AU2016102341A4 - Livestock sale system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a livestock sale system using an application. The system including the steps of assessment of livestock, entry of assessment data into an application, and upload of data to create a listing. Buyers may make an offer or bid for the livestock leading to a sale after which the; livestock is received by buyer, and paid for concluding the sale.

Description

1 2016102341 22 Jul2016 PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29

Standard Patent

Applicant: HBBS Agribusiness Pty Ltd Address: Shop 6, Stock Exchange Arcade 76 M os man Street Charters Towers Queensland 4820 Australia

Inventor: Henry Thomas Armstrong Slaney

Address: Shop 6, Stock Exchange Arcade 76 Mosman Street Charters Towers Queensland 4820 Australia

Priority claim: Australian Provisional Patent Application number 2016901218, filed 1 April 2016 in the name of HBBS Agribusiness Pty Ltd.

Title of Invention: LIVESTOCK SALE SYSTEM

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

SpecPA2034416 2 2016102341 22 Μ 2016

LIVESTOCK SALE SYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock sale system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Cattle may be sold in a variety of ways, for example, the animals may be taken to a sale, and assessed and sold. Agents may know vendors and animals and so cattle may be listed through the agent who knows the quality, and can get in touch with suitable potential buyers. In a more sophisticated system, an agent, assessor or agent assessor may go to see the animals and conduct a formal assessment using predetermined criteria. The assessment can then be used to create a static listing on a website, with photographs to offer the animals for sale at a fixed time in the future.

[0003] Nothing in the known manner of sale of livestock offers an automatically uploaded active sale and bidding system, across multiple platforms, available between vendors and buyers, 24 hours a day, as in the subject invention. The best price is guaranteed as the animal is listed across multiple active platforms, and for the buyer they have access in real time to all the animals available for sale.

[0004] In the disclosed inventive system, the individual parties and the animals need not travel, as each step can be carried out individually and uploaded. The livestock need not leave home until the purchase has occurred and then need only travel direct from the seller to the buyer, which is a cost and time saving, as well as being beneficial to the health of the animal.

[0005] The subject invention is to be used through a website portal of the United Property & Livestock Agents (the “UPLA”). The invention combines a prompting assessment method, with a proprietary application for a mobile device to automatically upload data, in real time, to a website linking through to create a listing in online catalogues, for sale, tender or auction. In this manner the livestock, once listed on the website, are made immediately available for sale, at any time of

SpecPA2034416 3 2016102341 22 Jul2016 day and night, and at the very earliest possible time. The sale may be listed even before the agent has return to the office, in some circumstances.

[0006] The invention dramatically speeds up the process and improves it many times over. For the seller, the invention enables quick and accurate listings to be created and shared listing the livestock for sale. For the buyer the delay to purchase is reduced, as listings are immediately available as soon as the animal has been assessed for sale. Other features, such as checking of the buyer’s credit worthiness before enabling access, control of bidder credit, and verified feedback, are just some of the numerous new and beneficial features of the invention. Overall, use of the invention will keep online catalogues in real time so as animals are listed or sold they are listed or removed from the website and sales reports produced. Many thousands of accurate assessments can be made for rapid checking and listing and making available to potential buyers at the earliest opportunity without the need for anyone to leave home! The potential price for livestock is maximised leading to increased revenue to the vendor and better availability of livestock to the buyer, a significant beneficial results of use of the invention.

[0007] Once the sale has been made the animals can be directly moved from seller to buyer, the sale contract completed and verified, and the tracking and reports on the activity logged and processed. The fully automated system for sale of livestock improves efficiency, saves, time and money and reduces unnecessary travel.

[0008] The inventor has developed a significantly improved system for sale of livestock which is likely to be rapidly embraced by the industry, once known about, and adopted as the industry standard.

[0009] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to cattle as the example livestock to be sold. Clearly, the system is

SpecPA2034416 4 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 applicable to all suitable livestock or animals. It is not intended that the invention be in any way limited, or that the livestock be limited to cattle.

[0010] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a livestock sale system that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention provides a livestock sale system using an application, the system including the following steps:- a) Assessment of livestock; b) Entry of assessment data into an application; c) Upload of the assessment data to create a listing for sale of the livestock; d) Buyer makes an offer or bid for the livestock; e) Sale occurs; f) Livestock is received by buyer; and g) Payment.

[0013] Preferably, the livestock are cattle. The livestock may be any suitable animals. The livestock may be chosen from the group: cattle; goats; pigs; and sheep.

