Co-op invests $75 million to expand butter production

We talk to Hawkes-Bay based Technical Sales Representative Kenny Henderson who says his role is more than just a job to him, it’s a passion following on from years on the ‘tools’ himself.

After 12 years as a dairy farmer, I knew when I was choosing to leave the farm and head into a different form of employment, I needed a role that would keep me connected to the agricultural industry that I had such a passion for.

I sat down with my family, and we discussed where our values lay and decided for us, it was integral we remained both part of the community we had become strong members in but also stay associated some way with farming.

We moved to a new home that is surrounded by a sheep and beef farm so we could literally keep our boots on the ground there – and I was thrilled when I joined Farm Source as a TSR just over three and a half years ago, with that focus on helping and advising dairy farmers.

I am one of the lucky ones who loves their job. I travel around the wider Hawke’s Bay area and meet with our farmers on a daily basis. Over time, I have built strong, and trusted, relationships with them and are aware of my background too, so for them, they know my advice isn’t just technical but comes from a place of real, lived experience.

When the farmers I work with ask me for advice, they know it comes from an experienced farmer as well as a technical salesperson. It also means there is no hard sell, I am there to find the best solutions for the farmer and to go on that journey with them. Now that I have been in the role for more than three years, those I started with are seeing those longer term results we planned for and that’s just so rewarding for me personally – and I get to see it to as we are out on farm each day with our farmers.

I love the variety in my role – each season brings new areas of focus for our farmers and I really enjoy creating tailormade solutions to any challenge that the farmers are facing, whether its improving pasture quality, additions to on farm systems, or if we are headed into deep discussions around transitional periods, drying off, calving, nutrition and so much more.

For anyone out there who hasn’t taken the time to really utilise our TSR’s – I really do recommend giving us a call. We are there to help, to give advice and provide a sounding board.

Contact your local TSR today or pop into your Farm Source store to find out more.