Cowsmopolitan Dairy Magazine would like to welcome two extremely talented team members to their staff as of February 15. Joining the staff are Katie Davidson of the UK and Amanda Poelman of British Columbia.
For the past 10 years, Katie Davidson has worked in the dairy industry, predominately in marketing and PR roles with Harrison and Hetherington Auctioneers and Mooandbaa, a PR and marketing business as well as managing pedigree clients, where she was editor of The Journal for Holstein UK. She has also worked for World Wide Sires as an evaluator for their mating programme, WMS.
Katie’s passion for cows started through her family’s Halmyre Urr Ayrshire herd and in the past two years has been a big part of her travels across Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
In Canada. Katie worked on farm and at summer and fall shows with Hodglynn, Quality, Sterling Park, Poelman, Eastside and Winright. While in Australia, Katie was part of the team helping Murribrook at International Dairy Week, Sydney Royal and Murribrook’s Bred For Success Sale 2017. She then helped the Arran Stud at New Zealand Dairy Event, before working on farm at Deloraine in the South Island.
Now returning home to help with the family ice cream business, Katie will be covering events for Cowsmopolitan in the UK and Europe. “Katie’s strong PR skills and connections in the industry worldwide will make her a great asset to the Cowsmo team,” commented Cowsmopolitan editor Lexi Wright.
Claire Swale has contributed significantly to the team and will continue to help with coverage in Europe as time permits.
Amanda Poelman was born and raised on her family’s dairy farm, Sunny Vale Farm, in Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island, BC. The Poelman family milks 100 registered Holsteins and were the recipients of a Master Breeder Shield in 2008. Amanda also owns over 20 head of cattle under her own Autumn Lane prefix.
Amanda is a graduate of Trinity Western University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, specializing in professional writing. Following university, Amanda worked for two years at Alta Genetics in Balzac, AB, as Communications Coordinator, after which she spent a year subcontracting for EnCana in the area of community relations. In 2009, Amanda returned to the home farm where her duties included herd health, milking, calf care and registrations, as well as managing the show string, advertising, farm tours and social media.
She has been involved with Cowsmopolitan in a part-time capacity for the past 11 1/2 years, doing proofreading, writing and event coverage.
In her spare time, Amanda is actively involved in the local Holstein Club, Municipal Ag Advisory committee and Christian Reformed Church. She also enjoys playing tenor saxophone in a local jazz band.
Amanda will continue with her Editorial duties and will cover the Quebec sales territory. “Amanda has been a valued member of our team for nearly 12 years,” commented Lexi Wright, “and we are extremely excited to have her join our staff in a full-time capacity. Her keen eye and previous experience are a huge asset to the Cowsmo team.”