Rural Professional Directory

Aaron Baker

Stacey Beattie

Bob Cathcart

Trevor Cook

I have spent my working life with farmers, the first 30 years as a rural veterinarian and since then as a management and business consultant to sheep and beef farmers throughout New Zealand. I am passionate about realistic and practical sustainability that protects our markets, farming families and environment. Work nationally with clients in all farming districts apart from the West Coast South Island and Marlborough. I am a registered Farmax consultant.

Andrew Dowling

Andrew Dowling BVSc Technical Manager PGG Wrightson Ltd I have worked in the sheep, beef, deer and dairy farming communities for 14 years as a vet and then as a technical expert at PGG Wrightson Ltd for 10 years. I review farming systems and animal health plans to make sure they fit the capability of the farm and the needs of the system. My special interests include internal parasite management, liver fluke and teaching concepts to farmers so they can make informed decisions in their farm system. I am a Wormwise facilitator.

Kathryne Easton

Tony Egan

Tony Egan is the managing director of family owned beef processor Greenlea Premier Meats. He previously served as the CEO of AsureQuality and prior to that was the CEO of AFFCO. Tony has spent his entire career in the meat industry. He has held a range of governance positions. He is currently the Chairman of AgMardt, a director at Dairy Goat Coop, a member of the MIA Council and has a seat on the Primary Sector Council.

Tom Fraser

50 years in the Agriculture industry. Early years as an Agronomist with DSIR Grasslands then as a Farm Systems Scientist for AgResearch. Expertise in taking science and fitting it into sheep and beef farm systems. Tom is based in Lincoln and is able to travel nation wide.

Rachael Handy

We engage with many farmers and their teams throughout the country on a daily basis, constantly encouraging learning and personal growth. We have a team of skilled Training Advisors on the ground that specialise in People Capability, establishing plans to align with both business and personal goals and aspirations

Laura Keenan

My role as an agronomist starts at the grass roots level. Total dry matter production produced per hectare drives the capacity of farmland and is an integral part of the decision making process when it comes to developing farm cropping plans and improving farm performance and profitability. Involvement within this process provides a constructive environment for all members of the farm team to contribute to what is commonly a priority goal, to improve the production potential of individual farms, and by default, lifting the performance of the whole primary industry. In addition, this role allows you be a trouble-shooter, combined with a trusted advisor to get the best results for a particular farmer in a particular set of environmental circumstances, and it is this tailored approach that I believe is integral to achieving client success. Each farm and each farmer is different, thus it is one's ability to tailor their technical style which drives large scale outcomes while on farm.

Paul Kenyon

Professor of Sheep Husbandry at Massey University. Specific research programs include: maximizing hogget breeding performance, lamb survival and growth to weaning, grazing ruminants on alternative feed types, weaned lamb growth, ewe longevity, importance of body condition score and early rearing systems. These research projects are undertaken with the aim of improving on-farm productivity.

Julie McDade

Julie is a qualified veterinarian but started her career working in the television industry in the USA. She spent 10 years doing sales, marketing and public relations for Time Warner before heading back to school to get a veterinary medical doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent 3 years with an equine surgical referral practice in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since moving to New Zealand in 2005, she has worked for the Ministry for Primary Industries and is now employed by Greenlea Premier Meats as business development manager. Julie represents Greenlea on the Red Meat Profit Partnership PGP partner advisory committee. Julie works on a range of projects and subject matters at Greenlea including value add, marketing, communications, government relations, industry activities, farm assurance, environmental stewardship and climate change. Julie has also served on the board of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Other Area's of expertise include animal health, marketing, global food trends. environmental stewardship and climate change

Steve McGill

I grew up in Taumarunui surrounded by dry stock farms before graduating from Massey University with an Agriculture degree in 2004. Since then have had roles with fertilizer companies, pasture seed companies and on farms. In 2013 I became a member by exam of the Australian association of ruminant nutrition and am also a full member of the NZ association of ruminant nutrition. Currently I am employed by PGG Wrightson as a technical specialist in animal nutrition covering the north island.

