Building connections and learning from the best

For livestock trainee Sam Boros, agriculture has always felt like home. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm, some of his earliest memories involve being alongside his dad, helping with stock work and making the most of the freedom that comes with rural life.

“Being around my old man, drafting cattle and doing all that sort of stuff, that's where my passion for farming started,” says Sam. “I loved the freedom of it too. Jumping on the motorbike and heading off around the farm was pretty hard to beat.”

Although he always knew he wanted a career connected to agriculture, the path into livestock wasn't a straight line. After spending a year studying at Lincoln University and a brief stint in the building industry, Sam found his way into livestock initially through a role with Carrfields. A conversation with a few respected industry figures eventually led him to PGG Wrightson Livestock, where he joined the livestock trainee programme around 16 months ago.

The opportunity to be based in the Waikato, where he had previously attended school and already had strong connections, was a major drawcard.

“Waikato feels like home,” he says. “There's plenty happening across the dairy and beef sectors and it's a great place to work. We've got a really good group of people here who all get along well and support each other.”

A key part of Sam's development so far has been participating in the PGG Wrightson Livestock training academy. The programme has given him the opportunity to learn more about the wider business, connect with other trainees and gain insights from experienced livestock professionals across the country.

“It's been really valuable meeting people who are in similar situations and learning from others throughout the business,” says Sam. “You get to see different parts of the industry and build connections with people who share the same interests.”

Like many people entering the livestock sector, one of the biggest lessons for Sam has been learning to balance the demands of a busy role. Between sale days, client visits, seasonal work and academy commitments, strong organisation and time management have quickly become essential skills.

“There's always plenty going on, so it's about making sure everything gets done while still being available to help others where you can.”

What stands out most about the role, however, is the variety.

“No two days are ever the same,” he says. “One day you're helping with stock work, another day you're at the sale yards or out visiting clients. It definitely keeps things interesting.”

Building relationships with farmers is the aspect of the role Sam enjoys most.

“Everyone's different and every farming business is different,” he says. “Whether it's dairy, beef or sheep farming, you get to meet a lot of great people. That's probably my favourite part of the job, getting to know farmers and building those connections.”

When explaining his role to people outside the industry, Sam keeps it simple.

“It's sort of like being a real estate agent, but for cattle,” he laughs.

While the comparison is light-hearted, Sam says it captures what the role is really about.

“It's really just building relationships and trust with farmers. That's where it all starts.”

As a young livestock professional, Sam is grateful for the guidance of more experienced agents who continue to share their knowledge and support his development.

“The older reps have been a huge help,” he says. “They've seen so much over the years and there's a lot you can learn by listening to them. One of the best pieces of advice I've been given is not to dwell on the odd setback. Just keep going and focus on the next opportunity.”

It's advice he now passes on to others considering a career in livestock.

“Be willing to learn and take in as much information as you can. The people who've been in the industry a long time know what they're talking about, so listen, ask questions and make the most of those opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Sam's goal is to continue developing his skills and eventually step into a livestock agent role. For now, he's focused on learning as much as possible, building relationships and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

Outside of work, you'll often find him on the hockey field, playing touch during the summer months, or fitting in a game of rugby when time allows.

For someone who grew up surrounded by livestock and rural communities, it's no surprise that Sam has found his place in the industry.

“I'm still learning every day,” he says. “But I love the people, I love the industry, and I'm excited to see where it can take me.”