Our People

Wherever you’re farming, our experts have got you covered

0800 222 090

Regional Distribution Manger Upper North Island
Dean Guerin
Dean Guerin

Distribution

Regional Distribution Manger Central North Island
Tony Bielawski
Tony Bielawski

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Owhiro
Wayne Mansfield
Wayne Mansfield

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Morrinsville
Paul Alsemgeest

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Feilding
Robert Howard
Robert Howard

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Irirangi
Alan Troon
Alan Troon

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Bell Block
Dennis Taylor
Dennis Taylor

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Te Poi
Brendon Ruck
Brendon Ruck

Distribution

Corporate Account Specialist Otago/Southland
Latoya Grant
Latoya Grant

Corporate Accounts

Latoya Grant joined Ballance in early 2009 on a cadetship basis, learning the ropes and looking after clients in the Western NZ-WAI in a caretaker role. After five months she moved to the South Island to take up a permanent role in Otago.

Latoya's interest in farming stems from the many school holidays that she spent on friends' farms in and around the Wanaka district. As a result of this experience, she decided to study agriculture and in 2008 she completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University. While studying she had the opportunity to work on several dairy and sheep and beef properties over the lower South Island. She also undertook an honours project, for which she examined nitrate leaching under various crops. 

Working in the plant nutrient arena is very rewarding, says Latoya, as it gives her an opportunity to get onto a wide range of farms, meet interesting people and help them to make good decisions about their soil fertility programme. It really pays off when you can see production grow on properties that you have been involved with, she adds.

When she is not working, Latoya enjoys a wide range of sports, and has a particular passion for hockey, snowboarding and rugby.

Central South Island Senior Service Centre Manager
John Antcliffe

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Waipukurau
Phil Hayes
Phil Hayes

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Oamaru
Andrew Keen
Andrew Keen

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Ashburton
Cory Timothy
Cory Timothy

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Huntly
Craig Moffitt

Distribution

SC Manager Reporoa
Gregory Dick
Gregory Dick

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Whakamaru
Jason Booth
Jason Booth

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Edgecumbe
Billie Carr
Billie Carr

Distribution

Core Nutrient Specialist
Anthea Poulopoulo
Anthea Poulopoulos

Nutrient Specialist

Anthea has been with Ballance since January 2017, initially starting in our Intern programme where she was based in the Lower South Island. From there she gained further experience by covering roles across the country from Southland to Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty, exposing her to a variety of farming systems. She now calls the Wairarapa home, after securing a Nutrient Specialist role there in January 2019.

Originally from Wellington, she worked as a riding instructor while attending university to gain a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Equine). Anthea also spent a summer working on a sheep and beef farm in the Wairarapa, which led to further study. She completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in AgriCommerce to enhance her knowledge of the agriculture sector.

Anthea loves working with farmers and being involved in the future of the agriculture industry and is passionate about assisting farmers to achieve their goals.

In her spare time, Anthea can be found outdoors being active, spending time riding her horses both competitively and for fun and being with her family.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Mark Ter-Morshuizen
Mark Ter-Morshuizen

Nutrient Specialist

Mark Ter-Morshuizen joined Ballance in April 2011.

He is passionate about the rural sector and brings a wide range of farming experience, gained in both New Zealand and South African agricultural industries.

Having completed a Diploma in Agriculture, Mark managed both dairy farms and large sugar cane estates in his home country before moving with his family to New Zealand in 2005. In the following six years he worked in a variety of rural industries, including a dairy farm, a dairy genetics company, rural banking, and animal feeds.

Passionate about agriculture, Mark enjoys working with the varied farming systems in his region and building relationships with people involved in the industry.

Cambridge based Mark spends his spare time on his lifestyle block. He can also be found fishing and recently has got back into shooting.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Glenn Rowlinson
Glenn Rowlinson

Nutrient Specialist

Glenn Rowlinson is the Ballance Nutrient Specialist for the Tauranga / Rotorua region.

Glenn grew up on a family farm in Ngakuru where he is still a fourth generation farmer in the area. After leaving school he worked on the farm until he decided to follow a career in rural sales. This led him to a role selling Honda motorcycles and then eventually onto a Technical Sales Position for Farm Source in the Rotorua region, before joining Ballance in January 2017.

In Glenns’ spare time he is Chairman of the Ngakuru School Board of trustees, and enjoys running their Beef and dairy grazing farm. Glenn enjoys going water-skiing during the summer months.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Rebecca Bell
Rebecca Bell

Nutrient Specialist

Rebecca is the Nutrient Specialist covering Eastern Southland / Balclutha.

Rebecca is a born and bred Southlander. Growing up in town, she now resides in Tokanui with her young family, and helps with a bit of farm work in the weekends.

She studied at Massey University before heading home to have her daughter, continuing her studies, and gaining a Diploma of Science and Technology whilst continuing towards her Bachelors.

Rebecca started her career at the freezing works, initially as a grader before working her way up to being leading hand of the slaughter board. She gained experience working for another fertiliser company before joining a great team at Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys playing golf and netball, going fishing, hunting, tramping, and can manage the drafting gate.

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Aaron Pemberton
Aaron Pemberton

Farm Sustainability Services

Aaron joined the Farm Sustainability Services team in November 2019 to follow his passion in Farm Sustainability. He moved to this role following 11 years as a Key Accounts Representative for Ballance, covering the Waikato and King Country Regions. Prior to that he had worked as a Nutrient Specialist for Ballance in the North Waikato and King Country areas.

Aaron grew up on the family dairy farm in the King Country. He went on to achieve an Honours degree in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, and furthered his practical education by working on both dairy and sheep and beef farms. In 2015 completed his certification to become certified as a Nutrient Management Adviser. And has since also completed Soil Conservation and Green House Gases courses at Massey University. Aaron is also certified with the Waikato Region Council as a Certified Farm Nutrient Advisor (CFNA).

The opportunity to get out and meet a variety of farmers is one aspect of the job that Aaron really enjoys. He also gets satisfaction from working with his farming customers to make a positive and sustainable change for their farming business.

When he's not working, Aaron likes to indulge in some fishing and spend time with his family.

Claire Bekhuis
Claire Bekhuis

Claire started with Ballance in 2014 in our sales team as an intern in Southland, she has then worked in various capacities; Regional Sales Manager- Eastern, National Farm Sustainability Manager and now returning to Regional Sales Manager-Eastern role. Her passion for developing people has helped shape high performance, and deep connections with local farmers in the Eastern region and industry stakeholders Nationally.

Claire graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Science Majoring in Geography and Environmental Studies; she then went on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Commerce Majoring in Public Policy. Claire travelled to America through our accelerated talent program in 2018 to complete an Executive program ‘Implementing Strategy for Competitive Advantage’ at The Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.

Farm Sustainability is a passion of Claire’s, whether coaching nutrient specialists to support farmers make smarter decisions through their fertiliser programmes or her involvement in the local BOP Ballance Farm Environment Awards as a finalist Judge and as a Trustee.

When Claire is not working, she enjoys family time with her husband Jared and young daughter Addison. 

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
David Salmon
David Salmon

Nutrient Specialist

David Salmon is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for Putaruru/Arapuni.

After high school David worked on farms to fund an agricultural economics degree at Massey University. A post-graduate OE saw him explore Europe and the Middle East, before returning home. He worked on the commissioning of the Litchfield Cheese Factory, and then later moved on to manage a 400-cow dairy farm near Gordonton.

'I joined now Ballance over 10 years ago and love helping our farmers increase their profitability and environmental protection.'

In Feburary 2017, David completed the Te Araroa Cycle trail on his mountain bike, Cape Reinga to Bluff (3000km) in 18 days. Since then he has taken up Ultra Marathon running, embarking on a challenge invloving the New Zealand Great Walks, where he aimed to run each of the tracks in a day - completing the last of these runs in late 2021. He likes to run, cycle, swim and kayak and devotes time to his family, and the Shininglights Trust where he is a volunteer for the “Hope Project” initiatives.

