Matt Ward has had a long and varied career as a livestock agent, working in thirteen locations across three states and territories. The only constant – his pink shirt.
Matt is a livestock manager and head auctioneer for Elders at the South Australian Livestock Exchange, working throughout the Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide Plains. His role requires him to work with livestock clients across those regions, plus managing the saleyard and auctioneering duties at the Livestock Exchange in Dublin.
Matt has been with Elders for almost 35 years, working across both rural products and livestock roles in thirteen different branches. He first commenced in the Alice Springs branch in April 1989 after finishing high school.
“My first job description was Merchandise Storeman, for approximately 14 months,” Matt said.
“The main jobs included sweeping the merch shed floor, unloading small squares of hay from road trains by hand, and loading and unloading merchandise deliveries.”
Matt then went further north, spending time at the Katherine branch, before transferring to Elders Bordertown, where he took up a Senior Clerk role. From there, he moved around a lot, spending time at the Naracoorte, Tintinara, Keith, Broken Hill and Strathalbyn branches, before being offered roles on the Eyre Peninsula, in Ceduna and Wudinna.
Matt then shifted again to the Port Augusta branch, where he remained for seven years, until a new challenge popped up at the Roseworthy office – auctioneering at livestock sales.
“I was needing a new challenge so I asked the then SA Livestock Manager if I could have a go at auctioneering,” Matt said.
“The right position came up, and I started as a Stock Salesman, working in the brand-new Roseworthy office.
“I finally started out auctioneering the calves every Monday at Gepps Cross, under the guidance of the late Gary Nowlan, plus servicing a large area buying and selling livestock.”
Then, thirteen years ago, a Livestock Manager and Head Auctioneer job came up at Dublin, which Matt still holds today.
“I sell yearlings, fat cows and calves on Mondays, and lambs and mutton on Tuesdays,” he said.
“The role has definitely changed over time. I can remember back when lamb and sheep yardings peaked at 25,000 head. Nowadays, over the hooks selling and the introduction of other saleyard centres have reduced numbers dramatically.
“The future for Dublin is looking solid. Producers in northern SA rely on the selling centre for competition, and we in saleyards still set the price.”
Matt’s wealth of experience in the South Australian livestock industry means he is perfectly placed to assist clients with all their livestock needs.
“I love interacting with my buyers and sellers every week. I am proud to offer my expertise to clients,” he said.
“By enlisting my services, I can provide a wealth of experience and add value to your business when selling and buying livestock.”
