Col Thexton isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Thirty-three years ago, he became the first West Australian agent to list cattle on AuctionsPlus, then known as CALM. The decision was met with skepticism from his peers, many of whom doubted the viability of online livestock trading.
However, Mr Thexton’s bold move not only defined his career but also cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. This December, he will mark an extraordinary milestone—33 consecutive annual online sales, making his the longest-running online livestock sale in Australia.
Mr Thexton’s journey began in 1988 when he started assessing livestock. Two years later, he co-founded Independent Rural Agents (IRA) with Peter Milton in Pemberton, WA.
Launching his agency without any initial clients was a leap of faith, but perseverance paid off. Today, IRA celebrates 33 years of participation in the AuctionsPlus Elite Weaner, Vealer, and Breeder Sale.
Since its inception, the sale has attracted buyers nationwide. “I rely pretty heavily on the eastern states now, and they’re chasing the quality of genetics produced here,” Mr Thexton said.
For him, the relationships built over the years are as rewarding as the business itself. “The clients who aren’t only my clients but also my friends are what keep me going—and, of course, the love of cattle,” he said.
Driven by a deep passion for producing high-quality cattle, Mr Thexton constantly strives for improvement. “I’m very passionate about the cattle we produce, and I’ve just got to keep producing better cattle for the trades and feedlotters,” he said.
This commitment extends to ensuring a positive experience for all involved in the sale. “The real reward is seeing everyone get a good outcome. All the vendors put a lot of effort into their cattle,” he added.
A key motivator for Mr Thexton’s early adoption of online sales was the favouring of the welfare of cattle throughout the process. His ongoing partnership with AuctionsPlus remains central to his operations, with his annual sale continuing to set benchmarks for transparency and reliability.
“We don’t take shortcuts,” Mr Thexton said, referring to the effort he and his partner Kerry put into the cattle featured featured in their sales. As a duo, Mr Thexton and Kerry have weighed the approximately 1700 head that will feature in the upcoming sale. This dedication to detail ensures buyers can trust the accuracy of the information provided.
Mr Thexton explained setting realistic reserves has also been vital to his success. “It’s not where you start, it’s where you end,” he said. “You either want to be a price maker or a price taker, and if you’re not setting realistic reserves, you’ll be the latter.”
Over the years, Mr Thexton has achieved numerous milestones. He sold the one-millionth animal on CALM in March 1993 and ran the first AuctionsPlus bull sale in Western Australia. “We started over here with Lawsons Angus and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
Mr Thexton (left) receiving an award for selling the one-millionth animal on CALM in March 1993. Pic: AuctionsPlus
IRA has been named Number One Cattle Branch multiple times, and Mr Thexton himself has earned numerous Top Cattle Assessor Awards.
Notable accolades include the prestigious Strathtay Award in 2011 for his contributions to promoting the Angus breed and the inaugural Howard Gardner Award in 2022, recognising his outstanding service to AuctionsPlus and the livestock community.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Thexton attributes his success to his unwavering commitment to quality, relationships, and innovation. “The love of cattle and the people I work with is what keeps me going,” he said.
