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Kellogg Blog & News

Emily Walker – making an impact in New Zealand agribusiness.

From Engineer to Agri-Strategist: Emily Walker’s Path to Making an Impact in New Zealand’s Agribusiness Sector

A Canterbury native, Emily Walker’s story so far, has been marked by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership—values that are now shaping her efforts to play a role in transforming New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

The Spark: A Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship.

In 2022, Emily was awarded the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship, a pivotal moment in her career. As a structural engineer with a Master’s in Engineering Management, she had already established herself in the engineering world. However, a growing interest in agribusiness led her to explore ways to combine her technical background with her passion for supporting sustainable farming practices.

“The Mackenzie Scholarship gave me the financial support and confidence to explore my ideas further on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme,” Emily says. “Without it, my pivot into the agri-sector would not have happened the way it has.”

Emily’s Kellogg research, asked a key question: Does an evidence-based approach to decision-making improve outcomes for small-scale agribusinesses in New Zealand? The research aimed to identify ways that evidence-based frameworks could enhance decision-making, particularly in the face of the complex environmental, social, and economic challenges farmers face.

The findings of her research were clear: there is strong demand for better decision-making tools that help farmers evaluate and balance these impacts. Key recommendations included maintaining a deep understanding of the operating environment, aligning decisions with core values, and implementing multi-disciplinary boards to support decision-making.

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and a Business Launch.

The Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship enabled Emily to participate in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Despite holding down a demanding full-time job, she took leave to complete the programme. The skills and confidence Emily gained during Kellogg were instrumental in the launch of Tupu Strategic, a consultancy offering strategic and governance advisory services to agribusinesses.

Emily’s work with Tupu Strategic is grounded in the principles of her research. “I’ve integrated what I learned in Kellogg into every aspect of my work,” Emily says. “The decision-making framework is now a core part of my strategy work, governance roles, and client engagements. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how these tools can help drive better outcomes for the sector.”

Expanding Reach: Governance and Podcasting.

Since completing the Kellogg Programme, Emily’s career has rapidly expanded. In 2024, she became an Associate Trustee for both Wai Wānaka and AgResearch, roles that allow her to grow her governance skills while contributing to the strategic direction of key organisations in the food and fibre sector.

But it’s not just about boardrooms and business strategy. Emily also co-hosts and produces the Ag in Conversation podcast, a platform she describes as her most impactful project yet.

The podcast provides a space for open, thoughtful discussions on some of agriculture’s most pressing issues, ranging from rural women’s mental health to global trade agreements. By bringing the “kitchen table” conversations of rural communities into a global spotlight, Ag in Conversation aims to educate both those inside and outside the sector about the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand agriculture.

“We aim to scale impact through education,” Emily explains. “By diving into complex issues and sharing them with a wider audience, we can foster deeper understanding and encourage more informed conversations, both in the sector and beyond.”

Balancing it all.

In addition to her professional commitments, Emily is also a farmer and mother to a one-year-old daughter. Life on the farm in Tarras, in Central Otago, brings its own set of challenges, but she embraces the necessary juggling act.

“Balancing the podcast, client work, governance roles, farm life, and being a mum is definitely a challenge, but each part brings its own rewards,” she says. “The diversity of my experiences—whether it’s from the farm, the podcast, or my governance work—helps me grow and make a bigger impact in everything I do.”

Looking Ahead.

Looking to the future, Emily’s ambition is clear. She plans to continue her leadership development and expand her influence in the agribusiness sector through both governance and education. She is committed to creating a lasting impact by fostering evidence-based decision-making practices, supporting rural communities, and advocating for sustainable, forward-thinking strategies within food and fibre.

“The Mackenzie Scholarship set me on a trajectory towards making meaningful change in agriculture,” Emily reflects. “It gave me the space and resources to grow, and now I’m in a position to give back to the sector that is so vital to our country’s future.”

You can view Emily’s Kellogg report here.

Thomas Holmes – scholarship opens doors for Canterbury arable farmer.

Kellogg Programme Scholarship Opens Doors for Canterbury Arable Farmer Focused on Industry Change.

A scholarship from the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation provided a unique opportunity for a Cantabrian to take part in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Kellogg gave Thomas Holmes the chance to expand his leadership skills and has provided him with a platform to advocate for change in the fast-evolving arable farming industry in Canterbury.

Roots in Canterbury farming and connection to the Mackenzie brothers.

Growing up on a mixed arable farm in Methven, where his family has farmed for nearly 150 years, Thomas has a deep connection to the land. He pursued an AgScience Honours degree at Lincoln University, before working for eight years across various farms in New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

Thomas is currently employed in a Central Government role with Ministry for Primary Industries. He works to support farmers and growers navigating the increasingly complex regulatory and environmental landscape.

Thomas’s motivations for applying for the scholarship were twofold. Financial support was certainly a factor, but it was the story behind the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation that truly resonated with him. Inspired by the selflessness of two brothers who established the trust to support young people in the Canterbury region, he felt a strong personal connection to their values and desire to make a meaningful difference.

“The Trust’s foundations are all about giving back to the community, and it was the bother’s selflessness in this space that really drove me to apply,” said Thomas.

