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Stock and Station Agent

Stock and station agents advise and represent farmers and graziers in business transactions such as the buying and selling of livestock, wool, fertiliser, farming and grazing land, equipment and merchandise.

Stock and station agents may specialise in livestock buying and selling, auctioneering, property and merchandise sales, arranging finance and insurance, pastoral inspections, and stud stock or wool.

They may be classified as grain merchants, wool buyers or wool merchants.

Stock and station agents usually travel a lot by car, work long hours and are often required to contact clients during the evening.

TASKS

Stock and station agents may perform the following tasks:

study market trends and prices
arrange transport of stock to saleyards
take prospective buyers to inspect properties for sale
assist with selecting livestock, as well as commercial and stud stock
value livestock and advise on different marketing options for stock
arrange the penning and auction of livestock
arrange clearing sales of machinery and plant equipment that is no longer required
advise and assist clients with the management of agricultural or pastoral companies, stock or farming problems
conduct sales of wool on behalf of clients, usually on a commission basis
sell a wide range of agricultural products, including chemicals used in farming and grazing enterprises
write reports on business transactions
arrange finance for the buying of livestock or property
act as agents for insurance companies
arrange private sales between sellers and buyers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

interested in the rural industry
able to take initiative
self-motivation
good organisational skills
good communication skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a stock and station agent you usually have to complete an accredited short course in real estate or a VOC qualification in property services. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a stock and station agent through a traineeship in Property Services (Agency/Real Estate/ Stock and Station Agency).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Property Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Agents who deal in farms and properties must be licensed stock and station agents. See the separate entry for Real Estate Salesperson for further information. Stock and station agents who perform valuations must be qualified valuers. See the separate entry for Valuer for further information. In NSW/ACT, those wishing to sell livestock must hold an auctioneer's licence. See the separate entry for Auctioneer for further information.

The Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association, which is the national peak industry body for livestock and property agents, also offers online courses and certification in property practice, stock and station licensing and real estate licensing.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Stock and station agents may be employed by large pastoral companies or small private agencies. The demand for stock and station agents depends on the state of the rural industry, which is affected by factors such as interest rates, commodity markets, overseas prices for primary products and seasonal conditions.

With experience, and sometimes further training, stock and station agents may progress to senior positions such as branch manager or area manager, or to executive areas of finance, real estate and insurance.

Due to the nature of this occupation, there is limited demand for stock and station agents in the ACT.