Leading Wangaratta stock agent Peter Dargan has left Rodwells to go to the Australian Wool Network.
Mr Dargan, and four colleagues, will continue to operate out of Wangaratta, covering the city, Corowa and Barnawartha saleyards.
"It's been in the back our mind, ever since Canadian agribusiness giant Nutrien Ag Solutions bought out Rodwells," Mr Dargan said.
"That was something we didn't envisage."
He said he hadn't been entirely comfortable with the corporate approach, taken by Nutrien.
"I understand the need for rules and regulations, but it takes the people aspect out of it," he said.
'It's a people industry."
Mr Dargan said he'd run his own business for 24 years, before selling out to Rodwells in February 2014.
Nutrien took over Rodwells, late last year.
Mr Dargan said he hoped the move would create more competition,
"To me, the more, the merrier," he said.
The decision gave him, and the other staff, "a bit more freedom.
"They are an Australian company, so the money stays here," Mr Dargan said.
"We might be the first to go, but I don't think we'll be the last."