Quality Group appoints high profile Livestock Manager
HIGHLY experienced livestock, animal health and agribusiness management professional Robbie Neale has joined the Quality Group, appointed to the position of Livestock Manager with the company.
Robbie has a strong track record in livestock trading and production systems, animal health products and supply chain management, and has coordinated successful business teams as part of local, regional and national roles.
Most recently, he has been managing a livestock supplements business for a family company at Mount Gambier.
Robbie said he looked forward to drawing on all his experience in the new role at Quality Livestock, helping to further develop its point of difference in the industry and building a strong team and business culture whilst maintaining a close connection with the farm gate.
“Livestock production has always been one of my main strengths and I have enjoyed working in the area of business improvement,’’ Robbie said.
“There are strong opportunities to extend a point of difference with the Quality Livestock business and to identify great potential and value for our livestock clients.
“The agricultural industry is at a very progressive stage with new technologies, genetics, production systems, measurements and
markets – and it all comes back to providing a quality article to specification.’’
Robbie said the outlook for livestock commodities and areas recovering from drought, including SA’s pastoral zones, was promising and he expected selling systems like AuctionsPlus would continue to expand.
He said Quality Livestock was in a beneficial position alongside the well respected and represented
Quality Group Managing Director Mark Dyson welcomed Robbie’s appointment as a strategic move for the business leading toward an exciting period ahead for livestock industries.
“As new technologies, production systems and communication tools continue to evolve, Robbie’s broad experience, knowledge and skills will be invaluable to guide the business’ development and to deliver industry‑leading service and support to our producer clients,’’ Mark said.
“He has a thorough understanding of the industry, livestock products and production systems, strong networks and excellent experience in business management and mobilising teams, which will assist the further growth of the Quality Livestock business and a strong culture.’’
Robbie’s career in the industry commenced in the South East, alongside working on the family’s 1000‑hectare property near Naracoorte. The farm ran Merino sheep and Shorthorn cattle, adding prime lamb production in the 1990s after the collapse of the wool reserve price scheme. Robbie continues to operate a property today at Reedy Creek, between Lucindale and Kingston, running 1500 Merino ewes crossed to Border Leicester terminal sires.
He worked as a livestock representative in the Naracoorte and Apsley areas before later moving into animal health products and managing a local rural supplies business.
Robbie then joined a major pastoral house, managing rural merchandise businesses at Keith and Kingston before taking on a national animal health role and later leading a small livestock team focused on developing more intensive systems for maximising livestock production.
He also spent time in Western Australia in a national role, followed by regional and area manager positions, where he assisted local agribusinesses and their managers.
Prior to managing the Mount Gambier livestock supplements business, Robbie also was involved in supply chain management for a major independent agribusiness.