Online livestock auctions are not a new phenomenon. Gert Coetsee, founder of NetAuctions, started experimenting with online auctions in 2005, selling mainly Nguni and dairy cattle via the website Eco Auctions.
In 2015, he changed the name from Eco Auctions to NetAuctions to prevent confusion.
“We wanted to clarify that we weren’t in competition with auctioneers, but provided a virtual space that could add value to auctioning services,” he explains.
THE FALL AND RISE OF ONLINE AUCTIONS
Coetsee’s online auctions were well supported up until 2010, after which interest dwindled until he was hosting an average of only five a year. Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, however, interest has picked up, and he now hosts several auctions a week via NetAuctions and WhatsApp. A recent highlight was the sale of a Nguni bull at a world record price of R310 000 via WhatsApp.
“I don’t know why interest in online sales declined in 2010, but farmers are now more receptive to the innovation, thanks to increased integration of smartphones, computers and online sales with our everyday lives. It was only a matter of time before online sales took off, and the lockdown accelerated this trend,” says Coetsee.
NetAuctions hosts various types of auctions. The first is the conventional on-site auction attended by buyers in person. The second is a live Internet auction held entirely online.
A third option enables buyers to participate in an online timed auction, similar to the format used by BidorBuy. NetAuctions lists sellers’ animals and buyers bid for them over a specified period, which can range from a couple of hours to a few weeks.
Esta historia es de la edición September 11, 2020 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 11, 2020 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
