Meet Tom: A Career in Animal Nutrition and Feed Advisory

Discover Tom’s career journey at Scotmin Nutrition, from growing up on a sheep farm in North Wales and studying Agriculture with Animal Science to advising livestock farmers across Scotland and northern England. Find out what his role involves, the skills he uses and his advice for building knowledge and customer relationships.

What does a normal day look like in your job?

I spend most of my time out on farm (covering Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Stirling, parts of Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria).

I speak to customers, look at livestock, carry out grass silage sampling and more. I often try to gain new customers (prospecting).

I work from home sometimes, usually placing orders, reviewing diets and providing recommendations, keeping up with admin, etc.

How did you get into this role?

I am from a small sheep farm in North Wales originally.

I studied Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, and graduated in 2020.

I relocated to Scotland just over five years ago, and have worked for Scotmin Nutrition for just over two years.

What skills or qualities matter most in your job?

Empathy and good communication are really important, alongside sales and technical skills. Problem-solving, organisation, resilience, ambition and a willingness to learn are also key.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Seeing firsthand the difference Scotmin advice/products make on farm, and building relationships with customers. No day is the same - it never gets boring!

Scotmin are supporters of the Young Farmers as well, sponsoring the West Region Talent Spots. I have had the privilege of representing the business, giving prizes to the winners.

We also have a strong presence during show season, attending events to help promote the business. Events like shows and Talents Spots are a nice change of pace, and a good way of giving back to the farming community as thanks for supporting Scotmin for almost 50 years!

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

 If you enjoy science but don’t like hospitals or blood, and you have a passion for the outdoors, this could be a great career for you.

Don't be afraid to say you don't know something and ask for help (e.g. I'm not 100% sure, but let me get back you and I'll have an answer shortly).

You can't be expected to know everything all the time, plus it's always better to make sure you're giving correct information, rather than trying to pretend and looking even more foolish!

In terms of dealing with people, just be yourself, find a common interest to help build connections and remember that we're all human!