It was not that long ago that legendary Victorian-based stock agent Jim Matthews said he would continue to buy and sell cattle until the day he died.
Sadly, that day arrived last week as one of the nation’s most recognised livestock agents passed away, aged 81 years.
Mr Matthews will be remembered as a true legend of the livestock agency game. He was well known in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Kimberley, as he was in his home state of Victoria.
It was from the 1960’s to the early 80’s he owned Fisken Read stock agency business, in partnership with Jack Coglan, based out of the Newmarket saleyard in Melbourne.
During that time Mr Matthews was regular buyer at the major Charleville, Mitchell, and Roma special stores sales.
Queensland Country Life market analyst, Stan Wallace said that once Jim Matthews arrived at a store sale the selling agent’s nerves were steadied.
“We knew there would be a floor put in the market, as Jim would be operating on behalf of a number of interstate buyers,” Stan said.
“It was state government legislation that a buyer could not buy from Roma this week, and truck the cattle to Wodonga, and sell the next week.
“All stock bought had to graze on the stock route in NSW, for a period of six months, so Jim was always looking for a long paddock and his cattle would be walked to Victoria over that time.”
Mr Matthew sold his business to Challenge Mercantile in 1983 and joined Wesfarmers Dalgety (later becoming Landmark), firstly as the national livestock coordinator. He was later appointed key account manager to handle business for some of the largest beef cattle operations.
Other livestock agents holding fond memories during this time are former Landmark stud stock auctioneers Garth Hughes, and Peter Brazier.
“I had a 22-year business association, and it was based on good friendship, trust and respect,” Mr Hughes said. “Jim was a tremendously honest man, and his enthusiasm for business was infectious.
“He acted as buying agent for a number of Northern Territory cattlemen at the Rockhampton Brahman Week sale, Droughtmaster National, and Wilgani Brahman sale buying large lines of bulls.
Mr Matthews’ involvement with the livestock industry started after making trips to Newmarket as a youngster, and he always wanted to become an agent. He got his chance on his 14th birthday in 1950 with Fisken Read owner Bob Read, who in turn offered the business to him some 10 years later.
Together with Jack Coglan, they become the largest privately owned stock agency in Victoria, selling cattle consignment as far away as the NT.
Mr Matthews always had time for a chat even though his speech was limited to the use of a Servox after throat cancer two decades ago.
Mr Matthews is survived by his son Ray, daughter Leanne and their families.