The Cattle Information Service (CIS) has recruited a new Assistant Area Manager to support the agriculture team. Shropshire based farmer’s son, Michael Whittaker will be fulfilling the new position, covering Herefordshire, Shropshire, the Wirral Peninsula, Worcestershire, Clwyd, Gwynedd, Powys and Wrexham.
As Assistant Area Manager, Michael will be liaising with farmers about the services that CIS can offer and will be providing suitable packages to fit the individual needs of the farmer with regards to milk recording, herd health, classifying or pedigree registration. Michael will also be responsible for overseeing and managing the milk recorders in his area and will be the point of contact for resolving any issues that may arise.
Michael has had a genuine passion for agriculture since he was a young boy growing up on the family dairy farm and can now bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at CIS. On his family farm, Michael managed livestock, clipped cattle, milked the herd of dairy cows, worked the land and generally supported the running of the business. He then went to study Quantity Surveying at Oxford Brookes University, where he spent one year in industry for Abacus Cost Management, working at the Co-Op Head Office in Manchester and the Manchester City FC Training Academy. In addition, Michael has also spent time at CIS in the milk lab, scanning and testing samples – which initiated his enjoyment for the company.
Michael Whittaker comments; “I am absolutely thrilled to have secured my new position and cannot wait to meet customers, visit farms and explore my area. I decided to apply for the Assistant Area Manager role to further my involvement and interest in the dairy industry. When the opportunity arose to work with such a dynamic and progressive business, I jumped at the chance! As a farmer’s son I have a grounded and thorough understanding of the farming sector and can recognise the needs and viewpoints of farmers. My aim is to offer my customers a friendly, professional and reliable service so that they feel confident with their milk recorders.”
Sue Cope, Managing Director at CIS, said; “We were highly impressed with the calibre of applicants for the Assistant Area Manager position but Michael topped the selection! With Michael’s level of experience and knowledge for the dairy sector, we are extremely confident that he will be able to offer our customers a first class service. CIS is a growing business, run by farmers for farmers; all of our services are tailored to help and improve farming businesses. We are delighted to have Michael on our expanding team at CIS and welcome him to the company.”