Skilled and knowledgeable livestock agents unlock more for farmers

Nutrien Ag Solutions regional livestock lead Colby Ede.

Livestock farmers face decisions daily about how much stock to buy or sell, genetics selection, animal health applications and when and where to sell.

They rely on support from specialist advisors such as their livestock agent to keep their “finger on the pulse“ of the industry.

Nutrien Ag Solutions regional livestock lead Colby Ede says Nutrien is committed to supporting the continued development of livestock agents.

“For the sustainability of the industry, we need to foster and empower the next generation,“ he said.

“Getting behind initiative such as the ALPA Young Auctioneers competitions plays a big part in the industry’s development.”

“I began as a trainee with a Nutrien legacy business and know first-hand how valuable the ALPA Young Auctioneers competition was for my development.

“The mentors, exposure to the industry and development of my skill set was instrumental to my career,

“I’m incredibly proud of Jake Robinson, Nutrien Dalby and Justin Rohde, Nutrien Emerald for representing Queensland at the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition national final.

“Taking out the top two spots in the Queensland competition shows the strength of Nutrien’s boots on the ground.”

Jake and Justin’s colleagues Jack Ginnane, Nutrien South Gippsland Livestock and Jack Guy, Nutrien Bordertown – who both won their state finals – also made nationals.

Adam Mountjoy, Nutrien Ag Solutions regional livestock lead and also ALPA Young Auctioneer Competition alumni is excited to see the industry’s development.

“We’re seeing a change in how livestock are bought and sold in Australia,“ he said.

“We’re seeing the adaptation of more advanced online systems. AuctionsPlus has experienced 19 per cent growth from 2019 to 2022, with 4.8 million commercial cattle, sheep and goats offered for sale through the platform in 2022.

“Markets will continue to operate across different channels. We’re always looking for ways to give our farmers more information to assist them with making more informed decisions.

“Giving our livestock team more digital tools will increase efficiencies, increase knowledge and mean our team have more time to spend with farmers and less time completing manual paperwork.“