National Sales Manager
Andrew Sanders
Andrew Sanders

Senior Sales Staff

Andrew Sanders joined Ballance as a Nutrient Specialist in the Rotorua district in May 2004, and was promoted to the position of Area Sales Manager in April 2008. After another promotion Andrew became the North Island Regional Sales Manager, and is now the National Sales Manager.

Prior to joining Ballance, Andrew ran an agricultural contracting business in the central North Island. A native of Yorkshire, England, Andrew grew up in a small farming village and says his choice of career was influenced by his grandparents, who had an arable farm nearby.

After graduating with a Diploma in Agriculture, Andrew specialised in pigs and cereals, progressing through the ranks to Assistant Manager of a 550-sow breeding unit and 500-hectare arable farm.

 

Corporate Account Specialist Otago/Southland
Jessica Ruddenklau
Jessica Ruddenklau

Corporate Accounts

Jessica has been with Ballance since January 2004, initially working as a Nutrient Specialist in the Southland region before being promoted to the Key Accounts position in 2011. She has completed a Bachelor of Science through Otago University, and followed this up with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Agriculture) from Lincoln University, as well as being a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor.

She grew up on the family 325-hectare sheep farm in Southland, and regularly spends time back on the farm helping out, which enables her to hone her practical farming skills. Jessica has been involved in the rural community through a number of roles with the likes of Young Farmers, Young Professionals, Dairy Women’s Network Conference Committee and the Monitor Farm Advisory Board. She also helps with mentoring fellow Nutrient Specialists and has taken on the challenge of secondments into management roles within the company.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist Whanganui / Upper Rangitikei
Amy Tomsett
Amy Tomsett

Nutrient Specialist

Amy Tomsett is the Key Account Nutrient Specialist for the Whanganui/Upper Rangitikei. She has been with Ballance since March 2011, originally joining as a nutrient specialist in the King Country. After 8 years in the King County, she was a looking for a new challenge and the mix of Sheep & Beef, Dairy and arable was too much to resist, so made the move down to the mighty Whanganui/Rangitikei. Born and bred in Tauranga and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Hawkes Bay, she grew up helping her dad on the farm and that lead me into studying at Massey University completing a Diploma in Agriculture. In her weekend’s you will find her on a horse playing polocrosse in summer and out on the hunt field in winter exploring what rural communities have to offer.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Rowan Muller
Rowan Muller

Nutrient Specialist

Raised on an orchard in Hawke’s Bay, Rowan was well educated even before studying forestry science at Canterbury University.

He joined Elders after working in labour contracting to horticulture, viticulture and agriculture in Canterbury, Marlborough and Otago, switching to Ballance in early 2010.

'I am keen on hunting and fishing in the Southern Alps and I hope to be able to travel the world and hunt. It’s great getting out and meeting a lot of different people in various farming systems and being able to customise a complete nutrient programme specific for them.'

Nutrient Specialist
Noel Bethel
Noel Bethel

Nutrient Specialist

Noel was brought up on a small drystock farm near Umawera, his secondary schooling was at Okaihau College.

After a short stint working on a sheep and beef farm outside Masterton, he then headed to Massey University to complete a BAg. A desire to return to Northland led to 4 years in rural merchandise, from where the opportunity arose to join Farmers Fertiliser in 1989.

After 10 years in the fertiliser industry Noel left to rear calves on a small block just north of Moerewa.

Married, and with two small children Noel moved to Kerikeri and joined a small family business in the Nursery/landscaping industry. Fifteen years later the urge to re-join agriculture led to him buying a 15ha block at Pakaraka, returning to rural merchandise for a short period before the opportunity to re-join Ballance.

Noel’s hobbies include “The Farm” and building outdoor furniture. He also has two adult sons, both living near Perth, Western Australia

Regional Sales Manager Eastern
Andrew Rutherford
Andrew Rutherford

Senior Sales Staff

Andrew Rutherford is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for the Central Plateau, and has worked in the agriculture industry for 20 years. He spent seven years with PGG Wrightson Ltd working up through the ranks from a trainee in the Central Plateau to Branch Manager in Katikati, before joining Ballance in March 2002. A promotion to Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist followed in April 2008 - a role in which Andrew enjoys building strong business relationships, and having a positive influence on his customers farming operations through providing quality advice.

Having grown up on his family’s 225-hectare sheep and beef farm in the southern Hawke’s Bays, Andrew has a thorough and practical appreciation of farming. He has combined this experience with the learnings gained through his time at both PGG Wrightson and Ballance to develop a broad knowledge of the agricultural sector.

He has also gained accreditation as a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor, and has spent a number of years as the Judges Coordinator for the Ahuwhenua Trophy Competition. This has extended his network within both Maori farming and the farming industry as a whole.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Martyn Ebbett
Martyn Ebbett

Nutrient Specialist

Martyn has been working for Ballance in the Te Awamutu area since June 2005, having spent the previous ten years working in the rural banking sector, much of it in the greater Waikato district.

Holidays on his uncle’s Te Puke sheep and kiwifruit farm was enough to convince a young Martyn that his future lay in agriculture. A season dairy farming helped fund him through a Bachelor of Agriculture (Rural Valuation) at Massey University, after which he added to his practical experience by working on several different farms in New Zealand, Australia, England, and Scotland.

Away from work he attempts to stave off the years by staying active with squash, surfing and the garden. The kids have left home but are local and still have shared interests with Mum and Dad.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Manjit Singh
Manjit Singh

Nutrient Specialist

Manjit Singh is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for the Huntly / Morrinsville North region. Originally from India, Manjit went to primary school in Hamilton, going on to graduate with a Masters degree from the University of NZ-WAI. His early career was in the cosmetics industry in Auckland, after which he bought a 280-cow dairy farm near Tahuna, which he now farms with his wife and two children.

Manjit originally joined the Ballance team in February 2009 and has really enjoyed getting to meet so many farmers and doing the best we can for them.

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, realxing abd keeping fit with aerobics and light weight exercises.

Regional Sales Manager Northern NI
Grahame Fitzgerald
Grahame Fitzgerald

Senior Sales Staff

After graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, majoring in farm management and valuation, Grahame joined the Rural Bank in Taranaki. In a varied career, Grahame has held a number of roles with different organisations across the North Island including: client relationship management, farm consultancy and leadership of teams.

Grahame has a passion for coaching others to be effective and achieving their goals and brings a wealth of coaching and commercial acumen to the sales team.

Grahame also holds a Post graduate Diploma in Business and Administration endorsed in Human Resource Management and a Diploma in Business in Property Management.

When not working Grahame enjoys a range of activities including endurance events, coaching children’s football and following a range of sports.

Kristin Dickson
Kristin Anselmi

Kristin joined Ballance in January 2016 after completing a B.Com.Ag at Lincoln University. Starting as a Cadet in Otago, she moved to the King Country in August the same year.

She was raised on a dairy farm in Southland, but sheep and beef farming is where her passion lies. Living on a sheep and beef farm in the King Country, most spare time is spent on the farm.

Kristin loves that she can be a part of her farmers “team”. “I enjoy seeing the link between farm systems, nutrients and farm outputs”.

Regional Sales Manager East Coast
Hadyn Eade
Hadyn Eade

Senior Sales Staff

SI Corporate Accounts Manager
Courtney Nimmo
Courtney Nimmo

Senior Sales Staff

Courtney completed her B Com in Agriculture via correspondence whilst holding down a full time job working for Farmlands - this meant the need to be very time focused and planned. A year after completing her B Com Courtney joined Ballance in 2013, progressing through to Key Accounts starting in December 2016.

Both the Intermediate and Advanced Sustainable Nutrient management courses have been completed allowing the submission of papers to obtain accreditation as a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor. Courtney has also sat the Women in Leadership course run by Agri Womens Development Trust.

Courtney is also a part of the Sheep and Beef strategy team that was set up in 2016 at Ballance. This team play an important role in helping Ballance understand how we help our customers meet future needs and ensure our sales team receive the right training.

