Livestock procurement officer — Michael Clarke

Michael studied a BSc in Agriculture at Harper Adams University before joining the graduate programme at Dunbia

Why did you decide on a career in agriculture?

From a young age, I wanted to buy sheep and cattle. Growing up on a family farm, the prospect of managing my own livestock felt like an exciting responsibility. Working long days never bothered me - in fact, I thrived on it.

Beyond the physical labour, I was always drawn to the economics of the farm. I took on part-time jobs like relief milking and working at the auction market. What fascinated me was the fluctuating value of livestock. Certain breeds could significantly impact an animal's price. I began to see how these dynamics played out at the farm level.

This early fascination eventually led me to Dunbia, where my passion for livestock procurement and serving quality customers has only grown stronger.

What does a typical day involve?

I stay on top of market trends, identify potential new livestock suppliers, and facilitate communication between senior staff, the site, and farmers to ensure a seamless procurement process for our factories.

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the challenges?

The industry is at a crossroads right now. Changing policies are putting pressure on farmers, and our national herds and flocks are shrinking. This means we have to travel farther and compete harder than ever to find quality livestock.

What type of person would thrive on the Dunbia graduate programme?

The graduate scheme gives you exposure to multiple departments. I spent a lot of time in operations, looking at the way the factory operates before moving to agriculture and then procurement, being exposed to management tasks, financial information and KPIs. An ambitious person with a genuine interest in management, agriculture or business, will go far with the opportunities at Dunbia.

What are your career ambitions?

I recently took on maternity cover in another department, which has been both a responsibility and an exciting opportunity. As the industry evolves, I'm particularly interested in working with Dunbia to shape a more sustainable future for agriculture and red meat production.

What support do you receive at Dunbia?

During the graduate scheme, you'll benefit from a dedicated mentor separate from your line manager. This mentor will meet with you regularly to analyse your skills and performance, tailoring your development focus to maximise your overall improvement. 

In addition to these personalised sessions, you'll gain valuable exposure through rotations in different departments, where you'll meet helpful colleagues.  Many of the managers here are young, engaged, and eager to learn themselves. This means your feedback is not only well-received but actively valued.

What is one stereotype about working in agriculture that you'd like to debunk?

The idea that agriculture isn't a real business. We're in a constantly changing and unpredictable market, just like any other industry.

Selling our products requires the same kind of business acumen - adapting to challenges, playing to our strengths, and not relying solely on tradition. Just because 'we've always done it this way' doesn't mean it's the best way moving forward.

What are two issues affecting your area of work?

The national sheep flock has been declining due to harsh winters and difficult lambing seasons. This has made it much harder for farms to raise enough lambs to meet demand. As a result, the cost of buying lambs has increased significantly, which can make it challenging for consumers to afford them at the supermarket.

What advice can you give to others who want to work in agriculture?

Maintain a positive outlook. People will pick up on your optimism, and you'll naturally attract those who share your energy. With the right outlook, anything is achievable. By focusing on the positives, you'll unlock new opportunities and build meaningful relationships with like-minded people.

Find out more

• Discover graduate opportunities in agriculture.
• See what the environment and agriculture has to offer.
• Explore what it's like working for Dunbia.