Following the Government’s announcement to extend the current UK lockdown, the multi-breed sale at United Auctions, Stirling, will not be going ahead in the usual manner.

United Auctions’ pedigree specialists have made the difficult, but understandable, decision to market exhibitors’ bulls directly, rather than hold their usual live sale in May.

The current restrictions regarding social distance and the ongoing livestock trading agreements of no breeding stock through the ring, the sale could not go ahead as normal.

“We believe that direct marketing is the best way for the sale to proceed for both the seller and prospective buyers, keeping everything personal to our clients,” said George Purves, managing director of the auction business.

He added that it was important that each market creates a system that credits its team skill set, which is exactly what United Auctions had done. Its experienced team – Raymond Kennedy, John Roberts, David Brown, Ross Fotheringham, Murray Rainnie – have more than 100 years’ experience between them that they will use to communicate with buyers.

“Our team have the correct knowledge and understanding to direct customers in the right direction and convey the value of each bull, as well as accurately describing the locomotion, style, definition and feel in a way that is far superior to any online descriptions,” said Mr Purves.

The system will regard as a first come, first served basis, with buyers contacting the team with interests in a bull that is on sale from the online catalogue. There will be an online database and catalogue with the relevant sire information and EBVs, which will also include pictures and descriptions of the bull.

“It is then up to our team to match the requirements to a suitable bull, with each sale being different, unique and personal to us. Our customers can trust our word, experience and reputation,” he said.

To further reassure buyers, all of the private sales will follow the usual breed society rules, sale guarantees and the offer of insurance by NFU Mutual

“We just want to try and keep our customers as safe as possible, and we believe this is the best possible way to meet everyone’s requirements by working together,” said Mr Purves.

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