From The Woolshed To The Executive Table
From The Woolshed To The Executive Table
Beneath the Brim with Austasia’s Paul Lloyd
From assessing wool to talking business strategy, Paul Lloyd’s career has been defined by his ability to make meaningful connections and stay practically grounded within the industry.
Starting as a professional wool classer, Paul has spent nearly 30 years connecting with farmers, feedlot operators, and colleagues—turning practical experience into strategic insight as Austasia Animal Products’ Business Development Manager.
“The thing I love most about the industry is the people”, says Paul. “From the shearers and wool classers to the business managers and feedlots that I work with today. There’s a shared passion and strong work ethic within the rural industry that's hard to find anywhere else.”
Paul’s career within agriculture spans almost 30 years. He graduated college as a professional wool classer and started working for Grazcos and Wesfarmers Dalgety. Here, Paul gained invaluable hands-on experience working closely with different graziers around Australia.
“My time at Wesfarmers Dalgety taught me a lot,” says Paul. “They’re a really well-respected rural organisation. I got to travel around QLD and NSW, chat to graziers and work with them in finding the best avenue to market their wool clip. It opened my eyes to the challenges that each individual operation faces and the type of solutions they’re looking for.”
Paul had the unique opportunity to class at ‘Alice Downs’, Blackall, the station where legendary shearer, Jackie Howe set the world record for hand-shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. This property has a lot of history within the wool industry and not many woolclassers get the opportunity to visit, let alone work there.
“Getting to class at Alice Downs was something pretty special,” says Paul. “Knowing that you’re working on the same station where Jackie Howe set the world record gives you a real sense of pride. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Travel has always been a big part of Paul’s career and one that he thoroughly enjoys. It’s taken him to incredible places over the years, both in Australia and overseas. One of Paul’s favourite memories is horse riding in Kansas with colleagues from Global Animal Products on a tour of the United States.
“Work colleagues often turn into great friends,” says Paul. “Because we’ve got very common interests and are passionate about all things rural, it’s easy to get along and do things together.”
Over the last 18 years, Paul has travelled extensively across both Australia and New Zealand to make AAP’s clients and partners feel valued and supported by making the effort to connect with them in person.
“You can’t underestimate the impact of showing up in person,” says Paul. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference that going and visiting someone’s farm or feedlot operation can make. It builds trust and shows you’re invested. All of our team are really committed to making this a priority.”
Paul is responsible for accessing new market opportunities, supporting the sales team to drive growth and building a positive, collaborative culture amongst theAAP team. He is committed to leading by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and encouraging open communication.
“I truly believe we have a great culture and great communication within our team,” says Paul. “The door is always open from the directors to the cleaners of the mill. Everyone is very supportive and appreciative of one another.”
Paul’s commitment to teamwork is evident both in and out of the office. With a strong passion for rugby league, Paul represented Dalby at the Gold Coast Masters a couple of years ago (in his 50’s!). Outside of work, Paul also enjoys deep sea fishing, motorbike riding and doing odd jobs on his farm.
CTA: Austasia Animal Products is committed to supplying evidence-based organic trace minerals for optimal animal health and performance. Meet the rest of our team at Austasia Animal Products.