[0014] Preferably, the system is an automated system. Preferably, the system is an automated system that requires only minimal input after the assessment data is entered to create a listing for an animal for sale. Preferably, the system is an automated system that requires only minimum input after the assessment data is entered to create a listing for an animal for sale across a plurality of websites and sale sites, simultaneously. Preferably, the automated livestock sale system

SpecPA2034416 5 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 enables a potential seller to have an animal listed very quickly without further input, after the initial assessment data is uploaded. Preferably, the livestock sale system is automated from the point the assessment data is uploaded through the sale until the sold animal needs to be delivered to the purchaser. Each suitable stage of the livestock sale system may be automated. Further automation and reporting may also be included. Any or all of the stages may be automated so that an animal may be listed for sale and sold with minimal input from the seller.

[0015] The automation may be through use of an application linked to one or more website. Preferably, the automation is upload to an agent website before dissemination to multiple websites. The automation may be a series of software steps, initiated by the entry of the assessment data. Preferably, one or more stops or checks may be optionally included so that only a properly made and authorised listing may be made available to a potential buyer. Preferably, an authorisation step is included to authorise a draft and make the listing live.

[0016] Preferably, the system is an automated system for sale of livestock requiring minimal input after the assessment data is entered to create a listing for sale of an animal and for all matters through to sale. Preferably, the system is an automated system for sale of livestock requiring minimal input after the assessment data is entered to create a listing for sale of an animal and for all matters through to sale, receipt of the animals and payment.

[0017] Preferably, the system is an automated livestock sale system for making livestock available at any time of day or night. Preferably, listings may be made substantially available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; at any time.

[0018] Preferably, the application is an application on a mobile device. The mobile device may be a tablet computer. The mobile device may be a mobile phone. The mobile device may be any suitable hand-held electronic device. The mobile device may be chosen from the group: iPad (TRADE MARK); laptop; mobile phone,

SpecPA2034416 6 2016102341 22 Jul2016 including “smart” phones; phablet; portable computer; and tablet computer. In an alternative form of the invention the application may be hosted in larger laptop or other computer that may be transported such as in a vehicle to the location of the livestock.

[0019] Preferably, the application is the application developed by 7thVision (“the LIVESTOCK APP”) Seventh Vision Pty Ltd of Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia, info@7thvision.com.au . Preferably, the application is available for download to a mobile device to enable use at any suitable location. Preferably, the application will be pre-programmed to prompt for the assessment and other data as required. The other data may include agent details, seller details or further details pertaining to the livestock to be sold. Preferably, the application will include resizing for uploaded photographs. Compression of photographs may be used to reduce the size.

[0020] Preferably, the application progressively saves data so that sudden exit will not lead to loss of entered data. Preferably, the application will check internet or mobile wireless coverage in the background. Preferably, the application checks for internet or mobile wireless coverage very frequently.

[0021] Preferably, security is included to enable verification before access to the application. Preferably, the seller and or agent are verified and provided with access authorisation before use. The level of security may be varied to suit the user. Most preferably, a user must log in to the application before being enabled full access to upload the assessment data. Access to some parts of the application may be available without log in or providing identity details. In this way data can still be entered if the login is forgotten, or not available for some reason and the upload completed later on successful login.

[0022] Preferably, the application enables paused upload during loss of connection and automatic resumption of the upload or reconnection. Preferably, once the assessment data has been instructed to be uploaded the application will continue

SpecPA2034416 7 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 to attempt to do so at any connection to the internet or mobile network until the upload is complete. There may be may pauses and resumptions if a person is travelling and not continually in internet or phone coverages zones.

[0023] Preferably, on successful upload the application will notify the user. The data may be held indefinitely in the application until upload is possible. Upload will occur at the earliest possible opportunity.

[0024] Preferably, the application enables comments to be entered on the circumstances of the assessment. These may be the loading density, extra cattle available or pasture condition, for example. Notes may also be entered separately.

[0025] Preferably, agent details are entered into the application. Preferably, assessor details are entered into the application. The details may include, name, address, agent reference, agent & stock and Sales person, and exclusive marketing authority, whereby the assessor authorises exclusive marketing authority to the agent. Any suitable agent and assessor details may be prompted, required or entered. Preferably, an agent is nominated and entered into the application for the sale.

[0026] Preferably, the assessment of the livestock is undertaken by a trained assessor. Preferably, the assessment includes a minimum of age, breed and sex. Preferably, frame and condition are assessed. Preferably, an assessment is made of criteria chosen from the following group: sex; age; breed; live weight; condition score; quality; muscle; frame; pregnancy; temperament; vendor bred percentage; horn; hormone growth promotants; postcode; livestock location; delivery point; delivery date; movement restrictions; tick status; market accreditations; vendor comment; agent assessor comment; and sale type.

