Jock Gibson bids farewell after almost 50 years in Tasmanian studstock

Nutrien Tasmania studstock manager Jock Gibson has hung up his boots after almost 50 years in the industry.

The much-loved and humble stockman oversaw his last stud sales in recent weeks, with Cooper Lamprey, who worked under him for a number of years, now taking on the mantle.

Mr Gibson first started as an agent with Websters Livestock on January 2, 1979.

While he started out selling real estate, after a quick 18-month break of travelling in the early 1980s, he found his way into studstock.

Over the course of four decades, he built strong relationships with Tasmania's stud principals, both in sheep and cattle, and made a name for himself as a trusted pair of hands.

He said it was these relationships that made the job a "pleasure".

"It's the relationships that make our job," he said.

"That's what the industry is all about.

"It was a privilege being part of it."

Mr Gibson moved to Roberts in 1998 when it acquired Websters Livestock and later worked for Nutrien when it acquired Roberts.

Nutrien Tasmania auctioneer Warren Johnston started working with Mr Gibson in 1998 and had learned a lot from his colleague of more than 25 years.

"Jock is one of those dependable people where you could give him a task and the job would be done," he said.

"He was one of those good, honest all-rounders, a great bloke."

Mr Gibson said the biggest change he had seen during his decades-long career was the introduction of the mobile phone.

"Mobile phones changed the whole way stock agents worked," he said.

He said it became easier to maintain contact with clients and stock buyers over time.

He also felt cattle had "definitely" improved during his time working with them.

"In the studstock industry, the estimated breeding values, there's been a lot of changes," he said.

"Online selling has also been huge."

Mr Gibson said his former colleague at Websters Livestock, Rob Perkins, was one of those with whom he most enjoyed working.

"He was a big influence in the early days," he said.

He said he also shared fond memories with Ross Munro, Roberts, Mr Johnston and Mr Lamprey in more recent years.

Quamby Plains Hereford stud principal Victoria Archer, Hagley, Tas, wished Mr Gibson all the best in a "well-deserved" retirement.

"We are very grateful for him being a key part of our business since forever," she said.

"He's just done a fantastic job.

"He's a very humble guy but always did a great job."

Mr Gibson hoped to travel more in his retirement, alongside wife Jane, and spend more time with his children and grandchildren.