SELLING
SYSTEMS – CATTLE
Most
live cattle are sold through saleyard auctions on a cents/kilo basis.
However, there is an increasing percentage sold to meat traders on a
slaughter weight basis or by private negotiation in the paddock.
CALM
(Computer Aided Livestock Marketing)
This
method was discussed briefly in Sheep. However, it is also a popular
selling system for cattle. It enables the sale of finished or store
stock without the stock leaving the farm. The system allows for sale
on a price per kilogram liveweight basis, price per head, or on a
price per kilogram carcase weight basis. It depends totally on
accurate assessment by trained assessors who with portable electronic
scales, weigh the stock, estimate dressing percentages, fat depth and
describe the stock in appropriate ways.
All
this information is included in the sale catalogue which is
circulated to interested operators through electronic services.
During the auction buyers can place bids to the central mainframe
computer via computer, telex, telephone or by nomination prior to
auction.
The
advantages to both the livestock and producer are numerous. Because
stock can go straight from the farm to the meatworks rather than
through the saleyard system it cuts down on bruising and stress. The
seller still has the benefits of an auction system and because the
stock are still in the paddock, he can place a reserve price, reoffer
the stock later or withdraw them from sale if the market is not up to
expectations.
Because
the system requires feedback from processors to assist in the
training and monitoring of assessors this information is also
available to producers and must help then to meet the demands of the
trade and consumers. The Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation
has developed a uniform national description language to describe
livestock and carcases known as "Ausmeat". Uniformity of
description is obviously desirable for domestic and export consumers.
The
market requirements vary but generally, the following apply:
- butcher
shops: 140-180kg carcase
- supermarkets:
180-220kg carcase
- restaurants:
220-250kg carcase.
- export
markets: 250+ kg + boning beef for hamburgers.
Australia's
diverse climate and production systems combined with the various
types and breeds of cattle allow for of these criteria to be met.