Corporate Account Specialist Bay of Plenty
Shaun Pulham
Shaun Pulham

Corporate Accounts

Shaun Pulham joined Ballance in July 2006 as the Nutrient Specialist for the Western Bay of Plenty, and later transferred to the Te Awamutu East region. In January 2014 he was promoted into his current Key Accounts role.

He spent his childhood on the family 450-hectare sheep and beef farm on the southern side of Kawhia Harbour, and furthered this practical knowledge by working on dairy farms in the NZ-WAI region, and mixed cropping farms in Canterbury both before and during his studies. Shaun completed a Diploma in Farm Management and a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University.

During his time with Ballance Shaun has been involved with judging the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and has attended a range of agricultural conferences. He credits these activities with both furthering his education, and keeping him up to date with the latest innovations.

Nutrient Specialist
Neil Walker
Neil Walker

Nutrient Specialist

Neil Walker joined Ballance in January 2011, having previously been the assistant farm manager on a 1500-cow farm in Hawke's Bay.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Neil spent his early work years in the retail, motor and property sectors. He and his family immigrated to New Zealand in 2008, and Neil embarked on a career in agriculture. While working on dairy farms, Neil took the time to complete a number of agricultural qualifications, to ensure that he could gain as much knowledge of the industry as possible.

Neil spent his first 5 years with Ballance as a Nutrient Specialist in the Far North and during this time, he was able to complete his intermediate and advanced sustainable nutrient management papers through Massey University as well as build and forge excellent relationships with his customers.

Neil is currently servicing the Mid North region where his combination of customer service, technical knowledge and practical farming experience make him an ideal representative for Ballance and Mid North farmers. When he is not working, Neil is an avid runner and a keen fisher-man

Key Account Nutrient Specialist North / Coastal Taranaki
Shaun Broderick
Shaun Broderick

Nutrient Specialist

Shaun joined Ballance in 2012.

With a Bachelor of Education, Shaun began working life as a teacher before deciding to go dairy farming after returning from his OE. After 17 years milking cows, the last eight on his own farm, it was time for a change and Shaun sold the farm, moved to town, and began working for the Taranaki Regional Council. Two years after working for the council, there was an opportunity to work for Ballance, the company he had used himself for nutrient advice while farming.

Shaun enjoys discussions around farming and loves the positive role he can play in assisting farmers achieve their farming goals.

Outside of work Shaun enjoys fishing, golf, family time and visiting new places

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nick Riley
Nick Riley

Nutrient Specialist

Nick Riley spent the first 8 years of his working life on a dry stock farm prior to formalising his experience with an Applied Science Degree majoring in Rural Valuation & Farm Management. Following on from this, Nick has spent time in banking and in the fertiliser industry.

Nick and his wife have a passion for farming and have an interest in a 550-cow farm in Southland.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Nutrient Specialist role for Nick is helping farmers achieve production goals, and ensuring he provides them with the most cost effective products to achieve these goals.

Nick returned to Ballance in May 2014, following 2 years in the animal health industry where he gained valuable experience.

When Nick is not working, he enjoys fishing and other outdoor pursuits along with spending time on the side line supporting his stepson at Cricket and Rugby.

Corporate Account Specialist Lower North Island
Damian Hart
Damian Hart

Corporate Accounts

Damian joined Ballance in March 2011, having completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) at Massey University.

Having grown up on a dairy farm in Reporoa, Damian furthered his practical knowledge of agriculture by working on a variety of farms both before and during his studies. He completed his Intermediate and Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management certification through Massey University. He has also completed the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme being one of the very first people to do so. Damian is focused on delivering good service and advice to meet the expectations of our key customers. One of his strong attributes is good planning.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Robert (Blue) Cargill
Robert Cargill

Nutrient Specialist

Robert Cargill (also known as Blue) started in August 2017, and is the Nutrient Specialist for Whakatane/Galatea based out of Edgecumbe.

He has spent most of his life in the rural sector, with 14 years experience working as a Technical Sales Rep with two of the country’s largest Rural Merchant companies prior to joining Ballance.

Blue was previously based in the Horowhenua and Manawatu before relocating to the Bay of Plenty, and is passionate about the rural industry. He enjoys the interaction with his farmers and is looking forward to working alongside them, helping with solutions to increase profitability in their business.

Outside of work he enjoys golf, fishing and horse racing; his wife is a former Jockey and trained their own racehorses.

Service Centre Manager Anama
Anthony Climo
Anthony Climo

Distribution

Director
Albert Brantley
Albert Brantley

Board Of Directors

Trained as an engineer and geologist, over the past 40 years Albert has led the construction and operation of large scale oil and gas, mining and utility assets throughout the world. Until August 2018 he was the Chief Executive of Ōtākaro Limited, the Crown Company responsible for the Anchor Project programme for central Christchurch and was the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy for 8 years before that. In New Zealand, he has held similar executive roles for OceanaGold Ltd and L&M Mining Ltd. A Canadian, Albert is married to a New Zealander and has been a resident of Canterbury for more than 30 years, although working overseas for much of that time. Most of Albert’s experience has involved significant senior level political, regulatory and environmental management, as well as multicultural community and stakeholder relations management. Albert has provided Board level governance for the past 25 years and is presently the Independent Chair of the HW Richardson Group, Independent Chair of FarmRight Ltd, the Chair of Leighs Construction, a Member of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Board and a Director of the LGNZ Independent Assessment Board.

Director
Sarah von Dadelszen
Sarah von Dadelszen

Board Of Directors

Sarah von Dadelszen, along with husband Sam, operates a 13,000 stock unit sheep and beef property and a 350-cow dairy farm near Takapau, in the central Hawke’s Bay. Sarah has been actively involved in governance roles across the rural sector for 20 years, including the NZ Beef Council, Fonterra Shareholders Council and as a trustee of the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT). Current roles include the FMG and Centraline Boards. Sarah has more recently gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of global business, completing the INSEAD International Governance Programme, and global agri-business, following attendance at the Stanford University Business School with a New Zealand Primary Industry New Zealand Leadership Group, and a trip to Russia and Morocco to attend the International Fertiliser Association Conference and meet with key suppliers to build a further understanding of the fertiliser supply chain.

Director
Simon Robertson
Simon Robertson

Board Of Directors

Simon was appointed to the Synlait Board in November 2020 and elected as Chair in December 2022. Simon is a professional director with extensive commercial experience, including 10 years with Auckland International Airport (AIAL) during a period of significant investment and strategic growth. As CFO for AIAL, he led the finance, accounting, business technology and procurement functions along with investor relations and regulatory affairs. Simon has a proven track-record in strategy and capital-intensive infrastructure investment. He is Independent Chair of Synlait and Director of Alliance Group, and previously served on the boards of Independent Timber Merchants, Apata Group, Flick Energy and North Queensland Airports.

National Corporate Account Manager
Aaron Stafford

Senior Sales Staff

Erica Leadley
Erica Leadley

Erica lives, breathes and loves everything arable farming. Her passion for the industry and its success, has fostered from growing up in Mid Canterbury on her family’s intense spray irrigated and lamb finishing business. Now living on her partner’s South Canterbury arable property Erica remains very in touch with the pressures of farming businesses.

Driven from a need to understand and report her home farms environmental footprint Erica stepped back from her day to day on farm involvement to upskill in the nutrient management space. This led her to joining the Farm Sustainability team in September 2017. Erica enjoys engaging with farmers, using her practical farm systems knowledge to provide a quality service.

Out of work Erica is never far from a cook book and is planning her next food creation. She loves spending time cooking for and entertaining family and friends. Her love to travel, also ties in quite nicely with her love of food with trips to Italy and Vietnam to gain new skills. Erica will also take up any opportunity she can to be out on the farm, especially doing her part over harvest.

General Manager Customer
Jason Minkhorst
Jason Minkhorst

Leadership Team

Jason drives our sales strategy and leads a nationwide team of Nutrient Specialists, along with key accounts, customer services, retail merchant relationships, sales capability and the Co-operatives’ science extension team that is focused on knowledge-sharing with farmers. 

 

Jason’s deep knowledge of agri-business and genuine passion for the primary sector is hugely valuable as Ballance focuses on the changing needs of New Zealand farmers and growers – providing tailored nutrients and advisory services, backed by the best science and technology.

