A SOUND knowledge of livestock and its marketing are the key attributes behind a successful stock and station agent, according to Moree’s John Deakin.
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Mr Deakin is one of three principals at Pitman Deakin, formed 17 years ago.
A Moree local for the past 45 years, Mr Deakin says such knowledge is gained first hand, by experience.
“There are also courses that outline rules and regulations in the profession,” Mr Deakin says.
Moree and district is well served with stock and station agents, with many centred around Balo Street.
“I mainly sell livestock now but we do have three excellent rural properties on our books at present,” Mr Deakin said.
Alamby is a 1052 hectare property about 75 kilometres west of Moree, with an average annual rainfall of 20 inches.
Brigalows covers 4482 hectares and is about 80 kilometres west of Moree.
Part Carlingford will be auctioned on February 24 at the Max Centre. This property is set on about 1214 hectares, primarily a farming block which is fully fenced.
Business is buoyant, however, all agents agree the district is in need of rain.
Paul Gunthorpe is born and bred in Moree and sole principal of Gunthorpe Ogle, in Balo Street.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes during my 34 years as an agent,” Mr Gunthorpe said.
“Moree is a true and good farming area, but we do need rain now; producers are going to have to start feeding.”
Pricing livestock is broad and depends on many factors, he said. “A head of cattle can reach anywhere between $400 and $4000,” he said.
In Mungindi, Prosser Hutton principal Peter Prosser is gearing up for his busiest season, with the district coming into weaning time for lambs.
“Selling livestock, sheep in particular, is 75 per cent of our business,” Mr Prosser said.
“Lambs are selling for anywhere between $100 and $110; we sell a lot online at AuctionsPlus; last year we had a bit of a record, selling 12,000 lambs in one week.”
A stock and station agent can earn an average annual salary of $75,000. They must undertake training and hold either a certificate or diploma; more information at training.com.au