Harper Adams Ceremony Celebrates Ongoing Success of Livestock Auctioneers Programme
“All your farming clients are going to need sound advice from their professional advisors in the years ahead as agricultural policy develops and our graduates today are now in a position to give that advice”
Auctioneers from across the UK have gathered to continue their studies in Livestock Market Operations and Management – and mark their colleagues’ successes.
The Livestock Market Operations and Management programme has been delivered since 2011 at Harper Adams, and was developed by Dr Mark Simcock in conjunction with the Livestock Auctioneers Association and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland.
The January programme started with an ceremony to celebrate the graduation of four students who have successfully completed their studies.
Jenna Ballantyne and Amy Haddow from Lanark Livestock Market, James Scott and Andrew Weir from United Auctions, James Buckton from Hull and Kyle Hawksworth from Skipton Livestock Market all graduated with a Certificate of Higher Education in Livestock Market Operations and Management and were presented with their awards by Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan.
James also received the Livestock Auctioneers Association Gavel for the top graduating student from England and Wales, which was presented by the Chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, Alastair Brown, from Bletsoes who operate out of Thrapston and Stratford Livestock Market.
The MJ Thomson Award for the top graduating student from Scotland was awarded to Jemma who was presented with her award by Alan Hutcheon, Group Director at Aberdeen and Northern Marts and President of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland.
The Dick Harrison Trust also made a presentation. The purpose of the trust is to provide education and training by awarding grants for fees or maintenance to persons who are desirous of training – whether at an educational establishment or otherwise – in livestock auctioneering and/or rural estate management.
The award was made to the top first year student and this year went to Luke Scott who works for Barnard Castle Livestock Market. This presentation was made by Robert Addison from Hexham Livestock Market.
Course Manager Dr Mark Simcock said: “May I pass on my congratulations to our graduates – particularly given COVID has slowed their progress towards completion of the programme.
“All your farming clients are going to need sound advice from their professional advisors in the years ahead as agricultural policy develops and our graduates today are now in a position to give that advice”
He thanked all his colleagues at the University for supporting the delivery and assessment of the programme and looked forward to continuing its good work in the years to come.