[0027] Preferably, the assessment of the livestock is an assessment according to predetermined criteria. Preferably, these criteria match prompts on the application for entry of appropriate data. Preferably, the application includes a series of

SpecPA2034416 8 2016102341 22M2016 prompts to prompt the assessment of the livestock. Preferably, the prompts include minimum data requirements of age, breed, sex and postcode. Preferably, the prompts are chosen from the group: sex; age; breed; live weight; condition score; quality; muscle; frame; pregnancy; temperament; vendor bred percentage; horn; hormone growth promotants; postcode; livestock location; delivery point; delivery date; movement restrictions; tick status; market accreditations; vendor comment; agent assessor comment; and sale type. Preferably, all the prompts from the group are included.

[0028] Preferably, the entry of the assessment data is in response to one or more prompts. The prompts may be a series of options. Preferably, completion of one prompt causes a further prompt to appear. In other forms of the invention a menu system may be used and the menu may be searched before the particular criteria and assessment entered. The data may be entered in any suitable format. The data may be typed in, spoken and converted to data or in any other suitable manner. Optionally, prompted data may also be searchable, editable and may be deleted.

[0029] Preferably, assessment data is held in the application and automatically uploaded on connection with an internet connection or mobile wireless network. The system may be set to only upload on a particular type of connection or on any kind of connection. Preferably, the upload may pause and seamlessly resume as moving in and out of connection with the internet or mobile phone network. Preferably, assessment data is automatically uploaded at the earliest possible connection to the internet or mobile data.

[0030] Preferably, the assessment data step may be repeated for all the livestock to be listed. Multiple potential data entry steps may be made to add multiple potential listings. These may be held until internet or mobile phone coverage is encountered when multiple listings are created, sent to the agent.

SpecPA2034416 9 2016102341 22M2016 [0031] In alternative forms of the invention the assessment may be the consideration to list an animal for sale.

[0032] Preferably, the upload is to a draft listing. The draft listing may be held on an agent website. The draft may be hosted in any suitable manner. The system may allow for stops to prevent automated listing if certain criteria are not met. Preferably, the agent can approve the listing to enable automatic listing. The approval step may be carried out automatically if certain standards are met. These might be completion of core data and photo quality. Other checks may be linked to identify of the seller. Preferably, the agent checks the listing and removes the hold and marks as checked off and dispatches to the agent website.

[0033] The listing may take any suitable form. Preferably, the listing includes sufficient information to inform and attract a potential buyer. Preferably, the listing can include one or more photographs. Listing templates may be used. Preferably, the agent website listing makes the livestock available for purchase. Otherwise the agent website may be step, and the livestock may not become available until uploaded to a further website. Preferably, the listing is uploaded from the agent website to a livestock catalogue.

[0034] Preferably, a further step is included between step c) and d) : c) i) Aggregation of listings to a common platform or catalogue .

[0035] Preferably, the listing once created can be listed on one or more sale website. Preferably, the listing is listed on all available linked websites simultaneously to maximise sale potential. The listing may be uploaded first to a central website before being shared to other linked or licensed sites. Preferably, the listing is uploaded or shared to a website that provides a catalogue of livestock for sale for potential buyers. Preferably, the catalogue is a national catalogue of substantially all the cattle for sale national currently. Otherwise the cattle may be any livestock. Preferably, the listing upload is automatic and simultaneous from

SpecPA2034416 10 2016102341 22 Jul2016 the point of the initial upload. Preferably, the animal is available for sale across multiple platforms very soon after the initial upload, or at the point of upload.

[0036] Preferably, the agent website listing is shared automatically to a livestock catalogue website. Preferably, the livestock catalogue website is the UPLA website. Preferably, the listing can be shared to one or more private sale catalogues. Private sale catalogues may lead to sale of livestock, before transport, and payment.

[0037] Preferably, the livestock catalogue website can share the listing with a tender catalogue. Preferably, the listing can be shared with private sales catalogues and tender sale catalogues. Preferably, the sharing with multiple format sales platforms occurs at the point or very shortly after listing. Preferably, offers and bids may be made on a particular livestock from more than one catalogue or system at the same time. For example, a fixed price bid on a private sale may then become the reserve price of tender bidding. In this way the best possible price is achieved for the seller. The seller does not need to compare price, the prices and information is automatically shared so that the highest price offered is the sale price. Variants and controls, including minimum and maximum sale prices can be entered as safeguards.

[0038] Preferably, using the tender sale catalogue active bidding can occur. The active bidding can be time controlled. The active bidding can include “buy it now” options provided these are higher than any private sale offers.

[0039] Each of these tender sale, auction or private sale can lead to a sale. Buyers can enter the offer or bid into the website using the website prompts. Buyers may be controlled in the increments of bids, and maximum and minimum bids.

[0040] Preferably, only verified buyers may bid. Verification may be withdrawn from buyers. Buyers may be required to apply for verification status before bidding on livestock. Buyers may be assessed for credit worthiness. Buyers may need to

SpecPA2034416 11 2016102341 22 Jul2016 provide identity documents. Any suitable controls may be introduced to maintain quality, verified bidders only on the system. Negative feedback may be verified and may lead to access to sales being removed.

