Agriculture account manager — Matthew Rollason

Matthew studied a BSc in Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams University before turning his passion for the industry into a career

Why did you decide on a career in agriculture?

Despite not coming from a traditional farming background, I developed a fascination with agriculture at a young age. This passion led me to pursue the subject in both further and higher education, ultimately landing a role with Dunbia.

How did you get your job?

I found the job through my university careers service and did an online interview followed by a second interview in person.

Dunbia appealed to me as it is a fast-paced and growing business with strong links to the farming industry. It also offered me autonomy over my own graduate experience and opportunities for personal growth.

What does a typical day involve?

Our focus is two-fold: building strong relationships across the supply chain and working towards a more sustainable future for everyone involved.  

One day, I might be visiting farms or factories, getting a firsthand look at our operations. The next, I could be attending agricultural shows and conferences, connecting with industry experts and staying ahead of the curve.

What do you enjoy the most?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is bringing different players in the supply chain together and seeing something productive come out of those meetings. I'm in this industry to see positive change and you only make that happen by engaging with people.

What are the challenges?

Agriculture can be a very fragmented industry which is a real barrier to making change happen as quickly as some of us would like. This represents a huge opportunity for the industry to become more efficient and market-orientated.

What type of person would suit a career in agriculture?

You need to have a technical understanding of how farming works and how the different sectors interact, success hinges on strong interpersonal skills and the ability to see the bigger picture. Daily work requires diligence, hard work, and an analytical mind for problem solving.

What are your career ambitions?

I have a genuine love for agriculture - beef production especially - and I would hope to continue my journey to one day take a leadership role within the industry.

What is one stereotype about working in agriculture that you'd like to debunk?

Agriculture is far more sophisticated than people would give it credit. Although there may be some barriers, the level of data being collected and analysed on British farms is quite impressive. Data can tell us answers to some of our biggest societal and environmental challenges, namely, feeding a growing population in a sustainable way that doesn't harm the natural world.

Can you talk us through two issues affecting your area of work?

For Dunbia's farmers, environmental sustainability and farm profitability are linked. Both are essential to ensure the continued production of high-quality food in the years ahead. We closely with suppliers to promote and understand best practices in these crucial areas.

What advice can you give to others who want to work in agriculture?

I've found that the key to building a successful career is returning the kindness shown to you and dedicating yourself to continuous learning and hard work. By investing your time in these areas, you'll not only develop your expertise and build credibility, but opportunities will naturally gravitate towards you.

Find out more

• Explore what the environment and agriculture has to offer.
• Discover graduate opportunities in agriculture.
• Find out what Dunbia have to offer.