Friday, March 29, 2024

Walsh gets new job at his firm

Avatar photo
It’s been a long time coming but sheep farmers are smiling again and for Peter Walsh that’s cause for him to smile. Confidence at the farmgate in sheep is the strongest it’s been since 2011 and that is good timing to take a step sideways and plan for the future of his business.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

“With buoyant sheep meat, beef and venison, 2018 was a positive year for those of us in the livestock business.

“Confidence in sheep, strong wool prices aside, is at an all-time high as is global demand that’s driving firm demand from processors, which means the new level of pricing looks sustainable,” Walsh said.

“So I need to look at succession planning and demonstrate we are in for the long haul.”

Livestock brokering has dominated Walsh’s life for more than 50 years, the past 17 of which he has been managing director of his own Canterbury business, Peter Walsh and Associates (PWA).

“It came a time when I decided it was right to go alone and started buying and selling a few cattle and deer.”

His wife Karen became his administration and finance partner and as for the associates – that was a bit of a joke at first.

“In the beginning we didn’t have any and we didn’t really have a grand plan.”

But that soon changed.

The associates were very quickly on board and in 17 years the plan has evolved to the stage that while focusing on the vital day to day business Walsh is ever mindful of the need for future-proofing.

“It’s no different to farm succession planning. It’s about longevity and long-term confidence in business and the industry.

“What stimulated me very quickly was the recent loss of a very good friend.

“We started school together. One day I was talking to him at a sale and then the next week he was gone.

“It brought home to me that I’m not indestructible and so get on with it – 52 years is a long time in business and I need to set my business up for the long haul.”

With an eye to the future the couple’s son Bill was recently appointed a director of the company and in January Jesse Dargue took up the reins as general manager.

For Walsh it’s a case of side-stepping and overseeing.

“I’ve got to look at other areas where I can have input. I am certainly not walking away. 

“When I wake up in the morning I will still be thinking livestock.”

Bill Walsh, a solicitor for Auckland law firm Hesketh-Henry, was brought up around the business, lending a hand in the office in his school holidays.

The keen sportsman and Auckland rep cricket player hopes to use his skills and experience to contribute fresh ideas and add value, not only from a legal perspective but also to facilitate the continued growth of the business.

Dargue has been 12 months with the firm learning the ropes before stepping up.

“I have written his job description. Now I’m waiting for him to write mine,” Walsh said.

“Farming has changed in many ways over the years and that’s changed the way of business for livestock brokers.

“No longer are you just that person who drives up the driveway to look at stock. You are have a responsibility to provide good options to get the best deal for farmers, earning trust to do it again and again.

“It’s a game you have to play with all the cards face up.”

That’s where Walsh’s experience and respected reputation will lead to his new advisory role.

“I think I am ready to move on in a support role and let younger thinking and energy take over. It’s a happy decision.” 

With big shoes to fill, Dargue said it’s a mix of daunting and exciting.

“I feel quite fortunate to be given this exciting opportunity but it’s great to have Peter still right there for support.”

The former Ashburton irrigation scheme manager said livestock is a new challenge but one that will still see him enjoying what he has a real passion for – working alongside farmers.

“It’s quite a different challenge in a very competitive industry and as a company we have got to step up to meet these challenges and understand the changing environment of farming to stay on top of the game.”

As for Walsh’s job description.

“I’m working on it. I’m still looking for the appropriate title but I can tell him it will certainly include providing support and advice in a mentoring role with the team.

“The plan is for me to offload his day-to-day responsibilities as he moves his focus to more specialist areas, identifying where and how we can improve,” Dargue said.

Total
0
Shares
People are also reading