Q&A: Meet the next generation of South Australia's Stock Agents
Georgia Sergejevs, Nutrien Ag Solutions Kimba
Age: 21
From: Gawler River
When did you decide you wanted to become a stock agent? The saleyards were where I first discovered I wanted to work with livestock. My Grandpa would take me there in school holidays and on our way home one day we were chatting about my future and I said, “I reckon I want to be a stock agent actually”. I distinctly remember him replying “whatever you do, don't become an agent". Fast forward a few years and I'm doing exactly that but he's come around to it and is pretty proud of me now.
What paths did you take to becoming an agent? I initially got turned down from several traineeships and jobs for my lack of experience and tertiary education. So I went out and got some experience working on properties around Australia before coming home and dropping my resume into our local Nutrien team at the saleyards. They offered me an opportunity in livestock admin but there are two stockies who I owe a lot of credit to getting me where I am today. They took me under their wing while I was still in my admin role and trained me up to be an agent. A few months ago a job came up in Kimba so I transferred branches and now I am the only stockie in the branch and have my own client list that I'm trying to build up.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? My favourite aspect of the job is the saleyards because they're a hub of knowledge. You can learn a lot by observing the market and agents talking about all things livestock. We work for the farmer so the saleyard is also a great place to have a chat with them and learn all about how different people operate.
What has been your most enjoyable experience on the job so far? I’d have to say my favourite memories come from sitting in the car alongside more experienced agents hearing all about how they got to where they are and learning handy tips and tricks of the trade.
Tyron Hilder, Nutrien Ag Solutions Wudinna
Age: 21
From: Willippa Station, Flinders Ranges
When did you decide you wanted to become a stock agent? I’ve always wanted to work with livestock ever since I was little. I got the opportunity to begin my career with Nutrien in Port Augusta in 2022 which I really enjoyed. I recently moved over to the Wudinna branch at the start of 2024.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? I enjoy seeing the end results when you sell stock and having a satisfied client once you achieve the end goal. It has been a tough couple of years with livestock prices although I’m hopeful we can get through this period and there’ll be some light at the end of the tunnel.
What has been your most enjoyable experience so far? I have really enjoyed helping out at the monthly store sales at Jamestown. You can catch up with other Nutrien agents and talk about what they’re interested in buying and what they have coming up to sell. Especially when you are a solo agent in an area, it’s always good to have that social interaction and bounce ideas around.
Grace Teate, Nutrien Ag Solutions Jamestown
Age: 28
From: Naracoorte
What paths did you take to becoming an agent? I decided to become a stock agent after working on the production side of farming as a livestock manager and general farm hand. I came across an opportunity with Nutrien to become a livestock trainee and loved the idea of being more involved with the marketing side of animal production.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? I enjoy being able to help farmers get the highest prices and best markets they can, therefore positively impacting their business. I'm also very much a people person, so I think the relationships built with clients are a special part of the job. I also particularly love working with stock and going out to stations for days on end drafting cattle and sheep.
What has been your most memorable or enjoyable experience on the job so far? I think one of the most enjoyable days I've had so far have been drafting cattle out the old stock route, The Birdsville Track, on various stations.
Anything else? Just thank you to Nutrien for the opportunity they have provided me and the amazing team I work with. I'm learning so much and having an absolute blast while working in my role…find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life, right?
Cody Benson, Nutrien Ag Solutions Mount Gambier
Age: 22
From: Kangarilla, Adelaide Hills
What paths did you take to becoming an agent? I took an opportunity that was given to me after working alongside another stock agent, Ben Dickenson, on the farm I was employed at just outside of Langhorn Creek. After getting to know him, he suggested I join the stock agent business with Nutrien.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? Working with people to get the best result possible for my clients and developing my skill set as a stockman and agent for the betterment of my clients’ businesses.
What has been your most memorable or enjoyable experience on the job so far? Selling my first truck load of stock for my very own client, as well as selling my very first pen of cattle as an auctioneer.
Sabrina Andrews, Nutrien Ag Solutions Kingscote
Age: 28
From: Kangaroo Island
When did you decide you wanted to become a stock agent: I completed two weeks of work experience at the Kingscote branch and then became hooked and applied for a job with Nutrien straight after.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? I enjoy the market research side of the job; handling livestock, meeting people and seeing new parts of the countryside every day.
Anything else? Wear wool clothing and eat Australian beef and lamb, this country was founded on the sheep’s back!
Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock Naracoorte
Age: 25 years
From: A family farm in Penola
When did you decide you wanted to become a stock agent: I come from a farming background and have been working as a livestock agent for over three years now. I have always had a passion for livestock and working with people, so it was no brainer to go down the path of an agent and make that passion a reality. I love what I do and I’m very proud of the job.
What do you enjoy the most about the job? I enjoy that every day is different. No day or job is ever the same. I enjoy working as a team and working alongside my clients to achieve the best possible result for their livestock and business.
What has been your most memorable or enjoyable experience on the job so far? The most memorable and enjoyable moment in this job is picking up a new client or even topping a market with client's livestock.