[0041] Preferably, as a result of a bid or offer a sale is made. Preferably, the agent is directed to the sale on the automatic result so that the sale contract can be forwarded to the parties. The sale contract may be generated and sent automatically on behalf of the agent to the parties on the sale.

[0042] After the sale the seller is immediately notified of the sale. On notification the seller may organise transportation of the livestock direct from the seller to the buyer. Alternatively, the buyer may organise transportation of the livestock. An agent may organise transportation of the livestock after the sale contract. Preferably, on receipt of the livestock the buyer verifies these are as described. The verification may be made through an agent or assessor. Preferably, the buyer pays the seller on the acceptance of the livestock. The payment may be through the agent website or other website payment facility.

[0043] Records and reports of all activity and sales may be shared. The records and reports of all activity and sales may be shared with the UPLA livestock catalogue. Records and reports may also be shared with the agent. Result information may be shared as provided for in the system, to authorised personnel. Detailed reports in real time of the transactions may be produced. A snapshot of livestock for sale in real time may be reported. A plurality of useful and tangible reports may be produced.

[0044] Preferably, the assessment data first uploads to an agent website, and on approval auto uploads to the UPLA livestock catalogue which links to private sale, tender sale and auctions sites for sale of the livestock.

[0045] Feedback may be lodged against an agent, buyer or vendor. Each of the feedback items may be verified as genuine. For example, where the livestock have

SpecPA2034416 12 2016102341 22 Jul 2016 been found not to be as described a negative feedback may be left against an assessor. Preferably, a buyer, seller, agent or assessor may have access to the system removed for poor performance. An assessor may have their assessor certification removed if there is repeated feedback verified as bad. Equally, a buyer who does not pay on time for example, may accumulate verified bad feedback that may lead to removal from the approved and verified buyers list.

[0046] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, a livestock sale system using an application, the system including the following steps:- a) Assessment of livestock according to predetermined criteria b) Entry of assessment data into an application on a mobile device; c) Upload of the assessment data to a host website to create a listing for sale of the livestock; d) Aggregation of listings to a common platform or catalogue; e) Buyer makes an offer or bid for the livestock; f) Sale occurs; g) Livestock is transported from the seller to the buyer; and h) Payment.

[0047] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant, a method of livestock sale using an application on a mobile device, the method including the following steps:- a) Noting a prompt on the application of a mobile device for an assessment criteria for livestock; b) Assessing the criteria of the livestock, according to predetermined categories, as prompted; c) Selecting the appropriate assessment value; d) Entering the appropriate assessment value in the application; e) Repeating steps a), b), c) and d) (the “assessment entry step”) until all the specific criteria have been prompted, assessed, selected and entered for the livestock;

SpecPA2034416 13 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 f) Automatic uploading of the assessment entry step data on access to the internet, mobile phone or other wireless network from the application to nominated site; g) Checking and verifying of listing by nominated site or representative h) Listing livestock for sale on nominated website; i) Optionally, forwarding to aggregation web platform; j) Enabling buyers to buy livestock from nominated website through direct sale, tender or auction bidding; k) Sale occurs; l) Transporting livestock direct from the seller to the buyer; and m) Payment, provided terms of sale are met.

[0048] Preferably, the buyers are verified before access is provided to the system. Preferably, the assessors are certified as qualified assessors. Feedback may be given and if negative on any one or more party the person may have access to the system removed.

[0049] The order of the steps in any of the systems or methods may be changed. One or more steps may be varied or omitted in other forms of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0051] Figure 1 is a flow diagram of an illustrative system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

SpecPA2034416 14 2016102341 22 Jul2016

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING INCLUDING A BEST METHOD

[0052] Referring to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described. Figure 1, shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the steps and stages. These stages can be changed in order to some extent and varied as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0053] The first step of the process is the assessment of the livestock that it is desired to sell, which in the given example are cattle. The assessor is generally a specialist assessor or assessor agent. An assessors training program is used to teach the assessor the criteria for assessment and the attributes required for particular values to be reported in the assessment. It is important for the consistent quality of the system that the assessments conducted by different agents or other people give consistent results. The assessment needs to be trusted by the potential buyers and give confidence to the producers, agents, buyers and sellers that the quality of a bull, for example, is as assessed and so an appropriate bid can be made for the animal. Once training has been completed an assessor may be listed or recorded as suitably trained to make the assessments. Removal from the approved list is an option if poor assessments are being made, and the person sent for retraining. For example, retraining may be required if repeated poor feedback is given through the system, and verified as a genuine complaint.

[0054] The assessment step is important as it determines the animal specifications, and ultimately the value of the animal to be hopefully sold through use of the system.

