The Final Farewell!

It would seem an injustice to my time spent on the other side of the world to not start this month’s blog without acknowledging the privilege it is to have friends in every corner of the world. In a mere nine months, I can confidently say that I have concluded my time in the British livestock marketing industry with a swag of new people in my life whom I am proud to call my friends.

If somebody had told me five years ago when I started my career as a stock and station agent with Allan Gray & Co in Cowra, that I would one day take a job with a livestock marketing firm in the UK, I’d have thought they were somewhat crazy.

In addition to that, if somebody had said to me a mere two years ago as a young traveller, just returned from my first overseas trip, bitten by the travel bug, with an itch to see as much of the world as possible, that I would take the leap and spend a year living and travelling abroad, they too would be deemed mad.

Ironically enough, here I stand. Up to my shoulders in the experience of a lifetime. Somewhat a little more reflective this month than in months gone by, as my time as International Livestock Correspondent and place in the H&H farm stock team draws to a close. In line with all the previous blogs, I’ll start with a small monthly recap of the H&H world, but follow along to the end for a reflection on the year that has been – as a small-town Aussie dreamer – living out what seemed like an impossible pipe dream.

This month sees the final wrap-up of the “back end” and brings on a slightly quieter period for the team at H&H. October has not been without its fair share of activity; kicking off with the culmination of the ram sales season. The highlight was at Kirkby Stephen, where the two-day Swaledale Ram Sale drew a full ring of buyers, vendors, and spectators—all eager to see how high the prices would climb.

Following Kirkby, Lockerbie was next in the spotlight, playing host to the “Newcastleton Blue Grey Sale”. A sale that was traditionally held at Newcastleton market before its closure and deeply engrained into tradition for many hill farmers from around the district. In line with every sale this year, prices reached new highs, posting averages never seen before.

The big highlight of the month, and one I was told from the start I was not allowed to leave without seeing, was Borderway Agri Expo. Boy am I glad I stayed. I’m not sure there could have been a better event to round out my final days with Harrison & Hetherington. It proved a great opportunity to catch up with a plethora of people that have been a part of and made an impact on my journey throughout this endeavour. To complement this, the event ran smoothly; judging went well, trade stands buzzed, and good company was enjoyed by all. It really is a credit to the team at H&H for the way it is run. During a busy time, you truly see the whole company come together as one. Camaraderie is often built in testing times, and being part of the organised chaos of getting Borderway ready for such a major event was all part of the fun. If there’s ever a reason worth making the 24-hour journey back in years to come, Expo would certainly be near the top of the list.

As for October, there’s not a huge amount else to touch on. As with months gone by, days were spent visiting many local farmers and good H&H clients. It really is what makes my job as an agent the greatest job in the world. The people you meet and get to work with along the way really embody what it is that makes the agricultural world turn. As for the weather, it has indeed turned to what I would describe as very British. Days no longer consist of warm, sunny, summer days, but instead grey, wet, and short days. Some may think that my departure may be attributed to this, to which I would say not entirely. But it does make the choice just ever so slightly easier.

There’s no doubt that the decision to essentially put my life on hold and uproot life as I knew it, to pursue a year abroad, was not one made lightly. I would say on reflection that this move to the other side of the globe has incited a huge amount of growth in both a professional but also in a personal sense. Each day has been a new and unique experience. During my time here in the UK, I have found overcoming new challenges both at work and at home to be extremely rewarding. I think when I look back at why it was that I felt the need to undertake such a venture, a push into a new environment that would allow me to develop was at the heart of it.

It really is a privilege, a blessing, and a curse all in one to have been adopted by some of the most amazing people during my time here. I feel as though I should be forever indebted to the people that have made this part of the world feel like home. My final days as part of the farm stock team have indeed been bittersweet. Whilst it is time to move on to new things for the next little period in my life, it is not easy to leave behind new lifelong friends.

To the Harrison & Hetherington clients - Thank you for all the warm welcomes I was greeted with when arriving to look at stock and talk about markets. For the smiles and craic at countless summer shows, sales, and the odd pint enjoyed at many a bar. I would say that these will remain as some of my most enjoyable memories from my time spent within the British Agricultural Industry. It really is the people you meet along the way that make the agricultural industry what it is.

To my Aussies following from afar - Thank you for the support during this whole crazy endeavour. From the support before takeoff to the countless hours of phone calls and messages crossing time zones, right down to following along with my monthly updates. It certainly has not gone unnoticed and excites me for my return home. You know who you are, and without the backing from the best group of friends and family, I may never have taken that leap and booked that flight.

To my family at Allan Gray & Co and our valued clients - Without your support, an adventure like this doesn’t happen quite as smoothly. From humble conversations in sheep yards to Christmas golf schooners, the encouragement was second to none. From the very beginning, it was ‘go and chase that dream, and if it doesn’t work out or it’s time to come home, we stand by your side’. With that being said, I look forward ever so much to seeing you all again.

Last but definitely not least, to the strangers, who I now have the pleasure of calling my lifelong friends - Upon my departure, it is you that I will miss the most. When my journey as part of the Farm Stock team began, I instantly knew I was in good company. From the beginning, I was welcomed with open arms by my colleagues turned friends. Each and every day when walking through that door, there was always a friendly smile to greet you. To sit here and name you each would take far too long, but you know who you all are. It is you that made Borderway feel just like home, and I will indeed be forever grateful for each and every one of you.

It certainly has been a rollercoaster of emotions over my last few weeks. I’ve enjoyed almost every second of this crazy adventure. Even more so than I could have ever imagined.

I look forward to staying in contact with all of my newfound friends in the British Agricultural world.

This is not goodbye forever - but rather see you later.