Blog | Reading Time 2 minutes
From the Feed Yards to Silage Systems: David Lewis on a Career Built Around Helping Producers Succeed
With over two decades of experience at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Technical Services Manager David Lewis has established himself as a leading expert in silage production systems across Australia and internationally. Based in Wangaratta, Northeast Victoria, David provides essential support to livestock producers and silage contractors throughout southeastern Australia and often far beyond. Like the silage he helps farmers create – transforming today’s abundance into tomorrow’s sustenance – David’s own career at Lallemand has been a journey of preservation and growth.
From Feedlot Manager to Silage Expert
David’s journey to Lallemand Animal Nutrition began nearly two decades ago, after spending 12 years as a farm operations manager for a 20,000-head feedlot in northern Victoria. It was there that he was first introduced to silage production by Quality Silage Systems, which was then the Australian distributor of Lallemand’s silage inoculants. When approached to join Quality Silage Systems in 2003, he didn’t hesitate.
When Lallemand Animal Nutrition acquired Quality Silage Systems in 2010, it marked a significant turning point in David’s career.
“It really changed the dynamic,” he explains. “We were no longer just a distributor of silage inoculants, but part of a global company with access to far more products and working with more species. Becoming part of Lallemand was a major source of growth for the company and for all of us.”
Finding His Passion
"No two days are the same and you don't always know what's in store," he says. "On any particular day, I could be explaining silage systems and forage production to someone who's just started their journey towards adopting silage or fine-tuning the silage program of a large-scale feedlot or dairy."
For David, the fascination with silage began early on the family farm, but his "lightbulb moment" came 30 years ago when he produced his first silage at the feedlot. "It shifts feed grown now into the future when you need it," he explains with evident enthusiasm.
This passion has taken him to unexpected places, including what he describes as one of his most memorable work experiences – once finding himself in South Africa talking to some South African farmers about the silage they make for Zebras and Zebu.
When reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of his role, David speaks about the satisfaction of helping producers adopt silage for the first time. “It’s always enjoyable helping a producer to adopt silage, even if it takes five years from the first phone call until they open their first silage pit,” he shares. “That’s when you see the lights go on and you know it’s going to be a game-changer for their business.”
The Lallemand Difference
When asked to describe the culture at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, David doesn't hesitate. "I'd say we're humble and solutions-based. Despite being a global company, we take pride in remaining family-owned. Our goal isn't to dictate or push products onto people. Instead, we focus on assisting farmers in solving their problems, rather than just selling them something."
David considers himself fortunate to have worked alongside many mentors at Lallemand who shaped his professional development. He's proud that he's continuing their work in helping to develop the skills of Lallemand staff overseas. This aspect of knowledge sharing has become a fulfilling part of his role - when walking around a paddock in Vietnam and seeing 30 people listening intently to every word he says, he realizes that what he's doing is important.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, David’s ambitions center around continuing to support Lallemand teams across Oceania and internationally. His goal? “To develop their capabilities to the point where they don’t need me anymore!”
For those considering joining the Lallemand team, David’s advice is straightforward: “Be ready to learn, have fun, and help people.”
It’s a simple philosophy that has served him well throughout his over 20-year journey with the company—from his early days with Quality Silage Systems to his current role supporting teams across multiple countries as part of Lallemand’s global operations.
Looking for your next move?
Explore career opportunitiesPublished Apr 29, 2025