Saleyards had to adapt seemingly overnight when the COVID-19 outbreak hit.
For online platform Stocklive this meant their viewer numbers tripled and at least half a dozen more saleyards signed them up to live stream their sales.
Stocklive manager Libby Hufton said their largest portfolio was Regional Livestock Exchange (RLX), who increased their use of the platform once COVID-19 restrictions began.
In total Stocklive now works with 15 saleyards, also bringing on Warrnambool, Casino, Kempsey, Murgon, Longreach and Grafton for regular or special sales in a matter of weeks.
"Warrnambool said we want to go online next week, so we had a plan executed that afternoon, got on the front foot with communication, and at the sale we sold $230,000 of cattle online and we had 340 people viewing," Ms Hufton said.
She explained that saleyards were often allowing buyers to come and view the livestock prior to the sale, then once the sale started they could bid online.
"The vendors also have the ability to watch their livestock being sold without going there."
Ms Hufton said they hoped now people knew how the platform worked they would continue to use it beyond the COVID-19 restrictions.
"People are saying I don't have to drive that three hours to the saleyards now, I know I can log on and bid and it saves me the whole day."
RLX to continue with adaptions post COVID
RLX stated that since COVID-19 they had seen an increased uptake in technology and therefore they planned to continue to expand access to Stocklive well after the pandemic was under control.
"It is a priority to be able to continue to offer physical sales that are supported by an efficient and effective online option," they stated.
But, the use of Stocklive is not the only way RLX have adapted to restrictions.
At Inverell they used the sale ring for the weaner sale to help maintain social distancing. To do this, they modified the ring and added seating to ensure the smooth flow of livestock and visibility for agents and buyers.
Again, they said while this was done in response to COVID-19, the system worked so well they were considering where else it could be used, even after restrictions have lifted.