Our People

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

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

Andrew Rutherford is the Regional Sales Manager covering the Eastern region.

He spent his childhood on the family’s 225-hectare sheep and beef farm in the southern Hawke’s Bay. This, when combined with over 20 years working in the agriculture industry, has resulted in Andrew developing a broad knowledge of the sector.

He originally joined Ballance in March 2002 before moving into a Corporate Accounts Specialist role for the Central Plateau in 2008. In this role Andrew built strong relationships and enjoyed having a positive influence on his customers farming operations through providing quality advice. He has utilised these skills and his years of experience to move into a leadership role, where he can support and guide his team through their careers in agriculture.

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.

Joining Ballance in October 2024, I bring a strong passion in agriculture, having earned a Diploma from Lincoln University in 2022. My education includes specialized courses in Livestock Behaviour and Animal Health through Primary ITO, as well as another course on the New Zealand Primary Sector.

Growing up on a dairy farm west of Whangarei created a deep passion for farming, which I continue to pursue today on my family’s beef block in Ruatangata West. After the dairy farm was sold, I continued to look for opportunities in the dairy industry, ultimately becoming a 2IC and even stepping into management roles at times by the age of 16.

I’m excited to contribute my knowledge and experience to the team at Ballance.

Josefin (known as Josi) joined Ballance in November 2024 after working for Farmlands Whangarei for a couple of years. Born in the countryside of Sweden, growing up on her grandfather’s dairy and pig farm, Josi developed a keen interest in the rural sector and the love of horses early on.

After extensive traveling and working in USA, Israel, Spain & Ireland, Josi moved to New Zealand in 2008, first working in the IT sector and project management. She then transitioned back to her rural roots purchasing a lifestyle property in South Head and began commercial rearing of Brown Shaver chickens for the backyard farmers.

Having inherited poorly maintained lifestyle properties in the past, Josi has learned the hard way the importance of soil maintenance for pasture growth and is looking forward to helping others with their nutrient requirements.

Josi now enjoys the rural lifestyle in Whangarei raising beef cattle, rearing chickens, and spending time with her 3 horses.