Nutrien career development program aids new livestock workers

Mr Benson, who is based at Nutrien Mount Gambier, was one of 16 livestock professionals nationally to recently graduate from the two-year training program, alongside fellow South Australians Mitch McAnaney, Naracoorte, and Tyron Hilder, Port Augusta.

He said the biggest takeaway from the program had been the chance to connect and network with others in the industry from right across Australia, with trips to Queensland, NSW and Victoria among the offering.

"It's not just with the other trainees but with different feedlots and abattoirs and even more senior agents within the company," he said.

"The program exposes you to people, experiences, and opportunities I wouldn't have had starting a traditional entry level role in the industry.

"I would recommend it to any up and coming agents to try."

Mr Benson, who grew up in different areas across the state, including the South East, Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide and Adelaide Hills, said his interest in livestock grew through the ag programs at school.

After finishing school, he worked on a property at Langhorne Creek before heading to Northern Territory station Willeroo, near Katherine, to gain more experience with cattle.

For the past two years of his training program, he has been based between Mount Gambier and Kingston SE, before taking up a full-time role at Mount Gambier a few months ago.

He says for the next while he is focusing on building his business and clientele.

Nutrien regional livestock lead Colby Ede, who was a graduate of the program in 2002, said this program was a major drawcard in attracting new talent.

"The program is a well-oiled machine, welcoming people with both an agriculture background and non-agricultural background," he said.

"It gives the participants of the program the right mentors and experience to ensure they enter the next stage of their career well-educated and highly trained".

The 2024 program will kick off in February 2024.