Livestock auctioneer
Jenny Layton always knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. As a farmer's daughter from Vowchurch in Herefordshire, she would visit the local livestock market each week and loved the excitement and atmosphere of the auction ring.
Her interest in livestock farming continued and determined that she was going to make her mark in a profession dominated by men, Jenny now believes she is one of only two female livestock auctioneers in the country.
For the past two years she has worked for McCartneys, based at their Knighton office and the friendly banter of the cattle ring is now part of her daily life.
I think once people see that you're fairly good at your job, I don't think it makes much difference being a woman, Jenny says. I don't know why it's always regarded as a man's domain and yet I do think I probably bring something different to the role. I think being a farmer's daughter I can understand how farmers get depressed about the industry.
I still take an interest in dad's farm, and if he doesn't make enough from his lambs I'm just as annoyed as any other farmer.
I recognise the farmers' point of view because of my background but being a woman probably allows me to bring more awareness and understanding to the job.
Jenny graduated with a 2.1 BSc (Hons) degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management and although many of her friends went into rural based businesses, Jenny continued with her focus on auctioneering.
Since she has been at McCartneys further qualifications as a rural practice chartered surveyor and agricultural valuer have been added to her expertise and the broad mix of all aspects of her work is one of the attractions of the job.
Apart from her work Jenny is enthusiastic in her involvement in the farming community and is a keen member of the Golden Valley Young Farmers.
I play hockey every Sunday and take part in the local YFC stock judging, cooking and various other competitions, she says.
However, Jenny is also concerned for the future of farming and livestock markets, and is actively lobbying for the end of the 20-day movement restriction rules.
If a farmer buys a cow and calf from us on a Friday, he can't bring lambs to us on the following Thursday, but he could take them straight to a slaughterhouse or collection centre, she explains. It puts us at a huge disadvantage and I do think there are going to be big problems in the autumn when all the sheep sales start.
She concludes: I'm determined to do my bit to keep the livestock markets going. A lot of farmers are very dependent on their existence and I think it would be a dreadful shame to let them go.
It is obvious that after achieving a lifetime ambition to become a livestock auctioneer, Jenny will fight to defend her rural profession and retain livestock markets across the country.