John is a trainee auctioneer at Wallets Marts in Castle Douglas. He graduated from Scotland’s Rural College in 2021 with an HND in Agriculture and is currently studying Livestock Market Operations and Management at Harper Adams University.

Prior to his current role, John worked at a large-scale beef finishing unit in Dumfries and Galloway for six years.

John has been heavily involved in the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), having chaired his local club, Stewartry, as well as the Dumfries and Galloway district. He also chaired the national Agri and Rural Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024, working with various organisations in the agricultural industry and engaging with politicians from across the political spectrum.

In 2024, John gave evidence in the Scottish Parliament, explaining the impact that the new Agriculture Bill would have on young people in the industry. He is also the Dumfries and Galloway representative on the NFU Scotland Next Generation committee.

John was the first recipient of the Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications in 2023, and he won the Rural Ambassador Award at the SAYFC Five Star Awards in 2024.

Outside of work, John enjoys watching rugby and showing pedigree cattle, being involved with many breeds. He is a passionate supporter of agricultural shows, serving as a director of Dumfries Show and volunteering at the Royal Highland Show.