What do you make happen at Scottish Agronomy?
As part of the Trials Team at Scottish Agronomy, I assist in the day-to-day tasks around the office and in the field. A typical day during the season often consists of field work, one of my main responsibilities is spraying trials sometimes using our backpack sprayers but usually using our massive 12m sprayer. I am also regularly involved in machinery maintenance and repairs – this is more common through the summer months when combine harvesters are running near to full time and greasing, fuelling and blowing down filters is essential to ensure the combines are in working order and to limit any potential breakdowns.
Over the last two years I took responsibility for various contracted field trials, from the north of England right up to the Black Isle, looking at a variety of split field work such cultivation, seed dressing and fungicide trials. There can be a lot of travelling through the busy season but the benefit to this is you often get to see places you wouldn’t otherwise, which can also often lead to a sweet treat on the road…
What’s the best part of the job?
No two days are the same, which applies for both workload and the weather! For me one of the most satisfying parts of the job is during harvest when you clear a trial and seeing the stubble at the end of the day is a great feeling.
What is your favourite time of year and why?
Harvest, no doubt about that! It’s the one time of year when you know for sure what you’re doing the next day (weather depending of course). It is such a great team here and when there is work to be done it is all hands-on deck to get over the line. The team spirit and camaraderie during harvest is incredible – even when things aren’t going to plan everyone pulls together.
How did you get to where you are today?
Having grown up on a small farm in Fife, I was always around agriculture although not from farming stock. In 2016/17 I spent a year working on a mixed arable/dairy farm in the Scottish Borders where I spent most of my time working with animals. When in 2018 I applied to Scottish Agronomy to be a Trials Officer, I was delighted to be asked to join the team. I was fortunate enough to have some prior experience on machinery which helped me when it came to learning the tractor work involved in trials. Almost five years on and I am loving my job more than ever, I feel the company is in an exciting period with a bit of change and a fantastic group of people across every area of Scottish Agronomy.
What, for you, makes Scottish Agronomy stand apart?
The fact that we carry out our own independent research which is available to our agronomists and members. Being a member-led co-operative means if the members have an idea they would like to trial we can do that. In terms of career, the training we receive is second to none, the list of certificates I’ve acquired in five years is brilliant and I would not have got them without the support of work.
What has been the greatest highlight of your career so far?
Taking on the split field work was great as it was my own workload to look after and manage. Receiving responsibility for the potato trials while people were on holiday was an experience, managing the work schedule during the busy spray season to ensure both potato and cereals work was completed on time in good conditions.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
Despite only being 24 years old I drive a Volvo…and I am a fan of old Blues Rock music. I am not entirely boring though! In my spare time you will find me at my local rugby club supporting the team and socialising with friends.