 

Jason has extensive commercial experience from more than 15 years in senior executive and governance roles in the dairy sector, including six years leading Fonterra’s rural supplies division, General Manager Commercial in the Supplier and External Relations division and senior strategy positions.  He has an outstanding track record in rural leadership, sales strategy, growing competitive capability and delivering what rural customers want.

Regional Sales Manager South Waikato
Ian Ross
Ian Ross

Senior Sales Staff

Ian Ross joined Ballance in March 2018 bringing with him experience from a number of previously held leadership roles.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Ian completed his secondary schooling in NZ and went on to Massey University where he completed a Bachelor of Agriculture.

With a focus on the primary sector, Ian has experience across Dairy, Meat, Arable and Finance disciplines. He brings to this role a passion for customer service and the development of people.

Ian’s early career involved agronomy and grain manager roles prior to a period working in rural banking, where he held a number of senior leadership roles. Recently, that change in career direction involved Ian leading sales teams in the corporate segment of primary industry training.

Outside work, Ian has a keen interest in salt and freshwater fishing, boating, game bird shooting and golf.

Regional Distribution Manager Upper South Island
Jeremy Begg

Distribution

Corporate Account Specialist Waikato
Kim Howells
Kim Howells

Corporate Accounts

Kim became the Corporate Account Specialist for Waikato in 2017. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously worked for Ballance for 9 years in Nutrient Specialist and Technical Coach roles, interspersed with raising her family and running her own business. Kim completed a degree and postgraduate studies in Animal Science, where she met her husband Gene. They have a small dairy grazing and beef farm near Te Awamutu, having previously had a dairy farm. Kim has a passion to help customers reach production, growth and sustainability goals. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her family (including coaching hockey), swimming, photography (and teaching photography), and skating.

BOP Hub & Service Centre Manager
Michael Murray

Distribution

Key Account Nutrient Specialist Manawatu / Lower Rangitikei
Hamish Clausen
Hamish Clausen

Nutrient Specialist

Hamish is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for Manawatu / Lower Rangitikei.

He originally joined Ballance in October 2018 as part of our Sales Intern programme based in the Western Lower North Island, before moving north to Taupo in February 2019. Through his career at Ballance Hamish has prided himself on his community involvement, challenging the status quo to support our environmental opportunities and trial work around the Central Plateau.

Growing up on a 200 ha intensive sheep, beef finishing and cropping farm west of Feilding fuelled a keen interest in the agricultural sector and being part of the farming community. Wanting to pursue a career in Agriculture, Hamish completed a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey before heading overseas on his OE. His journey took him through Europe, the UK and Canada, and included working on Arable farms in Western Australia and Scotland.

He is a social and active person with an interest in rugby, motocross, snowboarding and hunting.

Director
Dacey Balle
Dacey Balle

Board Of Directors

Dacey Balle is Managing Director of Balle Bros Group, a vertically integrated fresh produce supplying retail and foodservice businesses across New Zealand and internationally. Balle Bros Group has growing operations covering 4,000ha across a number of regions including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Ruapehu, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury. Dacey is also part of a family owned 1,000ha dairy operation at Mercer in the North Waikato. A chartered accountant his governance roles also include Onions New Zealand and Potatoes New Zealand. Past governance experience also includes directorships with Manuka SA and Open Country Dairy Limited.

Chair
Duncan Coull
Duncan Coull

Board of Directors

Duncan, along with his wife Julie, farm a mix of dairy, kiwifruit and forestry operations in the northern King Country near Otorohanga. A staunch advocate for the co-operative model, Duncan was previously Chair of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council from 2015 to 2019. Duncan has travelled extensively into the global markets, both during his time at Fonterra and also at Ballance. Having a global view of customer and consumer trends and how they shape business in New Zealand. Duncan has a background as a rural finance manager and runs a farm consultancy business, providing operational and strategic support for clients nationwide. Duncan sits on various advisory boards, both in agriculture and construction, and currently chairs the Board at Otorohanga College.

Sales team - Calvin Ball
Calvin Ball

Agriculture has always been a part of Calvin’s life, having grown up on a dairy farm in Ruawai, Northland. Keen to make a career in the industry, he gained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) from Massey University to support his practical knowledge.

He joined Ballance in 2013 as a Nutrient Specialist for Wairarapa, before being promoted to our Key Accounts team in 2014, looking after customers in the Waikato. From there he was invited to join the strategy team in 2015 until embarking on his OE the following year. He spent three years working in London and then returned to New Zealand in 2019, basing himself in Whangarei where he commenced his role of Regional Sales Manager Northern North Island.

Outside of work, Calvin enjoys all things outdoors - being a keen spearfisherman, hunter, and runner.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Jessie McNeil

Nutrient Specialist

Jessie McNeil joined the East Coast team in November 2018 as the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for Gisborne.

Hailing from a sheep and beef farm in the hills of Tolaga Bay, she was introduced to the world of agriculture at an early age. Her passion for farming and being outdoors was further bolstered during time spent as a shepherd with a team of dogs and horses, before heading to Lincoln University to complete a Bachelor of Agriculture.

When not working, she's often on the polo field or helping out on the farm.

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Carolien Ashborne - Payne
Carolien Ashborne Payne

Farm Sustainability Services

Carolien is a Senior Farm Sustainability Specialist based in the Waikato region.

Starting with Ballance in 2006 she joined us as a Nutrient Specialist, both in the Hauraki Plains/Coromandel/Waihi and more recently was based in Huntly.

Carolien is passionate about the agriculture industry and has been involved in judging the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for 5 years. She provides a wealth of knowledge on whole farm nutrient management - complemented by a Bachelor of Applied Science and is a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor. Carolien can provide tailored advice that promotes sustainable practices on farm while meeting the needs of industry certification, regulatory compliance or application for resource content. 

In her spare time Carolien enjoys spending time with her young family, friends, gardening and in the outdoors

James Logan
James Logan

Hailing from Hutt Valley, Wellington, James spent many weekends on the rugged Wairarapa Coast at a family bach. It was during his time spent there helping a neighbouring farmer that his interest in agriculture was sparked. This led him to Lincoln University where he gained a Bachelor of Agriculture Science. While studying he spent the summer months working on farms, including a large sheep and beef property near Dannevirke.

After graduating with his degree, James obtained a spot in our 2019 Sales Intern programme starting in February of that year. He then quickly progressed to a Nutrient Specialist role, heading to the East Coast in July 2019 where he is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist Hawkes Bay.

Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends, catching up with family, sports and getting into the outdoors hunting, diving, and fishing

Corporate Account Specialist Otago/Southland
Tim Buckley
Timothy Buckley

Corporate Accounts

Service Centre Manager Hastings
Daniel Mason

Distribution

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Dorothee Frey

Nutrient Specialist

Dot joined Ballance in July 2019 as Nutrient Specialist Putaruru / Tokoroa.

She brings extensive experience to the role, having been dairy farming for over 10 years and also holds a Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management from Massey University.

Dot is passionate about the agriculture industry and enjoys helping clients to improve their productivity and reach their business goals.

A mum to two boys, she spends her time outside of work with family, and helping friends on their farms.

Horticulture & Arable Specialist
Jai Prakash

Arable and Horticulture

Matthew House

Having grown up in rural New Zealand, Matt spent much of his childhood and teenage years helping his parents on and around farms, enjoying the many unique opportunities offered in this situation.

These experiences encouraged and nourished Matt’s passion for all aspects of science, inspiring him to pursue study at a tertiary level.  Having completed post-graduate study in Environmental Science and Earth Sciences, Matt brings a strong background in all aspects of natural sciences, with a specialisation in soil science.

Matt enjoys a challenge both in and out of the office, and is excited to be a part of a team that works with farmers to achieve outcomes which benefit the future of the agriculture industry, the environment and New Zealand’s rural community.

GM Operations & Supply Chain
Shane Dufaur
Shane Dufaur

Leadership Team

Shane is a champion of health & safety and enabling people to perform at their best. Previously Chief Executive of Dominion Salt since 2012 and Managing Director of FTL, Shane is well-known in industry circles.

