Dairy has been a part of Jim Reeves’ life since he was young, spending his early childhood on his family’s dairy farm.
Now, Jim manages animal health product sales at our Maffra branch in Victoria, servicing dairy, beef and sheep producers throughout the Gippsland region.
As a Rural Products Sales Specialist, Jim assists his clients by developing drench programs, undertaking a range of testing, and getting out on farm to help improve animal health and performance.
Jim explained he strives to provide clients with products and services to suit their individual needs.
“A return on investment for my client is very important to me, and every recommendation I make has that goal in mind” Jim said.
“I also try to adapt to the client in other ways. For example, dairy farmers are time poor, so I create a simple and easy-to-follow drench and vaccine program tailored to their farm. This involves testing stock prior to drenching to ensure that the most effective drench is being used.”
In his role, Jim at times is required to get creative and think quickly, particularly when unpredictable animal health issues arise.
“At the moment, drench resistance to fluke and worms is a big issue in dairy cattle within the Maffra area,” Jim said.
“We are seeing increased fluke resistance to triclabendazole, which is very concerning because for years it has been the drench of choice at dry off. This is where I get creative and make my own dual active to combat this resistance.”
Recently, Jim has been working alongside Nathan Saunders, an Elders Livestock Production Specialist based in Tasmania. Like Jim, Nathan has a passion for dairy, and the pair collaborate on different strategies to help clients meet their goals.
“At the start of a new season Nathan and I catch up and discuss any new products that have hit the market,” Jim said.
“We are always looking to develop new ways to improve animal health on dairy farms.”
Meet the team
