Trainee returns to agriculture industry

New Primaries of WA livestock trainee Leno Vigolo, 28, returned to agriculture last week after previously working in mining.

He worked for a company servicing Pilbara oil and gas mining, helping preparing shipments of equipment and supplies to Barrow Island off the north-west coast near Onslow.

But a return to agriculture, particularly livestock, was not out of character for Mr Vigolo.

He was born into it and it is what he loves.

"I was born at Mt Barker where my family had two properties," he said.

"Then we moved to a mixed farming property, mainly cattle and cropping on 10,000 acres (4000 hectares) half way between Eneabba and Leeman on the coast, where I grew up."

After working in various jobs in agriculture, including a short stint with Livestock Logistics WA at the Muchea saleyards, Mr Vigolo found the promise of more money in mining too strong to resist.

But the end of the mining boom brought a reality check and a change of occupation.

"Agriculture has got a better future than mining," he said.

"I decided I wanted to follow my passion in life, which is livestock, before it gets too late to change.

"Growing up on farms I've dealt with everything, mainly cattle but a bit with sheep too - mostly for meat, not so much for wool."

As a trainee, Mr Vigolo will work in all sections of Primaries' agriculture operations in WA, including in its merchandising store, to learn the business.

He will be mentored by veteran Primaries livestock representative and agent Lynton Saunders.

Mr Vigolo will work with Mr Saunders in the Northam, York and Quairading region and he will also work with Primaries agents in the Muchea, Gingin and Moora area.

"We welcome Leno on board as a part of the on-going succession planning for our agency business," said Primaries of WA general manager Andrew Lindsay.

"It is difficult finding people who have significant agency experience so we prefer to train our own people for these positions."