What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a background in economics and statistics and have been working on my undergraduate business administration degree part time over the last few years. As I complete my degree in the future, this education will provide value to me in the consulting role I will take on with Alta customers.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I began working at Valedoorn Farms in Agassiz, British Columbia, just before I began high school. During that time, I completed an accelerated learning course for dairy herdsperson provided by the provincial government. I then worked full time on the farm as a junior herdsperson until I moved to Alberta nearly three years ago. In Alberta, I stayed in the agriculture industry, first being employed by a custom harvesting company, and later by CanWest DHI, western Canada’s milk recording organization.

What territory will you cover? 
Initially, I will be working in southern Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan. I then plan to move to my hometown of Chilliwack, British Columbia, in the beginning of June. After my move, I will be responsible for the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island regions. 

What are your new responsibilities?
I will be responsible for sales and consulting with Alta’s current and prospective clients in British Columbia’s lower mainland and on Vancouver Island.

What previous positions have you held?
In addition to my on-farm experience, I was previously employed by CanWest DHI as an on-farm milk recording supervisor/customer service representative during the two years I lived in southern Alberta. 

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My wife, Miranda, has always pushed me to excel at everything I have tried. Next to her, several mentors in the dairy industry have taught me so much, including Tom and John Hoogendoorn, my previous employers at Valedoorn Farms. They demonstrated a passion and love for the industry that was reflected in every aspect of their farm management. I believe this made a lasting impression on me and has given me a passion for the dairy industry. Also, Trevor Fischer, my former manager at CanWest DHI, has shown me what it means to provide a high level of customer service and integrity in this industry.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I hope to use my knowledge in economics and statistics to analyze data and provide practical solutions for my customers through powerful herd management programs, such as DairyComp305.  

Why did you choose this company?
I chose to work with Alta because, of all the companies in this industry, I believe Alta’s philosophy aligns itself the closest with the needs and goals of progressive dairy farmers worldwide, and these are the type of producers I am most passionate about working with. In addition, the support and training that Alta invests in its employees is unmatched industry-wide.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I hope to strive every day to live up to Alta’s high standard of creating value, building trust and delivering results for dairy producers in my region. I hope to channel the expertise and knowledge of my support team through to my clients and forge lasting relationships with British Columbia’s dairy producers.