What's your assessment?

To receive this newsletter in your inbox each day, just register with Farm Tender here.

By Dwain Duxson - An Ag Enthusiast

What's your assessment? - I had a call from a prominent Lamb finisher who was mildly peeved that the Lambs he bought through AuctionsPlus. He is a buyer of Trade Lambs and said all the lots he has bought off AuctionsPlus (and he loves AuctionsPlus) over the years have always been lighter than stated.

He bought around 1000 Trade Lambs the other day and they averaged out at 4kg lighter than what the assessment said. He said that it would take him around 2 weeks in the feedlot to get those 4kgs back. He said in this tight margin landscape, 4kgs is a lot.

The Farmers Club - For Ag Enthusiasts Join The Farmers Club here.

He has been in touch with AuctionsPlus to ask them about changing their assessments for Trade Lambs to ensure that every Lamb is weighed in that category. He said that in most other classes, it doesn't matter, but this one does.

I am sure his request will go down well with the Agents (not), as it will mean more work. I was only told the other day by an Agent that the assessment system is a bit of a pain in the arse, and it takes ages to do, according to him. Selling Livestock online is an inexact science, and AuctionsPlus has to be congratulated for getting it 90 per cent right; they are the only ones that have. The question is, will we ever find that 10 per cent, which might mean the difference of a profit or not for the Trader? What's your assessment? PS - This is not us (Farm Tender and the Trader) having a shot at AuctionsPlus, we think they have a wonderful system and do very well. Reply to dwaind@farmtender.com.au

End of message