Megan Dowson, junior auctioneer at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart, has been named the winner of this year's Marts the Heart New Auctioneer Award, celebrating her outstanding drive, professionalism, and contribution to the livestock industry.
Megan's journey to auctioneering has been shaped by her deep-rooted passion for farming and determination to work with livestock. Her inspiration came from her late grandad, a beef and sheep farmer. Although the family farm was sold before she was born, Megan's enthusiasm for agriculture was nurtured by close family and friends - Robert, Adam and Caroline Wall, who welcomed her onto their farm from a young age, encouraging her to get involved and learn every aspect of the job.
"I've always wanted to work in the livestock sector," says Megan. "The Walls have always encouraged me to go for every opportunity, and gave me the confidence to go for the trainee auctioneer job at Darlington Mart."
After studying agriculture at Newton Rigg College, and continuing at Kendal College when Newton Rigg closed, Megan completed her apprenticeship on the Wall family's farm. She then went on to study the Livestock Market Operations and Management course at Harper Adams University, run in collaboration with the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers & Appraisers Scotland (IAAS), achieving the top marks among first-year students. She is also an active member of the LAA Next Generation Group, where young auctioneers share knowledge and experiences to develop their careers.
In April 2022, Megan joined Darlington Mart as a trainee auctioneer. "Auctioneering is something you have to learn yourself," she explains. "You can watch others, but you've got to find your own rhythm and style. I try to be very clear – it is important to keep the trade flowing and make sure everyone can follow easily."
Since joining the mart, Megan has quickly made her mark. She runs a calf club encouraging young farmers to get involved with livestock trading and has also been instrumental in helping to push Darlington's calf sales, an initiative that has strengthened opportunities for both the mart and its farming customers.
"I wanted to push the calf side because it is another sale for farmers and the market," she says. "Beef and dairy numbers are declining, so we've got to be innovative."
Megan credits market manager and senior auctioneer, John Wharton, for his guidance and support. "John has pushed me to do better and given me opportunities to sell cattle and grow the calf section, and the Darlington Mart team is very supportive."
Looking ahead, Megan's ambition is clear: "I just want to keep pushing forward, making sales bigger and better, and supporting the fantastic team we have here. I want to help farmers be profitable and proud of what they do."
Reflecting on her award, Megan adds: "My grandad would have been so proud, he was my best friend and the one who planted that seed of passion for farming. I am so thankful to my mum, dad, nanna, and the Wall family for all their support and encouragement. This award means the world."
