Leading Livestock Showcase marks legacy of one of the UK’s most noted Auctioneers, David Thomlinson, who spent his lifetime’s career working for Harrison & Hetherington.

Mr Thomlinson, whose career with Harrison & Hetherington spanned over 57 years, will be honoured at this year's Borderway Agri Expo with the introduction of the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The aim of this prestigious award is to recognise a person within the livestock industry judged to be, just like David Thomlinson himself, a passionate livestock farmer and an exemplary role model within the industry.

The nominations will be judged by Sheila Thomlinson, David’s wife, and a panel of specially chosen industry representatives.

Since his untimely death in 2019, David is remembered for his outstanding dedication to the livestock industry and auctioneering across the world. He was born and brought up in Cumbria and after leaving school began working for Harrison & Hetherington as an office boy, where he rose through the ranks to Managing Director.

Along with Sheila, David also farmed their 200 acre farm, where they started their pedigree herd of Limousin cattle, the Beeches herd, in 1978.

There were many highlights in David’s work and career as an auctioneer. The first was the sale of a Texel Shearling ram, Loosebeare Imp, in 2003 which sold for 120,000gns. Another was the sale of the prize winning Limousin bull, Haltcliffe Vermont, which sold for a then world Limousin record price of 100,000gns in 2006, and at that time the highest priced breed bull ever sold.

Following his sad and untimely death as a consequence of a tragic accident on his farm, Sheila has decided to present this award in his memory. She said: “Throughout his entire life David maintained his passion for farming and livestock and he was always keen to assist others. As a person he really wanted to make a difference, and this is something he tried to achieve throughout his entire life. Through this award we would like to recognise someone who has the same approach and similar qualities, and someone who has in their own way made a difference within the livestock farming industry. I know that this is something which David would be very proud of.”

Heather Pritchard, Pedigree Sales & Marketing Manager for Harrison & Hetherington: “David’s legacy remains very strong.”