Martha Baker Amherst, New York Dairy Marketing Nutritionist Land O’Lakes Purina Feed
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up in central Tennessee on a horse farm where I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. By the time I was in my second year, I knew that my passion was with dairy cattle. I have experience in industry as well as a dairy producer. This has given me a different perspective in how I approach issues and identify opportunities on the dairies I visit.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I obtained a bachelor of science degree from Austin Peay State University and a master of science in dairy science from the University of Georgia.
What territory will you cover?
I will be touching all of our U.S. markets.
What are your new responsibilities?
I am the liaison between sales, marketing and, to an extent, research and development. My primary responsibility is to wake up every day thinking about how to bring innovation to the table that provides solutions to our clients. Additionally, I will be very involved in supporting current branded technologies and deploying and implementing new technologies in the field.
What previous positions have you held?
I started my career in 1994 in the southwestern Wisconsin feed industry. After five years in the feed industry, I joined Monsanto Dairy Business and relocated to western New York. I spent four years as the general manager of a 2,000-cow dairy with Linwood Management Group and three years as a strategic account manager for the Nutrition Physiology Company.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I have a very strong background in sales and a solidly grounded background in finding science-based solutions for producers. I also enjoy converting highly technical information into easily understood facts. This position allows me to tap into all my skill sets. Additionally, I’m excited to work with an organization that has such a strong commitment to moving our industry forward with sound science and real innovation.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I will have the most impact by being able to tap into my background as a dairy producer as well as my strong commitment to research and science. It is by combining these perspectives that I can help bring workable solutions and real opportunities to our clients.
Why did you choose this company?
I chose Land O’Lakes Purina Feed because this is an organization that has recently been reinvigorated with a desire and commitment to be the industry leader. We doesn’t simply sell feed or nutrition services; we are committed to providing an entire portfolio of services and providing what our dairy producers really need and want, not simply providing what the company wants to sell.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to be part of creating new feed products and nutrition solutions that become the next “game changer” for our producers. PD
