Ben Wratten

Ben Wratten joins the APL Group with more than three decades of experience across Australian agriculture, complemented by an extensive industry network and a wealth of practical and executive-level expertise.

Raised in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Ben developed an early connection to the coastal regions east of the New England Tablelands — an area he has since returned to and now proudly calls home.

Ben's agricultural career began in Central Queensland with the highly regarded Hughes family, an experience he credits with establishing a strong foundation in livestock production, land management and agricultural operations. It was also during this time that he began developing the industry relationships and lifelong connections that remain an integral part of his professional network today.

His introduction to Wagyu cattle came in the mid-1990s, sparking an interest that has continued throughout his career. Over the ensuing decades, Ben has developed considerable knowledge of the Wagyu breed, its genetic attributes and the production systems that underpin successful breeding and commercial operations.

Driven by a natural curiosity and a commitment to understanding all facets of agriculture, Ben's career has progressed through increasingly diverse and complex enterprises. He has held senior management and executive positions across major pastoral holdings and corporate agricultural businesses throughout Australia, with responsibilities spanning livestock production, supply chain management, feedlotting, irrigation, fodder production, live export and meat processing.

This breadth of experience provides Ben with a well-rounded perspective on the Australian agricultural sector. Combining practical operational knowledge with commercial and strategic insight, he understands not only the productive capabilities of livestock and rural property assets, but also the market dynamics, investment considerations, development potential and risks that influence their value and long-term performance.

Ben brings this extensive experience, established industry relationships and a comprehensive understanding of Australian livestock and protein production to his role with the APL Group. His ability to combine practical knowledge with commercial insight enables him to provide clients with informed advice, strategic marketing and professional representation across rural property and livestock transactions.