Elders Livestock Agent Alex Roberts has become a trusted name across the Dardanup and Donnybrook regions. He brings nearly two decades of industry experience to producers in one of Western Australia’s most productive cattle areas.
Having recently marked 18 years with Elders, Alex’s connection to the livestock industry started early, and it’s one that has only strengthened with time.
“I came straight from school at 17,” Alex said.
“I did a gap year working in the yards, then went on to study Agricultural Science at university while coming back to work during the busy periods. As soon as I finished, I returned to Elders full time.”
That early start laid the foundations for a career that has taken Alex across several key livestock regions in the South West. He began in Manjimup before moving through Brunswick, Harvey and Collie, before eventually settling in his current patch.
“I spent about a year in Manjimup, then around five years further north, before moving back into the Dardanup, Boyanup and Donnybrook area, which is where I’m based now,” he said.
“It’s a good mix of country and a great livestock area.”
Alex’s strong connection to the region runs even deeper, having grown up on a family farm in Elgin, just outside Boyanup.
“It was a dairy farm up until around 2006, then we transitioned into beef cattle,” Alex said.
“I still live on the farm, so I’m helping out before and after work and on weekends. I think being close to it keeps you connected to what clients are dealing with day to day.”
In his role, Alex works closely with local producers across all aspects of livestock trading, from buying and selling through to on‑farm planning and preparation.
“It’s a lot of client visits, drafting cattle for butcher orders or sale, and working through the best buying and selling options. Every day is a bit different, which is part of what I enjoy.”
A strong feature of the region is the quality of cattle and the consistency of local operators.
“I’ve got some really good clients who’ve been doing things like weaning and animal health programs well for a long time,” Alex said.
“Their weaners are always in demand because they perform. You see the same buyers coming back year after year, which is exactly what you want to see.”
After nearly two decades with Elders, Alex says it’s the people and culture that have kept him with the business.
“The team plays a big part, there’s a really good crew at Bunbury and plenty of people you can rely on and trust. Add great clients and a great area, and it makes the job an easy one to enjoy.
“There have also been a lot of mentors over the years, which is one of the strengths of Elders, there is always someone knowledgeable you can call on.”
Building long‑term relationships has been central to growing his client base, with word of mouth continuing to be his strongest referral.
“The best clients are the ones that come through recommendation,” he said.
“If someone recommends you, there’s already a level of trust there. That’s always been the strongest way to build your business.”
