Training provides lifelong career lessons

For livestock agent Sam Laffy, upskilling through a training program delivered through RMA Network, Wodonga TAFE and Meat & Livestock Australia  has positively impacted his career performance.

“Initially, I worked closely with my boss learning the ins and outs of day-to-day tasks in a stock agency. My role has now changed to handle most clients by myself,” Sam said.

The comprehensive Next Generation Agency and Supply Chain training is designed to help new agents and supply chain service providers gain an operational understanding of required livestock and wool industry interactions between producers, agencies, processors, feedlots, exporters and the associated service providers.

Managing relationships within industry

“One of the most important lessons I learnt in the program was managing relationships within the industry,” Sam said.

To teach participants how to manage these kinds of relations, the program covers DISC personality profiling. Learning this profiling technique leads to a better understanding about how each individual operates, meaning handling different personalities becomes much clearer.

“Everyone has a different way of handling their business and there are so many different personalities within the industry – knowing how to handle those factors proves vital to achieving success.”

Sam also spoke about how beneficial he found the lessons around mental resilience.

“Due to the ever-changing nature of the livestock market, a lot of strain can be put on the agent because of negative prices and loss of money to a vendor.

“Another lesson we learnt was to focus on the things that we could change in relation to marketing livestock to the best of our ability and trying not to stress about the upward and downward trends of the market,” Sam said.

Discussions around mental resilience also raised the importance of time management and planning.

“Even though I enjoy helping work and draft cattle, that does not help them get sold. Making the right phone call at the right time can prove to be the most important action to take when marketing livestock.”

What’s next?

After taking part in the training program, Sam wants to continue to grow his client base while maintaining and supporting his current clients.

“I also hope to add further growth to my family’s business, which conducts cattle trading and lamb production.

“I hope to continue to learn new things. I believe livestock agents are vital for all producers, regardless of whether they think they need our services or not.”

Sam believes that the condensed wisdom that is learnt over the few weeks of the program could prove to be career-changing for him.

“I can’t thank Chris Howie and Simone Dand enough for making this course available to young agents. It’s given me great access to agents from all over Australia.”

If you would like to discuss training opportunities for your business and staff, please contact the course coordinator Simone Dand via email (sdand@wodongatafe.edu.au) or phone (0455 240 307).