Get to Know Chris Pritchett: 20 Questions with Our New GM

In June 2022 Chris Pritchett took up the reigns as Dairyland Seed General Manager. To help everyone get to know him a little, as well as his goals for Dairyland Seed, we asked him to play a quick game of 20 Questions.

1. What interested you most about Dairyland Seed and the opportunity to serve as General Manager? Dairyland Seed is steeped in family tradition, farmer dedication and strong agronomic advisors. Being able to lead the brand as we continue to develop our presence within Corteva is extremely exciting!
2. What would you consider to be your management philosophy/style? Servant leadership is the model I follow. The best days are when I can help remove roadblocks and watch those around me succeed.
3. What are your strongest character traits? Integrity, respect and compassion.
4. What are you hoping to accomplish within your first 6 months at Dairyland Seed? Immersing myself into the current culture and identifying the future needs for success.
5. What is your favorite summertime song? “Mexico” by Jimmy Buffett
6. If you were trapped on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you? My wife, cold water and a helicopter full of fuel.
7. What’s your favorite family tradition? Sunday dinner at the house.
8. Dairyland Seed has 5 guiding principles – Do the right thing. Listen more than you talk. Tell the truth. If you screw it up, fix it. And the customer comes first. – which of these principles speaks the most to you and why? This one is tricky but “Tell the truth.” The core of a relationship is built on trust. We are only as good as the trust and rapport we build with our partners.
9. Your family is relocating to Wisconsin, what are you most excited about? We’re excited to get a reprieve from the heat. We also love spending time outdoors, so all the lakes, hiking and golf courses are on the docket to check out!
10. What is your idea of a perfect vacation? Summer vacation would be somewhere tropical with a good book and a cold drink next to the water. Winter vacation is packing our skis and hitting the slopes.
11. What book(s) are you reading? “You Win the Locker Room First,” “A CEO only Does 3 Things” and I just finished “Atomic Habits.”
12. What is your main source of information and news? I prefer the Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch.
13. What path did you take to get to where you are today and what (if anything) might you do differently? I’ve been very blessed in my career. The best decision I made was to never rule something out because it was unfamiliar. I’ve carried the mentality that broadening my knowledge base and having diversity is always beneficial. I’m also thankful to have a wife that carries some wanderlust as well. It’s a big world full of different opportunities, cultures and learnings. The only thing that comes to mind quickly is I would not recommend moving to deep south Texas in July (that’s miserably hot).
14. What strengths do you think you bring to the organization as General Manager? I think the best strength I bring is fresh eyes and open ears. I may not know the “why” or the “how” of many of the things that exist at Dairyland Seed today, but it’s now my unique privilege to learn from those around me and help guide the ship to future success.
15. What makes you excited to come to work every day? People, plain and simple. Working alongside great people and seeing them succeed gets me pumped up!
16. Why did you choose to work in the agriculture industry? I grew up with a passion for agriculture on a family farming outfit in northern Georgia. I spent many years in the show barn and ring, which lead me to judge livestock at the collegiate level at the University of Georgia. I knew this industry was for me from day one.
17. If you could have a meal with anyone in time, who would it be and what would you talk about? Ronald Reagan. I find he was a true leader, visionary and cared about the people he represented. He moved the United States through a tough time with grace and a staunch moral compass.
18. What interests do you have outside of the office? My family comes first. My wife and I really enjoy cooking and traveling together. I am also passionate for the outdoors and an avid bow hunter. Georgia Bulldogs football consumes most Saturdays in the fall alongside the grill and friends. Lastly, I’ve been working on my golf game and enjoy hitting the links.
19. What key points do you think an executive needs to consider before making any decisions? 3 things. 1) Immediate impact 2) Long-term impact 3) What does it say about us?
20. If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be a good steak. Rare grilled ribeye over charcoal, potatoes and a fresh Caesar salad.

We’ve enjoyed getting to know Chris and know you will too. As we welcome him into the Dairyland Seed family, make sure you give him a warm welcome and ask him about his favorite book, song or leadership style. We’re excited to have you on board, Chris!