Canterbury based trainee livestock rep Aston Fitzgerald is proving you don’t need to grow up on a farm to build a successful career in agriculture.

For Aston Fitzgerald, a career in agriculture was never going to be spent behind a desk.

Now 16 months into his role as a Trainee Sheep & Beef Livestock Representative with PGG Wrightson Livestock in Canterbury, Aston is building the knowledge, relationships and practical skills needed to establish himself in the industry he is passionate about.

While he did not grow up on a farm, Aston's connection to agriculture started at a young age through his grandparents' farm.

"My grandparents had a farm when I was a kid, so I got a taste for it then," he says. "At school, the only thing I was really interested in was being outdoors and being on a farm."

That interest led him to study at Telford Polytech in Balclutha, where he completed diplomas in Agriculture and Animal Health. Following his studies, Aston travelled to Australia, spending a year working on a large Santa Gertrudis cattle property in Western Queensland.

"It was a completely different world compared to New Zealand. Everything was done on horseback, and helicopters were used for mustering. It was an incredible experience."

It was during his time in Australia that Aston met several stock agents and realised livestock was the direction he wanted his career to take. Returning to New Zealand, he attended Lincoln University before learning more about PGG Wrightson's trainee programme through fellow livestock trainee and rugby teammate Lleyton Phillips.

"There wasn't a role available at the time, so I spent time working in sheep, beef and dairy farming before a position came up. As soon as it did, I applied."

Since joining the business, Aston says one of the biggest learning curves has been developing his people skills.

"Livestock is obviously about animals, but it's just as much about people. Learning how to communicate with clients, build relationships and work through different situations has probably been the biggest thing I've learnt."

He has also gained a greater appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes.

"It's not just drafting stock. There's a lot of organisation, planning, phone calls and client communication that happens every day."

Working alongside experienced agents throughout Canterbury has given Aston the opportunity to learn from some of the industry's best, and he is quick to acknowledge the support he has received from the wider Livestock team.

"The support and knowledge within the team is incredible. Everyone's willing to help and share what they've learnt."

A career highlight so far has been participating in PGG Wrightson's Academy programme, a year-long Certificate in Rural Servicing that brings together emerging talent from across the business. Through the programme, participants gain exposure to different sectors of the rural industry, complete projects, build networks and present their work to company leaders.

Aston was particularly proud to receive the Futures Award through the programme.

"It was a pretty big feeling to be recognised by the company. I'm really proud of that achievement."

Looking ahead, Aston's goal is to complete his traineeship, build his own client base and continue developing as a livestock representative.

The future of the sector is something that also excites him.

"I think technology and the growth of agricultural education will make things easier for the next generation coming into the industry. There are a lot of opportunities ahead."

For young people considering a career in livestock, Aston's advice is simple.

"If you put your mind to it, you'll get there. Some days can be hard, but they're also incredibly rewarding."

What keeps him motivated is a combination of working outdoors, being around livestock and contributing to an industry he believes is fundamental to New Zealand.

"Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand. Sometimes it's easy for people to overlook just how much work goes into producing quality food, but it's an industry that connects people, animals and business, and you get to see the results of your work."

Outside of work, Aston embraces almost every opportunity to be outdoors. Whether he's fishing and diving around Banks Peninsula, hunting, playing rugby or competing in polo on horseback, staying active is a big part of life.

A somewhat surprising fact about Aston is that despite his agricultural career path, he wasn't raised on a farm.

"It's something that catches people off guard," he laughs.

For Aston, however, agriculture has always felt like the right fit.

"Even if I wasn't working in livestock, I'd still be farming. It's always been what I've wanted to do."