 

He has a depth of experience in New Zealand and has also held executive positions for global brands such as Navman, where he was Vice-President, and market-leading engineering services business, Schlumberger Oilfield Services, where he worked across a range of functions and roles in Asia, Australasia, United States and the Middle East over 13 years.

 

Shane holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Auckland and has also completed post-graduate study at the London Business School and the Columbia Business School.

Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Skilton
Matt Skilton

Leadership Team

Matt has had significant experience in working within large manufacturing and distribution businesses to identify value drivers, lift performance and expand into adjacent growth opportunities.
 
He is a Chartered Accountant and has a BBS (Accounting and Finance) from Massey University as well as post graduate studies in leadership. Matt was previously Group GM of Finance at Fletcher Building for two years and more recently as a Divisional CFO with financial responsibility for a number of key manufacturing or distribution businesses in New Zealand and Australia including PlaceMakers, Fletcher Steel, Mico, Laminex NZ, Iplex NZ, Tradelink and Stramit. He also previously worked at Spark where he held a number of Group Head of Finance roles, including Financial Control, Head of Tax and Treasury Operations.

 

Of Te Ātiawa decent, Matt also volunteers his time as an advisor into the Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui Trust Board. 

Nutrient Specialist
Andrew Hull

Nutrient Specialist

Andrew started his farming career working on a sheep and beef farm in Southern Hawkes Bay, followed by several years on dairy farms in the lower North Island. He has spent time in England working on three farms making silage.

He obtained a Horticulture Science degree from Lincoln University, and pursued a career in Viticulture working in Waipara, Hawke's Bay and Northland before joining Ballance in 2019.

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Kate Moorhead

Farm Sustainability Services

Kate joined the Farm Sustainability Services team in June 2019, based in the South Island.

Born and bred in Mid Canterbury on an irrigated mixed sheep and cropping farm, Kate then went on to Lincoln University completing a Bachelor of Commerce & Management. 

Together with her husband and two children, they farm a 650cow dairy farm in an equity partnership near Hinds. This has given her first-hand experience at dealing with environmental compliance as their farming operation falls under a Land Use to Farm consent and are required to make Nitrogen reductions. Kate enjoys being able to help farmers through this space to achieve the best possible outcomes for their business.   

In her spare time, when not helping on the farm Kate enjoys horse riding, squash, water sports and spending time with friends and family. 

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Nutrient Specialist - Nicole Lovett
Nicole Lovett

Farm Sustainability Services

Nicole joined the Farm Sustainability Service team in January 2020, working from our Morrinsville Service Centre.

She gained a Bachelor of Science from Massey University in 2017, with a focus on both animal science and biological sciences. Prior to joining Ballance her work has been predominantly in the dairy industry, covering the sustainability, food safety and quality spaces. Nicole also has practical experience in the industry spending her downtime from university on dairy farms and, as a Cambridge local, has spent considerable time on thoroughbred stud farms.

Sustainability is an area of high importance to the future of New Zealand agriculture, and Nicole feels privileged to be able to assist farmers in navigating this complex topic.

General Manager People and Capability
Jackie Rich
Jackie Rich

Leadership Team

Jackie is an internationally experienced human resources professional having lived and worked in Glasgow, London, Paris, Brussels, Tokyo, Auckland and Melbourne. 

 

Originally from Scotland, Jackie has chosen NZ as her home, and is now a proud kiwi becoming a citizen six years ago.

 

Jackie has a strong track record in Australasian centric businesses with Carter Holt Harvey, Frucor, Asahi Beverages and Toll Group, after a successful career in the UK with Sara Lee and Promat International.  

 

Jackie has led teams at both strategic and operational levels, with over 20 years’ experience spanning the full spectrum of HR functions. Her deep knowledge and passion for people and safety is aligned to Ballance and our shareholders core values of working hard for the love our land, our animals and our people.

Chief Digital Officer
David Healy
David Healy

Leadership Team

David has over 20 years’ experience supporting businesses through technology and process management change projects. Leading initiatives for start-ups, public organisations and private companies including Icebreaker and Kathmandu Ltd.  

 

Becoming a member of Ballance’s Lead team was the logical next step in David’s career as the company values align perfectly with his own. David’s engaging leadership style and extensive IT and project management experience will ensure Ballance can navigate future digital innovations and challenges. 

 

Originally from the UK, David re-located to NZ in 2005 becoming a citizen in 2016. He has lived in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and now the lovely Bay of Plenty. 

Horticultural Specialist Bay of Plenty
Nutrient Specialist - Sam Moore
Sam Moore

Arable and Horticulture

Director
Danni Darke
Dani Darke

Board Of Directors

Dani Darke co-owns a 628-hectare sheep and beef farm in the King Country with husband Anthony. Dani is passionate about New Zealand's rural communities and wants to see them thrive into the future. She has strong networks throughout the agriculture industry, and brings expertise from across the sheep and beef supply chain. Dani holds a partnership role with Rural Coach. Dani holds a Bachelor in Agriculture from Massey University and is a former finance manager with ANZ. She has previously specialised in aviation credit with BP, and has been part of the executive leadership team with a meat processing organisation. Dani's governance experience includes Chair of the Mid Northern Beef + Lamb Council, OSPRI Associate Director, and Co-founder and Chair of the Agribusiness Growth Group.

Senior Service Centre Manager Southland
Ricky Saunders

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Waingawa
Maryann Tapara

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Te Puke
Johannes van den Berg

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Kaikohe & Waipapa
Budge Owen

Distribution

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Michael Webb
Michael Webb

Nutrient Specialist

Mike started with Ballance in January 2020 as part of our Intern programme, progressing to Nutrient Specialist Huntly later that same year.

Originally from Gisborne, he headed to Massey University to gain a Bachelor of Agri Commerce.

In his spare time Mike enjoys being invovled in sports and fitness related activities with friends to stay fit and meet new people.

Service Centre Manager Otorohanga
Amber Cook

Distribution

Core Nutrient Specialist Manawatu / Lower Rangitikei
Nutrient Specialist - Maree Klee
Maree Klee

Nutrient Specialist

Maree has been the Nutrient Specialist for Manawatu / Lower Rangitikei since January 2021. 

Maree grew up in Wellington and moved to the Manawatu to gain a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from Massey University.  Since then, she has held various technical and R&D roles in the agricultural industry, including for AgResearch, Fonterra and ARL, giving her insight into a wide range of farming practises.

Maree and her husband have been in the dairy industry for over 12 years.  In 2018 they sold their herd and now are in an equity partnership on a 550-cow dairy farm in Opiki, right in the middle of her area. 

Maree is passionate about her community and enjoys being involved in local activities.  Outside of work her two girls keep her busy and she likes to read and fish.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Madeleine Horne

Nutrient Specialist

Madeleine Horne is the Nutrient Specialist for Methven/ Rakaia region, joining the Central South Island team in April 2021. Her passion for the rural sector stems from a background in beef cattle, being raised on a Murray Grey stud in Tapawera, Northwest of Nelson. Madeleine made the move to Canterbury to study a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, completing honours in soil science. After graduating, Madeleine worked as a Soil Fertility Analyst for a nutrient supply company which has provided her with valuable experience in various agricultural systems.

Outside of work, Madeleine enjoys staying active with a keen interest in training and competing sport horses. 

Corporate Account Specialist Otago/Southland
Nutrient Specialist - Samantha Dickie
Samantha Dickie

Corporate Accounts

Nutrient Specialist
Nigel Parton

Nutrient Specialist

Nigel joined the Northern North Island Sales team in June 2021, returning for a second stint with the company.

He hails from a small farm in Poroti, just west of Whangarei. Growing up surrounded by dairy farms sparked his interest in the agriculture sector, leading him to attain a Diploma in Agriculture.

After gaining his qualification, overseas travel beckoned Nigel, and he spent 6 years working on cropping and dairy farms in both England and the USA before returning home. Since his return to New Zealand, Nigel has been immersed in different roles in the agriculture industry for over 20 years.