Expanding horizons with the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship.

The Scholarship has enabled Thomas to take part in the Kellogg Programme, to engage with peers and experts across various industries and expand his professional network. For someone from a rural farming background, he explains, the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and engage with others in the agricultural sector has been invaluable.

The role he holds with Government sees him acting as an On-Farm Support Advisor, where his primary role is to bridge the gap between farmers and the technical experts who assist them. Working closely with the arable farming community, he brings crucial information on everything from chemistry to land use changes. His expertise in arable farming allows him to provide tailored advice, helping farmers adapt to the ever-changing landscape of modern agriculture.

In a sector facing climate challenges, evolving regulations, and land use changes, Thomas believes farmers need clear, actionable guidance to make informed decisions. The shift towards new crops, such as stone fruit and apples, is one example of how quickly the Canterbury region is evolving.
“Arable farming is at a crossroads, but there’s a real opportunity to focus on the positives and identify where the silver linings are,” he explains.

The Kellogg Programme has played a pivotal role in Thomas’s professional and leadership development, particularly in his understanding of leadership. “I’ve realised that leadership isn’t about a single person at the top. It’s about collaboration and empowering teams,” he reflects. He credits the programme with expanding his thinking and helping him gain a clearer vision of where he wants to take his career in the future.

So, what does the future hold?

Looking ahead, Thomas is keen to take on more leadership responsibilities, either on-farm, in a government support role, or both. With an open mind about the potential of agri-tech and the future of the industry, he’s also considering opportunities like the Nuffield Scholarship as a way to broaden his perspective further. “I’d love to balance farming with supporting the wider sector,” he says, “and to contribute to meaningful change for the future of agriculture.”

The scholarship, he says, has given him the opportunity to reflect on the broader picture of New Zealand’s agricultural landscape and to think critically about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“Through the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation’s support in completing the Kellogg Programme, I truly feel I am better placed to play a part in shaping the future of farming in Canterbury.”

You can view Thomas’s Kellogg report here.

Isabelle Coates – networking, leadership, and giving back.

Isabelle Coates, 2021 Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship Winner, 2022 Kellogg Scholar.

For young professionals in the food and fibre sector, finding the right opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact can be challenging. But for Isabelle Coates, the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme provided both a transformative experience and a vital network of connections that has helped to shape her career path and her passion for supporting others.

Motivations for Applying: A Desire to Give Back.

The journey began while working for a not-for-profit, where limited resources sparked a desire to make a bigger impact. The organisation faced the common challenge of workforce attraction and retention, a theme that has become central to Isabelle’s career path. “I was working for a not-for-profit at the time, so we didn’t have a lot of money, but we were trying to do a lot with what we had,” said Isabelle. “The role opened my world to the power of workforce retention. Like many in my network, I wanted to do so much.”

Isabelle’s background in the meat industry, where she had previously been supported by the Meat Industry Association, further fuelled her drive. She wanted to give back to the industry that had supported her and had an ambitious vision for a project that aimed to secure funding to help improve workforce challenges within the meat processing industry. Gaining consensus from a large number of meat processors proved difficult – leaving the project in limbo. Despite this, Isabelle continued to look for opportunities to make a difference.

Winning the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship: A Vote of Confidence.

Winning the Scholarship enabled her to complete the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. It also marked a pivotal moment in her career. “Being so early in my career, winning the Scholarship meant a lot,” she shared. “It was a vote of confidence that the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation were willing to invest in me and, more broadly, in young people wanting to advance and grow in the sector.”

At a time when many young professionals can often feel uncertain about their place in food and fibre, the Scholarship offered not only financial support but a vital network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders. “There’s over two and a half million dollars’ worth of scholarships in the food and fibre sector, but so many people don’t know about them or don’t have the confidence to apply,” she explained. “Winning The Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship to do Kellogg, showed me that there’s a need for young talent and that the sector wants to invest in our growth.”

Kellogg didn’t just provide Isabelle with technical skills and knowledge—it also helped her grow her confidence and broaden her professional network, an invaluable asset early in her career. “Kellogg helped me grow my confidence. It gave me the tools to think more critically, be more efficient with my time, and to avoid my own past mistakes like falling into the work habits that lead to burnout,” said Isabelle.

After Kellogg: A New Outlook and Career Path.

Since completing the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, Isabelle’s career trajectory has shifted. She transitioned from PGG Wrightson to Muka Tangata, where she worked on qualifications and standards for nine months, engaging heavily with the forestry and agricultural industries. From there, Isabelle moved internally to a role focused on engaging with the dairy, sheep, beef, and deer industries. “I really enjoyed the human connection in my role. It was the huge motivation for applying,” she said. “I love meeting farmers and understanding the challenges and opportunities they face across New Zealand’s diverse farming regions.”

Alongside her career, Isabelle has also found time to start a Young Farmers Club in the Waihora Banks Peninsula area, offering a platform for young people to connect, share experiences, and build leadership skills. “I was a little bit lonely in my previous role to be honest, so I wanted to create something that could help others feel connected,” she said. “We’ve got about 16 members right now, and it’s been really rewarding to see people build their networks.”

