A MAN who grew up on a dairy farm in East Devon has taken on a new position with machinery manufacturer Strautmann. 

Dean Cottey joined OPICO in January 2024 as territory manager south west and has now taken on the reigns as UK Strautmann product manager. 

Dean studied a BEng in Agricultural Engineering at Harper Adams and he spent the last 14 years with CLAAS UK, and has a wealth of experience in agricultural machinery.

“Growing up in Devon with my brothers and working alongside my Mum and Dad sparked my passion for farming, I’ve always known I wanted a career in agriculture," he said.

“During my college studies I was given the opportunity to spend 12 months’ work experience with McCormick. At only 17 years old it was a great insight into the machinery side of ag and it’s where my interest in working with machinery sales started.”

Dean said joining OPICO was an 'exciting opportunity'. 

“Don’t get me wrong I love working with tractors and machinery, but being able to expand my knowledge and bring my skills to a new role with such a wide selection of products has been really satisfying for me," he added.

“I feel being appointed as the Strautmann product manager for the UK has also been a real achievement and is the perfect fit for my personal experience, growing up on the dairy farm, forage wagons and feeders have been a huge part of my life. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop the brand and product offering here in the UK. In the short time I’ve been with OPICO we have already launched a new professional Vert-Mix, diet feeder range increasing the overall offering from Strautmann.”

Outside of work, Dean enjoys spending time with his family and visits the family farm when he gets the chance. 

James Woolway, OPICO managing director, said: “Dean has been a great addition to the OPICO team, his knowledge of agricultural machinery is excellent and his in-depth practical knowledge and experience enables him to relate to customers.”