AS beef producers become under increasing pressure brought on by deteriorating seasonal conditions and rising costs many stud masters are currently assessing their marketing options for their annual spring sales.
One southern Queensland livestock agency network Grant Daniel Long (GDL) - a Ruralco partner - is expanding its stud stock division through the appointment of high-profile former Landmark specialist Peter Brazier to the team.
It's a bold move, but according to GDL stud stock manager Harvey Weyman-Jones "others see risks while we see an opportunity to invest in the future".
"In these tough times, our clients are looking for change in the way they market their cattle and reduce costs," Mr Weyman-Jones said.
"We have the expertise to achieve this for our clients."
Mr Weyman-Jones said a good example was the appointment of GDL as managing agents for the upcoming Billabong Droughtmasters "Heart Of The Herd" sale. This benchmark sale is supported by fellow Ruralco agents SBB and Queensland Rural, which was the first time the three Queensland Ruralco agencies have combined together and all parties will have Peter Brazier available to assist in the future.
"Ruralco now has the momentum, vision and energy to be the dominant rural agency in Queensland and Australia," Mr Weyman-Jones said.
GDL managing director Peter Daniel said Mr Brazier would play an integral role in GDL's plans to expand its presence in the stud stock arena.
"He is without doubt one of the most experienced stud stock auctioneers in Queensland, someone everyone knows far and wide," Mr Daniel said.
Fellow team member Mark Duthie said the addition of Mr Brazier to the GDL stud stock team would "raise our brand awareness and profile within the seed stock industry".