Top livestock agents in Queensland revealed
They are as red-blooded as Queenslanders come, thriving on the rush of fast-paced live transactions and a ‘battle of wits’ between buyer and auctioneers to secure top dollar. Meet some of the state’s top livestock agents.
Rockhampton
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They are as red-blooded as Queenslanders come, thriving on the ‘adrenaline rush’ of fast-pace live transactions and a ‘battle of wits’ between buyer and auctioneers.
Welcome to the world of Queensland’s livestock agents, a career which is looking increasingly bright for young people keen on a life where no two days are the same.
According to the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association, there are indications of a “promising and rejuvenated” uptake in inquiries and applications form young people to become stock and station agents.
ALPA Chief Executive Officer Peter Baldwin said the last two ALPA Queensland Auctioneer Schools, held at CQLX Gracemere, had drawn record attendee numbers.
“We have identified a very positive uptake among young people who have strong agricultural intellect, possess the natural right skills and have their hearts set on a career in this field,” he said.
“A livestock agent needs to have a strong understanding of the vital role all stakeholders play within the red meat industry from producers, processors and transporters.
“No two days are the same, so the need to embrace the variety. A love of agriculture and knowledge of the industry which is beneficial for all involved.”
Mr Baldwin said one of the things attracting people to the trade of stock agency was the “adrenaline rush” of conducting a fast-paced live transaction.
“An auctioneer is front and centre in the transaction and most auctioneers are born to compete,” he said.
“Many people are attracted to auctioneering because they feel that through their ability, their knowledge of values and their tenacity can make a positive difference to a sale outcome.
“Agents/auctioneers have the contacts, market knowledge and experience, to achieve the highest price and best out outcomes for their clients.
“They safeguard the livelihood of their clients by offering prudent advice on restocking, breeding, the right time to buy and sell, as well as instituting the best method of sale such as saleyards, special feature sales, online interface, in the paddock, over the hook or live export.”
YOUNG AUCTIONEERS BATTLE IT OUT
Each year the ALPA holds the Young Auctioneers competitions and auctioneer schools, which sees entrants from all around the state.
Young Auctioneers finalists are selected at auctioneer school events a few months before the competition.
Participants at the schools learn from experienced auctioneers who pass on practical information essential for effective auctioneering and speech pathologists providing auction specific tips including voice projection, breathing techniques, voice conservation and care.
The winner and runner up of the competition, in each participating state, progresses to the national final which is held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The winner of the national competition then has the chance to showcase their skills on the world stage and by representing Australia at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship at the Calgary Stampede.
Mr Baldwin said interest in this year’s competitions and schools was poised at an “all-time high” and there was even worldwide interest in the livestreaming of the competition.
“There is widespread support for the competitions and competitors from the agency community and the broader agriculture industry with producer clients getting behind their auctioneer,” he said.
“The auctioneers are well known within their rural communities and the local support is very strong.
“Social media also assists in facilitating greater interest in the competition. The ongoing support of valued sponsors also demonstrates the importance and high regard the competition is held.”
MEET QUEENSLAND’S TOP STOCK AGENTS
Simon Kinbacher, GDL, Rockhampton
Simon Kinbacher was announced as a runner-up in the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Ltd QLD Young Auctioneers Competition in 2021, after an outstanding performance up against the state finalists at the Roma Saleyards.
Simon represented Elders Rockhampton, and has enjoyed competing over a number of years.
He now works for GDL in Rockhampton.
He for some time has sold at Gracemere and Gin Gin, but now also sells at Sarina and Nebo. He thoroughly enjoys the auctioneering part of his work, as well as everything that comes with it.
Justin Rhode, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Rockhampton
Justin Rhode was runner-up the in the 2022 Australian Livestock and Property Agents QLD Young Auctioneers Competition.
He represented Nutrien Ag Solutions Rockhampton.
Morgan Harris, TopX, Rockhampton/Gracemere
Morgan Harris was also one of the 10 finalists at the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Young Auctioneers Competition last year and also in 2021.
Morgan works with TopX Gracemere as a livestock agent and has thoroughly enjoyed his time with TopX attributing it to its status as an independently-owned and personal company that is still supported by a progressive network of professionals.
