In the heart of Hay, NSW, a young regional entrepreneur is bringing a fresh approach to livestock services and sharing the highs and lows of getting a business off the ground.
At just 22 years old, Digby Lilburne has launched DRL Livestock Services, a business offering mustering, husbandry and most recently, cattle scanning — a point of difference he hopes will build stronger outcomes for producers and a sustainable future for himself in the livestock industry.
Raised on the Hay Plains and immersed in the livestock world through his father Ed Lilburne — a Level One AuctionsPlus Assessor for both sheep and cattle, and the driving force behind Hay Plains Livestock.
Mr Lilburne said agriculture has always been part of his life, but finding his own niche took time.
“I grew up around Dad’s agency work and both sides of the family are heavily involved in livestock,” he said.
“The Camerons, on Mum’s side, run The Yanko Merino Stud, and on Dad’s side, there’s a long history through my grandfather at Uardry and family working as sheep classers.
"That heritage gave me a really strong grounding — but I always found myself leaning more towards cattle,” Mr Lilburne said.
His passion became clear while working as a contract musterer, alongside exposure to the Te Mania Angus program through his father’s work.
It was during that time that Digby Lilburne was introduced to cattle scanning — and it clicked.
“I had the chance to work with local Hay Plains contractor, Will Nadin, and saw firsthand how useful scanning could be.
"That’s when I realised this could be my point of difference — something that combined my passion for cattle with the ability to offer real value to producers,” he said.
Determined to do it properly, Mr Lilburne enrolled in a practical three-day course through GOTAFE in Shepparton, which focused on ultrasound scanning and manual palpation.
“It was all live cattle, which was so important — you’re not just reading a screen, you’re understanding the anatomy, the cycle, and learning to spot reproductive issues early,” he said.
“It gave me the confidence to hit the ground running and invest in the right equipment from the start.”
Mr Lilburne aims to grow the scanning side of the DRL Livestock Services business. Video: Supplied
Since then, scanning has become a fast-growing arm of his business, alongside traditional livestock services like mustering and yard work.
Getting a business off the ground hasn’t come without challenges — particularly when it comes to building a client base and managing the logistics of running a solo operation.
“Having that initial connection through Dad’s agency helped, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to earn people’s trust,” he said.
“That takes time. I’ve really focused on being reliable, keeping on top of bookings and communicating clearly with clients.”
Like many young operators, he’s turned to social media to help grow his brand, using Instagram and Facebook to showcase his work and connect with producers beyond his local area.
“I’ve also just picked up the phone and introduced myself to other agents. It’s a mix of putting yourself out there and showing that you’re serious about doing the job well.”
While still early days, the response from the local community has been positive — and interest in scanning is steadily building.
“There’s definitely demand — producers are looking for ways to make better breeding decisions and scanning gives them that information.
"People need to trust you with that kind of job. That trust builds over time, through consistency.”
Long-term, Mr Lilburne hopes to grow DRL Livestock Services into a full-time scanning service operating across southern New South Wales, with plans to expand into areas like Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Tumut, Yass and Temora.
For other young people thinking about starting their own business in agriculture, Mr Lilburne says getting the right experience — and backing yourself — is key.
“Get trained properly, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make the phone call if something doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“There’s always someone out there willing to help if you show you’re willing to learn.
“And whatever you do, be reliable. If you say you’re going to be somewhere — be there. That’s what people remember.”
