By Judith Cowie, livestock procurement officer at Wallets Marts and Galloway Primestock, Castle Douglas

In a rapidly-changing world, it’s never been more important to make sure that our livestock markets are fit for the future.

The industry has realised that for some time, of course. That’s why it’s been investing in ensuring that those of us who are determined to forge careers working for our auction marts are equipped with the best possible skills do so successfully, to our own benefit and that of the wider rural community.

I’m one of those who has been fortunate enough to benefit from that investment and recently graduated from the livestock market operations and management course at Harper Adams University, having completed four years of studies to gain a certificate of higher education.

I was able to do that thanks to the support of my employers at Wallets Marts and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).

It was a great experience, one which reinforced for me the high value of education not just for our marts but for the entire livestock industry.

The course at Harper Adams is widely recognised as the professional standard for entry into the auctioneering sector, as well as to membership of the IAAS, which is focused on ensuring the sector has the know-how and people needed to succeed.

And we need that focus because these are changing times. Our marts need to ensure they are able to adapt to meet the demands of the future and demonstrate the vital service provided not just to farmers and producers, but the wider community. Nothing changes the fact that there is no fairer place to buy and sell.

Meeting other students reminded me of that. There are common themes which affect all our livestock marts. Therefore it was helpful to talk, share our experiences and, in turn, make a valuable network of contacts.

I’ve been interested in livestock since I was a child and I’ve worked hard to make the most of every opportunity I’ve had in this business, starting in the offices at Wallets 12 years ago as a school leaver and learning my job inside out.

It was a privilege to have that work recognised by IAAS as I graduated. I am determined – as are all of the Scottish students on the course – to ensure that our auction marts continue to thrive as the centre of our livestock trade.