Stock camp for next gen of livestock agents

THE next generation of livestock and station agents have travelled hundreds of kilometres and from several states to attain their first accreditation for a job in the industry. Stock Camp, hosted by Ray White Rural and sponsored by Fairfax, SocietyOne and Brand Territory was held at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Over three days, 33 students from Rand, Mt Gambier, Coffs Harbour, Mungundi, Dubbo, Harden, Ellerston, Condobolin, Grose Vale, Delungra, Aberdeen, Billar Valley, Wagga, Bolong, Dareton, Jindabyne, Mihi, Cowra, Moree, Nevertire, Grafton, Molong, Black Springs, Goulburn, Temora, and Sydney, developed skills for communicating with clients, auctioning livestock and property, assessment of stock, new efficiency technologies, marketing and tactics to win their first clients. Speakers included renowned livestock agent Ben Emms of Blayney, property agent Brian McAneney of Dubbo, livestock assessor Alastair Rayner of Tamworth, and industry trainer Peter Neville of Orange.

A panel of business owners provided insights into their career highlights and challenges at a networking evening, including livestock agent James Brown of Albury, Wagga-based residential agents Cassie Sheehan and Lucas Myers, and farmland specialist Geoff Palmer. Practical lessons were aplenty, and career advice came thick and fast. “If you see your boss running, don’t keep walking,” Mr Emms said. “In this industry, it’s not who you know, but who knows you,” Network Development executive Stewart Gordon advised. “As a livestock agent, you will have a massive influence on people’s profitability and the long-term survivability of farms, so you need to be informed and current always,” Mr Rayner said.

“There’s an exciting new space for really innovative livestock marketing, targeting legitimate buyers through new mediums like Facebook and Google," marketing specialist Cindy Kovac said.

"And it’s important, as the next generation, that you know what’s available. For your vendors, it’s your responsibility to canvas every possible buyer."

The students will now submit their assessments and successful candidates will attain their Stock and Station Agency Certificate of Registration.

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