Day in the Life - Amy Davies

Can you tell us about your role and the key responsibilities you manage on a daily basis?

My role at Livetec is really varied, which I enjoy. I work in the Services team as a Biosecurity Advisor, mainly focusing on contingency planning and supporting both farm and key clients. That can mean daily or weekly contact, acting almost like an emergency service for advice and guidance.

It’s not just office based, I spend a lot of time on farms, whether that’s a biosecurity walkaround, helping with paperwork at the kitchen table, or simply having a conversation to build practical, tailored plans. That face-to-face, hands-on approach is something I value.

A big part of my role is training. With my background as a lecturer, I focus on developing industry-relevant training in areas such as biosecurity and poultry welfare. Our training is built on Livetec’s expertise and the decades of experience across our team. 

My role is to take that knowledge and turn it into training farmers can relate to and feel confident using.

How did you get into this line of work? And was it part of your career plan?

Absolutely not! My family isn’t from a farming background, my mum was a vending machine technician and my dad worked on cars. I always loved animals though and knew I wanted to work with them in some way, whether in care, ecology or the environment.

After school, I studied animal management with a focus on conservation and land management at agricultural college, where I also met my partner, who is a farmer. I tried to pursue conservation and ecology, but it didn’t quite spark something in me. When I came back from university, I took a job on a chicken farm and really, the rest is history.

I later enrolled at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural University College) to study poultry management, which deepened my knowledge of avian species and commercial production. That led me into teaching, first in schools, then as a lecturer at an agricultural college, combining education with hands-on poultry experience for six years.

Eventually, I wanted to do more. Biosecurity had become a real passion of mine, and I wanted to raise its profile in the industry. I’d followed Livetec for a long time, and when a job came up, I applied, never thinking I’d get it. 

Joining Livetec has been one of my biggest achievements.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? 

For me, it’s seeing how the knowledge and experience within our company helps drive the industry forward, not just in biosecurity, but in food security too. Food security has been a huge issue in the UK for many years, and I think we play a key role in helping farmers understand risks, protect their businesses, and continue doing what they love.

I also really value the opportunity to support people’s passion for industry, especially poultry, which I’ve always loved. Coming from an education background, I enjoy listening to farmers, working with them, and shaping training in ways that genuinely meet their needs. My nan used to tell me, 

“Ears open, mouth shut,” and I’ve always carried that with me because often the most important thing we can do is listen first, then act.

What does a typical day look like for you and how would you prioritise your tasks?

No two days are the same, which is what I enjoy. I might be in the office or working remotely, taking client calls, updating contingency plans, or developing new training courses. Other days I’ll be out on farms, running workshops, delivering training sessions, or carrying out on-the-ground visits.

Priorities are largely driven by our clients’ needs. While we provide contingency planning, we’re also an emergency service, so urgency often depends on the challenges farmers are facing at that moment. Disease status in the country can also shift priorities, sometimes I’m even pulled into operations to support emergency response on site.

Of course, we still have projects and deadlines to meet, but flexibility is key.

In many ways, farming itself dictates our calendar, and we adapt to meet those demands.

How often do you work with your team or collaborate with other departments?

We collaborate every day. Livetec has a “One Livetec” approach, which means we can reach out to anyone across the business for support. The team usually meets daily, or a few times a week, to share updates and coordinate.

Working across departments fuels important conversations and ensures tasks and projects are resourced efficiently.

Communication is key

whether via Teams, phone, or face-to-face meetings and I think our strong communication skills reflect the way farmers interact in the industry, which we mirror in our work.

How do you switch off outside of work?

Farming is always part of my life, so my downtime often involves being out on our farm with our sheep, producing high-welfare, sustainable food for the local community. It’s hands-on and grounding. Outside of farming, I love adventure whether zip-lining in Wales or bungee jumping off bridges. Being outdoors helps me clear my mind; I feel restless if I’m stuck inside, so fresh air and activity are essential for me.

Can you share a recent project you’re particularly proud of?

I’d say one of my biggest achievements has been gaining accreditation for the training courses we develop. Accreditation makes our training widely recognised and more accessible in the industry, which helps us deliver relevant, practical learning to those who need it.

It’s not just about poultry passport courses, we also offer CPD-accredited courses, and for us, training is bigger than a tick-box exercise. It’s about self-development, building confidence, and supporting people’s passion for their work. What makes it even more rewarding is the feedback we get from farmers, which helps us refine our courses to meet their real needs.

Turning their input into meaningful, accredited training that genuinely supports the industry is something I’m really proud of.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in your field, what would it be?

If you have a passion for something for the industry, follow it. Get involved wherever you can, the more experience you gain early on, the more it will open doors and help you see the bigger picture.