[0055] An agent livestock assessor who has passed the agent assessor training program, and is listed as suitable, may travel to the property where the livestock to be sold are being held. Or the producer themselves may assess the cattle. Various categories, qualities and features of the livestock are considered and

SpecPA2034416 15 2016102341 22 Jul2016 assessed in a repeatable manner using the assessment guidelines and method of the invention.

[0056] The whole animal will be scrutinised for quality, condition and potential sale value. Veterinary reports may also be referred to where necessary.

[0057] Examples of categories in the given example are:

Cattle Description categories QUALITY CONDITION “Quality” is a measure of genetic “Condition” is a measure of muscle capability and environmental constraints and should not be confused with condition. development and fat deposition. PLAIN- Extremely limited growth BACKWARD STORE-Low potential, light bone structure, small frame. Limited genetic selection influence, unknown animal performance. muscle development but strong, nil fat, bone structure clearly visible, limited travel capability with care. FAIR - Limited growth potential, light bone structure and small to medium frame. Genetic selection processes evident, unpredictable animal performance STORE - Low muscle development but strong, very light fat cover; bone structure visible. GOOD- Sound growth potential, FORWARD STORE - Low to medium bone structure, medium frame, medium muscle development, modest

SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22 Jul2016 16 genetic selection processes evident, predictable performance expected evident, predictable performance expected fat cover and% of mob killable, bright, healthy coat, bone structure not visible. VERY GOOD -Maximum growth potential, medium to heavy bone structure, medium to large frame, objective selection processes evident with top genetics used, predictable performance expected PRIME - Medium to full muscle development, modest to heavy fat cover, allot the mob killable.

[0058] Frame size is an indication of maturity pattern and is described by the following frame descriptions. Breed, genetic selection and nutrition also influence frame size. • Small- Animals with short legs and body relative to breed, with a tendency toward early maturity and over fatness. Typical of the smallest within the breed, often a symptom of poor nutritional background and limited genetic selection processes. • Medium- Typical of the majority of commercial cattle within the British and Bos Indicus breeds and crosses, and the majority of cattle within commercial herds providing the stock have experienced fair to good nutrition and predictable genetic selection processes. • Large- Typical of the largest 20% within British and Bos Indicus breeds and crosses, and the majority of European breeds, will have experienced good nutrition and predictable selection processes.

-PREGNANCYSTATUS

STATUS

DESCRIPTION

SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22 Jul2016 17 PTIC Pregnancy tested in calf. PTE Pregnancy tested empty. Joined 1 Unjoined Where heifers & cows have/ have not been exDosed to the bulls intentionally or unintentionally. UNKNOWN Pregnancy status of heifers & /cows is unknown or undeclared HORN STATUS STATUS DESCRIPTION HORNED Where no portion of the horn has been removed. TIPPED Where the tip of the horn has been removed. DEHORNED Where the horn has been removed leaving no protrusion of horn from the skull POLLED/SCURRED Where there is no evidence of horn growth as a genetic attribute OR where scurs are present.

SpecPA2034416 18 2016102341 22M2016

-TEMPERAMENT STATUS DESCRIPTION QUIET Easy to handle singly MANAGEABLE Easy to handle in a mob SLIGHTLY STIRRY Difficult to handle in a mob STIRRY Extremely difficult to handle singly or in a mob -SEX

Additional description: bulls, cows, heifers, steers and calves-need to include detail as follows number, breed, weight range and average, branded/marked, HGP, re-joined, bulls joined to, other relevant comment.

-AGE

Additional description: Age brands if applicable, other relevant comment. Example data:

Animal no. Liveweight (kgs) Dentition 1 200 0 tooth 2 400 2 tooth 3 300 4 tooth 4 etc etc 5 6 etc etc TOTAL no. =77 Low weight = 0-tooth = head 200kg 10hd High weight = 400kg 2-tooth = 45 Av weight = 300kg 4-tooth = 22

SpecPA2034416 19 2016102341 22 Μ 2016

-LIVEWEIGHT

Additional description: Wet or dry curfew, hours, other relevant comment.

PREGNANCY

Additional description: If joined what breed of Bull, other relevant comment. -Muscle Score

Muscling has obvious influence on carcase yield. The ultimate expression of an animals genetic muscle capability is directly linked to animal breed and condition. • Muscle should not be confused with fatness, however, maximum muscling potential will not be achieved until the animal is in prime condition. • Beware of over estimating muscle score on over fat (eg. feedlot) cattle. • Muscle scoring reflects muscle shape and thickness in relation to frame size. • Sex has an influence with females typically being lighter muscled than their male counterparts. • Muscling assessment looks through the animal from forequarter to hindquarter. • Lightly muscled (eg. Dairy breeds) have flat muscling and a narrow stance, whereas heavily muscled animals (eg. European breeds) have rounder muscle shape and broader stance with legs spaced well apart. • Hindquarter viewing from the side shows light muscled animals with a flat to concave muscle shape. Heavily muscled animals have a convex (bulging) butt shape. • Side view of heavily muscled animals will show clear muscle definition.

