Meet your AMTRA Registered Animal MedicinesAdvisor (RAMA) Mark Matthews, Animal Health Sales Specialist (Midlands).
Wynnstay has a dedicated team of RAMAs, fully trained and legally qualified through AMTRA, (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority) to advise, prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines. In this issue, we meet Mark Matthews, Animal Health Sales Specialist (Midlands). With more than 30 years in the industry as an Animal Health Sales Specialist, and more than 25 years as a registered Animal Medicines Advisor, Mark Matthews is one of the most experienced RAMAs in the Wynnstayteam.
A career in the industry was perhaps inevitable, coming from a farming family and growing up on his grandfather’s dairy farm in Derbyshire. Progressing through the local agricultural college, now part of the University of Derby, Mark gained his AMTRA qualification during a 14-year career with another agricultural merchant, before becoming part of the Wynnstay team.
That was 17 years ago, and now Mark continues to develop lasting relationships with both new and existing customers throughout his region, covering parts of Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire. The same incentive, to make a difference and give the correct advice, is what drives him on. “That was always the inspiration, and by building long-term relationships, I can add further value, by learning from historical information on farm. I can identify any potential problems that may arise annually, on a seasonal basis. For example, lambs and ewes going out to the same patch of land may give rise to increased nematodirus risk. It just gives me that head start to identify any potential problems one step ahead.”
A normal day for Mark will encompass farm visits through his region, meeting clients to provide advice and ensuring any product orders are in place ahead of approaching seasons. “It is about being proactive and prepared, supporting animal health plans and making sure the correct protocols and procedures are in place. For example, with fly strike season approaching, I will be providing advice on correct dosages and application techniques. Listening is the most important factor. Listen to what the farmer is telling you, and what they are, or aren’t, achieving. By doing this I can both identify if there is a problem and also understand that cut-off point where a conversation will need to progress to a veterinarian.”
