Countrywide strengthens ruminant teams
Countrywide, the leading agricultural supplier, has confirmed its commitment to livestock farmers with three strategic appointments that add strength and specialist skills to its ruminant sales team.
Robert Goodhead who joins as Field Sales Manager for mid-Wales will also be Product Manager for their growing silage additive range: uniting in one role the benefit of his past experience.
"This is an exciting move," says Robert, "and yet seems like a natural progression. I started my sales career in the seed trade, moved to a BOCM main feed dealership, then on to ICI Fertilisers and a long innings with Ecosyl. Now I’m using all my experience in one very challenging, exciting role, promoting the abilities of a very committed, enthusiastic on-farm sales team and developing Countrywide’s silage additive product sector. I am already enjoying being able to offer customers such an extensive range of Countrywide products – feeds, seeds, fertilisers, fuels – all supported by the services to meet their needs exactly."
"We are delighted that Robert has joined Countrywide," agrees Simon Smith, Countrywide’s National Sales Manager, "and in a role that puts all his skills and industry knowledge to full use. During his time with Ecosyl, Robert gave us unrivalled support and got to know us very well, which will stand him in good stead. We have every confidence that he will provide real impetus for growth by ensuring that our farmer customers have the very best people working on their behalf."
Howard Brown also joined the business in February as Ruminant Sales Specialist to help introduce dairy farmers in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire to Countrywide. Howard brings a wide range of skills gained working ’hands-on’ on a dairy farm, for Agri-King Limited the animal nutrition organization, and in an early career in the ceramics industry where he achieved an MBA in Business Administration.
"My aim is to present Countrywide’s full range of inputs to farmers who, as yet, may be unfamiliar with the brand. Already the reception has been very positive. My background in animal nutrition and herd health is a real asset, so too my expertise in business administration. Farmers are always keen to improve efficiency and I can fully understand the challenges they are facing today."
Another Ruminant Sales Specialist to join the team is James Swan who will be adding strength in the West Midlands area covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
With a varied career in the industry, James graduated from Harper Adams and became a dairy herdsman, then worked for Genus International where he undertook AI and ultra-sound scanning. His position as Assistant Business Manager for the West Midlands NFU placed James in daily contact with farmers.
"For me, the opportunity to join Countrywide was irresistible. Not only is Countrywide a great name, with a great range of products, but I can combine my practical farming experience and my business expertise with my enjoyment of meeting farmers, working with cattle. With links to all the Countrywide sectors and services, I will be able to supply all their needs to help them get the best results - and that’s a fantastic position to be in."