Ian Millner

Senior Advisor - Land management tertiary qualifications - Science and resource management farming experience (sheep, beef and forestry) 8 years with HBRC working in Land management, Policy development, and Ruataniwha water storage scheme. private consultant with 20years agricultural/ resource management experience. Independent resource management commissioner.

Bruce Mudgway

Known in the industry as "Mudgey", Bruce has spent the past 8 years as the Livestock Procurement Manager at Greenlea Premier Meats. He has worked in the industry for 38 years and covered all aspects of livestock including store replacements, killable fat stock and livestock auctioneer. Bruce has a passion for the industry and is able to share real experiences with farmers. He wishes to connect with farmers who are questioning the status quo, thinking outside the square and challenging "nromal" farming practice.

Ross Neal

Garth Nielsen-Vold

FarmIQ Specialist

Brent Paterson

I developed Rural Directions in 2003 and have built the business into a primary sector service provider with people (Rural Directions Recruitment and HR) and technical land management advisory (Rural Directions Advisory Services). We have specialists providers in their sectors yet have a collaborative approach to solving problems.

Tanya Sealey-Swain

Mat Stoddart

Dave Twaddle

Alison Whiteford

Peter Bacchus

Adrian Brocksopp

Paul Brough

Greg Clarke

Trevor Cook

I have spent my working life with farmers, the first 30 years as a rural veterinarian and since then as a management and business consultant to sheep and beef farmers throughout New Zealand. I am passionate about realistic and practical sustainability that protects our markets, farming families and environment. Work nationally with clients in all farming districts apart from the West Coast South Island and Marlborough. I am a registered Farmax consultant.

Will Cuttance

Andrew Dowling

Andrew Dowling BVSc Technical Manager PGG Wrightson Ltd I have worked in the sheep, beef, deer and dairy farming communities for 14 years as a vet and then as a technical expert at PGG Wrightson Ltd for 10 years. I review farming systems and animal health plans to make sure they fit the capability of the farm and the needs of the system. My special interests include internal parasite management, liver fluke and teaching concepts to farmers so they can make informed decisions in their farm system. I am a Wormwise facilitator.

Tony Egan

Tony Egan is the managing director of family owned beef processor Greenlea Premier Meats. He previously served as the CEO of AsureQuality and prior to that was the CEO of AFFCO. Tony has spent his entire career in the meat industry. He has held a range of governance positions. He is currently the Chairman of AgMardt, a director at Dairy Goat Coop, a member of the MIA Council and has a seat on the Primary Sector Council.

Tom Fraser

50 years in the Agriculture industry. Early years as an Agronomist with DSIR Grasslands then as a Farm Systems Scientist for AgResearch. Expertise in taking science and fitting it into sheep and beef farm systems. Tom is based in Lincoln and is able to travel nation wide.

George Gibson

Heather Gilbert

Jarrod Godfrey

Rachael Handy

We engage with many farmers and their teams throughout the country on a daily basis, constantly encouraging learning and personal growth. We have a team of skilled Training Advisors on the ground that specialise in People Capability, establishing plans to align with both business and personal goals and aspirations

Clinton Hemana

Steven Howarth

Emma Hynes

Laura Keenan

My role as an agronomist starts at the grass roots level. Total dry matter production produced per hectare drives the capacity of farmland and is an integral part of the decision making process when it comes to developing farm cropping plans and improving farm performance and profitability. Involvement within this process provides a constructive environment for all members of the farm team to contribute to what is commonly a priority goal, to improve the production potential of individual farms, and by default, lifting the performance of the whole primary industry. In addition, this role allows you be a trouble-shooter, combined with a trusted advisor to get the best results for a particular farmer in a particular set of environmental circumstances, and it is this tailored approach that I believe is integral to achieving client success. Each farm and each farmer is different, thus it is one's ability to tailor their technical style which drives large scale outcomes while on farm.

Paul Kenyon

Professor of Sheep Husbandry at Massey University. Specific research programs include: maximizing hogget breeding performance, lamb survival and growth to weaning, grazing ruminants on alternative feed types, weaned lamb growth, ewe longevity, importance of body condition score and early rearing systems. These research projects are undertaken with the aim of improving on-farm productivity.

