Coronavirus: Scottish mart introduces online sales platform

Scottish auctioneering firm ANM Group will be offering farmers a new route to sell sheep and cattle after partnering with online sales platform SellMyLivestock.co.uk.

The move will allow vendors to list lots for sale in a dedicated part of the website from Friday 27 March.

It is the first partnership between a physical market and SellMyLivestock, which launched in 2014.

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The collaboration was being worked on before the coronavirus outbreak, but ANM says the launch was brought forward to support those who are not able to attend live auction rings because of social-distancing measures.

Vendors will have the service of an auctioneer to provide advice on photography, listing, lotting, payment services and screening of enquiries.

ANM’s online commission rate for selling through SellMyLivestock remains unchanged at 2%.

Last week, the firm also launched live online bidding for cattle going through their sale ring.

ANM Group chief executive Grant Rogerson said: “Although our marts are trading as normal – responsibly and within government guidelines – being at the live ring is unfortunately not an option for some of our buyers and sellers at this point in time.

“We hope this service, coupled with live online bidding directly into the auctions ring, will provide additional routes to market for livestock producers across Scotland.”

Andrew Loftus, director of SellMyLivestock, said: “We’re delighted to be working with one of the biggest and most respected livestock markets in the UK.

“This has been made possible by the trust that has been built up between us, and shows how the industry can work together in these difficult times.”

He said the company, which listed livestock, feed and bedding worth £100m last year, was actively looking to work with other  markets to help with the situation.