Patrick NeffDairy SpecialistVita PlusNew Paris, Indiana

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Purdue University.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up in northern Indiana, working on a 160-cow Jersey farm near my home. That is where my passion for the dairy industry started. At Purdue, I took an internship in California on James Ahlem Dairy and gained experience on a large-scale dairy farm. During my last summer of college, I took an internship with JBS United so I could see how well I liked working in the feed industry. Throughout college, I worked for Dr. Tamilee Nennich in her research lab and evaluated dairy calves and their development.

What territory will you cover?
I will work with dairy farms throughout northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

What are your new responsibilities?
As a dairy specialist, I will provide dairy nutrition consulting to dairy farms throughout my market area.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I have always looked up to a veterinarian on the farm where I worked back home. We have been on several farm calls, and he has always been to the point when explaining things. I always call him with questions and concerns about the dairy industry.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I hope to become a great source of knowledge of the industry for producers. I plan on serving customers to help solve their problems and make dairying easier for them.

Why did you choose this company?
I picked this company because it is employee-owned and everyone cares for one another. This company has a team atmosphere that helps to pull everyone together.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I want to serve customers and solve their problems. As for right now, I want to start working with a variety of herds to keep perfecting my techniques in dairy nutrition.  PD