When not working Nigel enjoys time with his family on their lifestyle block in Glenbervie where they run a few beef animals, as well as fishing, mountain biking and trail riding.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist Central / South Taranaki
Nutrient Specialist - Tomiko Mayo
Tomiko Mayo

Nutrient Specialist

Tomiko Joined Ballance in November of 2020 and soon after transitioned into her current role within the Taranaki team, based in Hawera. Tomiko has gained a Bachelor of Agriculture Science majoring in Agriculture, and has also completed Sustainaable Nutrient Managment courses through Massey University.

Although having grown up in the city, Tomiko has plunged herself into every opportunity to gain experience on farm. She has spent time on drystock farms in the Coromandel, time in the dairy shed and extensive calf rearing throughout her university years.

In her spare time, she enjoys heading out on the water fishing, camping and spending time with her friends

Corporate Account Specialist
Katie Aitkenhead
Katie Aitkenhead

Key Accounts

Katie is the Key Account Specialist for Taupo/Waikato.

Growing up on farms in both the King Country and NZ-WAI, Katie then attended Massey University and gained a BSci (Hons) from Massey University in Chemistry, before joining Ballance in December 2013.

Prior to joining Ballance, she worked for Plant and Food Research and Gribbles Veterinary Pathology in the biochemistry department, looking at nitrogen levels in plants.

Her passion for the role is in meeting a variety of people and sharing knowledge of soils and farm systems.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Thomas Beisly

Nutrient Specialist

Thomas joined Ballance in August 2021 as the Nutrient Specialist covering Morrinsville / Matamata.

His love for the land and animals started young, and Thomas indulged this through working on several farms around the Waikato. He has also spent several years working in agricultural retail which has enhanced his knowledge of the industry.

Passionate about Kiwi agriculture, Thomas enjoys assisting farmers to see their businesses and the sector in general thrive.

In his free time, Thomas can be found in nature – whether it be walking with his dogs or looking after his other animals, he’s happiest outside.

Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist
Katie Wilkinson

Nutrient Specialist

Katie started working for Ballance Agri-Nutrients in October 2021, covering the Te Aroha / Matamata area.

She grew up on and around dairy farms and lifestyle blocks, igniting her passion for the industry and leading her to tertiary study. After completing a Bachelor of Management studies (AgriBusiness) at the University of Waikato, she embarked on a role with PGG Wrightson Fruitfed Supplies. She credits this role with growing her knowledge in both the Horticulture and Agriculture sectors.

She thrives on building relationships with customers, while striving to continue learning and embracing any challenges that come her way.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Greer Williams

Nutrient Specialist

Greer Williams is the Nutrient Specialist for Pahiatua / Dannevirke, taking on the role in September 2021.

Her passion for the agriculture industry started at a young age having grown up on a small sheep and beef family farm in Omihi, North Canterbury. While completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University, Greer gained a range of practical experiences during the summer breaks and upon graduating with her degree, Greer took on a shepherding role in North Otago. This role gave Greer the insight to farming full time allowing personal and physical growth which she implements in her job today.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
JB Mikkelsen

Nutrient Specialist

JulieBeth (JB) Mikkelsen is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for Cambridge/Te Awamutu East.

She grew up on her parent’s farm in Ohaupo, where they had a dairy herd and a Charolais stud. She then attended Massey University, gaining a Bachelor of AgriScience with First Class Honours.

Initially joining Ballance in April 2013 as a cadet, she progressed to Nutrient Specialist for North Otago in August the same year. After spending two years growing the Ballance brand in the region, JB left Ballance in August 2015 to help on her parents beef farm. She also spent some time travelling, taking two trips overseas exploring South East Asia, the UK and Europe before returning to work for Ballance based in the Waikato.

JB has a passion for agriculture and enjoys getting out on farm and being able to help customers with their nutrient and environmental requirements.

Outside of work, JB enjoys travelling, playing social netball, and spending time with friends and family.

Director
Cameron Henderson
Cameron Henderson

Board Of Directors

Cameron Henderson runs a 400 hectare dairy, dairy support and arable farming business near Oxford, North Canterbury, with wife Sarah. Cameron holds degrees in both Engineering and Finance from Auckland University as well as a certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management from Massey University. Cameron has built up considerable knowledge of the dairy industry, spending time with DairyNZ and Fonterra while building his family farming business over the last 12 years. Cameron brings to the Ballance board expertise in business management and global supply chains, together with extensive knowledge of environmental policy. Cameron holds voluntary roles as trustee of North Canterbury Farmers Charitable Trust, Waimakariri Landcare Trust and DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leaders. He is a previous President of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, associate Director at DairyNZ, and Steering Group Member for He Waka Eke Noa. A Nuffield and Kellogg scholar, Cameron was awarded the inaugural Synlait ‘Farming for a Healthier World’ Award in 2022.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Hayley Jackson
Hayley Jackson

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Millie Reed
Millie Reed

Nutrient Specialist

Millie’s passion for the agricultural industry was stemmed at an early age growing up on a sheep beef and deer farm in North Canterbury. This led her to study at Lincoln University and attain a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture. During this time she grew her knowledge base through practical work on both dairy and sheep and beef farms.

Millie joined the Ballance Farm Sustainability Services team in 2019,and worked towards becoming a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor. She made the switch to Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist in June 2021.

In an ever changing environment Millie enjoys being able to help farmers to achieve the best possible outcomes for their business. 

Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, netball/squash, water sports and spending time with family and friends.

Regional Sales Manager Otago
Nutrient Specialist - Rachael Hoogenboom
Rachael Hoogenboom

Senior Sales Staff

Nutrient Specialist
Jon Schellingerhout

Nutrient Specialist

Jon started working for Ballance in lower Northland in August 2020, returning for a second stint with the company having previously been in the Bay of Plenty.

Born in the UK in the East Riding of Yorkshire county, Jon spent his early working career on a dairy farm before gaining a National Diploma in Agriculture at Bishop Burton College of Agriculture. After leaving college Jon entered the agrochemical industry working for an international manufacturer. He later took a position working as an agronomist for a large privately owned farming company, farming 11,000 acres of arable land in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Eastern Scotland. During this time he gained the BASIS and FACTS qualifications from Harper Adams.

Jon immigrated to New Zealand in late 1999 where he continued working in the agrochemical industry before joining Ballance in 2011.

When not at work, Jon enjoys fishing, shooting and his other passion is football, in particular supporting Liverpool Football Club.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Angus Brown

Nutrient Specialist

Angus started his career with Ballance in November 2021, taking on the role of Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist Pahiatua / Dannevirke.

Hailing from a sheep and beef property in Kohunui, Pahiatua, agriculture has always been in Angus's blood. He gained a Diploma of Rural Business from Telford Rural Polytech, and then decided the wide world was calling - heading off on a working OE that took him to Alberta in Canada and West Yorkshire in the UK.

Upon his return to NZ, he and his twin brother embarked on leasing a family dairy, sheep, and beef farm, and also spent 5 years managing a farm in Tararua. He found like-minded souls through NZ Young Farmers and in 2010 was the East Coast Grand Finalist for the Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Angus's spare time is spent with his wife and 5 children - being involved in several community organisations and following the children with their many sporting activities.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Jessica Mackay

Nutrient Specialist

Core Nutrient Specialist
Jessica Rawlings
Jessica Sharp

Nutrient Specialist

Jessica Sharp joined Ballance in October 2015 as a Sales Cadet in the Taranaki region, before progressing to Nutrient Specialist Te Aroha, based out of the Morrinsville Service Centre.

Jessica completed a secondary teaching degree but decided that sitting in a classroom was not for her

Core Nutrient Specialist
Martin Burrows

Nutrient Specialist

Martin Burrows joined Ballance in December 2021 as the Nutrient Specialist covering Blenheim / Kaikoura

A Blenheim local, he brings a wealth of knoweldge to the role with over 20 years experience in the fertiliser industry and is also a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor.

Martin enjoys making connections and building relationships with his customers.

