Giving it their all to support farmers is a common bond Virginia, Sarah and Mark share. With a passion for delivering timely advice to customers, our store teams take the initiative and keep up to date on farming practices.
Virginia Baker, Customer Service Representative, Southland
Fondly known as Ma throughout Southland PGG Wrightson (PGW) stores, Virginia has worked in various roles for the past 20 years and has built strong relationships with store teams and customers.
“I love that after 20 years with the company, I am now helping second and third generations of farming families in-store. Plus, there’s real satisfaction in introducing long-established farmers to new products and practices.”
Now a Customer Service Representative (CSR) in the Otautau store, Virginia is completing a trainee Store Manager programme which prepares CSRs for the next step into management. The opportunity to upskill, Virginia says, is a major benefit of working for PGW. The confidence gained from this training, coupled with her love of agriculture having been raised on a sheep farm, Virginia is able to deliver customers good advice so that they leave the store confident they have everything they need.
Sarah Wilson, Trainee Technical Field Representative, Taupo
Having come on board as a CSR, Sarah is embarking on a new career as a trainee Technical Field Representative (TFR).
“I joined PGW having finished an agricultural commerce degree knowing the company offered a pathway for me to further my career.”
Sarah’s journey to become a TFR sees her completing the PGW trainee TFR programme along with a Certificate in Rural Servicing (NZQA Level 4) through the PGW Academy. To continue her training, she relocated to Taupō to work alongside an established TFR for mentoring as well as to gain first-hand experience working alongside farmers.
“I’m really enjoying being on-farm, walking paddocks to monitor crops for insect pests and disease. This is a great opportunity to learn about farmers’ individual systems and how we can help them achieve their goals.”
Mark Kapa, Dargaville Store Manager
New to the agricultural industry, Mark has been impressed by the training he’s received during his first year with PGW and feels increasingly confident discussing what’s happening on-farm with customers.
“The training has helped me understand the products we sell and the seasonal changes in farming. I share this knowledge with my team, so we are up to date with the advice we give customers.”
Mark’s involvement with farming extends beyond PGW to his role as Chairperson of Pouto Tōpū, a trust whose operation oversees agricultural farms, horticulture and forestry. Mark believes PGW’s Iwi Relationship Manager for Northland, Ron Walters, has been pivotal in building relationships with local Māori farmers, and by doing so, the wider PGW team is engaging in their businesses. “PGW is passionate about supporting Māori farms through passing on our technical knowledge to help grow their businesses.”
Visit your local PGG Wrightson store and you’ll be greeted by our knowledgeable team who offer practical advice and tailored solutions.
