Laura Elliott Littlestown, Pennsylvania Sales manager Northeast Feed  

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where I received a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and life sciences communication.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I am from a small family dairy farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin, where my parents, Ken and Kathy Elliott, sister, Amber Elliott, and I milked around 40 cows.

We milked both Holsteins and Jerseys focusing on the genetics side of the business. Our farm, Partee Holsteins and Jerseys, had numerous Jersey AllAmerican nominations as well as World Dairy Expo top five finishers.

What territory will you cover?
We serve the greater Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

What are your new responsibilities?
My responsibilities include servicing existing and prospective retail dairy accounts, working with nutritionists and other industry influencers to help them to understand how we can help their client’s operations as well as building brand awareness and market share within the region.

What previous positions have you held?
I have worked for an agronomy company in the Northeast region where I focused on helping with producer programs, technology implementation and expanding the company’s dairy market.

I also had internships in the animal pharmaceutical industry, worked in dairy extension as well as working for the state department of agriculture.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My family has made a large impact on what I have chosen to do. Growing up in the agriculture industry on my family’s dairy farm helped guide my career choices. Being passionate for the agriculture industry, especially the dairy industry, was a huge influence on where I wanted to work.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I believe by bringing quality products from a solid company to their operation along with a fresh set of eyes is always helpful. I plan to not only help the producers but learn from them as well. Every operation is different and every operation succeeds in their own way.

Why did you choose this company?
I chose to work here because they are a great company built on a solid foundation with industry leading products. Their goals and vision for the company aligns with a company that I want to work for.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goals are to continue to expand their market share in the area while growing awareness among nutritionists and dairy farmers about the products that we carry as well as the benefits of those products.

In addition, I plan to keep looking for the next opportunity out there in the ever-changing dairy market. Keeping our company current is becoming even more important.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself working to continually expand the dairy market in the eastern region with hopes of watching the business expand, grow and change as the dairy industry continues to grow and change. PD