SwiftVEE, the pioneer of online livestock auctions in South Africa, has developed a tailored solution that allows livestock auctions to continue despite outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) – much as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Vida Booysen, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
SwiftVEE, the largest independent livestock trading platform in the country, allowed farmers to trade during the Covid-19 pandemic when people needed to avoid large gatherings, such as auctions. Now, it’s the animals that risk contracting a virus at auction venues.
Selling Livestock Without Moving Animals
Russel Luck, CEO of SwiftVEE, explains that the solution lies in biosecure online auctions. In this system, animals are not transported to an auction kraal but are sold directly online from the seller’s farm. This enables farmers to continue marketing their livestock while complying with regulatory requirements. It eliminates the gathering of animals and avoids unnecessary biosecurity risks.
“There’s a saying that farmers always make a plan,” Luck says. “South African farmers are among the most resilient problem-solvers out there, and together with business partners they continue to find solutions to challenges such as Covid-19, load-shedding and now foot-and-mouth disease.”
Photos and videos of the animals are uploaded to the SwiftVEE platform. On auction day, the lots are broadcast live on the platform and auctioned by the seller’s chosen auctioneer, just as they would be at a physical auction. All bids are received digitally.
“After the auction, your agency will handle the invoicing and the loading of animals once your veterinarian has certified the animals as healthy,” Luck explains.
Planning Ahead for Biosecure Auctions
SwiftVEE began planning its “first-generation biosecure live auctions” as early as 2025, after recognising the severe impact FMD had on farmers’ cash flow when auctions could not be held in affected districts.
“We worked closely with Vleissentraal, BKB and other industry stakeholders to find a workable solution for livestock auctions during this crisis,” Luck says.
Also read: FMD | Understanding requested for cash-strapped livestock farmers
Strong Results and Industry Support
In October 2025, Vleissentraal Frankfort and SwiftVEE partnered to move the weekly auction fully online, without transporting animals to the auction facilities.
The initiative was a major success, says PJ Muller, managing director of Vleissentraal Frankfort. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. With more than 5 700 animals in the catalogue – including 3 378 sheep and 2 334 cattle – turnover reached an impressive R32,3 million in just four hours, with excellent averages achieved throughout.”
Dieter Schutte, manager of BKB Livestock South auctions, says SwiftVEE’s technology offers the right solution during the FMD crisis.
“We have hosted several digital auctions, all of which were very successful. Animals were sold at excellent prices, while fully complying with biosecurity regulations.”
Schutte also praised the value for money offered by the platform. “SwiftVEE actively markets the auction from its side, strengthening buying power. They have a highly dynamic team that is genuinely committed to supporting both agents and farmers.”
Supporting the Fight Against FMD
SwiftVEE plans to play an active role in supporting the Department of Agriculture in combating FMD, Luck says.
“Minister Steenhuisen has called on all farmers and stakeholders to take ownership of the FMD crisis. We are extremely proud to be launching our first-generation biosecure auctions at this time, and we believe this is the right solution at the right moment to help manage the most severe livestock crisis farmers have yet had to face.”
Also read: LIVE | Steenhuisen briefing on status of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country
