Preston VincentDairy XL Development ManagerLely North AmericaFloyds Knobs, Indiana

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business with a minor in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville (2001).

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up working on dairies my whole life, but didn’t grow up on a farm. My grandfather had a dairy in Wisconsin, but he sold it long before I was born.

What territory will you cover?
Large herd dairies throughout North America.

What are your new responsibilities?
Growing the robot business in the large herd dairy sector of our industry.

Advertisement

What previous positions have you held?
Prior to Lely, I was the sales team leader for Alta Genetics in the Northeast. My territory covered Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, New York and the Northeast (Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut).

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
The dairymen that I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. They have shaped me to be the person I am. Their never-ending drive, determination and resolve is contagious, and I have always tried to follow their lead in everything I do.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
By challenging them in a discussion as to why they need to consider robotic milking in large scale.

Why did you choose this company?
Because the interest and intrigue of robotic milking in large-scale dairies is growing rapidly, and I saw an opportunity to build a program with these dairies and the great people at Lely.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goal is to proactively discuss, with every growing and expanding dairy, the benefits of Lely Astronauts within their business models. As dairies look to expand and grow at a large scale, robotic milking needs to be discussed and considered, and it will be my job to challenge these dairies as to why robots will be their best option for their future growth.  PD