Livestock market employees welcomed back to campus for key course – and awards event

Posted 10 May 2022

Employees from livestock markets across the United Kingdom have been welcomed back to Harper Adams University for a key course strengthening the skills they need for their role.

Following a break in teaching during the Covid pandemic, the course was an opportunity both for students on the Livestock Market Operations and Management Course to meet once more – and for graduating students to see their achievements marked. 

The course was attended by students currently employed in livestock markets from right across the United Kingdom – with attendees during the week including students from Orkney to Ashford and to Ballymena in Northern Ireland. 

All students on the course at Harper Adams are working towards securing fellowship of either the Livestock Auctioneers Association, or the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, which they are entitled to apply for upon successful completion of their studies.

Vice-Chairman of the LAA, Alistair Brown and President of the IAAS, Donald Young, joined Course Manager Dr Mark Simcock for a graduation and awards event – which kicked off proceedings during a busy week for the students.

Last week auctioneers from across the UK descended on @harperadamsuni to study the Livestock Market: Operations and Management course, supported by the LAA and @iaas_scotland.

The week included a ceremony celebrating the graduating students. Huge congratulations to all! pic.twitter.com/6SuGIlmO5q

— Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) (@AuctionMarkets) May 17, 2022

...??A special congratulations to Daniel Slade of @ThameMarket, recipient of the LAA Highest Achieving Student award, and Joe Bowman @HHFarmstock, recipient of the Dick Harrison award recognising the highest achieving 1st year student. @HarperAdamsUni pic.twitter.com/RFb9aJsU1T

— Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) (@AuctionMarkets) May 17, 2022

Prizes were given to the top graduating students from England - which was awarded to Daniel Slade form Thame Market, and from Scotland - which was awarded to Scott Chapman from the ANM Group at Thainstone.

The Dick Harrison Trust made an award to the student with the best marks in Year One from England and Scotland, which was awarded to Joe Bowman from Carlisle Market.

Dr Mark Simcock said: “It was once again an immense pleasure to finally welcome back this group of students to the campus to continue with their studies. 

“The livestock auctioneering industry is a very important part of the fabric of the rural economy - and Harper Adams is very proud to be associated with it.”