True Story: Tara Erickson

1. Tell us about your current position.

I’m currently the quality assurance manager at Le Sueur Cheese. In my role, I’m responsible for ensuring that all food safety and quality standards are met and continuously improved. 

I work collaboratively with the plant manager, production managers and others to support Agropur’s Quality Mission by facilitating an open and productive food safety culture.  

It’s also my responsibility to ensure we have established quality standards and procedures, and that we’re continuously monitoring to ensure they’re met in all aspects of production.  

2. Tell us about your training opportunities throughout your time at Agropur. 

I received on-the-job training and was selected to be in the very first LeadR group here at Agropur. I also took part in the Supervisor certification program. These internal leadership training programs help us grow as leaders by teaching strategies and skills such as situational leadership and critical thinking. We also completed personal assessments and built personal development plans. 

3. Tell us about your career path and how you have gotten to where you are today?(please specify positions held and duties, within each role at Agropur)

I started my journey in cheese production and worked in that role for just shy of a year. I then transitioned into the lab for about 6 years. I was involved in all areas of the lab including micro and analytical testing and reporting of product and samples. From there, I moved into the Whey Department as whey production clerk where I helped with inventory, spreadsheet upkeep, documentation, monthly KPIs and more. In 2018, I accepted a position as quality assurance supervisor. In this position and in my current position, I supervise the quality team and ensure quality systems are in place, being followed and are effective in accordance to FDA, SQF and all other regulatory compliances.  

4. How has Agropur supported your growth within the company?

Agropur has greatly supported my growth. My managers, both current and past, provided me with so much support through training, feedback and encouragement. They’ve been amazing mentors and helped me continuously grow within Agropur. 

5. Why do you love Agropur?

I love the people and the continuous development and growth opportunities I’ve been given at Agropur! We have such an amazing team throughout our facility and company. I’ve been grateful to work with each and every person through my journey.