Jake Robinson, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dalby
Jake Robinson from Nutrien Ag Solutions Dalby was the winner of the 2022 Australian Livestock and Property Agents QLD Young Auctioneers Competition.
He represented Nutrien Ag Solutions Dalby.
After winning the 2022 competition in QLD, Jake will now go on to represent the state in the national competition.
The winner of the national competition will then go on to represent Australia at the Calgary Stampede.
David Felsch, Ray White Rural, Dalby
David Felsch is the principal of Ray White Rural, based in Dalby.
David began his career in 2005, and has achieved some high results in his career as a livestock agent.
In the 21/22 financial year, David generated more than $1 million in livestock Commissions alone.
Dane Pearce, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Rockhampton
Dane Pearce is the Nutrien Ag Solutions Stud Stock Manager for North Queensland based in Rockhampton.
He’s been working in the sector for 11 years.
Mr Pearce started in the agency business at Roma after studying at ag college.
“I have always had a love of cattle and horses. It definitely wasn’t in my plan to become an auctioneer, but seeing clients happy after a successful result is very rewarding,” he said.
“I enjoy working with and being part of a team, I might be the one selling on the rostrum but the entire team working behind the scenes are the ones making the results happen for our clients.”
For Mr Pearce one of his most memorable sales was at the 2020 Wandoan Santa Gertrudis Sale where he handed the gavel to his friend and mentor Joe Keppel to offer the first ever Santa Gertrudis Bull from the Baker Family of the Annabranch Stud.
The family had been Mr Keppel’s clients for 49 years.
Mr Pearce said one of the biggest changes in the industry was how far technology had come.
“The biggest change I’ve witnessed in the sector is probably the use of technology. Not just the various online bidding platforms, but the way producers market their cattle pre-sale has changed significantly,” he said.
“First impressions are so important and most producers are now getting more in touch with the digital world and are marketing their product much more professionally.”
Sterling George, GDL, Blackall
Sterling George has been in the livestock agent industry for three years and is based at GDL in Blackall.
He said he enjoyed working with vendors to achieve their goals and seeing the different country and livestock on offer within the GDL network.
“The best thing about being in the livestock sector is meeting different people within the livestock industry and building a relationship with clients, buyers, work colleagues and all other people within the industry,” he said.
Mr George said one of his most memorable sales was a draft of 2000 Brahman steers from one brand in the north that sold at the Blackall Saleyards in mid-2022.
Jack Hannah, GDL, Miles
Jack Hannah has been working in the livestock selling sector for the past five years and is based in Miles with GDL.
Mr Hannah said he enjoyed how each day was different, meeting and working with new people and livestock.
“Conducting the sale of somebody’s livestock can be both challenging and very rewarding, it must always be taken seriously and done in the right way,” he said.
“When selling livestock you must always remember that you are dealing with that person’s livelihood and every cent counts, whether its auctioneering or conducting a private sale you must do everything in your ability to get the best result possible for your vendor.”
Geoff Maslen, GDL, Roma
Geoff Maslen has been in the livestock agency business for the last 18 years and is based in Roma with GDL.
Mr Maslen has a passion for selling livestock through the good times and the bad and making a significant difference to his client’s bottom line.
He said while there were many memorable sales over the years, it was hard to go past one from the past 12 months.
“In particular a line of 200 Angus unjoined heifers that averaged just over $3000 per head, which equated to over $10/kg,” he said.
Brent Williams, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Charters Towers
Brent Williams is a livestock agent with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Charters Towers and has been in the cattle industry for nine years.
He said his love for the livestock industry came when he began working on cattle stations in 2011.
“I had more of a unconventional start into the livestock industry being born and schooled in the outer suburbs of Melbourne with no ties to the agency game,” he said.
“I headed to the Gulf to begin working on pastoral stations in 2011 and from there I experienced working in southern feedlots and also more recently live exporting cattle from both Queensland and the Northern Territory to South-East Asia.
“I enjoy working within the Queensland livestock industry simply because of being able to deal with like-minded producers and processors that have a strong passion for the future and sustainability of our industry.”
Corey Evans, GDL, Kingaroy
Corey Evans is a commercial and stud stock salesman with GDL based in Kingaroy and has been in the industry for six years.
He said working in the livestock industry was something he had always wanted to do.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to be part of the livestock industry,” he said.
