Amie Howes Communications Specialist Center for Dairy Excellence Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
My proudest moments were receiving my acceptance letter and then earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. Being the first college student in our family was a really big deal. I studied animal sciences, agricultural business management and equine sciences.

I networked and was involved in as many clubs as possible including: Dairy Science Club, Block and Bridle Club, Horse Judging Team, NAMA, Nittany Lion Fall Classic and was accepted as an Ag Advocate. The College of Ag professors/staff at Penn State are top-notch and I’m indebted for their dedication to my success.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I have broad experience that started with my ag teachers in high school and holding offices in FFA. I also showed cows in 4-H and relied on friends who lived on farms to gain all the experience needed to pursue college one day.

Throughout high school, I worked after school at a chicken laying operation and milked cows during the weekend. Free time was spent practicing with the horse judging and dairy foods evaluation team. My family raised our own chickens, turkeys, pigs and beef for our own consumption, so learning how to care for animals was instilled while young.

What territory will you cover?
I work out of our Harrisburg office, my home office and cover any Pennsylvania event that I’m asked to attend.

What are your new responsibilities?
I am currently working alongside of our Communications Director, Jayne Sebright, writing press releases, magazine columns, performing interviews, writing e-newsletters, helping with legislative outreach, aiding in communication pieces for Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow and Discover Dairy, which are youth education programs. Creating more of a presence in social media has also been part of my new role.

What previous positions have you held?
Internships as a veterinarian assistant at a large standardbred breeding farm and pharmaceutical company really gave me the drive to know exactly what I wanted to do following graduation. A territory wasn’t available with the pharmaceutical company that I desired to work for out of college, so I worked for a local small-animal veterinary clinic until it opened up and was offered to me.

As a large animal territory manager with Fort Dodge Animal Health, my territory consisted of western Pennsylvania and western New York, so travel was frequent. Upon having a family, I put my career on hold for the past eight years.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
It’s really hard to narrow it down to one person. My parents taught me hard work and integrity, my ag teachers believed in me enough to help me pursue college, and my husband and mother-in-law were two of my biggest fans throughout that whole journey the past 17 years.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
Continuing to expose our organization to dairy farmers and increasing our name via events, social media feeds and our website will be how I can help producers. The resources offered here are top-notch, and many farmers who have used our resources speak highly of us and direct family and neighbors to us.

Why did you choose this company?
All the credit goes to my father-in-law, Jay Howes, who informed me about this position. We had a conversation one summer day that I was ready to enter the work force and industry again. Not long after that, he sent me the center’s address and contact person for my resume and cover letter. After researching what this organization represented, I knew it would be a great fit for me and my family.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
We have a great vision here that drives me daily to ensure my goals align with that. It is to provide the leadership, voice and programs for a vibrant dairy industry where farm families, dairy businesses and associated organizations can thrive and be profitable.

Among my top five strengths, I am an achiever and love meeting new people. This job provides me with the best of both worlds, and I will thrive to make a positive impact that will ultimately positively impact Pennsylvania farmers. PD