Regional Sales Manager Western LNI
Sales team - Josh Verhoek
Joshua Verhoek

Senior Sales Staff

Josh is the Regional Sales Manager for the Western Lower North Island region.

Josh joined Ballance in January 2010 as a Nutrient Specialist in the North Waikato. He then spent two years dairy farming managing 400 cows in the South Waikato, before returning to Ballance to join the Science Extension team where he has spent the last 7.5 years in a technical support role to the business.

Josh is born and bred in Whanganui on a sheep and beef property and attended Lincoln University to complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Paige Somerville

Nutrient Specialist

Paige is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for Western Southland, stepping into the role in February 2023.

Originally joining Ballance in early 2022, she was responsible for the Core portfolio in Western Southland, quickly demonstrating her skills and knowledge in the industry.

Paige grew up in the Rangitikei district on her family’s sheep and beef station west of Hunterville. Her farming background led her to further her career and passion for agriculture and the industry by attending Lincoln University, where her interests in soil and animal science grew. Returning to the farm Paige continued her career shepherding around the wider Manawatu-Wanganui region, where she then took on a role as a Customer Service Representative with PGG Wrightson for the 2 years prior to joining Ballance.

Farm Sustainability Manager North Island
Farm Sustainability Services - Angus Dowson
Angus Dowson

Senior Sales Staff

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Nutrient Specialist - Molly Alton
Molly Alton

Farm Sustainability Services

Molly joined the Farm Sustainability Services Team in January 2022, based in Patoka, Hawkes Bay. Prior to Ballance, Molly worked in the public sector as a rural compliance officer monitoring resource consents on pastural farming properties. Here, she gained significant knowledge and experience in understanding how regional and national policies impacts the farming sector. Molly is committed to helping farmers navigate the regulation while improving the sustainability of the primary sector as a whole. Molly is able to relate directly to the challenges of the industry, living on a self-contained dairy unit with an adjacent sheep and beef drystock block. Molly is especially passionate about sheep farming where their black face terminal sire stud keeps her busy throughout the week.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Hunter Aiken
Hunter Aiken

Nutrient Specialist

Director
Director - Michele Kernahan
Michele Kernahan

Board Of Directors

Michele Kernahan has more than two decades of governance and leadership experience in the manufacturing, transport and infrastructure sectors. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for Ritchies Transport, one of New Zealand’s largest bus and passenger transport companies. Michele has spent much of her career at Fletcher Building Limited, where she held a range of roles over the course of 20 years, including Chief Executive of Building Products and Fletcher’s Construction division.  Her supply chain knowledge and broad commercial acumen are an asset on a Board dedicated to improving Ballance’s performance and shareholder returns. With an MBA from the University of Canterbury, Michele’s proud to be part of a team that is leading environmentally sustainable nutrient management, which is so important for New Zealand consumers and for farmers and growers to be able to thrive.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Alison Murney

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Kajil Singh-Sandhu
Kajil Singh-Sandhu

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Lucy McLean

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Jarrod Lindsay

Nutrient Specialist

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Barbera Forster
Barbera Forster

Nutrient Specialist

Farm Sustainability Consultant
George Hyauiason

Farm Sustainability Services

George joined the Farm Sustainability team in July 2022 and is based out of our corporate Mount Maunganui office. Having gained a Bachelor of Horticultural Science in 2021, he went into full time trapping and pest control in the Turitea Reserve, located north of the Manawatu Gorge in the Tararua Range. His passion for sustainability was ignited in this role and coupled with his drive for supporting the primary industries, the Farm Sustainability Services team at Ballance was the perfect fit for him.

George is passionate about helping optimise farm systems, provide regulatory advice and create sustainable solutions to manage farm risk. He has a particular interest in horticulture and helping growers to navigate the ever-shifting regulatory space and refine their growing systems to be as productive and renewable as possible. In his spare time, George enjoys mountain biking in the redwoods, early morning climbs up the Mount with his flatmates and time with family and friends.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Rod Harris

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Caitlynn Rust

Nutrient Specialist

Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Helen Koopman
Helen Koopman

Nutrient Specialist

Horticulture & Arable Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Harrison Ward
Harrison Ward

Arable and Horticulture

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Kieran McNaught

Farm Sustainability Services

Kieran joined the Farm Sustainability Service team in July 2022, based out of our Awarua office.
 
He gained a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology from the University of Canterbury in 2013 and went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Science (endorsed in Environmental Science) in 2014. Upon graduating Kieran spent several years working as a planning consultant in Southland, assisting farmers in obtaining Resource Consents. 
 
Outside of work Kieran enjoys playing Rugby and Squash, following horse racing and spending time with his young family.

 

Farm Sustainability Manager South Island
Farm Sustainability Services - Peter Thomas
Peter Thomas

Senior Sales Staff

Peter joined the Farm Sustainability team in May 2022 as the Farm Sustainability Manager- South Island.

Peter has moved to this role following 4.5 years as a Sales Coach being responsible for running Ballance’s Intern Program along with training and development of new staff in the South Island. Prior to this he also spent 3 years as a Nutrient specialist in the Whangarei region originally starting with Ballance in November 2014. Peter has grown up on a family sheep and beef farm in Southland and has completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University.

He enjoys spending time with his team visiting farmers and helping them to tackle challenges to meet their on-farm sustainability goals. Outside of work he enjoys getting out into the hills enjoying the many outdoor activities Canterbury has to offer.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Ryan McCarthy

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Abby O'Brien

Nutrient Specialist

Abby started with Ballance in December 2021 as the Nutrient Specialist for Timaru/Oamaru.

She grew up in Timaru and then went on to study at Lincoln, completing a Bachelor of Land and Property Management with Rural Valuation Major and Primary Production Specialisation, graduating in 2021. During her studies she worked on a variety of farms during holiday time - dairying in both North Otago and Mid Canterbury and a sheep and beef station in the Manawatu. Abby also did a summer at Asure Quality as a Senior Crop Inspector.

After concluding her studies, she gained employment back at Lincoln University, working in the Customer Engagement team as a Student Liaison Officer. Abby's main role was to help students plan their Lincoln journey and advise students on all aspects of study and life at Lincoln. 

Abby enjoys enhancing her knowledge through connecting with farmers and helping them get the best out of their property

In her spare time, she enjoys playing sport - mostly netball and touch - as well as getting out and about exploring NZ with friends and family.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Sophie McLean
Sophie McLean

Nutrient Specialist

Sophie McLean joined the Farm Sustainability Services Team in November 2020.  Hailing from Southland, Sophie has always had a passion for agriculture and attended Lincoln University to complete a Bachelor of Environmental Management.

After university Sophie worked as a compliance officer for the Southland Regional Council, a role which gave her insight into the pressure the councils have on them with the increasing amounts of environmental legislation. She believes in working alongside our farmers to overcome these challenges and contribute towards positive, sustainable change for the future of farming.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Brittney Matthews
Brittney Matthews

Nutrient Specialist

Brittney is the Nutrient Specialist for Taupo/Reporoa, taking on the role in October 2022 after starting her career with Ballance in our Customer Services team early that year. She then progressed into our Outbound Team, where she was responsible for completing fertiliser plans for some of our smaller customers over the phone, giving her the perfect foundation for the Nutrient Specialist role.

Born and bred on an 1800ha hill country sheep and beef farm North of Wanganui, Brittney discovered a passion for the agriculture industry at a young age. This inspired Brittney to complete a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University. During this time, she has worked on a variety of intensive and extensive farms in the King Country, Southland, and Bay of Plenty. 

In her spare time, she enjoys heading back to the farm hunting, being on the water fishing, skiing, and spending time with friends and family. 

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Amelia Marsden
Amelia Marsden

Nutrient Specialist

Farm Sustainability Consultant
Ella Hughes

Farm Sustainability Services

Ella joined the Farm Sustainability Services team in November 2022, based in Southland.

She gained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University in 2022, covering all aspects of farm management, environmental and financial knowledge. Growing up on a dairy farm in Southland she has built a good understanding of the dairy industry, which has been complemented by practical experience on various sheep and beef farms. She is passionate about the agricultural industry and enjoys working alongside farmers to help them manage all their environmental compliance demands. Outside of work Ella enjoys tramping, playing sport, boating and spending time with family and friends.

