1/ How would you describe your job?
I am involved in all aspects of trials work from making and checking field plans and application sheets, through to applying product and assessing crops in the field. In the last couple of years, I have taken on responsibility for organising all the grain samples at harvest time. With over 20,000 plots being taken to harvest it is a big task making sure every trial gets sent to the right place and has the right tests performed on it.
2/ What’s the best part of your job?
Being able to see the differences an application has made in a trial while assessing, it is especially noticeable in fertiliser trials.
3/ What’s your favourite time of year, and why?
Spring fertiliser applications are one of the first jobs back out in the field after a quiet winter in the shed so it is always enjoyable getting to see the trials again after such a long time.
4/ Why do you work in agriculture?
Growing up on an arable means I’ve always had an interest in agriculture. Although I studied chemistry in university, I quickly realised that my true calling was to work in the great outdoors rather than being cooped up in a lab. This is why I find my job in agriculture so fulfilling. Not only do I get to travel to different parts of the country, but I also get to experience a diverse range of roles and conditions.
5/ What do you think makes Scottish Agronomy special?
The ability to draw on such a large number of trials in order to give the best, independent advice to our members, as well as being able to tailor our own trial programmes to suit the information our members need.
6/ What has been your career highlight so far?
I have recently been promoted!
I am now a Senior Trials Officer! My new role brings on more responsibilities and exciting challenges with the trials team.
7/ Tell us a surprising fact about you!
I’m a fan of various sports, ranging from football, rugby, golf, and curling. However, I must admit that when it comes to playing them myself, I am not the most skilled individual! Regardless, I did represent Perthshire at the Junior Scottish Lawn Bowls Championships while I was at school.
So I am a sportsman after all! 😂
