Raymond Kennedy has been named the top student graduating in 2018 from Harper Adams University’s specialist livestock auctioneering course.
The MJ Thomson Award is given each year to the student who is deemed to have been the most deserving after achieving their certificate of higher education in professional studies for livestock market operations and management. Students work towards the qualification over four years while in full-time employment, and is seen as the professional standard for entry into the livestock auctioneering sector. The MJ Thomson award is awarded to a Scottish student while its equivalent is awarded south of the border by the Livestock Auctioneers Association.
The award is given in conjunction with the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, the body which represents the interests of livestock markets and the role they play in Scotland’s rural economy and the Thomson family, long established market operators in the south of Scotland.
John Thomson, Director of Thomson Roddick, and member of the IAAS Council said: “Raymond is an excellent advertisement for the auctioneering profession, already selling successfully for United Auctions at Stirling and across the West of Scotland. His successful completion of the course at Harper Adams, along with many others like him, means that high quality new blood is entering the profession, ready to respond to increasing seller demand.
“He is a great pedigree cattle enthusiast and sellers are always pleased when he is in the box at the Stirling Bull Sales.”
Commenting on receiving the award, Raymond Kennedy said:
“It is indeed a great honour to receive the M J Thomson award. Having completed the four year course at Harper Adams, I have found it to be a great networking experience for meeting all those within our industry from all over the country. The course itself has done an excellent job in adapting throughout to stay current and relevant to the issues and requirements within our ever changing industry.”
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.