For Elders livestock and wool agent Emma Dougall, no two days look the same, and that’s exactly how she likes it. Covering one of Western Australia’s broadest livestock regions, her work spans from Esperance through the mallee country north of Salmon Gums, across to Hopetoun and as far east as the Nullarbor Plain.
Emma’s pathway into agriculture wasn’t the traditional farm upbringing. Growing up in Wongan Hills, she lived on the edge of the industry rather than in the thick of it, but with her Mum working in agriculture, her passion for livestock began early.
“I knew I wanted to work with livestock, even if I didn’t have hands on experience yet,” she said.
Having pursued Animal Science and Animal Health at Murdoch University, Emma took every opportunity to build practical skills, including work at cattle feedlots in both the Wheatbelt and South West, gaining exposure to large scale commercial operations throughout her studies.
“I threw myself into farm placements and work experience,” she said.
“It was the best way to learn, and a great way to meet people. Agriculture is a small world, and putting yourself out there makes all the difference.”
Emma joined Elders in early 2021 as a Livestock Trainee in Bunbury, focusing predominantly on cattle, before moving into a Territory Sales Manager role in Merredin, focused predominantly on sheep, where she experienced some very dry years across the Eastern Wheatbelt.
“You learn how to support clients through the hard times as well as the good,” she said.
Earlier this year, Emma transferred to Esperance in a Territory Sales Manager role where’s she’s been enjoying a good mix of cattle and sheep work, as well as taking on wool clients.
Today, Emma’s work days are often spent on the road, checking stock, weighing lambs, drafting cattle or stepping into shearing sheds during shearing.
“I love that every day is different,” she said.
“Some days I’m in the paddock, some days I’m on the phone for hours, and other days I’m out on the Nullarbor at Rawlinna. It keeps things interesting.”
Strong seasonal conditions across the region have delivered excellent results this year, and Emma has seen the flow on effects first hand.
“Lambs and calves are heavier, there’s feed everywhere, and there’s good water heading into summer,” she said.
“You can feel the lift in people’s spirits after a couple of tougher years.”
One of Emma’s most memorable experiences has been working at Rawlinna Station, one of Australia’s most remote and iconic sheep operations on the Nullarbor.
“Being part of their shearing and drafting program is incredible,” she said.
“You get the sheep drafted and then watch truckloads of stock head out. The scale is massive, it’s a whole world of its own out there.”
Emma credits several key mentors at Elders for helping shape her career.
“From day one, Deane Allen has been someone I rely on,” she said.
“He’s been there through every transition, from when I was a trainee, to Merredin, now to Esperance, and I still call him regularly. His insights are really valuable.”
Community involvement has also played a significant role in building her client base.
“Playing sport has been huge, I play hockey, and helping out at events like the Esperance Show has been a great way to meet people,” she said.
“Word travels fast in a small town. You show up, you get involved, and people remember you.”
This year, Emma helped facilitate Elders’ involvement in the Farmers Across Borders hay convoy, which sent donated feed to drought affected South Australian producers.
“A friend of mine is heavily involved in organising it, and several of my clients truck hay across,” she said.
“It’s a way for one farming community to support another. South Australia is our neighbour and they’ve had several very dry years. Having Elders involved helped show that commitment on a national level.”
For Emma, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing producers succeed, particularly family run operations she follows from lambing through to sale day.
“You really go on the journey with them,” she said.
“You hear how lambing went, you check in through the season, and when their stock sell well at the end of the year, it’s rewarding for everyone. You feel proud alongside them.”
She says the Elders network, and the people within it, make that experience even more meaningful.
“Elders has given me some great opportunities in just five years,” she said.
“The people are what make it special. You can ring anyone, anywhere in Australia, and they’ll help you out.”
