What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I most recently attended the Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. In regards to calf knowledge, I have just returned from an extensive training period at the Akey Calf Research Facility in Brookville, Ohio. I will be continuing my education through hands-on research, as well as the review of many different mediums of research. My goal is to continually learn more about the industry as more information and research becomes available.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I come from a family of farmers. We have raised poultry my entire life, though I have also worked in many capacities in the dairy and feed industries. I also have some experience in cash cropping.

What territory will you cover?
My primary work area will be southwest Ontario; however, I will also be assisting the Jones dealer network and working in any area where farmers are interested in maintaining or improving their calf rearing practices within the Jones trading area.

What are your new responsibilities?
My responsibility is to provide maintenance, growth and development of Jones calf-related products to maximize the potential of calves in dairy operations. It is also my responsibility to remain current on any and all new calf technologies to provide the highest level of service to Jones Feed Mills customers. In doing this, I hope to equip farmers with the knowledge to maintain the best calf rearing practices.

What previous positions have you held?
Since 2009 I have worked within the areas of on-farm feed delivery, dispatch, customer service and sales within the feed industry. I have been active within the farming community much longer than that. I have worked on dairies as well as worked for cash croppers in Saskatchewan.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
The biggest influence on my career has to be the farmers that I serviced while working in the ag industry. Their commitment to upholding the best practices, as well as staying educated on the latest methods and technologies, has encouraged me to do the same.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I hope to be of most help by providing hands-on service to my customers, and being a constant resource for them. Through the knowledge I have, the knowledge I hope to gain and the other products and services that Jones Feed Mills provides, I hope to provide farmers with a resource that helps them to maintain a high level of excellence in calf rearing.

Why did you choose this company?
Jones Feed Mills is the natural choice for a calf specialist. Their emphasis on research-based products and their acceptance and encouragement of professional development through training, along with their resources, allows me to strive to be the best in my field.

What goal would you like to accomplish while in this position?
It is my hope that I can acquire a great abundance of knowledge of feed portion, management and technological aspects of the calf industry. In doing this, I will be able to provide a matchless service to farmers that currently does not exist.  PD