Succession is an issue many in the industry will be grappling with right now.
For Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), finding someone to build upon the work done to ensure the auction sector has a voice at the table is top of the agenda.
"I was a full-time auctioneer until 2002," said Mr Dodds.
The organisation had decided it needed more input into policy direction, and it quickly became a full-time job for Mr Dodds.
From there, he built up the organisation to the trade body it is today, being able to sit around the table and have an influence on the decisions which impact the whole industry.
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"We now have what I would say is a very successful and influential trade body," he said.
Succession
"It has grown considerably over recent years. We are at the point now where we need to shore up and make sure its future is secure."
He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the marts and farming, with the LAA often involved in discussions about what happens at farm level.
"If we do not have farmers, we do not have auctioneers," he said.
This includes the discussions which are currently happening about bovine EID, sheep EID and bluetongue, which affect both producers and marts.
"Quite often, we get comments from people saying they appreciate what we are doing. I am not actually there to represent farmers, but what benefits farmers benefits the marts," he said.
"I am committed to making sure I do whatever I can to influence decision-making to ensure we continue to have a thriving industry."
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Mr Dodds is now searching for someone to be his successor and to ensure that the LAA continues to influence Government policy as well as supporting mart businesses.
Government policy
"There is a significant amount of policy work involved, and improving on what we do and how we do it is important.
"When I start to think about it, on the one hand that is quite exciting, and on the other it is quite sad," he said.
"It is a career I have loved. In the coming years I will retire, possibly not in the next two or three, but certainly within the next five years.
"But it is always refreshing for any organisation to get in new faces and new drivers."
Establishing a succession plan now, with plans to retire a few years down the line, will give the successor the opportunity to establish long-term and trustworthy relationships with key personnel throughout the industry, UK Government and devolved administrations.
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Mr Dodds said: "Many people possibly do not fully understand everything the LAA is involved in, for instance lobbying and ensuring policy is workable for the industry.
"We have one of the best farming systems in the world. We need to maintain that without drowning it with bureaucracy."
Alongside this, the LAA is working to the benefit of its members, offering support such as drover training, health and safety and the Market Prices Platform.
Market prices
Mr Dodds was the key figure in establishing the UK Livestock Chain Advisory Group, a group of 25 UK trade organisations in the livestock sector who meet twice a month, with the alternate meeting being with Defra and the devolved administrations.
"The gathering of 25 trade organisations in one place is unprecedented within our industry and it has created a powerful voice, especially when united," he said, adding that they did not always all agree, but there was nearly always an alignment of policy.
He added there were other perks, such as working with the Royal Countryside Fund and helping to establish health hubs within LAA member auction marts.
"That has been a really great thing to do," said Mr Dodds, adding another highlight was the interesting people he had met throughout the industry.
Anyone with interest in the role is asked to contact Chris Dodds at [email protected]
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