“It’s a bit of a sad story really,” Kelly says.

“We got news that dad (David Wicks) had bowel cancer and the diagnosis really broke my heart.

“Dad was in hospital stressing about what was going to happen with the business, so I got it all organised.”

Fortunately Kelly was given time off from her job as station hand at Cuan Pastoral Company in order to step into her dad’s role.  And despite the suddenness of the situation, Kelly took the responsibility in her stride.

 “Cattle and livestock buying is in my blood,” she says.

“I’ve been doing it since I was little. Every school holidays I’d be at the saleyards with Dad.”  Kelly grew up on her family’s 1700 acre farm, Kilkarney, west of Scone. So it’s no surprise that she knows a thing or two when it comes to livestock. Though Kelly says buying cattle is harder than she expected.

“It’s more than just lifting your finger at a sale,” she says.

“You’ve got to see the beast for what it is, but also be able to judge its future potential.”

Being one of the few female livestock buyers in the state, Kelly is passionate about encouraging other women to pursue careers in agriculture.

“It’s really important for women to be in rural industries,” she says.  “It doesn’t come without challenges. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them.”

And her dad, David, couldn’t be more proud.

“It’s my absolute privilege to see Kel taking charge as a buyer,” David says. “As a parent you always hope your children will want to take over the family business and I can see that happening with Kel. She’s my heart and soul.”

After experiencing what it’s like to be a livestock buyer, Kelly says she would be eager take over in the future. Although right now, she’s just happy helping out.