Creating a supportive employee environment in the Cornbelt

As part of our ongoing journey to help employees learn about different areas of the Nutrien Ag Solutions business, we talked with KaShawna Davis, Human Resources (HR) Advisor for Retail in the Cornbelt and asked her a few questions about herself and her career.

Let’s get to know KaShawna!

How long have you been working at Nutrien?

My career with Nutrien began on March 14, 2022, so I just celebrated my one-year anniversary.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in Human Resources?

Being in HR allows me the capacity to understand different details and aspects of a business and organization. As an HR professional, I chose this career because I enjoy partnering with employees, assisting in changing lives, creating a positive work environment, and, most importantly, being able to influence a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in the agriculture industry?

No, not at all. Being employed with Nutrien and learning about agriculture has been a new and exciting experience that I am truly honored to be a part of.

Tell us a little bit about the Cornbelt – how many divisions make up this region? What major crops are grown in this area besides corn?

Fourteen divisions make up the Cornbelt region. I support Northern High Plains, Nebraska, W. Iowa & NE Nebraska, North Dakota, & Central Iowa. Jacob supports Western Illinois, Northeast Iowa, Southern High Plains, & Minnesota & South Dakota. Reva supports Easter Illinois, Southern Illinois, West Central Illinois, Northern Illinois & Wisconsin, & Southwest Iowa. Our manager is Veronica Schrock, Senior HR Manager for Retail. The crops grown in the Cornbelt outside the obvious corn are wheat, soybean, potatoes, pumpkin, oats, cotton, barley, sorghum, sugar beets, and canola. -

Why is the Cornbelt an important region?

In my opinion, the Cornbelt is such an important region because of the large territory it supports, and the list of crops produced that supports Nutrien’s purpose, “Feeding the Future.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job here at Nutrien is building relationships, advocating for the business and our internal stakeholders, and collaborative partnerships.

What does a typical day look like for you while supporting the Cornbelt?

Busy. A typical day starts at 8 am CST. I have always told the divisions I support to contact me via cell, Teams, or email. My day may consist of me partnering with a facility manager on upcoming training sessions that he finds valuable for the employees at their branch. I may also assist with My Accountability Plan (MAP) goal setting, the new rehire process for our seasonal employees, onboarding, myHR, and answering employee questions – the list goes on. But not a day goes by that I don’t enjoy my daily interactions with the employees and divisions I support.

Why are you passionate about Nutrien and our company’s purpose?

Nutrien’s purpose is “Feeding the Future.” When I think of this purpose, my “WHY,” & my passion. Everyone at Nutrien is working towards putting food on tables and ensuring Nutrien’s name is out there to Interns & college graduates who have no clue what Agriculture is. I love to attend conferences where people of diverse backgrounds can see representation in me.

What would surprise people the most about you in your role?

That I am actually a shy person, especially when it comes to public speaking. Typically, I am very outgoing and have never met a stranger, so it would definitely surprise most people to learn that I have a shy streak.

Any advice for people looking to branch out their career to the agriculture industry?

Research agriculture, look for agriculture groups on LinkedIn, and join. Connect with employees on LinkedIn. See if there are any upcoming agriculture conferences and attend.