Relating to farmers

Born and bred on Blackbridge, a Simmental stud 20 minutes south of Kerikeri, some of Troy Vujcich’s earliest memories are being out on the family farm. 

After school he went to Victoria University in Wellington where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce. 

“I quickly realised that I needed a job out in the field rather than in an office in the city. While I was at university I also worked on a 200 hectare South Makara sheep farm, keeping my hand in the agricultural industry. That was a great way to catch a break from the city while doing something I enjoyed,” he says.

As soon as he graduated, Troy took up a cadetship with PGG Wrightson Livestock, following the footsteps of his father Vaughan, who has been a PGG Wrightson livestock agent for over 30 years. 

“Going around with my dad, which I often did from a young age in my school holidays, sparked my interest in the livestock business. As a kid I always told my parents I wanted to be a stock agent.”

Participating in the PGG Wrightson academy programme has helped meet some of the challenges in his new role, which in June 2023 became permanent when Troy transferred to Mangawhai, 120 kilometres south of home base, serving farmers in Wellsford and Tapora.

“Getting to know my area while competing with reps that have been around a lot longer and have plenty of livestock knowledge has been my main focus. To establish a strong client base you need to be active, getting around, meeting people and following up leads. I enjoy the challenge. 

“You need to be confident in your ability to value cattle, provide accurate information and worthy advice to your clients. Most farmers are good at helping a young fulla get into the industry, and great at passing on helpful information. And my PGG Wrightson team provides excellent support when I need it,” says Troy.

In a region where numerous farms are converting to forestry, Troy sees land use change as a major challenge.

“Many big chunks of land in Northland have gone into pines recently. While that is happening across New Zealand, as farmers are struggling to make ends meet in an already challenging farming area, and on top of all the new regulations, it’s particularly common in the north.”

Troy sees the lack of young people farming as another big issue. 

“Finding a pathway into farming is hard. I know a lot of young people lease land while working a second job to try and build their equity and one day purchase their own farm. For anyone in this situation, young or not, PGG Wrightson’s GO-STOCK products are a big opportunity. They help to free up cash flow and eliminate the outlay needed for someone starting out in farming. We promote this scheme in the north, with successful results.”

As a livestock rep Troy is committed to keeping up to date with what’s happening in the sector.

“You need to be able to relate to farmers and support them. Achieving positive results for clients is the most rewarding part of the job. When you see your clients gain a result they’re happy with, knowing you played a part in that is a really good feeling. When clients carry through with advice we have given them and see a good outcome in the end is rewarding.

“Keeping up to date with the market is important. Whether you are on farm or elsewhere you need to know the value of an animal and be confident in that. 

“Being a good listener is essential. Like other industries there are tough times and good times. If a client is having a tough time, you need to be that support person for them, and to be able to advise them how to carry on,” he says. 

Outside work Troy enjoys being out on the water fishing or diving, hanging out with mates, skiing, hunting, and exploring the country.