Your Co-op’s Technical Sales Representatives work nationwide, providing farmers with on-farm sales, technical advice, and superior customer service.
We talk to Feilding-based Technical Sales Representative Danielle Harvey to learn more about her role and approach to supporting local farmers.
Originally from a sheep and beef farm in the Tararua region, I studied agriculture at Lincoln University, and it was there I found a passion for the dairy industry. After graduation, I gained hands-on experience as a dairy assistant on a farm near Taupō, which gave me practical insights into dairy farming.
In 2012, I was looking to move back to the Manawatū and saw a job opening at (what was then) RD1 in Longburn, near Palmerston North. I quickly realised I wanted to get into a Technical Sales Representative role, and after a couple of years, the opportunity came up in our Featherston store. I came back to Feilding at the beginning of 2016 and have been here since, building lasting relationships in the local community.
Something I really love about my role is that it is incredibly varied.
I work with farmers helping them to grow the best crops and pasture possible, to help them achieve their goals on-farm. The role involves a lot of problem solving, and extensive field time, walking paddocks, looking at crops/grass and supporting farmers with technical advice.
In a few months, we’ll start looking at summer crops and what feed is needed for the rest of the season. We tend to have initial conversations early. This means farmers are not needing to make decisions when they have a lot of other things that need attention. The seasons roll around rapidly, for example, it’s not long after the maize harvest that we are discussing plans and taking orders for the next season.
Every season is different, and the weather can create a range of challenges. Being able to adapt is important, and we often need to change our advice as the situation changes.
