Rodwells general manager Rob Bolton said on Tuesday the company had always been on the look-out for new business opportunities and these new appointments had filled some gaps within its existing branch network.

"Rodwells has certainly not been the aggressor in these changes," Mr Bolton said. "From time to time companies within the industry need to restructure - we only have to remember back to the period in the 1980s when it seemed like an everyday occurrence. It is important to note that we have not accepted all the offers that have come our way."

Joining Rodwells existing branch at Pakenham will be Pat Reddan, Rod Cameron and Anthony Delaney. At Horsham, a new branch has been opened under the leadership of Wayne Driscoll with Rick Stephens, Scott Jackson and Dale Drydan, while further west David Hanel will head a new Edenhope office.

Mr Bolton said a new Rodwells branch has also opened at Benalla staffed by John Gregory, Neville Colville and Justin Way, along with wool advisor Luke Maple. Meanwhile, Brian Leslie has confirmed that he and several dairy experts have left Elders and joined forces to form Dairy Livestock Services (DLS).

The group has aligned itself with Ruralco, parent company of Rodwells, Stephens Egan and Johnson (SEJ) in South Gippsland; Southern Australia Livestock (SAL) in the South East of SA; and Rawlinson and Brown at Griffith and Hay, among other regional "brands".

"I strongly believe that the only difference our clients will notice is the colour of our shirts. We will provide the same exceptional level of support to our clients that we’re known for," Mr Leslie said.

"The time was right for a change and with the current structure of the industry we saw the opportunity to be involved with Rodwells as a great fit for our operation. It was not only the ideal alliance for us, it was the ideal time to do it."

DLS will take over the high profile International Dairy Week sales. IDW is the third-largest dairy show in the world.

Former manager of Elders Euroa Michael Curtis has formed his own business, Newmarket, a full service livestock marketing business.