Meet Corteva's Territory Manager for Canterbury and the West Coast: An interview with Ash Pace
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Tell us a little bit about the part of the country you work in?
Canterbury is the “bread basket of NZ” From Arable & Small Seed crops to Pastural hill stations, Dairy and dairy support. Largest Flat area in NZ for growing crops.
Coastlines, Big Rivers and Ski fields. Home of the NW wind.
Do you have a connection to agriculture outside of Corteva?
Yes, my career started 23 years ago as an agronomist. I have been involved in all aspects of arable farming both here in NZ and 12 years in the UK. From spraying, fertiliser spreading, rouging & harvesting, I have contacts all over the place and worked for some great companies and great people that have become good allies over time. A lot of the time it is not what you know but who?
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Territory Manager at Corteva?
From Lincoln University in the early 90’s to the Dairy industry for a short spell (until I realised it’s not for me.)
I moved Into Arable jobs, then I thought I need more knowledge about what I am spraying, fertilising etc and why? so I turned to the service industry. Spending time with growers and priding ourselves on growing good crops just grew my passion even more. After 12 years in the UK I arrived home to NZ in time to get involved in the Biodiesel Project (State owned Enterprise of Solid energy) growing Oilseed Rape for fuel and 22 leasing farms covering 6000 ha. I continued working in the industry in Canterbury for some leading companies for 14 years. I had worked closely with the then Dow representative and admired how the products coming to market were well tested and well suited to the industry needs.
When a position became available to service the Canterbury/West Coast region for Corteva I jumped at the opportunity and thought this is for me….
Thankfully I was successful and now I look to carrying on the good work and legacy of my predecessors representing Corteva.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role with Corteva?
Part of being involved with a leading Global company is being able to bring new products to the market. We have new products entering the market, good products in the market and a pipeline that is impressive. This makes my role both exciting and at the forefront of Arable/Pastural Ag Chem.
How do you keep up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
From our own company’s trial sites and R&D. Industry Field days and seminars. Growers and other industry people. Talking with colleagues.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Territory Manager in the agricultural industry?
It’s a great role to be involved in. Knowledge is king. So, get a good grounding in the farming systems, learn the basics well. Weeds, fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Companies can fine tune your product knowledge.
If you like to deal with likeminded people and enjoy the challenge of delivering new and innovative products to market along with problem solving it’s a great career to get into.
Why would you recommend Corteva as a great place to work?
Corteva is respected in the industry with both growers and other service businesses. Has products to suit requirements now and more pipeline products to come. Has good support from both colleagues and leadership.
Ash Pace - Canterbury / WestCoast.
Useful Information
Find out more about Careers and Internships at Corteva here.
