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Bonnie Cox has spent the last four weeks working alongside the AuctionsPlus team after being awarded the inaugural Angus Foundation and AuctionsPlus Cadetship. We spoke with Bonnie towards the end of the Cadetship to grab her thoughts on the experience and where she sees her future in agriculture.
What inspired you to apply for the Angus Foundation AuctionsPlus Cadetship?
I jumped at the opportunity as it was an experience that I couldn’t pass up, with the hope I would gain some invaluable knowledge of another side to the agricultural industry.
What insights have you gathered after being behind the scenes with the AuctionsPlus team for the past 4 weeks?
I’ve definitely formed a high appreciation for the AuctionsPlus team over the last 4 weeks seeing how hard they work behind the scenes of a sale.
The cadetship has also given me an insight into more avenues within the industry that are available to young people. Every aspect of the company I have experienced has taught me something new or sparked my interest in a major way. Spending time in Market Operations and the Marketing team has both had a major impact on allowing me to challenge myself in a field that I enjoy.
Left: Bonnie running the AuctionsPlus Eastern States Sale. Right: Bonnie at Naracoorte Assessor School.
What were the highlights of your time here?
The entire 4 weeks when it comes down to it, however, if I have to pick one highlight, I’ll have to put it down to the AuctionsPlus Assessor School in Naracoorte, SA. I got to meet and have some great conversations with the Stock Agents down there and picked up some new skills.
Has your experience with AuctionsPlus had an effect on your career aspirations?
It has for the better. I’m eager to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a producer, however, after working with the AuctionsPlus team my business plan has changed to accommodate some new skills and lessons that I’d like to have a crack at. It is comforting and exciting to know jobs like this exist off-farm that are fulfilling and resourceful while chasing an operation of your own.
Where do you see yourself in the industry in the future?
My family breeds Angus and without a doubt, I want to be able to follow that path. My career aspirations have changed throughout my teens, but in my twenties, I’ve come back and found my place in the ag industry. My dream is to own my own property and become a beef producer. There’s a long way to go to owning my own operation but each opportunity like the Cadetship will help me reach my dream.
I’ve got a passion for influencing young people to join the ag industry, particularly those who don’t have an agricultural background. I want to be a helping hand to teach and allow those to have good experiences in the industry without being turned away because they’re not from a rural background. I think it’s of utmost importance to encourage young people from all backgrounds to look to the agricultural industry for a career path or even become a producer as many are leaving the farm in this modern climate. I believe bringing more people into the industry begins with education about the industry at a young age.
