Jake Hoxmeier and James Walsh | Pioneer
In this episode of Creating Career Connections, we sit down with Jake Hoxmeier, Field Agronomist, and James Walsh, Territory Manager, from Pioneer – a part of Corteva Agriscience. Together, they share their unique career paths—one from a traditional ag background, the other from the auto industry—and how they found their place in customer-facing roles at Pioneer. From managing agronomic issues in the field to supporting independent sales reps with the tools and technology they need, Jake and James offer insight into what it takes to thrive in ag sales and support. Whether you're passionate about agronomy, technology, or simply working with people, this episode highlights the range of careers—and the values—that power the ag industry.
Jeff Bacon and Laruen Kaliff | Pioneer Corteva
This podcast episode features Makenna Kirchhoff interviewing Jeff Bacon and Lauren Kaliff from Corteva Pioneer. Jeff is a Territory Manager for Pioneer in Northeast Nebraska, covering six counties. Lauren is an Associate Territory Manager, training to become a Territory Manager like Jeff. They discuss their career paths, experiences in FFA and college, and their current roles at Corteva Pioneer. Both emphasize the importance of internships, networking, and taking risks in career development. They describe Corteva as an innovation-driven, American-owned agricultural company focused on helping farmers succeed through seed and crop protection products. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of their jobs, including the need for self-motivation, time management, and adaptability. They also discuss the value of FFA and college experiences in shaping their careers and offer advice to high school students interested in agriculture.