Jeremy Leigh

Don MacColl

Meredith Mackenzie

I am an HR consultant with experience as a vet and agribusiness banker. My role now takes me all around the country helping farmers with strategic discussions about staff employment, assistance with policies, and support during the difficult times when things aren’t going so well. I help employers find good staff, set them up for success, and provide training and on-going support for farming managers. I am an experienced facilitator with a strong understanding of the real sector.

Rob Macnab

Anna Martyn

Lee Matheson

Julie McDade

Julie is a qualified veterinarian but started her career working in the television industry in the USA. She spent 10 years doing sales, marketing and public relations for Time Warner before heading back to school to get a veterinary medical doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent 3 years with an equine surgical referral practice in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since moving to New Zealand in 2005, she has worked for the Ministry for Primary Industries and is now employed by Greenlea Premier Meats as business development manager. Julie represents Greenlea on the Red Meat Profit Partnership PGP partner advisory committee. Julie works on a range of projects and subject matters at Greenlea including value add, marketing, communications, government relations, industry activities, farm assurance, environmental stewardship and climate change. Julie has also served on the board of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Other Area's of expertise include animal health, marketing, global food trends. environmental stewardship and climate change

Steve McGill

I grew up in Taumarunui surrounded by dry stock farms before graduating from Massey University with an Agriculture degree in 2004. Since then have had roles with fertilizer companies, pasture seed companies and on farms. In 2013 I became a member by exam of the Australian association of ruminant nutrition and am also a full member of the NZ association of ruminant nutrition. Currently I am employed by PGG Wrightson as a technical specialist in animal nutrition covering the north island.

Ian Millner

Senior Advisor - Land management tertiary qualifications - Science and resource management farming experience (sheep, beef and forestry) 8 years with HBRC working in Land management, Policy development, and Ruataniwha water storage scheme. private consultant with 20years agricultural/ resource management experience. Independent resource management commissioner.

Sian Mitchell

Rachael Mitchell

I have been working for Perrin Ag Consultants in Rotorua for about 6 years, predominantly in the Southern Waikato and Western Bay of Plenty. I have completed both Sustainable Management Courses at Massey, been a CNMA for 3 years and keep up-skilled with regular attendances at soil and environmental workshops. OVERSEER® and Farm Environment Plans are my core business – all of my work is in the field of nutrient management, farm mapping and environmental mitigations and practices.

Bruce Mudgway

Known in the industry as "Mudgey", Bruce has spent the past 8 years as the Livestock Procurement Manager at Greenlea Premier Meats. He has worked in the industry for 38 years and covered all aspects of livestock including store replacements, killable fat stock and livestock auctioneer. Bruce has a passion for the industry and is able to share real experiences with farmers. He wishes to connect with farmers who are questioning the status quo, thinking outside the square and challenging "nromal" farming practice.

Michael Murphy

Warrick Murray

Scott Neeley

Garth Nielsen-Vold

FarmIQ Specialist

Graham Parker

My experience includes 37 years Rural Banking and for the last 4 years working in Succession Planning work for farming families in the Waikato & King Country. This work has been interspersed with some Business Planning and Strategic Planning work for farming businesses.

Brent Paterson

I developed Rural Directions in 2003 and have built the business into a primary sector service provider with people (Rural Directions Recruitment and HR) and technical land management advisory (Rural Directions Advisory Services). We have specialists providers in their sectors yet have a collaborative approach to solving problems.

Matt Ryan

Maria Shanks

Stephanie Sloan

Janie Stevenson

Corina Teague

Bob Thomson

Brendon Walsh

I believe in putting the power for creating great business results directly into farmers’ hands. I have found that farmers who follow our system, focusing on profit and business first/farm second tend to create spare cash and achieve well beyond where they ever thought they could.

Jack Williams

Regan Wright

Peter Andrew

Sean Bennett

Adrian Brown

https://www.rabobank.co.nz/branch/north-island/gisborne/

Andrew Dowling

Andrew Dowling BVSc Technical Manager PGG Wrightson Ltd I have worked in the sheep, beef, deer and dairy farming communities for 14 years as a vet and then as a technical expert at PGG Wrightson Ltd for 10 years. I review farming systems and animal health plans to make sure they fit the capability of the farm and the needs of the system. My special interests include internal parasite management, liver fluke and teaching concepts to farmers so they can make informed decisions in their farm system. I am a Wormwise facilitator.

