Name: Jon Shunk

Job title: Livestock Sales Specialist

Company: Vita Plus

Please describe your agricultural background.

I worked with a local cooperative for 12 years prior to joining the Vita Plus team.

What territory will you cover?

I will be covering southern Wisconsin but also helping co-workers in other areas when needed.

What are your new responsibilities?

My focus is on calf and heifer nutrition, and I will also help with lactating cow and goat diets.

What previous positions have you held?

Calf and heifer specialist, dairy technical specialist, general feed sales and business development manager.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?

Chris Kafer is a nutritionist who was always there for me. If you ever felt like you were in a slump, he was the one to drag you out quickly. He really helped me build confidence in myself and others. He’s one of the best people and nutritionists I have ever met, and I’m grateful to have been able to work directly with him and learn so many key skills from him before his retirement.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?

I bring expertise in calves and on-farm problem-solving to their operation. I also have a background in sanitation and can help bring protocols up-to-date.

Why did you choose this company?

This company lined up with what I was looking for in a company – a lot of great people with strong backgrounds who are always willing to help when a question arises.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?

My main goal is to help producers and their operations succeed, specifically by growing healthy calves as efficiently as possible.