Hundreds bid in multi-site digital auction


By FWi staff


THE UKs first multi-linked digital auction sale of livestock attracted hundreds of farmers at the three venues – Carlisle, Kendal and Myerscough College, Lancashire.


The sale was organised by the college and Kendal Auction Mart as part of a feasibility study into digital livestock sales simultaneously held at several centres.


The concept maintains the ethos of auction selling, but saves farmers the need to travel long distances to procure stock and avoids hauling animals to market.


Lorna Tyson, of Myerscough College, was closely involved with the first digital sale and was encouraged by the response from vendors and purchasers.


“There were a number of teething problems, but farmers who intended to buy stock were pleased with the system,” she said.


The sale, which had attracted funding from the North West Development Agency and widespread sponsorship, saw about 300 cattle go under the hammer.


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