The role of the stock agent has been an important part of running a successful livestock business over the years.
Will that role be as important in the future and will the industry retain the experience, as illustrated in this article in the Taranaki Daily?
We have seen livestock sales being made over the internet, but as yet this avenue of selling is not that popular.
Can the industry afford the costs associated with running a livestock agent and pay the commission? Your thoughts on what you expect from an agent, and how do you see livestock selling in the future?
Stock agent Marty Ryan has outlasted several stock and station companies in his 31-year career. While Mr Ryan's first position was with Newton King, he has since worked for six other companies formed by amalgamations and takeovers - although he has never left that first job.The companies were Crown, Dalgety Crown, Wrightsons Dalgety, Wrightsons, Williams & Kettle and PGG Wrightson.
Talking of respect, he says a stock agent must respect vendors and purchasers."You endeavour not to argue with them, but you point them in the right direction. A lot of farmers depend on you to buy for them." In recognition of his expertise with dairy cattle, Mr Ryan was sent to the South Island to talk to beef and sheep agents about dairy stock. "But they didn't want to know," he said. "They used to look down their noses at us - we were the gumbooters."
Mr Ryan said he was worried the cost of land was out of kilter for young people wanting to enter the dairy industry. In the past, young farmers could sell three-quarters of their dairy herds after 10 or 15 years in the industry to finance themselves into a farm."The dairy industry is very dependent on young people coming through."
Farming costs were also getting out of hand, with a rotary shed now costing more than $1 million. "If the payout fell to $4.50, some farmers would have to get out."The level of payout is so critical to the industry."Mr Ryan said agents buying dairy cows should always look for quality."In a dairy cow or young cattle, look for something that will stay with you for five to 10 years, good bone structure. Breed was not an issue for him. "A good dairy cow is a good dairy cow."
"The agent used to be a respected member of the community whose advice was keenly sought. Now farm advisers have taken over that role."
3 Comments
There is still a place for stock agents in the buying and selling of breeding stock but for store stock they are just ticket clippers who add no value. Commissions through the sale ring are outrageous, then theres frieght and yard fees. Meat companies will perform the same role for nothing. This is a part of the ag industry fast becoming obsolete.
Milkshake 6.6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHER9JvkSQ
Sheepshagger
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I am one of your so called ticket clippers.It never ceases to amaze me that if you are told by your meat company representative you are not being charged any commission you actually believe that.
When he sells your stock for free who is he working for?
Does he know the Market ?
Are you guaranteed payment.?
Who pays for his car ,salary ,phones ,super scheme, etc,etc..
I am sure you are not niave sheepshagger but if if was not for our industry you would have no competetion and your meat prices would heading further south than they are now.
If you answer the above questions honestly then maybe,just maybe you will get the picture.
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