Dominique Smits

With a background in dairy farming, I transitioned into off-farm work during a period of drought to supplement income. My journey began at South Gippsland Stock Feeds, initially seeking an administrative role but finding fulfillment as a mill operator. This role deepened my understanding of production processes and instilled a strong commitment to quality control, ensuring excellence in the final products. Following the acquisition of South Gippsland Stock Feeds by Riverbank Stock Feeds, I transitioned into an assistant sales and administrative position. Through mentorship and on-farm experience, I progressively advanced to a full-time role in sales and nutritional consulting. Subsequently, with the acquisition of Riverbank Stock Feeds by CopRice, my comprehensive knowledge of the Leongatha site led to my appointment as production manager. After a brief break, I joined Reid’s in December 2023, bringing with me 16 years of diverse experience encompassing every aspect from operations to sales and nutrition. I am deeply appreciative.

Q1: Share some interesting facts about yourself

• My father, a mechanic specialising in tuning high-performance vehicles and being a race car driver in both rally and circuit disciplines instilled in me a strong enthusiasm for high-speed activities.
• Outside of work, I prioritise quality time with my family and my animals, particularly my horses. My hobbies include horse riding, 4 wheel driving, camping, exploring nature, and fishing when time allows. I also share a hobby of coin collecting with my son Riley and enjoy capturing memorable moments through photography.
• I am deeply committed to animal welfare, most of my animals are rescues. Seeing them thrive brings me great joy.

Q2: What do you believe differentiates Reids from other companies?

Reid’s Stockfeed is a family-owned business with decades of experience, ensuring a personal commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. They offer high quality products to ensure optimal nutrition for livestock. Reids is proud to sponsor local agricultural events and livestock shows, demonstrating their commitment to the industry and its customers.

Q3: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in life?

• Life is constantly evolving, and being adaptable is crucial.
• Being able to understand others’ perspectives fosters better relationships and communication.
• Time is a finite resource, so use it wisely and prioritise what truly matters. 1 * Life will have ups and downs, resilience helps you bounce back from setbacks.
• Always strive to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
• Honesty and strong moral principles will guide you through complex situations.
• Having a sense of purpose gives your life direction and meaning.

Q4: Your goals or aspirations for the future.

• extensive experience and skills to contribute meaningfully to the field.
• I aim to further deepen my expertise in animal nutrition.
• Additionally, I am committed to ongoing professional development, staying abreast of industry advancements and best practices. I am dedicated to advancing my career in agriculture, continuously learning, and making a positive impact through innovation and leadership.

Q5: Quote or mantra that inspires you

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.