Malcolm joined Ballance in April 2017 as the Horticulture Specialist for the Bay of Plenty.

His interest in the industry has its roots in his childhood, with his father working as a plant scientist at MAF and a Team Leader at Crop & Food. This gave Malcolm the chance to spend many a summer assisting with field trial set up and data collection, while growing his passion at the same time.

The thirst for knowledge also led him to study, resulting in Malcolm obtaining a Certificate in Animal & Plant Production, a Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture & Oenology.

Prior to joining Ballance, Malcolm spent 5 years based in Pukekohe as Regional Business Manager/Ag Chem Category Manager for a horticultural supplies merchant. This role gave Malcolm the opportunity to further develop his knowledge of not only horticulture, but the business side of things as well. He has a particular interest in smart farming, and its’ relationship to ongoing sustainability.

Outside of work hours, Malcolm describes himself as an “executive bogan” – enjoying the usual outdoor pursuits, classic rock and old school V8s… but accompanied by single malts, fine wines and craft beer.

Shaun Vickers joined Ballance in March 2013 in the role of Horticulture Specialist for the Bay of Plenty region, before gaining a promotion to Horticulture Business Manager in April 2016.

Shaun was originally from a dairy farming background in the NZ-WAI but has been involved in the horticulture industry in New Zealand for over 18 years. His diverse experience in horticulture has gained him knowledge and skills in the fields of growing, client servicing and post-harvest operations in the pip fruit, kiwifruit and avocado industries.

Shaun has completed a number of qualifications in horticulture and management, including a Diploma in Horticulture through Lincoln University.

When he is not at work Shaun enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and whitebaiting when the opportunity arises and when possible travelling around New Zealand.

Scott Beckett joined Ballance in October 2012 in the role of Horticulture Specialist for the Pukekohe region.

Scott’s passion for horticulture and his desire to learn has lead him to travel and experience horticulture related work in different parts of the world. He commenced his work experience in his homeland of Zimbabwe before moving to the United States where he gained experience in several horticulture businesses where he had management responsibilities.

He moved to New Zealand and gained more experience in yet another horticulture related business. Now Scott feels it is time to settle down and relishes the opportunity to work in the vegetable growing district of Pukekohe.

Scott has a Bachelor of Crop and Soil Science from Oregon State University.

When he is not at work Scott enjoys time with family, fishing, photography and travel. And growing vegetables at home.

Hamish joined Ballance in July 2017 as the Horticulture & Arable Specialist for Gisborne.

Growing up and working on a Manawatu sheep, bull beef and mixed cropping property with a hydroponic tomato glasshouse encouraged Hamish’s enthusiasm for agriculture and horticulture. After earning an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from Massey, and further study in seed and food technology, he has gained 20 years’ experience in the grain and seed industry.

Working alongside a diverse range of people - both in New Zealand and abroad - from growers and researchers, to material suppliers, merchants, and ultimately processors and food manufacturers is a part of the role that Hamish finds fantastically rewarding.

Amongst many other interests, Hamish enjoys time with family and friends, music in the man cave, gamebird hunting and a spot of gardening.