Tribute to Jack Clark’s years in livestock industry

MORE than 200 farmers crowded into Carfraemill last week to pay tribute to Jack Clark’s 48 years in the livestock industry – he started work with John Swan as an office boy in 1965, moving upward in the company to retire as managing director.

During that time, he saw many changes in livestock auctioneering but he still believes the auction system provides both buyers and sellers with open and transparent trading as well as setting a true value of what is being sold.

He remains as a non-executive director of John Swan and will be involved in progressing the new mart at St Boswells.

Speaking this week, Clark, pictured above, said the company was in the process of finalising planning permission. Many of the features of the existing premises which started life in 1872 were not now appropriate for the regulations surrounding today’s livestock sales, he said.

He was presented with a silver salver by James Allen, chairman of John Swan and those present also heard a tribute from Ted Thomson of Caverton Mill, Kelso.

Steven Wilson, who takes over as managing director of the company, also paid tribute saying Clark would be a tough act to follow.

“He is well known and respected the length and breadth of the country for his expertise,” he said.

“On a personal note I would like to thank him for all the support and encouragement he has given me during the 23 years we have worked together”

Clark will continue his high-profile work at the Highland Show where his informative ringside commentary on the cattle championships are popular with the livestock experts and members of the public alike.