (per sale).”
More than a decade ago, the RRCA did try broadcasting via satellite.
That was before the Internet was everywhere. The RRCA abandoned it due to the high cost.