Tony Egan

Tony Egan is the managing director of family owned beef processor Greenlea Premier Meats. He previously served as the CEO of AsureQuality and prior to that was the CEO of AFFCO. Tony has spent his entire career in the meat industry. He has held a range of governance positions. He is currently the Chairman of AgMardt, a director at Dairy Goat Coop, a member of the MIA Council and has a seat on the Primary Sector Council.

Tom Fraser

50 years in the Agriculture industry. Early years as an Agronomist with DSIR Grasslands then as a Farm Systems Scientist for AgResearch. Expertise in taking science and fitting it into sheep and beef farm systems. Tom is based in Lincoln and is able to travel nation wide.

Rachael Handy

We engage with many farmers and their teams throughout the country on a daily basis, constantly encouraging learning and personal growth. We have a team of skilled Training Advisors on the ground that specialise in People Capability, establishing plans to align with both business and personal goals and aspirations

Emma Hynes

Laura Keenan

My role as an agronomist starts at the grass roots level. Total dry matter production produced per hectare drives the capacity of farmland and is an integral part of the decision making process when it comes to developing farm cropping plans and improving farm performance and profitability. Involvement within this process provides a constructive environment for all members of the farm team to contribute to what is commonly a priority goal, to improve the production potential of individual farms, and by default, lifting the performance of the whole primary industry. In addition, this role allows you be a trouble-shooter, combined with a trusted advisor to get the best results for a particular farmer in a particular set of environmental circumstances, and it is this tailored approach that I believe is integral to achieving client success. Each farm and each farmer is different, thus it is one's ability to tailor their technical style which drives large scale outcomes while on farm.

Paul Kenyon

Professor of Sheep Husbandry at Massey University. Specific research programs include: maximizing hogget breeding performance, lamb survival and growth to weaning, grazing ruminants on alternative feed types, weaned lamb growth, ewe longevity, importance of body condition score and early rearing systems. These research projects are undertaken with the aim of improving on-farm productivity.

Richard Lee

Richard is a subject matter expert in Parasitology, Ruminant Reproduction, Animal Health as well as sheep and beef production systems

Don MacColl

Meredith Mackenzie

I am an HR consultant with experience as a vet and agribusiness banker. My role now takes me all around the country helping farmers with strategic discussions about staff employment, assistance with policies, and support during the difficult times when things aren’t going so well. I help employers find good staff, set them up for success, and provide training and on-going support for farming managers. I am an experienced facilitator with a strong understanding of the real sector.

Julie McDade

Julie is a qualified veterinarian but started her career working in the television industry in the USA. She spent 10 years doing sales, marketing and public relations for Time Warner before heading back to school to get a veterinary medical doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent 3 years with an equine surgical referral practice in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since moving to New Zealand in 2005, she has worked for the Ministry for Primary Industries and is now employed by Greenlea Premier Meats as business development manager. Julie represents Greenlea on the Red Meat Profit Partnership PGP partner advisory committee. Julie works on a range of projects and subject matters at Greenlea including value add, marketing, communications, government relations, industry activities, farm assurance, environmental stewardship and climate change. Julie has also served on the board of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Other Area's of expertise include animal health, marketing, global food trends. environmental stewardship and climate change

Steve McGill

I grew up in Taumarunui surrounded by dry stock farms before graduating from Massey University with an Agriculture degree in 2004. Since then have had roles with fertilizer companies, pasture seed companies and on farms. In 2013 I became a member by exam of the Australian association of ruminant nutrition and am also a full member of the NZ association of ruminant nutrition. Currently I am employed by PGG Wrightson as a technical specialist in animal nutrition covering the north island.

Ian Millner

Senior Advisor - Land management tertiary qualifications - Science and resource management farming experience (sheep, beef and forestry) 8 years with HBRC working in Land management, Policy development, and Ruataniwha water storage scheme. private consultant with 20years agricultural/ resource management experience. Independent resource management commissioner.