The scoring system of the invention has four scores. 1. Heavily muscled - typical of European beef cattle breeds and crosses, in prime condition. Clear muscle definition, very broad stance, pronounced convex hindquarter shape.

SpecPA2034416 20 2016102341 22 Jul2016 2. Medium muscled - typical of most beef cattle across all breeds, in prime condition. A lesser degree of muscle definition, stance and butt shape. 3. Moderate muscled - typical of the Brahman breed crosses and females in pastoral Australia, forward store to prime condition. Very little muscle definition, moderate stance and flat to slightly convex butt shape. 4. Light muscled - Flat muscle shape with no definition, narrow stance and concave butt shape. Typical of dairy breeds, genetically inferior beef cattle in store to forward condition, Quality beef breeds in store condition, underdeveloped (young) Brahman cattle from pastoral Australia.

[0059] Each and every assessment prompt is responded to and assessment criteria selected and an accurate assessment value given, for each of the above characteristics. Other characteristics may be used as well, or different terms used such as in overseas industries where particular livestock traits or characteristics may be valued more highly than in other countries.

[0060] Trained and listed assessors may be professional livestock agents, a DIY producer or other person. Any or all of these trained people may be granted access to the specially designed application (the “LIVESTOCK APP”) available on mobile devices. Access will be readily available to people in the industry for upload onto their iPad (TRADE MARK) or phone or similar device. The electronic mobile device used will adapt over time as technology moves forward without changing the fundamentals of the invention. The invention could be used on a portable or fixed computer in other forms, where suitable.

[0061] The technical overview of the 7thVision LIVESTOCK APP is as follows:-Technical Overview • Developed for iOS9.1+, iPad device only, one orientation • App will be distributed via iOS AdHoc Distribution and initial app install and upgrades will be downloaded manually *

SpecPA2034416 21 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 • Livestock agent can add photos and enter details without logging in however the agent must login before uploading. The login will be a username and password set in Wordpress (the agent’s website content management system). • Photos will be resized and compressed before uploading for faster speed and minimal data use • Form data and photos attached will be stored locally on the device • Data is saved progressively so an entry can be abandoned midway through and resumed once the app is opened again • Agent can select which photo will be the featured image • The app will constantly check for an internet connection in the background and will upload data incrementally to an Amazon S3 Hosting Bucket. If the connection is lost, the upload is paused and resumes again once another connection is reached • The app will check in the background for the listings upload success and once confirmed, a notification is sent to the device • App will check distribution server to see if a new version of the app is available to ensure all agents are running the latest version • Data will be held offline on the device until such time as an internet connection is established. Data on the device will not expire [0062] Software details for the LIVESTOCK APP of the invention may be accessed at Seventh Vision Pty Ltd, info@7thvision.com.au, Burleigh Heads Queensland, 4220 Australia.

[0063] Including secure access to the listing part of the invention ensures only trained or authorised assessors can assess to the LIVESTOCK APP for listings as

SpecPA2034416 22 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 is preferable to control and regulate the assessment and sale of the livestock. Feedback will be able to be given by users and verified in cases of true complaint. A repeat offender of inaccurate assessing can have access to the system removed.

[0064] Once the LIVESTOCK APP has been accessed a series of prompts are provided to take the details first of the assessor themselves, and then to go through the process of assessing the livestock. Example prompts may be first to take comments, from the assessor such as to the nature of the paddock: [0065] AGENT ASSESSOR COMMENTS Comments to include: • Loading density/40deck • Extra cattle available • Paddock pasture condition and general seasonal conditions [0066] The circumstance and details in the comment section may ultimately be viewable by a potential buyer so that the full information about the livestock is available. The agent and website hosts may also access the information entered in the comments section. Prompts for standard desirable information may be entered here or general prompts such as “Notes” may be the prompt for comments to be added that may be of relevance to the assessment of the livestock. Photographs may be added and uploaded at any point associated with suitable assessments. The particular photographs included in the ultimate listing may be all of these or may be a selection made by the agent when checking the draft before making the listing live.

