An award winning graduate has taken up a full-time post as a junior auctioneer and land agent with leading regional company Halls.
Tom Jerman, 22, from Trefeglwys, near Llanidloes, has graduated with first class honours in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University, Newport, winning awards in the process.
He won the Fisher German Award for achieving the top marks among second-year students on land and property management courses studying compensation and utilities in 2024 and the Buccleuch Placement Award for the best overall performance on placement with Halls in 2025.
This year, he followed up with the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Prize for highest overall mark in the strategic estate management module and the Land & Property Management Prize for highest overall mark across the land and property management courses.
During his four-year degree course, he spent a year on placement as well as term breaks with Shrewsbury-based Halls under the guidance of director James F. Evans.
He has supported the company’s busy livestock markets at Shrewsbury Auction Centre and Bishops Castle Auction, as well as farm machinery auctions.
His next goal is to qualify as a chartered surveyor with the RICS over the next two years.
When not working with Halls, Tom devotes most of his spare time to supporting his father on their 300-acre mixed breed sheep farm. He’s the third generation of the family on the farm which breeds pedigree Blue-faced Leicester sheep.
“I enjoyed my time in university, making new friends and professional connections that will be useful in the future, both at work and on the farm,” he said.
“Halls gave me a placement during my degree course and have been very supportive over the last two years – I can’t speak highly enough about James Evans.
I am looking forward to developing my career with the company as an auctioneer and land agent, providing a complete range of services to farmers.
“I think the key to being successful in this industry is being multi-skilled with the ability to turn your hand to anything. We sell livestock, machinery, land and farms as well as providing professional advice to farmers and landowners.”
Mr Evans said he and his colleagues spotted Tom’s talent and potential during his university gap year with the company.
“Tom’s degree and awards show that gap year placements really work,” he added. “If you can click with your mentor, like the working environment and make the most of the opportunity, it can lead to a lifetime career.”
Tom Jerman at work with Halls in the livestock market.
