Skipton Auction Mart’s livestock sales manager Ted Ogden is the recipient of the Auctioneer of the Year title in a national award.

His success has come in the Farmers GuardianThe Mart’s the Heart Awards and he was chosen by both public vote and the judging panel.

He was also one of five shortlisted candidates in last year’s awards, which highlight the vital role auctions and auctioneers play within the UK livestock industry.

Ted, 42, said: “It’s a great honour to be crowned Auctioneer of the Year, particularly in view of the fact that a key part of the selection process was by public vote, so I can only thank all those who supported me. We have a great team here at Craven Cattle Marts and I must pay tribute to them too for all their help, assistance and backing over the years.”

Ted has played a keynote role in the ongoing development of livestock sales at Skipton, which remain at the heart of the mart, since he joined the team in 2008 after working for eight years in Cumbria, mainly at Kirkby Stephen and Lazonby marts.

Earlier, his first taste of livestock markets came at the age of 14 with work experience at both Skipton and Preston, before taking up a part-time job with Clitheroe Auction Mart in 1994, where two years later he became a full-time trainee after completing an agricultural marketing course at Harper Adams Agricultural College in Shropshire.

Yorkshire-born – Ted lives in Settle and his family continues to live and farm in Austwick – he will receive his accolade at the British Farming Awards to be held at Birmingham NEC, on Thursday, October 19

Skipton Auction Mart’s general manager Jeremy Eaton said: “There is little doubt that auction marts continue

play a pivotal role within both the UK livestock sector and the rural agricultural communities they support.

Ted is a worthy winner and a much valued and well-respected member of the team here at CCM Skipton.”