We sat down with Greenham’s newest cattle buyer for Victoria’s Western District, Nick Cagney to find out more about how he came to work at Greenham and his approach to buying cattle.
Nick previously covered the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley area.
| Name | Nick Cagney |
| Job title | Greenham Cattle Buyer for the Victorian Western District; covering from Geelong to Warnambool, to Mort Lake and up to Ballarat. |
| Mobile | 0427 967 842 |
| ncagney@greenham.com.au | |
| Footy team | Rugby Union: New Zealand All Blacks | NRL: Melbourne Storm |
| Favourite cut | Beef short ribs rubbed in salt and pepper, slow cooked in the oven, crisped up on the barbecue, and served with mash and corn on the cob. |
When did you start working at Greenham?
I made the move to Australia from New Zealand in April 2020 to be closer to my brother and nieces, and started with Greenham in July last year.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Marlborough in New Zealand and moved to Christchurch when I was 19.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I like to go swimming, diving and hunting or having a barbecue and a laugh with good company.
What career path has led you to become a cattle buyer?
I always had an affinity for hunting and thought it was interesting how people broke down carcases, which led me to boning beef for Woolworths. Eventually I moved into livestock buying for Woolworths, which I did for 10 years. My time as a boner gave me a good understanding of yield and how a carcase breaks down, which has provided a solid foundation for buying livestock.
What is the best thing about your job?
Meeting people you wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet. I get to build relationships with so many interesting people and learn about their life experiences.
What about your job are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I’m contributing to putting out a really great product for consumers. Greenham beef is some of the best quality in the world.
What can people expect when they sell their cattle to you?
I’m easy to get a hold of and always available to chat and answer any questions. I also understand that buying cattle is more than just a transaction – everyone’s cattle are important and a lot of work has gone into producing the best possible article.
What’s your top tip for producers consigning cattle to Greenham?
If you want to sell program cattle and be eligible for associated premiums, double check that you are registered with Meat Standards Australia (MSA).