Bruce Mudgway

Known in the industry as "Mudgey", Bruce has spent the past 8 years as the Livestock Procurement Manager at Greenlea Premier Meats. He has worked in the industry for 38 years and covered all aspects of livestock including store replacements, killable fat stock and livestock auctioneer. Bruce has a passion for the industry and is able to share real experiences with farmers. He wishes to connect with farmers who are questioning the status quo, thinking outside the square and challenging "nromal" farming practice.

Garth Nielsen-Vold

FarmIQ Specialist

Brent Paterson

I developed Rural Directions in 2003 and have built the business into a primary sector service provider with people (Rural Directions Recruitment and HR) and technical land management advisory (Rural Directions Advisory Services). We have specialists providers in their sectors yet have a collaborative approach to solving problems.

Matthew Pickering

34 years rural experience through farm work, rural banking, coaching & mentoring and leadership & team culture programme facilitation. Past 9 years succession & strategic planning with farming families throughout the North Island. Now living in Gisborne after 20 years in the Bay of Plenty

Graham Shapland

Stephanie Sloan

Stephen Thomson

Michelle Turfrey

Brendon Walsh

I believe in putting the power for creating great business results directly into farmers’ hands. I have found that farmers who follow our system, focusing on profit and business first/farm second tend to create spare cash and achieve well beyond where they ever thought they could.

Peter Bacchus

Sean Bennett

Sophie Black

Marcus Bousfield

Emma Buchanan

Andrew Dowling

Andrew Dowling BVSc Technical Manager PGG Wrightson Ltd I have worked in the sheep, beef, deer and dairy farming communities for 14 years as a vet and then as a technical expert at PGG Wrightson Ltd for 10 years. I review farming systems and animal health plans to make sure they fit the capability of the farm and the needs of the system. My special interests include internal parasite management, liver fluke and teaching concepts to farmers so they can make informed decisions in their farm system. I am a Wormwise facilitator.

Tony Egan

Tony Egan is the managing director of family owned beef processor Greenlea Premier Meats. He previously served as the CEO of AsureQuality and prior to that was the CEO of AFFCO. Tony has spent his entire career in the meat industry. He has held a range of governance positions. He is currently the Chairman of AgMardt, a director at Dairy Goat Coop, a member of the MIA Council and has a seat on the Primary Sector Council.

Camille Flack

Tom Fraser

50 years in the Agriculture industry. Early years as an Agronomist with DSIR Grasslands then as a Farm Systems Scientist for AgResearch. Expertise in taking science and fitting it into sheep and beef farm systems. Tom is based in Lincoln and is able to travel nation wide.

Madeline Hall

I work with farmers and foresters to reduce their impact on water quality and remain resilient under a changing climate at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. I have focused on climate change and carbon forestry in New Zealand for the last 5 years and can provide advice on the science of climate change, climate change policy in New Zealand, and how landowners can utilise carbon forestry or other funding schemes on-farm.

Rachael Handy

We engage with many farmers and their teams throughout the country on a daily basis, constantly encouraging learning and personal growth. We have a team of skilled Training Advisors on the ground that specialise in People Capability, establishing plans to align with both business and personal goals and aspirations

Mark Harris

Briar Huggett

Emma Hynes

Rachel Joblin

Laura Keenan

My role as an agronomist starts at the grass roots level. Total dry matter production produced per hectare drives the capacity of farmland and is an integral part of the decision making process when it comes to developing farm cropping plans and improving farm performance and profitability. Involvement within this process provides a constructive environment for all members of the farm team to contribute to what is commonly a priority goal, to improve the production potential of individual farms, and by default, lifting the performance of the whole primary industry. In addition, this role allows you be a trouble-shooter, combined with a trusted advisor to get the best results for a particular farmer in a particular set of environmental circumstances, and it is this tailored approach that I believe is integral to achieving client success. Each farm and each farmer is different, thus it is one's ability to tailor their technical style which drives large scale outcomes while on farm.

Paul Kenyon

Professor of Sheep Husbandry at Massey University. Specific research programs include: maximizing hogget breeding performance, lamb survival and growth to weaning, grazing ruminants on alternative feed types, weaned lamb growth, ewe longevity, importance of body condition score and early rearing systems. These research projects are undertaken with the aim of improving on-farm productivity.