“While I was at school, I got a job working at the local saleyards which led me to becoming a livestock agent/auctioneer once completing school.
“Being a part of the livestock sector has made my career as a livestock agent very enjoyable due to the people I’ve met and deal with on a day-to-day basis.”
Hamish Adlington, GDL, Chinchilla
Hamish Adlington has been a livestock agent for the last two and a half years and works for GDL in Chinchilla, following in the footsteps of his dad.
While only an agent for just over two years, he’s been part of the livestock industry his whole life on the family farm.
Mr Adlington said he loved the diversity of work locations and environments, as well as engaging with a wide variety of clients and industry professionals.
“(The best thing about my job is) providing a quality service through a leading company to ensure I’m exceeding client’s expectations and achieving the best possible outcomes for their individual livestock businesses, large or small,” he said.
“GDL really lives our catchphrase “Big Enough to Count – Small Enough to Care” and that’s what the livestock sector needs. Experience and care factor.”
Mick Hyland, GDL, Julia Creek
Mick Hyland works for GDL in Julia Creek and has been in the livestock industry for 18 years.
He said he enjoyed being able to buy and sell cattle in Queensland.
“I enjoy buying and selling cattle in Queensland, as we are able to deal with all grades of quality cattle; from weaners, backgrounders, feeders through to domestic and export markets,” he said.
“Best thing about my job is working with a great team of people across a wide area to get the best outcome possible for our clients.”
Paul Cooper, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mackay
Paul Cooper has been in the livestock sales industry for 40 years and works for Nutrien Ag Solutions in Mackay.
Mr Cooper said he really enjoyed working among the diversity of cattle breeds their clients have with the many different marketing options Nutrien offers including over the hooks, backgrounding and feeder orders, restockers and store orders, stud stock and more.
“The future challenges facing all stakeholders in our industry will be in feeding/supplying our expanding domestic and international consumer base by continuing to adopt new and emerging technologies to increase our production of high-quality beef in a sustainable way while continuing to address all welfare concerns and focusing on strengthening our social licence both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Kevin Way, GDL, Dalby
Kevin Way has grown up working with livestock and has been an agent for the last year and a half.
He works for GDL based in Dalby.
Mr Way said he enjoyed working in Queensland’s livestock sector because it’s challenging and rewarding and allows him to work with “some amazing people”.
“(The) Best thing about my job is building that trust and connection with my clients. I love working together to build a profitable and sustainable future that will hopefully see that business be there for generations to come,” he said.
Matt Pearce, GDL, Emerald
Matt Pearce has been in the livestock industry for the past four years and is based in Emerald with GDL.
He said he really enjoyed the relationships an agent built with clients as they progressed further into the job, as well as the country they get to see.
“Our job could take us anywhere,” he said.
“Others interested in the industry should consider a career path in livestock as you have the opportunity to build connections with many people in the sector from various locations who could have commercial operations, stud cattle, livestock buyers and many more.
“The opportunity to promote and sell clients cattle to get the best possible result is a rewarding feeling which makes you go the extra mile to always achieve the best results for all clients no matter the location, this could be cattle in the saleyards, out of the paddock, stud stock or wherever it maybe.”
Anthony Hyland, GDL, St George
Anthony Hyland is a livestock agent with GDL at St George and has been in the industry for 20 years.
For 12 years he worked with Landmark in Mareeba, Mitchell and Alice Springs in livestock management roles.
He’s been with GDL as an agent for the past eight years.
Mr Hyland said he enjoyed being able to work with a variety of livestock, such as cattle, sheep and lambs and goats, to become a more versatile agent.
He said one of his most memorable sales was from last year where 500 steers went to Princess Royal Station in South Australia for an average of $2280.
“Working with good vendors and good buyers with quality cattle brought the best result,” he said.
“(There was) also an offering of 5000 weather lambs on the account of Spinifex Pastoral Bollon Qld with 100 per cent clearance.”
Brodie Hurley, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Injune
Brodie Hurley is a livestock agent with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Injune and has been in the industry for seven years.
He said he enjoyed working in the livestock sector because of the vast area he covers and the large numbers of cattle.
“It was always an industry I was interested in, I started as a 20 year old livestock trainee in Dalby with Nutrien Ag Solutions moved to Roma and shortly after took on the role of livestock account manager Injune,” he said.
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