Business
Guiding generations of dairy success
Ensuring member-owner success through personal guidance
Growing up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, Jane Upperman fondly remembers her family's positive working relationship with the milk inspector who would come monitor their dairy facility. His influential, thoughtful guidance helped her family navigate the various challenges and decisions that come with operating a dairy farm. His partnership even inspired Jane’s career choice.
For the past 41 years, Jane has carried out a similar role serving Land O’Lakes farmer-owners.
“Growing up on a farm and having that experience with our inspector and the knowledge he provided helped give me the confidence and skills to pursue this career,” says Jane. “Now over 40 years later, I hope that I’ve made a similar impression on the families of the member farms that I help guide.”
Jane is one of 19 dairy field representatives employed by Land O’Lakes, whose job is focused on ensuring on-farm success for member-owners. Field reps are assigned a segment of farms in their region to routinely visit, support and share information with. While these field reps wear many hats, their top priority is helping members follow proper protocols and regulations to make sure their milk continues to meet the high standards for shipping to Land O’Lakes for processing.
“Our biggest responsibility is ensuring our members have a home for their milk,” says Tim Boeck, another dairy field rep of over 40 years in Wisconsin. “It might sound simple, but there is a lot of steps that go into making sure that’s the case.”
For the past 41 years, Jane has carried out a similar role serving Land O’Lakes farmer-owners.
“Growing up on a farm and having that experience with our inspector and the knowledge he provided helped give me the confidence and skills to pursue this career,” says Jane. “Now over 40 years later, I hope that I’ve made a similar impression on the families of the member farms that I help guide.”
Jane is one of 19 dairy field representatives employed by Land O’Lakes, whose job is focused on ensuring on-farm success for member-owners. Field reps are assigned a segment of farms in their region to routinely visit, support and share information with. While these field reps wear many hats, their top priority is helping members follow proper protocols and regulations to make sure their milk continues to meet the high standards for shipping to Land O’Lakes for processing.
“Our biggest responsibility is ensuring our members have a home for their milk,” says Tim Boeck, another dairy field rep of over 40 years in Wisconsin. “It might sound simple, but there is a lot of steps that go into making sure that’s the case.”
“Every day isn't roses, of course, but it's rewarding to work with our members and see them grow and progress in their success and leadership.”
Jane Upperman
Dairy Field Representative
No day is the same as another for a field rep, as each member-farm and its herd has its own unique needs. Duties can range from completing FARM animal care evaluations to consulting on milk production issues, or providing connections to resources for new setups or business plans.
“Every day isn't roses, of course,” Jane says, “but it's rewarding to work with our members and see them grow and progress in their success and leadership.”
Being on the farm for over 40 years means you see a lot of growth, changes and new faces. Jane estimates she has worked with at least three generations of multiple families, while Tim says he has helped many sons and daughters take on management or leadership roles on their family farms.
And all of the variables and needs that dairy farms face make it paramount to have a knowledgeable, dedicated field rep who ensures our member-owners have the support they need not only today, but for continued success for years—and generations—to come.
“It’s the people that keep you inspired in this job and why I’ve stuck around for so long,” Tim says. “Seeing members grow into leaders, watching the next generation step up—it’s rewarding to know that the future of Land O’Lakes is in good hands.”
“Every day isn't roses, of course,” Jane says, “but it's rewarding to work with our members and see them grow and progress in their success and leadership.”
Being on the farm for over 40 years means you see a lot of growth, changes and new faces. Jane estimates she has worked with at least three generations of multiple families, while Tim says he has helped many sons and daughters take on management or leadership roles on their family farms.
And all of the variables and needs that dairy farms face make it paramount to have a knowledgeable, dedicated field rep who ensures our member-owners have the support they need not only today, but for continued success for years—and generations—to come.
“It’s the people that keep you inspired in this job and why I’ve stuck around for so long,” Tim says. “Seeing members grow into leaders, watching the next generation step up—it’s rewarding to know that the future of Land O’Lakes is in good hands.”
