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.
Caitlynn Rust
Corporate Accounts
Caitlynn Rust joined Ballance in 2021 as an intern while simultaneously covering numerous nutrient specialist roles throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. She then progressed quickly into a role as key nutrient specialist for her home patch spanning the Rotorua/Tauranga region. Growing up in Rotorua working on both drystock and dairy farms, Caitlynn then completed a bachelor's in Agricultural Science at Massey University with a focus on soil science and innovation. She has since completed her intermediate and advanced sustainable nutrient management courses. Caitlynn has a passion for integration between agriculture, technology, and the environment. This passion has also led her to be part of the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environmental Awards committee.