Our People

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel Hurley joined the South Waikato Team in December 2024, as the Core Nutrient Specialist for the Otorohanga/Te Awamutu East.

He joined Ballance in January 2024 as part of the Intern Programme, before continuing his development with secondments into Nutrient Specialist roles in both the King Country and Whangarei areas.

Daniel’s interest for the agricultural sector was sparked during his time working at Farmlands across the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. He credits his time there with growing his knowledge in the Agricultural and Horticulture sectors, inspiring him to complete a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Agricultural Business and Supply Chain Management.

He has built a strong passion for the agricultural sector and enjoys being on farm - building relationships with customers to help them achieve their business goals and thrive in the sector.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his friend’s and family or you will find him out on the Rugby Field or Golf Course.