Our People

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.

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

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.

Michael is the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist covering Central / South Taranaki.

Michael returned to Ballance in April 2024, after spending time overseas. He originally joined Ballance in June 2021 as the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for this region, before embarking on his travels in 2023.

He grew up on and still maintains family ownership of an 800-acre sheep and beef farm in Piopio, equipping him with extensive practical experience to bring to the role. He also holds a Bachelor of Agri Commerce, with a major in International Agribusiness.

Michael has spent time in varied roles within the industry, including a livestock representative and a Grain Merchant looking after both international and domestic procurement.

His passion for the agricultural sector has been a driving force in helping him understand farmers needs and enjoys helping them achieve the best possible performance from their business.

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.

Jessica Rawlings became the Key Account Nutrient Specialist for Central / South Taranaki in January 2025. Prior to this, she spent several years as the Nutrient Specialist for the Otorohanga area.

Jessica completed a secondary teaching degree but decided that sitting in a classroom was not for her - she wanted to be involved in the agricultural industry, working alongside farmers.

She comes from a farming background in Otorohanga where she grew up on the family dairy farm. Having spent time working on the farm, she discovered a passion for understanding what drives pasture growth and production and went on to study soil science at Waikato University.

When not at work, she will find any excuse to be out on the farm and has a genuine love for animals. Jessica also loves being let loose in the kitchen and cooking up a storm.