‘Don’t be in such a hurry’ is a motto UNE alumnus James Guest swears by, and it’s one that he thinks is valuable for anyone hoping to find their place in the agribusiness world.
“I find that so many young people want to accelerate or ‘fast-track’ everything they do, and in the process, I believe they are potentially missing out on some of the best bits,” he says.
Since graduating from UNE with a Bachelor of Business in 2013, the St Albert’s College alumnus has certainly taken no short cuts. Combining his love for cattle with his ability to lead, the Goondiwindi farmer has put in the hard yards to gradually work his way up to management positions in two highly renowned livestock companies.
“I spent the first three years post-study working hard to absorb as much information and operational skill around lot feeding as I could, and it was the perfect scenario where I had little external responsibility and all the safety nets around me that I needed,” he says.
“Over time I was able to adopt my own leadership style and start to build myself as a leader; I spent four years in a middle management position leading a team of 18 which was instrumental in shaping and progressing my career.”
It’s not a race to see how quickly you can get to the top, it’s about the journey and what we can learn on the way.
This approach has seen his career flourish; James was recently named the Australian Lot Feeders' Association 2021 Young Feedlotter of the Year for his work managing Smithfield Cattle Company’s Sapphire Feedlot, where he oversees the daily operations of the feedlot and works with the other managers to achieve the highest possible cattle outcomes.
“The award draws such a talented group of industry leaders and to be recognised for my dedication and passion for the industry is very special,” he says.
“I have been lot feeding now for eight years and over this period I have been able to apply myself to all facets of the industry at an operational level which has given me a broad understanding of what it takes to run a feedlot.
“I am now 30 years old which means it was my last year I would be eligible to apply for the award, so with this in mind, I feel I am ready to show the industry who I am and a bit about my journey.”
The accolade will see James participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program, which will provide pathways for future opportunities, and help him expand his network.
Don’t wait for someone else to pave the way for you... make your own path and champion it.
Opportunities like these are what James thinks is key for anyone aiming high in their career.
“Surrounding myself with key people in the industry has helped lead to my success,” he says.
“It’s not a race to see how quickly you can get to the top, it’s about the journey and what we can learn on the way.”
Most importantly though, if you’re wanting to crack it in this industry, he says you just need to have a go.
“Don’t wait for someone else to pave the way for you,” he says.
“Make your own path and champion it.”