 

Whangarei Hub Manager
Damon Kemp

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Gisborne
Joshua Renata

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Te Awamutu
Jason Harrison

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Te Kuiti
Jason Freakley

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Tirau
Sandy Dennis

Distribution

Service Centre Manager Rotorua
Jarrad Williams

Distribution

Pungarahu Service Centre Supervisor
Jacinda Cox

Distribution

Horticulture & Arable Specialist Hawkes Bay.
Lachlan Barrett

Arable and Horticulture

Hort and Arable Specialist Canterbury
Nikita Beck

Arable and Horticulture

Regional Sales Manager Central South Island
Nutrient Specialist - Bryan Milne
Bryan Milne

Senior Sales Staff

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Morgan Nimmo

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Anna Ramsay

Nutrient Specialist

Anna grew up on a sheep and beef farm near Rotorua before heading to Massey University to complete a Bachelor of AgriScience. After university she spent 5 years in Australia and the UK doing seasonal farm work before travelling through South-East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. On her move back to New Zealand she spent two years shepherding in Southland, then embarked on another stint in South America. At the end of 2019, Anna and her husband Grant returned to his family sheep and beef farm in Middlemarch. Anna also spent time working for ANZCO Foods on the pack line, working her way up to leading hand of the pack room.

Nutrient Specialist
Soraya Rowling

Nutrient Specialist

Soraya joins the Ballance team having spent the previous three years working for a large rural merchant company. Prior to that she had a long tenure working in Rural Insurance, based in the South Waikato / King Country area. She is passionate about agriculture and supporting her customers to achieve their farming goals.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Matthew Sisson

Nutrient Specialist

Matthew joined the South Waikato team in April 2023, as the Nutrient Specialist for the Putaruru / Tokoroa.

Matthew’s interest in the agriculture sector was sparked at a young age, growing up in a family who was heavily involved in and around New Zealand’s primary industries. He fuelled this interest further by completing a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey University, majoring in International Agribusiness. During his studies he was fortunate to secure a scholarship to travel to South America where he investigated both agricultural and horticultural systems. This enhanced his passion for efficient and sustainable farming methods while also helping farmers achieve their business goals.

Key Account Nutrient Specialist
Russell Clayton

Nutrient Specialist

Russell brings a wealth of knowledge gained through his time on the family farm as well as previous roles he has held, with much of his career spent managing stock and a range of sheep and beef farms. In addition to this he holds a Diploma in Sheep and Beef Production Management and owns a small farm in Ashley Clinton which he calls home. Russell has a passion for providing farmers the tools to assist them to farm sustainably and profitably not only for their generation, but for generations to come.

Core Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - McKenzie Frear
McKenzie Frear

Nutrient Specialist

Core Nutrient Specialist Whanganui / Upper Rangitikei
Nutrient Specialist - Jess Guy
Jessica Guy

Nutrient Specialist

Jess Guy is the Core Nutrient Specialist for the Whanganui/Upper Rangitikei. She has been with Ballance since January 2022, originally joining as part of the intern programme. Jess further honed her skills in a secondment position managing a portfolio in the Taranaki and King Country prior to this role in the Western Lower North Island team. Born and bred in Taihape and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Tolaga Bay, her passion for the industry has been evident since day one leading into studying a Bachelor of Commerce Agriculture at Lincoln University. Jess loves getting stuck in on the farm and going hunting with friends and family. She also loves community sport, playing both hockey and netball for Hunterville currently and more sports to come. She is looking forward to crossing paths with everyone in her area.

Hort and Arable Specialist Canterbury
Grace Reith

Arable and Horticulture

Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist
Geraldine Cook

Nutrient Specialist

Nutrient Specialist
Nutrient Specialist - Harry Ratcliffe
Harry Ratcliffe

Nutrient Specialist

Farm Sustainability Consultant
Hugh Trollope

Farm Sustainability Services

Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant
Jessica Hollever
Jessica Hall

Farm Sustainability Services

Core Nutrient Specialist North / Coastal Taranaki
Meg Fleury

Nutrient Specialist

Meg Fleury joined Ballance in May 2023 as the Nutrient Specialist for North/Coastal Taranaki. She grew up in the small rural town of Ohakune, before heading south to Lincoln University where she studied a Bachelor of Environment and Society majoring in Environmental Management, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Science. Having a number of friends and family in the rural community, Meg enjoys building long-term relationships with a wide variety of people and is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals. Outside of work Meg enjoys spending time with family and friends, skiing and getting out trying new things.

Farm Sustainability Consultant
Emily Woods

Farm Sustainability Services

Regional Sales Manager Top South Island
Senior Sales Staff - Ollie Knowles
Oliver Knowles

Senior Sales Staff

Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist Central Canterbury
Nutrient Specialist - Caitlin Thistoll
Caitlin Thistoll

Nutrient Specialist

Core Nutrient Specialist
Alice Perry

Nutrient Specialist

Alice came onboard with Ballance as the Nutrient Specialist for the Timaru-Oamaru region in October 2023. Growing up on her family's intensive arable cropping farm in Mid-Canterbury, Alice went on to complete a Bachelor of AgriScience with honours at Massey University in 2014. She has since worked in a variety of roles including rural insurance, dairy nutrition and livestock procurement that allowed her to combine her passion of agriculture and supporting farmers in their farming operations throughout the lower South Island. Alice moved to her partner's sheep and beef farm in Weston in 2018 and has since bred two young kids who enjoy the farm life greatly. In her spare time, she enjoys triathlons, particular the half ironman distance, which means lots of cycling and running as well as being a volunteer firefighter in the Weston Brigade. Alice is passionate about partnering with farmers to drive performance and profitability on farm effectively and efficiently.

Core Nutrient Specialist Central / South Taranaki
Bethany van der Sar

Nutrient Specialist

Key Account Nutrient Specialist South Ashburton
Peter Clayton

Nutrient Specialist

Peter is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for South Ashburton, joining the team in October 2023. Hailing from a sheep & beef farming background, he is the fourth generation of his family to work on the land, equipping him with a depth of farming knowledge. From there, he moved into the dairy sector as a 50/50 sharemilker farming 900 cows + replacements in South Otago. Along with a wealth of practical expertise, Peter also brings business experience to the role gained from running his own fencing business. He has previously worked in rural sales and has completed studies in Sustainable Agriculture through Nutri-Tech Solutions. Peter has a thorough understanding of farming culture and concerns and is dedicated to ensuring his farmers needs and investments are well represented and protected. Outside of work, other than spending time with family, being outdoors is Peter's happy place, where he'll either be found on the golf course or trekking the high country.

Regional Sales Manager Lower South Island
Senior Sales Staff - Kieran Anderson
Kieran Anderson

Senior Sales Staff

Chief Executive Officer
CEO - Kelvin Wickham
Kelvin Wickham

Leadership Team

Kelvin Wickham is a proven co-operative leader with over 34 years at Fonterra creating value for farmer shareholders. Kelvin’s extensive career at Fonterra culminated in him being based in Amsterdam leading all business activities across Africa, Middle East, Europe, North Asia, and the Americas, along with global oversight of the Active Living Functional Nutritional Unit and the NZMP brand. Prior to that he was responsible for the business unit NZMP, the biggest dairy ingredients selling and marketing entity in the world.

He has lived in Shanghai where he led Fonterra’s Greater China business across the full value chain from farms to brands. In an earlier Supplier and External Relations role he worked closely with farmer shareholders, with responsibility for Fonterra’s farmer facing teams as well as engaging with key New Zealand government and external stakeholders. As a member of Fonterra's management team reporting directly to the CEO, Kelvin has demonstrated his ability to be a forward-thinking and customer-focused leader. He has extensive experience in the international market, developing diverse teams with a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

Corporate Account Specialist Upper South Island
David Robinson

Corporate Accounts

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Corporate Accounts Associate
Shaun Fenwick

Corporate Accounts