Amber Jakes Woodville, Wisconsin Regional Sales Manager AgSource Cooperative Services
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. I also attended Argosy University and received an associate’s degree in veterinary technology.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a small dairy farm in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. We had about 50 head of milking cows and we raised all of our own youngstock. We also had a few beef cattle, pigs and chickens. On the weekends, I still milk cows on a small dairy farm in Ellsworth, where I have been employed for the last 16 years.
What territory will you cover?
My territory covers all of Northwest Wisconsin and beyond. My northern border is Lake Superior, eastern border is about Wausau, southern border is Highway 10 and the western border extends through Wisconsin, into the northern half of Minnesota and the eastern portion of North Dakota.
What are your new responsibilities?
As a regional sales manager, I manage 13 DHI field technicians, two regional support technicians and one regional support specialist. I oversee all of the DHI services provided in my region and provide leadership for all of my staff.
What previous positions have you held?
I started my career with AgSource as a regional support technician and then moved up to a regional support specialist.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
The combination of my on-farm experience and two degrees allows me to have a wide knowledge base in the dairy industry. It gives me the opportunity to demonstrate to dairy producers all the different ways that AgSource can help them be more profitable.
Why did you choose this company?
I was working as a veterinary technician at the University of Minnesota when I realized I was unhappy with the lack of dairy farming in my career. I wanted to be back in the dairy industry and I wanted to help make a difference for dairy producers. I knew that AgSource would give me the opportunity to use my education to help dairy farmers succeed.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I have a few goals. The first is to help our members become more profitable. I would also like to expand my region by gaining new herds across Minnesota and North Dakota. It is my continual goal to educate and train my staff to help them to grow personally and professionally in the dairy industry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to see myself working as a valuable resource for the dairy industry. It seems like this world is moving faster than ever before and every person associated with a dairy farm needs to bring increased value to that producer.
At AgSource, we strive to be a valuable resource for all our members. From our customer service to computer programmers and field technicians, we are all here to help dairy producers succeed. PD