Jeremy Klingender

Richard Lee

Richard is a subject matter expert in Parasitology, Ruminant Reproduction, Animal Health as well as sheep and beef production systems

Don MacColl

Lochie MacGillivray

Lochie is an expert in the following area's: Farmax Simulation Modelling, Farm Business Benchmarking and Analysis, Farm Succession planning, Farm environment planning, specialist pastures including lucerne and plantain, carbon neutral, soil conservation

Meredith Mackenzie

I am an HR consultant with experience as a vet and agribusiness banker. My role now takes me all around the country helping farmers with strategic discussions about staff employment, assistance with policies, and support during the difficult times when things aren’t going so well. I help employers find good staff, set them up for success, and provide training and on-going support for farming managers. I am an experienced facilitator with a strong understanding of the real sector.

Gary Massicks

Gary is an Agricultural Consultant with BakerAg. Based in Feilding and works with clients in the Lower North Island. He is a facilitator of RMPP Action Network Groups and Beef and Lamb Farming for Profit programmes. Works in all areas of farming systems including feed and financial budgeting, succession planning, nutrient budgeting.

Julie McDade

Julie is a qualified veterinarian but started her career working in the television industry in the USA. She spent 10 years doing sales, marketing and public relations for Time Warner before heading back to school to get a veterinary medical doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent 3 years with an equine surgical referral practice in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since moving to New Zealand in 2005, she has worked for the Ministry for Primary Industries and is now employed by Greenlea Premier Meats as business development manager. Julie represents Greenlea on the Red Meat Profit Partnership PGP partner advisory committee. Julie works on a range of projects and subject matters at Greenlea including value add, marketing, communications, government relations, industry activities, farm assurance, environmental stewardship and climate change. Julie has also served on the board of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Other Area's of expertise include animal health, marketing, global food trends. environmental stewardship and climate change

Steve McGill

I grew up in Taumarunui surrounded by dry stock farms before graduating from Massey University with an Agriculture degree in 2004. Since then have had roles with fertilizer companies, pasture seed companies and on farms. In 2013 I became a member by exam of the Australian association of ruminant nutrition and am also a full member of the NZ association of ruminant nutrition. Currently I am employed by PGG Wrightson as a technical specialist in animal nutrition covering the north island.

Rebecca McNutt

Ian Millner

Senior Advisor - Land management tertiary qualifications - Science and resource management farming experience (sheep, beef and forestry) 8 years with HBRC working in Land management, Policy development, and Ruataniwha water storage scheme. private consultant with 20years agricultural/ resource management experience. Independent resource management commissioner.

Bruce Mudgway

Known in the industry as "Mudgey", Bruce has spent the past 8 years as the Livestock Procurement Manager at Greenlea Premier Meats. He has worked in the industry for 38 years and covered all aspects of livestock including store replacements, killable fat stock and livestock auctioneer. Bruce has a passion for the industry and is able to share real experiences with farmers. He wishes to connect with farmers who are questioning the status quo, thinking outside the square and challenging "nromal" farming practice.

Garth Nielsen-Vold

FarmIQ Specialist

Deanne Parkes

My experience includes 15 years of Coaching ranging from farmers, rural professionals, students, to New Zealand elite athletes. For the last 2 years I have added a focus in Succession and Strategic planning for farming families in the Lower North Island with Coach Approach Rural. This work has also included Team Culture development and Leadership programmes.

Brent Paterson

I developed Rural Directions in 2003 and have built the business into a primary sector service provider with people (Rural Directions Recruitment and HR) and technical land management advisory (Rural Directions Advisory Services). We have specialists providers in their sectors yet have a collaborative approach to solving problems.

Digby Philip

StockX is New Zealand’s first and only independent online livestock marketplace. It was created to enable farmers to get fairer and better results when buying and selling livestock. It connects farmers and meat processors through an online platform allowing them to trade directly with each other for store, prime and cull stock. Since launching in late 2015, StockX has attracted over 4000 registered farmers from all regions of New Zealand and this is growing. The marketplace provides a more transparent and secure transaction process, lower commission fees, reduced costs and delivers more value to users.