[0067] There follows detailed prompts to the assessor to enter detail of themselves and their chosen agent. The agent may be themselves but more usually would be an independent agent to enable the assessment they enter to be entered into their

SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 23 website DIRECTLY from the LIVESTOCK APP without the need for further instructions. The details in the given fictional example are as follows:

Agent & Assessor details

Details Instructions Compulsory field Assessor no. & Password *********** S Agent & Stock Sales Person This will auto default to that predetermined by the assessor no. NB. when the Assessor is registered they must nominate the agent they are assigned to. This can be changed at a later date ONLY by the administrator S Exclusive Marketing Authority (The Assessor authorises exclusive marketing authority to the Agent) 14days Y/N S

[0068] The agent used is important here, as are the details of the assessor. After the identification and accessing steps come the assessment of the livestock in detail following the prompts. The particular criteria and assessment options of the given example are given in general form above. Following the training given in these assessments, the assessor can follow the step-by-step prompts to enter these in turn, following the strict guidelines and process. There follows an example of the data that may be entered for a fictional livestock assessment with a ticks used for ease of representation: [0069] Cattle description

Key description category

Sub Categories

Compulsory field NB. Not every subcategory within each category can be compulsory BUT each

SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22 Jul2016 24 category must contain entries Sex • Bull • Cow • Steer • Heifer • Mixed Sex (... %Males & ... %Females) • Cows & Calves • Additional description ✓ Age • 0 tooth (less than 18mths)% • 0-2 tooth (18-30mths)% • 4 tooth (24- 36mths)% • 4-6 tooth (30-42mths)% • 8 tooth (36mths+)% • % Mouthed • Additional description V Breed • Purebred • Crossbred • Brahman • Hereford • Angus • Charolaise • Limousin • Santa • Droughtmaster • Brangus • Other breed • Additional description V Number of head V Live weight • Weight range (kg) • Mob average (kg) • % Weighed • Additional description V Condition score • Prime % • Forward store % • Store % • Backward store % V Quality s Outstanding % ... S Very good % S Good % S Fair % S Plain % V SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 25 Muscle • Heavy Muscle% • Medium Muscle% • Moderate Muscle% • Light Muscle% Frame • Large % • Medium % • Small % Pregnancy • PTIC% • PTE % • Joined Y/N • Unknown • Spayed • Practitioner (Vet, Vendor or Other).... • Vet certificate Y/N • Additional Description Temperament • Quite % • Manageable% • Slightly stirry % • Stirry % Vendor Bred% (if not vendor bred provide details) • Horn • Horned% • Dehorned% • Tipped0/© • Polled/Scurred% V HGP • Y/N • Product • Approximate treatment expiry date V [0070] There follows further associated detail prompts: [0071] Associated details Key description Sub-category Compulsory field category NB. Not every subcategory within each category can be compulsory BUT each category must contain entries SpecPA2034416 2016102341 22M2016 26 Postcode • 4820 Livestock Location • Property name • Distance from nearest major town Delivery point • Nominated Saleyard or Live weight scales • On property s Delivery date • Preferred dates • Excluded dates • TBA s Movement Restrictions • Chemical treatments • ESI&WHP • Other s Tick Status • Clean, Ticky or NCT s Market accreditations • EU accredited • Australian Organic • US Organic • PCAS (Certified Pasture fed) • PCAS eligible • Other s Vendor Comment Not compulsory Agent Assessor Comment Other points: Not compulsory Sale Type • Live weight (c/kg)... 12hr curfew • $/head [0072] Followed by further listing attributes: to mark the listing as:-Mark listing as • Available, Under Offer or Sold COMPULSORY Search categories 1. Age 2. Breed 3. Sex 4. Postcode [0073] In actual use, the process will take place by moving through the pages of the LIVESTOCK APP on a tablet or iPad. The data may be entered by choosing the feature, say condition, and then making a selection from the listed choices of

SpecPA2034416 27 2016102341 22 Μ 2016

Backward Store, Store, Forward Store or Prime as appropriate for the animal being assessed. The selection is recorded and a further prompt presented either by returning the user to a menu so they can choose, or by moving directly to the next prompt for the next assessment criteria.

[0074] Once access to a mobile or internet connection is made the data automatically uploads to the nominated agent website directly, there is no need for additional action. Advantageously, the data automatically uploads, either incrementally as the data is entered, where there is mobile or internet access is available at that point, or in one go once internet or mobile access becomes available.

[0075] In the given example, the agent will be notified of the pending draft uploaded to the website after the assessment has occurred and can hold off the listing or check off and dispatch to make the listing live. In this step the listing can be checked to ensure quality including the photographs of the listed animals are included, choose which photographs to highlight and see that a full assessment and details have been processed properly. It would be possible to omit this verification step in some forms of the invention and have the listing upload directly to be a live listing for sale of the livestock on an appropriate website.

[0076] Following the assessment into the LIVESTOCK APP and direct upload to the nominated agent website the livestock can be made available for sale. However, in the given example, the assessed livestock are instead shared to a collective livestock catalogue-UPLA. The livestock catalogue could be a catalogue for another organisation who also chooses to use the inventive system or a licenced agent user, in other forms of the invention.

