Jay Hoffman Independent Nutrition ConsultantAgri-Nutrition Consulting LLC Abbotsford, Wisconsin

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
My education has been hands-on through the years. I am thankful for my experiences in both farming and business. Through my experiences, I have learned the industry continues to change and evolve. The opportunities to learn never end even after a degree or accomplishment.

Please describe your agricultural background.
My work in the agriculture industry began growing up on a dairy farm in Michigan. In 1976, we moved from Michigan to central Wisconsin and farmed on our family dairy. We milked about 120 cows in Unity and also raised beef, hogs and crops. I have had experience working as a field supervisor for DHIA. I have also worked in dairy equipment sales, owned and operated my own herd of dairy cattle, and worked with an A.I. company before beginning an almost 20-year career in dairy and beef nutrition.

What territory will you cover?
My territory consists of central Wisconsin. I have been providing nutrition consulting for nearly 20 years in this geographical area and nearly 32 years in total as a part of agricultural business throughout this 5-county area. However, I will be available to consult with other ANC professionals outside of the area when there is a need, and I look forward to this partnering.

What are your new responsibilities?
I am working to help ANC position themselves as a company that is making a solid commitment to “Going beyond nutrition through innovative solutions.” I am a part of a team of nutrition professionals, and my responsibility is to work with dairy farmers and troubleshoot the day-to-day challenges of today’s dairies. I will be taking time to listen to clients and prospects, and then working to position and form a team that will help facilitate the goals and objectives that each farm is looking for.

What previous positions have you held?
I worked as a nutritionist and sales manager in my current area. My position as a sales manager allowed me to work alongside others and help them grow both personally as well as in their business and consulting roles. I enjoy helping others meet their goals.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
This is a very tough question. I have always worked to surround myself with industry professionals. The people that have worked hard to bring value and expertise to myself, my employer and my clients have made a significant impact on my career. I have been blessed by these people and have learned a lot. I will say, however, that my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has kept me focused on being a good steward and putting the needs of others ahead of my own. This grace through faith has impacted me and directed me to continue to learn and provide a valuable service.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
By providing services, on-farm walkthroughs, accurate rations, record analysis, troubleshooting and feed sampling, I will work to help producers in my region. I truly believe in relational consulting. In order to stay on track and achieve goals with each and every farm, I believe it is important to ask questions and form a team of professionals. The team approach is key, and I like to see progress being made. In my area of expertise, mycotoxin evaluation and implementing safeguards are important to overall immune function of today’s cattle.

Why did you choose this company?
Being a part of ANC allows me to work independently with a varied group of suppliers in my area. These joint ventures are already providing feeds and supplies to these geographic areas. This allows me to partner and provide services to the suppliers as well as build a strong relationship with my clients. Having a strong partner is invaluable, and ANC provides that to me and to our clients. The marketing department at ANC along with the ration professionals brings a new dimension to my career that I did not have before. ANC’s desire to hire me as a part of this growing company furthered my excitement to join the company and promote ANC.What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goal is to bring ANC’s team to the farms in central Wisconsin. Along with bringing a team, I will focus on providing quality products and services that would set the standard for today’s farm. Consistency is huge on our farms. Consistency brings improved health and productivity, and finding solutions for challenges.

The goal for our company, I believe, comes through our core values statement. “With honest and dependable work, ANC will be the leader in implementing innovative products and solutions while displaying the respect and consistency that our customers expect of us.” PD