What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Guelph.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I was born and raised in the city of Oshawa, but spent a lot of time with my relatives on their mixed farming operation in the Fenelon Falls area growing up. While attending university, I worked during the summer on a local 40-cow tiestall dairy operation, and it was here that I fell in love with dairy cows. A university classmate on the neighbouring dairy farm convinced me to become further involved with agriculture and the dairy industry by participating in the Durham East 4-H Dairy Club, first as a member and then as a leader.

What territory will you cover?
With the help of my coworkers, I cover a wide territory in southeastern Ontario, centred around our Sunderland location. This includes north to the Midland area, west to Markham, east to Campbellford and south to Lake Ontario. Through our new partnership with the Peterborough Co-operative, I have recently started servicing and supporting more customers in the eastern part of our district specifically.

What are your new responsibilities?
Complete nutrition and management support to dairy producers, including both conventional and robotic milking operations.

What previous positions have you held?
While conducting the research for my Master of Science degree, I worked full-time for the University of Guelph at the Elora Dairy Research Station as their head technician. Following the completion of my degree, I was offered a position at Floradale Feed Mill Limited as a dairy cattle nutritionist and worked my previous 10 years in that role.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
Starting with my employment on the dairy farm, I quickly grew a great appreciation for all aspects of dairy farming – cropping, showing, milking, etc. I would give credit to my 4-H leaders and mentors, Glenn and Frank Barkey for assisting in the growth of my enthusiasm, knowledge and confidence for working in the dairy industry. And lastly, my education and previous employment at Floradale Feed Mill Limited helped me develop my drive and passion for working in the field of dairy cattle production in Ontario.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
My nutritional and management recommendations are based on knowledge gained from reported scientific evidence, but always practical on farm application. My approach to nutrition is to help customers reach their goals by providing them with economically beneficial feeding options and only selling what they need on their unique operation. I employ the latest computer models in ration formulation and continue to educate myself about new topics and scientific findings in the industry by attending professional development opportunities. I willingly collaborate with other specialists involved within the industry and on the farm to provide team-based approaches for optimal success.

Why did you choose this company?
With a recent move back closer to family on both my husband's and my side, working locally made sense. Sunderland Co-operative Inc. is a company that offers a full spectrum of support to our dairy customers including feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel, and this was an appealing opportunity to work within a team environment to provide full circle expert advice to my customers. The addition of these supporting programs also further allows me to broaden by knowledge outside the standard nutritionist role to become a more valuable resource to my customers.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
To first meet as many of the producers in my trading area as possible and hopefully give them a chance to get to know me a little better. I would like to continue taking an honest, low-pressure sales approach to working with customers and prospects while providing a high level of consistent service and support.  PD