How to become a 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.

Personal requirements for a Stock and Station Agent

Interested in the rural industry
Able to take initiative
Self-motivation
Good organisational skills
Good communication skills

Education & Training for a Stock and Station Agent

To become a stock and station agent you usually have to complete an accredited short course in real estate or a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a stock and station agent through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

The Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association is the national peak industry body for livestock and property agents.

Duties & Tasks of a Stock and Station Agent

Stock and station agents:

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.

Tasks

Purchases and sells livestock and rural property on behalf of clients.
Sells agricultural supplies, such as seed, grains, feed, sprays, dips, drenches and veterinary products, in accordance with statutory requirements.
Acts as an insurance agent for rural clients.

Working conditions for a Stock and Station Agent

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

Employment Opportunities for a Stock and Station Agent

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.

Specializations

Stock and Station Agent

Average age
47
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
11% female
Average full-time
49 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
90%
Employment Size
2,200
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 36.7%
NT: 0.8%
QLD: 13.2%
SA: 11.3%
TAS: 2.7%
VIC: 26.4%
WA: 9.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.4%
20-24: 5.5%
25-34: 17.8%
35-44: 20.5%
45-54: 21.8%
55-59: 11.6%
60-64: 8.3%
65 and Over: 12.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.7%
Bachelor degree: 9.2%
Certificate III/IV: 21%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.6%
Year 10 and below: 20.4%
Year 11: 9.8%
Year 12: 26.3%