"I'm on a 'listening' tour around the country, to talk with our farmers, with people in the industry and with our wider team. I want to really understand what we can do better, what we are doing well and where we can meet upcoming challenges with solutions. It's about being proactive and continuing to build on the strength of what we currently offer."
With huge variety included in the role, Anne says every day is different.
"A day in this role can be a mix of anything from working with the senior leadership team on the strategy of Fonterra; considering the future challenges and changes ahead; ensuring we have the right expertise and solutions to support our farmers on farm or helping respond to major weather events to make sure our farmers and teams are okay. There is no such thing as an average day!"
But the mainstay of the role is connecting with people, she says.
"For me, this is where it all begins. With our farmers who are working day in and day out to create this incredible product that we market to the world. We know farming isn't easy and our farmers put everything into ensuring their product is high quality. We feel we are part of their team."
Farm Source has three main parts to its operation, all with a strong focus on farmers.
"Providing technical and on-farm support in many varied ways - covering sustainability, milk quality, product knowledge and more - is a top priority for Farm Source and will only improve and evolve as we work together with farmers to ensure the ongoing strength and resilience of our Co-op," she says. "Then there's our retail business, which is one of the country's significant rural retailers and a large part of our Farm Source operations. We work hard to have the right products available at the right time in the season, and at competitive prices, while also catering to our non-dairy farming customers. Thirdly, but just as essential, is the engagement with our farmers and rural communities across the country."
Anne says Farm Source has a real responsibility to be a proactive member within rural communities, working alongside others. To help achieve this, there is a strong focus on supporting, empowering and enabling employees to do the best they can do every day.
"Overall, we're here to make sure farmers get the right support to build sustainable, productive, efficient, and effective farming operations for generations to come."
"It's about connecting, being there, being part of the team and working hard to show the strength that we have as this great Co-operative."
Anne came to Fonterra about eight years ago with a strong and varied background in commercial, marketing and HR roles. Previously, she has run her own consultancy and most recently she was the Director Category, Marketing & Digital Innovation on the Farm Source lead team.
"In that role there was an emphasis on utilising technology and innovation as an aid for engagement with farmers, and to help them get accurate data from their farms in an efficient way. It was great to be able to support our farmers with useful data and technology - every bit of support we can provide counts.
"As we improve, innovate and streamline our offerings, it's essential that our farmers know that our team will always be there. Our innovations are not created to replace people, but to ensure our team can provide the best support and technical advice possible."
Those innovations include tools that have become essential on-farm, including apps like the Digital Dairy Diary, and other data-related tools such as the Farm Insights Report.
Anne believes these tools are highly effective and complement the team on the ground perfectly.
"Farming is tough, you can't deny it. There are so many changes in the industry and who is better placed to tackle those challenges head on than us Kiwis? Our Co-operative has always had a strong work ethic and a supportive community and we continue to show the world that we are leaders in our field, in sustainability and in dairy science and innovation."
"I spent a number of years living offshore and its only then that you realise how amazing New Zealand and our grassroots industries are - they have such an impact on our country and the world, and I wanted to ensure I was part of that."
"Working with Fonterra certainly ticks all the boxes for me. The small role I play is all part of the bigger picture and that is exciting for me!"