Tell us a bit about you?

I recently rejoined Davidsons Animal Feeds just a month ago, but my journey in ruminant nutrition began with the company in 2016. After completing my Applied Animal Science degree at SRUC, I enrolled in Davidsons’ Graduate Scheme, marking the start of my career in the dairy industry. Now, with 9 years of experience, I’ve primarily been based in Dumfries and Galloway throughout my career.

What’s your role, and what do you do day-to-day?

As part of the Dairy Tech Team, I work closely with customers to maximise the potential of their dairy cows, addressing all aspects of their care—from ration formulation, blood analysis to cow signals. My primary role involves spending time on farm, taking silage samples, and tailoring meals or compounds to complement the herd’s needs, ensuring optimal productivity. I am often seen alongside the cows, assessing their overall condition and providing farmers with the best possible advice. This hands-on, close relationship with customers is key to delivering the highest level of service.

In addition to my individual responsibilities, I’m proud to be part of a collaborative team. We support each other, sharing knowledge and developing innovative ideas for new formulations to implement within the industry. It’s this teamwork that keeps us at the forefront of the industry.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

What I love most about my job is embracing the unique challenges that both cows and farmers face— farming is anything but easy. Many factors are beyond our control, leading to unexpected setbacks, but that’s where I find the most fulfilment. Being able to apply my knowledge and skills to help customers navigate and overcome these challenges is incredibly rewarding. I particularly enjoy working with farmers who are passionate about their work; their drive makes every challenge worth tackling.

Additionally, I truly value being part of a family-run business, where the sense of support is complemented by a forward-thinking approach. It’s motivating to work with a team that consistently adapts to the ever-changing landscape of the industry, and it keeps me excited for what’s next.

What makes you stand out from other consultants?

What sets me apart is my ability to combine a deep knowledge of ruminant nutrition with a genuine passion for working closely with people. I believe in building strong relationships with customers, understanding their unique challenges, and offering tailored solutions that make a real difference. Whether it’s troubleshooting specific feeding issues or developing long-term nutritional plans, I take the time to listen and adapt my approach to meet the individual needs of each farm. My ability to connect with people, alongside my technical expertise, ensures that I’m not just a consultant—I’m a trusted partner in their success.

Another key factor that sets me apart is my commitment to ongoing learning and adaptability. The agriculture industry is constantly evolving, and I make it a priority to stay up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and innovations in ruminant nutrition. This enables me to offer the most current and effective solutions to my clients, ensuring that they are always one step ahead. My ability to embrace new challenges and adapt to changing circumstances makes me a resourceful and forward-thinking professional.

What do you do on farm to make you different to others?

What makes me different on farm is that I take a very hands-on, holistic approach. I don’t just drop off a ration and leave — I spend time walking cows, checking cow behaviour, feed refusals, and cow condition to see how the ration is actually performing in real time. I communicate directly with farm staff, listen to their input, and make sure any changes are practical and easy to implement. I also make a point to collaborate with the wider team — vets, hoof trimmers, and other consultants — to ensure we’re all aligned and supporting the herd from every angle. My goal is to be a trusted, visible part of the farm team, not just a name on a feed sheet.

What can you do on farm to benefit your customers?

When I’m on farm, my focus is on delivering practical, tailored nutrition solutions that improve cow health, productivity, and overall farm efficiency. I start by assessing feed quality, cow performance, and ration implementation, then I work with the team to fine-tune diets that match the farm’s goals and resources. But nutrition doesn’t work in isolation — I collaborate closely with veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and other consultants to ensure a whole-herd approach. Whether we’re troubleshooting herd health issues, improving transition cow management, or enhancing reproduction, I believe that working as a team leads to better, more sustainable outcomes for the farm. My role is to connect the dots between nutrition and the broader picture, and to support the farm with both technical insight and practical, hands-on guidance.

What inspired you to purse this career?

Although I didn’t grow up on a farm, my passion for dairy cows led me to pursue a career in agriculture. The dairy industry is constantly evolving, often presenting complex challenges—but it’s exactly this dynamic nature that I find most rewarding. With nearly a decade of experience, I continue to grow and develop every day as a nutritionist. Each new situation offers an opportunity to expand my knowledge and refine my approach, and that ongoing learning is what drives my commitment to the role.

What are your hobbies outside work?

Outside of work, my passion is horses. I have two, and they certainly keep me busy! I’m currently re-training a new ex-racehorse, and I’m looking forward to starting eventing with him soon. While my horses take up most of my time, I wouldn’t have it any other way—they’re a big part of my life, and the challenge of re-training them is something I truly enjoy.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Determined – Understanding – Passionate