While the cattle and buyers have come from near and far, the laughter has belonged to one of Gunnedah’s most-beloved stock agents, Bert Hewitt who recently walked the catwalk and looked for a bidder for the final time.

Becoming a stock agent in 1987, “Bertie” as he is affectionately known by his clients and fellow stock agents, decided June 26 would be his final sale.

“I started with Garvin and Cousins in 1991 and after a while I bought it off Roger Buttenshaw who was a terrific bloke who was great to work with and for, and it has been a really good time overall,” Mr Hewitt said.

“It really has been fantastic.”

The former Garvin and Cousins stock agent told Fairfax Media being a stock agent was always a likely career path.

“I suppose you could say it was by accident but I think it would be fair to say it had a bit to do with my father and my grandfather both being stock agents,” he said.

“It is a generational thing, they were here for years before I started and I sort of just grew up with it.”

Bert’s long-time protegee James Bradford, will carry on the team’s good work under a new banner, James Bradford Rural (JBR).

“I started with Bert in April 2002 and it’s hard to believe the change is finally upon us,” Mr Bradford said.

“We’ve had Bert’s nephew Ben join us as well and he has been helping us out since he was a little kid, so it is great to see him getting involved and joining the team.

“Tim Hollis has also joined us and he brings with him a lot of experience in the industry from being the head stockman at the Caroona feedlot for many years, and as the manager of the Tamworth Saleyards as well.

“It’s really exciting to have these guys on-board and we are really looking forward as a team to what the future holds.”

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Mr Hewitt said it was pleasing to see James begin the journey of a new business.

“It’s exciting times,” he said.

“I think it’s great that James and his wife Katie are going forward with their business and I’m looking forward to watching them go onto the next stage.”

The third generation stock agent said he would now focus on supporting JBR as much as possible.

“I don’t have any big plans for the future at the moment, mate,” he said.

“I suppose my main thing will be helping James out for a little while, or at least be as helpful as I can be for him.

“As well as that, I suppose I will continue to get around the sales and catch up with everyone."

JBR officially conducted its first sale at the Gunnedah Saleyards on July 3 and will operate out of its new office on Conadilly Street.