Technology solves traceabilitysnags for live auctions

14 August 1998

Technology solves traceability
snags for live auctions

MODERN technology will see streamlined and cost-effective data handling in livestock markets, answering the challenge of the main retailers that live auctions cant deliver full traceability.

A £235,000 two-year project, backed by the Business Development Challenge and managed by the Meat and Livestock Commission, was launched by MLC chairman, Don Curry, on Tuesday.

He said an initial survey had identified the need for streamlined data handling in markets. The new cattle movement database would increase that need. Six markets would be targeted to use the new systems, which would be the forerunner of equipment for other markets, he added.

The main areas where improvements may be made included:

• Introducing hand-held loggers to trace each animal from arrival to sale;
• Introducing personal computers to download data directly from sale ring to office.

“Auction markets will continue to play an important part in our industry and this new project will help them meet the need for fast and efficient data handling,” Mr Curry said. “It is an important expression of the way MLC is trying to work with each individual sector for the benefit of the industry as a whole.”