Andrew Gosling, Senior Ruminant Specialist

Tell us a little bit about your career so far?

Following my completion of a diploma in agriculture from Hartpury College in 2008, I worked on a mixed farm which ran a dairy herd as well as beef, sheep and arable enterprises. At the same time, while based in Derbyshire, I ran my own commercial flock of 200 ewes as well as a small flock of pedigree Texels.

Following this I worked on an intensive, high yielding Holstein herd where I focused on cow health and fertility. My ten years of practical farming has set me up well for my current role with ForFarmers. Now based in Herefordshire, I cover the West Midlands and after initially starting out in the dairy team, I now work within the beef and sheep team.

What does your role involve?

Ultimately, I help farmers get the best they can from their stock, ensuring producers are getting the results they need in an ever more challenging industry. I enjoy helping to shape the most efficient and cost-effective ways to feed stock covering all species.

On a day-to-day basis, I get out on-farm, walk stock, look at different systems and take forage samples to help build a nutritional strategy going forward.

What do you like about working with livestock farmers?

I enjoy troubleshooting with farmers and get great satisfaction when a customer tries something I suggest and they get the desired results. I like the fact I am helping farmers to feed the world. There are also some great characters within the sector whose company I thoroughly enjoy.

How have you continued to develop your career?

I have been at ForFarmers for 2.5 years and I learn something new every day. As they say, ‘every day is a school day’.

What do you like about working at ForFarmers?

I enjoy working as part of such an experienced team of people. I can easily pick up the phone to any of my colleagues if I have a problem or query. As someone who has had firsthand farming experience, I enjoy getting out on-farm and working with customers. I think ForFarmers has a great reputation and is a good company which offers a lot more than just feed sales.

How do you spend your time outside work?

I spent many years playing rugby. I have a passion for the countryside and enjoy keeping fit.

Around 18 months ago I took on a new hobby and now I take part in competitive wood chopping, also known as timbersports. I am a team member of the Welsh Axemen and compete within the Stihl Timbersports series. This year I was fortunate enough to gain my Pro status and compete at the British Championships where I placed eighth in the UK. I was also fortunate enough to travel to New Zealand at Christmas 2023 and compete in my first international competition. I will be working hard to progress up the rankings and will be looking at competing in Europe later this year.