Forward+ FAQs

Forward is a simple forward selling marketplace designed to connect vendors, agents, and processors

Frequently Asked Questions

“What is Forward+?”

Forward+ is a simple forward selling marketplace that

  • Connects vendors, agents, and processors
  • Delivers improved supply certainty
  • Provides greater control for all, within the trusted, integrity-driven AuctionsPlus platform
  • Initially focusing upon sheep, predominately prime lamb

“How does Forward+ work?”

Forward+ is a digital online solution designed to be simple and streamlined

  • Suitably qualified livestock agents build and post a listing using a defined set of animal attributes and photos, with a predetermined future delivery date

  • The listing can be created from the AuctionsPlus mobile app anytime and anyplace

  • The listing is the presented to the wide pool of processor and ‘corporate’-style buyers - most of whom were deeply involved in designing and testing Forward+

  • From within their AuctionsPlus dashboard, processor buyers submit an OTH grid-style offer with an accompanying expiry period directly from within the listing. All offers are confidential and visible, only, to the list agent

  • The listing agent is notified of a pending offer, reviews accompanying conditions and accepts or declines.

  • The buyer is notified, and settlement and delivery arrangements confirmed

  • Upon delivery the buyer pays against the agreed offer grid

“What sets Forward+ apart?”

Connecting Ag

  • Powering smarter sales, better buying, and stronger forward contracts across the supply chain.

Trusted Network Access

  • Connect directly with accredited agents and vendors via AuctionsPlus’ secure platform.

Streamlined Selling Process

  • Minimises workload with concise assessments conducted by trusted and trained assessors.

Reduced Risk Across the Chain

  • Processors receive accurately assessed and delivered stock, while agents and vendors benefit from more visible pricing.

Transparent Market Signals

  • Access clear pricing and offer data to align with true market demand.

Stakeholder driven design

  • Built with input from all stakeholders to deliver a consistent, fair, and flexible trading experience.

“Who can buy and sell on Forward+?

In the introductory phase, Forward+ is available to processor buyers, and select livestock agents

It is fully expected that listing access will be extended beyond Level 1 Assessors at a future date

“What can be bought and sold on Forward+?”

Forward+ will focus primarily upon sheep, (prime lamb, hoggets' and mutton), that will be suitable for processing at the listed forward delivery date.

“What prices are livestock being sold on Forward+?”

The offers being submitted and accepted across Forward+ are confidential, and not available for wider publication. Contact your livestock agent to discuss stock suitability.

“When is payment settled?”

Offers submitted for Forward+ listings follow an OTH grid process. Payment is calculated upon carcase performance against the offer grid.

"How far forward are livestock offered?”

There are no limitations on how far in advance livestock can be listed on Forward+. This is at the listing agent/vendor’s discretion.

“How much does it cost to list on Forward+?”

 Akin to existing AuctionsPlus commercial sales, a per head listing fee is charged to the listing agent. This fee has been set at 69c/head

“Is this a futures derivative style contract product?”

Whilst Forward+ does seek to connect sellers and buyer of livestock for future delivery, it differs in many ways from a ‘futures contract’ that might be traded in a financial or commodities derivative market.

A commodities future contract (trade) is often characterised by generic specifications, head volume, delivery periods, settlement value and, sometimes, cash settled. Futures markets often attract participation by both industry participants enacting price risk hedging strategy, or speculators seeking return from market movements.Forward+ sees the physical delivery of livestock, retains flexibility around volume and driven by buyer offers. It is designed to simplify processor supply sourcing and address supply risk.

"How are buyers and sellers protected?"

Participants in Forward+ will be obliged to successfully complete an accreditation course, which includes reviewing and acknowledging their obligations under the AuctionsPlus User Agreement, and Forward Contract Terms and Conditions.