Meet our Livestock Trainee: Ryan Carpenter
What's your background?
I'm originally from Wilberforce in the Hawkesbury region. My family were dairy farmers who used to exhibit cattle around the NSW show circuit. So, it was only tradition that I started showing cattle with my grandfather, where I found my passion for the industry.
Why did you choose a career in livestock?
I spent a year in the Northern Territory working on an AACO property which is where I gained a lot of love and knowledge for livestock. What better way to use this was to choose a career in livestock.
What do you love about your job?
I love how Nutrien has allowed me to travel from state to state, area to area to experience different selling centres. Through this, I've met a lot of people, that I consider mentors and important resources for understanding market trends and sale reports throughout Australia. As my grandfather once told me, "It's not what you know it's who you know". Knowing that what you're doing each day is benefiting the client, makes work enjoyable each and every day.
What advice do you have for future trainees?
Before applying for the traineeship I definitely recommend spending time away from home to mature and to learn how to be self-sufficient. One of the best pieces of advice I picked up on through my 2-year traineeship was to always be eager to learn. When given the opportunity to move to a new location during the traineeship, always take it.
What do you do in your spare time?
I water ski on the Hawkesbury river with friends and family, as well as play rugby union and cricket.