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    Livestock auctioneers graduate from Harper Adams

    Posted 13 January 2016

    “The livestock auctioning industry is a significant player in the rural economy and it provides a vital service to all the farmers and producers across the United Kingdom."

    Nine students have graduated from a specialist livestock auctioneering qualification at Harper Adams University.

    The students are the second cohort to have completed Certificates of Higher Education in Professional Studies for Livestock Market Operations and Management, after spending four years working towards the qualification while in full-time employment. 

    Mark Simcock, Associate Head of Department for Land Management at Harper Adams University, and an active livestock auctioneer in North Staffordshire said: “The livestock auctioning industry is a significant player in the rural economy and it provides a vital service to all the farmers and producers across the United Kingdom. 

    “The graduates now have not only a wealth of personal experience of working in a livestock market, but also a wider range of skills that will serve them well to move on and progress in this great industry.

    “To date we have seen more than 70 students enrol onto the programme; 31 of those have now graduated and we welcomed eight new students at the graduation ceremony.”

    The ceremony welcomed representatives from the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS). Gwyn Williams, Director at Wright Marshall Ltd, awarded fellowships for the LAA to seven students while Willie McCulloch, IAAS President, awarded two students with fellowships for the IAAS.  

    Congratulating the graduates, Harper Adams University Vice Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: “This is a programme which takes a lot of hard work. You are out in the working world, studying hard and having to juggle these things. 

    “Now, when you return to the work place you will be able to reflect on the learning you have undergone through this qualification.” 

    Special prizes were awarded to two students. Carlisle auctioneer John Helme received the LAA Gavel for the top graduating LAA student, as well as the MJ Thomson Award as the top graduating IAAS student. Wynne Davies was awarded the Dick Harrison Trust plaque for the top first year student.

    John said: “I decided to take this course because it’s renowned, in a historic setting and the qualification will take me further in my career. I now have a broad knowledge of the whole industry, including legislation.

    “I’m honoured to have been given awards by the LAA and the IAAS. I’ve enjoyed the course as it’s been good to get to know other auctioneers and people in the farming industry.”

    Congratulations to all the graduates:

    Sam Bradley, 26, from Skipton, North Yorkshire, of CCM Auctions, Skipton. 

    Jeremy Greenhalgh, 29, from Bolton, Lancashire, of Clitheroe Auction Mart.

    Adam Grieve, 22, from Shilvington, Northumberland, of Acklington Mart.

    John Helme, 30, from Keswick, Cumbria, of Harrison and Hetherington, Carlisle. 

    Andrew Hunter Blair, 22, from Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, of Craig Wilson Ltd

    Simon Lamb, 29, from Tarporley, Cheshire, of Wright Marshall, Beeston Castle. 

    James Morrish, 42, from Torrington, Devon, of Kivells, Exeter.

    Cameron Pate, 21, from Galashiels, Selkirkshire, of John Swan Ltd, Wooler, Northumberland.

    Tom Story, 24, from Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, of Harrison and Hetherington, Carlisle.

    This year has also seen the first Marts the Heart Young Auctioneer of the Year. All those nominated for the title were previous or current students of the Harper Adams auctioneering course. Will Alexander, Raymond Kennedy, Mark Richardson and Jonny Dymond were all nominees, while the title was won by Ian Atkinson. Ian is also a graduate of the Harper Adams undergraduate REALM degree.

    The Livestock Market Operations and Management course is aimed at aspiring auctioneers, animal health officers and other qualifying persons. To be considered for the programme, students must be working in the industry and be supported by their employer, as they will need to draw on workplace experience.

    For more information, visit the course page

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