Our Customers Come First

“Working in customer relations in the livestock world isn’t your standard nine-to-five job, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m at the end of the phone whenever our customers need me – whether it’s a stock entry, a query, some advice, or even just a chat. My role is about trust, communication, and being there when it matters most. The livestock industry is built on relationships, and for me it is such an honour to support farmers and their families through the busy and often tough times.

 

Over summer, our team has been on the road attending local shows, from Northumberland, Cumberland and Dumfries through to Gilsland, Skelton, Alston, Kelso, Wooler and beyond. These shows mean a lot to me personally. Not only are they a fantastic opportunity to see our customers face to face and thank them for their business and celebrate their success, both commercial and pedigree, but they’re also a chance to catch up properly. We have a stand at most, and I’m often found making the tea and enjoying a bit of craic with everyone who stops by.

 

As we move into autumn and winter, we’re coming off the back of some of my favourite sales of the year the Suckled Calves, Alston Moor Mule Gimmer Lamb sale and the Newcastleton Blue Grey sale, now held at Lockerbie. I’ve been involved with that particular sale since the beginning of my career when I was learning my trade from David Thomlinson. This is a traditional sale to its very roots and the largest Blue Grey heifer sale in the country. Much anticipated by both vendors and purchasers demand is usually high, and the stock sold heads to every corner of the UK. It’s a tradition I’m very proud to be part of.

 

As a qualified livestock valuer getting out on farm visits is one of the most important parts of my job. Farming can be a lonely world at times, and having someone to talk things through with, whether it’s market timings or selling options, makes a real difference. Many farmers now look to us not just to sell their stock, but to advise them on how and when to market it. That trust takes time to build, and it’s something I take seriously.

 

There’s no doubt the industry is evolving. When I started, it was a male-dominated world, but today we’re seeing daughters taking over farms, driving the haulage trucks, and leading sales is fantastic to see.

 

The next generation may be more digitally minded and time-pressed, but what hasn’t changed is the importance of trust. Whether you’re selling through the ring or privately, here at Harrison & Hetherington the entire livestock team are here to help you get the best outcome for your stock, because your livestock deserves it, and so do you.

 

In terms of trading, both the commercial and pedigree sectors have remained buoyant for most of this year and rightly so. Farmers absolutely deserve these prices. The dedication and sheer hard work that goes into farming, day in and day out, is often done under immense pressure. Whether it’s dealing with shifting government policies, navigating disease risks, or managing the ever-changing demands of the job, farmers continue to adapt and overcome. It’s a real privilege to be involved in this industry and to assist our farmers however we can. I treat every customer’s stock as if it were my own.

 

And remember the Ring is King . We have weekly sales right across our centres in the Scottish Borders, Northumberland, and Cumbria. Whether it’s fat stock, breeding, or store, we’re here to help you market your stock to its best potential.