Meet Corteva's Territory Manager for Central New Zealand: An interview with Alysha Brick
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Tell us a little bit about the part of the country you work in?
The Manawatu is home for me however my territory covers the southern north island, so it is very diverse. The Manawatu is home to many dairy farms with arable pockets, and a large area of vegetable cropping in the Horowhenua region. The Hawkes Bay is diverse again, from apples, grapes and vegetable cropping amongst agriculture. Gisborne is the northern point of my territory which is rich in horticulture again, from kiwifruit, grapes, citrus and vegetables alongside dryland sheep and beef. I’m lucky that Corteva has key products in each of these markets so my work is very diversified.
Do you have a connection to agriculture outside of Corteva?
My partner is an ex-sheep and beef farmer, so were both rural based people. While he has left farming now, we still have many friends and ex employers who have remained part of our lives. I’m also fortunate to be a member of the Manawatu dairy industry awards committee. It’s an awesome awards program that celebrates success in dairy and provides some lifelong connections.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Territory Manager at Corteva?
My passion for agriculture came way back in primary school with lamb and calf day. From the age of 7 the highlight of my year was bringing my calf to calf club to show off (my sometimes not so great) leading and care and rearing. I’m fortunate to still be involved with some kids that are doing what I did at the same school. You may occasionally also find me in the ring again at the local A,P & I show.
I studied a Bachelor of Agribusiness at university part time while working in the wine industry. From here I did some time in rural insurance before coming across to Corteva as a TSM.
What are you most looking forward to in your role with Corteva?
I’m excited for the pipeline of products we have coming to market in the next 5 years. There are some key products in there that are going to benefit a lot of farmers in my region. Rinskor is one of those, alongside some exciting biologicals.
How do you keep up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
As with these territory roles, I spend a lot of time driving so podcasts are my go to! I enjoy chucking a podcast on while I’m driving. When I have office time I’ll have a read of farmers weekly. You also learn a lot just from chatting to people on the phone.
Local industry events and young farmers clubs are also great.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Territory Manager in the agricultural industry?
Attend events and start making connections. Agriculture is very interconnected, and there are always new opportunities arising. You never know who is going to be hiring next! A willingness to learn is also important, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learnt so far, but also continue to learn.
Why would you recommend Corteva as a great place to work?
Corteva is a very supportive company that values people development. I work with a great team that is always helping each other out. My role is also diversified, no two days seem to be the same which keeps things interesting!
Alysha Brick - Central NZ
Useful Information
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