Vendor Profile: Andy Watson – Bungowannah, NSW

Andy Watson operates a 600-cow EU-accredited self-replacing herd at Bungowannah, just west of Albury and across the river from the Barnawartha Saleyards. Despite his proximity to physical selling centres, Mr Watson has chosen to market his cattle through AuctionsPlus for more than 15 years.

“"I love AuctionsPlus … AuctionsPlus is the best thing ever,” he said.

For Mr Watson, the decision is largely economic and operational as selling online removes double handling and unnecessary costs.

“I love it because the cattle stay on the farm."

He also points out a key risk difference compared to saleyards: “If you go to the yards and you don't get the price, you're committed to sell them because it's too expensive to bring them home.”

With rising input diesel costs, this efficiency becomes even more relevant for producers weighing up selling options.

Mr Watson consistently sells surplus six-year-old cows through the platform, backing both his cattle and the system:
“Back your product … If that one animal you think is not good enough to go in there, she's not good enough to go in there.”

His program is tightly managed, with strict culling and performance standards, contributing to strong buyer confidence and repeat demand.

Vendor Tip

Presentation matters. Mr Watson emphasises the importance of getting video quality right:  “We have a little spot where we film our cattle. Everyone looks at the fences, the trees, the weeds, everything else. It's part of the marketing program.”

For vendors considering AuctionsPlus, his experience highlights three key drivers: reduced selling costs, retained control over stock, and access to a broader, premium-driven buyer base, particularly for EU and grass-fed cattle.

Upcoming sale details

Billabong Beef Company are offering 138 PTIC Angus and Angus-cross cows on Friday, May 22 via AuctionsPlus' Eastern States sale.