I had a big smile on my face this morning when I read this story Female auctioneer paves the way in Australian wool industry
Cassie Baile once auctioned me and like everyone in the room I was just flabbergasted to watch this gorgeous quiet young thing turn into a force of nature when she picked up the gavel
#GoGirlfriend Like me all your fellow Young Farming Champions in the room that day knew you were going to make your mark in the industry that lights your fire and the Wool Industry is very lucky to have you
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Cassie Baile has opened the door on opportunities for young women aspiring to become wool auctioneers in a role traditionally influenced by men.
The 25-year-old from the NSW New England has been appointed as an auctioneer for the Australian Wool Network at the Yennora Wool Selling Centre.
In her role as Northern Wool Technical Officer, Cassie will divide her time between client work at AWN’s Goulburn branch and the showroom floor in Sydney.
The only female auctioneer at the Yennora Wool Selling Centre, Cassie admits to getting a buzz out of wielding the gavel.
“I was fortunate enough in the first week I started with AWN on July 27, they asked me to sell in Room 2, and that was a fantastic start,’’ she said.
“While we are running one week’s sale, we are always preparing for the following week’s sale, so week on week the whole AWN team are quite busy.’’
Cassie said the key skills for auctioneering were communication, elocution, presentation and a good rapport with clients and buyers.
“Since beginning auctioneering two years ago, I have received support and guidance from all within the industry,’’ she said.
“In what has been traditionally perceived as a male influenced sector, I could not have asked for more support from all involved.’’
Cassie will move to the Goulburn branch in October to work with AWN branch manager Mark Hedley, and his staff.
“I will be based in Goulburn and then travel between Sydney to type and prepare the next week’s sale, and make sure all the samples on the show floor are complete for the catalogue,’’ she said.
“In Goulburn I will be managing my own client base with all aspects of their wool production. This includes sheep and ram selection, flock management, wool marketing and ensuring a high quality of service.
“As part of the Australian Wool Network team, I will be working with my colleagues to proactively gain the best results for our clients throughout all stages of their wool production, from the shearing shed to the production of high quality woollen garments.’’
Cassie hails from a superfine wool property at Bendemeer in the NSW New England region.
Her childhood memories of helping with sheep work and in the shearing shed fuelled her passion for agriculture and the wool industry.
Cassie gained her professional Woolclassers’ Certificate in 2009 through Tamworth TAFE before completing two years of an Agribusiness Degree at the University of New England, Armidale.
In 2012, she obtained a traineeship with a pastoral house, working as a Wool Technical Support Officer at Yennora.
Cassie is pleased to be moving back into a regional area with a strong history of wool production.
“I never saw myself living in Sydney but it was a good base to start,’’ she said.
“When I was approached by Australian Wool Network, I was able to make possible those goals I had always wanted to achieve.
“Everybody in the company has been so supportive, making my transition to the new role very smooth.’’
Cassie encourages all young people with an interest in agriculture to pursue their goals.
“I believe your personal drive and passion will create the best possible future for you,’’ she said.
“Find a way and make it work, and you will get there.’’
When it comes to women in agriculture, Cassie said there were no limits.
“There are equal opportunities for everyone – all young people who are interested in the industry should embrace their passion and make the most of it,’’ she said.
“Set a goal, go for it and make it happen.’’
“It is great to see women moving into traditional male roles in agriculture, such as wool classing.
“We need to encourage young people to come into the industry to ensure its survival.’’
