SOME of Queensland's Bos Indicus seedstock producers are questioning the commitment of livestock agency Landmark to the stud industry after the news that stud stock auctioneer Michael Lawton was made redundant on Monday.
Mr Lawton, an agent with more than 25 years experience, held the role as Landmark's stud stock manager, north-east division, and is the second senior stud stock staff member to leave the company in the past 12 months. Top-name auctioneer Peter Brazier suffered a similar fate late last year.
Australian Brahman Breeders Association president and Gympie stud producer Shane Bishop, Garglen Brahmans, said Mr Lawton made a major contribution to the Bos Indicus breed.
"I am really in complete shock at this decision and personally question Landmark's commitment to the seed stock industry," Mr Bishop said.
"Over the years we have seen Michael come up through the ranks and he is held in respect by both his peers and clients.
"He is always very keen to work with individual breed societies on ways to improve the marketing of the various breed association sales.
"He markets my own bulls, and is a major contributor to our own business."
Central Queensland Brahman breeder Tony Fenech, Fenech Brahmans, Wowan, said he was very disappointed to hear that Mr Lawton was no longer with the company.
"It is very disappointing that when you build up such a good relationship with your stud stock agent, you then find they have left the company," he said.
"We have been very loyal to Landmark and conduct the majority of our stud stock business with them, so what I really question is Landmark's loyalty to their clients."
When Queensland Country Life spoke with Mr Lawton he confirmed his redundancy.
"All I have been told is that Landmark has looked at the structure of its business and there was no way forward in my existing role," Mr Lawton said.
In defence of this latest decision Robert Payne, Landmark's director north-east division, confirmed Mr Lawton left the company on Monday.
"Landmark has made changes to best suit our clients within the footprint I manage," Mr Payne said.
"And from our point of view, we have the best people in the right place and we believe we are growing our stud stock business."
"We have restructured in stud stock and have Trent McKinlay, a former Blackall branch manager, now in a stud stock role along with Mark Scholes based in Rockhampton, while Colby Ede relocated to Toowoomba this year.
"We also have a large commercial livestock network that provides support to our clients."
From Goondi to Goodbye
MICHAEL Lawton started his Landmark career in Goondiwindi as a clerk and progressed to livestock salesman, branch manager and stud stock officer, before being appointed to his last position in the Wide Bay district.
His previous postings included Toowoomba, Roma, Clermont, Warwick, Dalby and Injune branches.
Mr Lawnton is studying a Master of Business – and says he is forging ahead to complete his degree.