John McCulloch

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JOHN MCCULLOCH

I currently work as Trainee Auctioneer at Wallets Marts in Castle Douglas, contributing to the agricultural industry with a focus on livestock auctioneering. I previously worked in the wider agricultural industry in large-scale beef production. I graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agriculture from Scotland\'s Rural College (SRUC) in 2021, building a solid foundation in the agri-food sector. I am currently pursuing a degree in Livestock Market Operations and Management at Harper Adams University, expected to be completed in January 2028. I am dedicated to advancing agri-business practices and fostering the growth of the agriculture sector. Aside from my day-to-day auctioneering role, I also act as secretary for Wallets Marts PLC, a branch of the wider Wallets Marts business. This role involves secretarial work at a board level, as well as providing management and administrative support to the Board of Directors of the company. Outside of work, I am passionate about pedigree livestock, particularly Beef Shorthorn cattle. This has brought me a lot of success over the years, winning many young handlers competitions. The highlight of this was being placed champion in the young handlers competition at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2015 before going on to win the National Young Stockperson of the Year Award at the Royal Smithfield Festival, Peterborough in the same year. I have been a committee member/director of many organisations within the Scottish Agricultural industry. One of the most notable positions was National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, working to make the voices and concerns of young people in rural Scotland heard by politicians and policy-makers from across the political spectrum. This was achieved by lobbying and giving evidence in parliament. I was recognised for my work in this area in 2024 when I was awarded the Rural Ambassador Award at the SAYFC Five Star Awards ceremony.I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with some hugely talented people throughout the agriculture sector and supply chain. These experiences have contributed to my networking capabilities and help me boast an extensive network of contacts which I can bring to any role.