[0077] At the point of sharing to the UPLA organisation livestock catalogue this can lead to a sale listing or auction listing, including on another licensed website leading to sale of the livestock. It is beneficial for the assessment step to occur, to

SpecPA2034416 28 2016102341 22 Jul2016 automatically upload to the agent website before the listing is checked and shared to appropriate other websites to maximise exposure for the listing for the seller. All of this can be achieved seamlessly while the seller and animals remain on the property, and yet the sale information is made widely available, 24 hours a day.

[0078] Once the listing is posted beyond the agent website to the UPLA livestock catalogue a further inventive stage occurs, as the listing may now be entered into a private sale catalogue, tender sale catalogue or both. In this way the listing enables significant exposure of the sale listing. Where the listing may be a timed auction with bidding, predetermined minimal sale prices and authorised buyers may be included. Controls are in place to make sure that if a sale occurs it meets the minimum requirements of the seller.

[0079] A useful step is the authorisation of buyers ahead of time by checking their credit worthiness. Only suitable buyers will be able to make a bid or buy the livestock. By doing so the sellers, agents and buyers have confidence in the system and the sales will be completed, not fail when it comes to complete the transaction. Other than credit other suitable criteria can be included for buyers. For example a buyer may be removed if found to be problematic in some way. If verified complaints or negative feedback is given a buyer may have access revoked. Also buyers from a certain distance may be prevented for purchase of certain sales.

[0080] An automatic reporting system generates the sale documents from the website to report to the seller and buyer and also to the agent so they may take any commission applicable. Automatic reporting of the sale is useful as it keeps the listing up to date and again, in real time provides current data to sellers and buyers on sales made and the available livestock.

[0081] The inventor has developed a surprisingly clever new livestock system that vastly improves the sale of livestock through all the stages. A seller can have

SpecPA2034416 29 2016102341 22 Μ 2016 livestock listed and sold in the quickest possible time and deliver to the seller at the earliest opportunity.

[0082] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0083] The system is an automated sale system for livestock sales that facilitates buying and selling of livestock on a national scale, so that all and any livestock available may be chosen, based on accurate and verified data. Use of the system creates a commercial market place for livestock.

SpecPA2034416

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. An automated livestock sale system in “real time” using an application, the system including the following steps:- a) Assessment of livestock to a selection of standardised and predetermined criteria by any suitable person; b) Entry of assessment data into the application on a mobile electronic device, at the point of assessment, at the location of the livestock; c) Automatic upload of the assessment data to create a listing for sale of the livestock, with only minimal input required after the assessment data is entered, and aggregation to create a listing for an animal for sale across a plurality of sale sites, simultaneously, available to potential buyers; wherein, the automated livestock system updates automatically and is available substantially 24 hours a day, to enable a buyer to make an offer or bid through any of the sale sites, potentially leading to a sale.
2. 2. The livestock sale system according to claim 1, wherein the listing is uploaded or shared to a website that provides a catalogue of livestock for sale for potential buyers and the catalogue is a national catalogue of substantially all the cattle or livestock for sale nationally, currently and the agent website listing is shared automatically to the livestock catalogue website and or the listing is shared to one or more private sale catalogues, or tender catalogues for sale of livestock, before transport, and payment.
3. 3. The livestock sale system accordingly to claims 1 or 2, wherein offers and bids can be made on a particular livestock from more than one catalogue or system at the same time.
4. 4. A livestock sale system using an application, the system including the following steps:- a) Assessment of livestock according to predetermined criteria b) Entry of assessment data into an application on a mobile device; c) Upload of the assessment data to a host website to create a listing for sale of the livestock; d) Aggregation of listings to a common platform or catalogue; e) Buyer makes an offer or bid for the livestock; f) Sale occurs; g) Livestock is transported from the seller to the buyer; and h) Payment.
5. 5. A method of livestock sale using an application on a mobile device, the method including the following steps:- a) Noting a prompt on the application of a mobile device for an assessment criteria for livestock; b) Assessing the criteria of the livestock, according to predetermined categories, as prompted, the assessment being made by a qualified assessor; c) Selecting the appropriate assessment value; d) Entering the appropriate assessment value in the application; e) Repeating steps a), b), c) and d) (the “assessment entry step”) until all the specific criteria have been prompted, assessed, selected and entered for the livestock; f) Automatic uploading of the assessment entry step data on access to the internet, mobile phone or other wireless network from the application to nominated site; g) Checking and verifying of listing by nominated site or representative h) Listing livestock for sale on nominated website; i) Optionally, forwarding to aggregation web platform; j) Enabling verified buyers to buy livestock from nominated website through direct sale, tender or auction bidding; k) Sale occurs; l) Transporting livestock direct from the seller to the buyer; and m) Payment, provided terms of sale are met.