A Commitment to Creating Impact.

As Isabelle’s career progresses, she remains focused on creating real impact. Whether that’s connecting farmers to policymakers or helping young people build the confidence to lead, she believes change begins with listening. “Making a difference starts with someone listening,” she said. “The change happens at the intersection of people doing clever things for the right reasons, and then you connect the dots.”

For Isabelle, the future is about more than advancing her own career. It’s about driving human-centred change and creating a supportive, connected network that just might help shape the future of New Zealand agriculture.

You can view Isabelle Coates’ Kellogg Research report here.

Alumni in the Spotlight – Murray King, Penny Timmer-Arends, Alison Bentley, and Mihi Harris.

Alumni in the Spotlight - Feb 2025
Alumni in the Spotlight - Feb 2025

Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector. 

Murray King, 2003 Nuffield Scholar, ONZM

On Friday 7 February, Prime Minister the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, and the new South Island Minister James Meager, Murray King ONZM and others, opened the Waimea Community Dam.

As the Prime Minster noted, this project is an “incredible legacy”, albeit one “we wish we’d got onto sooner”. And as MP Boyack noted, the region now has water security.

In no small part, thanks to the tenacity and leadership of Murray King and his colleagues.

Take a read of an article on the Waimea Water website here. https://waimeawater.nz/2025/02/10/dam-opening-ceremony/.

Penny Timmer-Arends, 2023 Kellogg Scholar

Penny contributed to a DairyNZ ‘Inside Dairy’ article recently. The article, ‘Decoding Rumination Data’, looks at the data wearables such as collars and tags can provide to measure a cow’s wellbeing. This technology has made monitoring rumination easier.

Take a read of the article that suggests visual monitoring and physical examinations should also be used to monitor rumination rates. https://www.dairynz.co.nz/news/decoding-rumination-data/.

Alison Bentley, 2023 Kellogg Scholar

Alison spoke to Radio New Zealand a couple of weeks ago about growing beef cattle, hazelnuts and a wide range of fruit on her small farm near Rotorua.

Alison says small farms have a pivotal role to play in addressing domestic food security and the environment.

“Seven hectares can produce a magnificent amount of food.”

Take a listen to the RNZ interview here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018976890/could-small-scale-farms-be-the-best-way-to-feed-the-country.

Mihi Harris, 2021 Kellogg Scholar

B+LNZ continues to build its support for Whenua Māori, with the establishment of a Kāhui (Māori agribusiness advisory group). Mihi Harris is now part of this seven-strong group that will represent the needs of Whenua Māori entities.

Read more about the Kāhui and about Mihi here: https://beeflambnz.com/news/meet-blnzs-maori-agribusiness-advisory-group.

NZRLT governance opportunity.

The Board of Trustees for the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, responsible for governing the Nuffield Scholarships, Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, the Value Chain Innovation Programme, Engage and the HortNZ Leadership Programme, wish to appoint an Associate Trustee.

This governance development opportunity is open to all Rural Leaders Alumni.

The Associate Trustee will have the opportunity to:

  1. Sit on the Board and gain greater understanding of governance processes under an experienced Board.
  2. Provide input into the development of some of the leading rural leadership programmes in New Zealand.
  3. Provide insights and perspective as an Alumni of the programme(s).

The Role
The position is included fully in all Board activities, events and meetings.

The Associate Trustee is expected to fully contribute to all Board discussions and actions as if they were a Board member of the organisation and attend events associated with the role. However, the role has no voting rights.

Eligibility
The Associate Trustee role is open to Alumni of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust who completed their programme between 2019 – 2024, inclusive.

Term
The term of appointment is for a twelve-month period (May 2025 – May 2026), which provides an opportunity to cover a full year of operations.

There are seven more Board meetings this year and several events. Most events are held in Christchurch or Wellington.

Flight and accommodation costs are covered, where applicable.

The Board meeting schedule for 2025 is:

  1. May TBC (Online)
  2. July 9 (Christchurch)
  3. August TBC (Online)
  4. September 10 (Wellington)
  5. November 3 (Wellington)
  6. December TBC (Online)
  7. January/Feb 2026 (Christchurch)
  8. April 2026 (Wellington)

Remuneration 
There is no remuneration or payment, however all direct costs (such as flights and accommodation where required) relating to meeting attendance, will be met.

Confidentiality and Conduct 
On appointment the Associate Trustee will be asked to sign a confidentially agreement.

Although the position is not an appointed Trustee of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, the appointee is expected to adhere to the code of conduct of a Board member.

The Associate Trustee is expected to comply with any reasonable directions of the NZRLT concerning their role.

Application
Interested scholars should forward their application by 24 March 2025 to Lisarogers@ruralleaders.co.nz

Applications should be in writing, with a CV and a covering letter with the following;

  1. The reasons for applying for the role,
  2. What you expect to gain from the opportunity, including how the opportunity would contribute to your leadership goals,
  3. How you might contribute to the Board’s skills, experience and perspectives.

Appointment process 
An appointments sub-committee (a delegated committee of the Board) and the Chief Executive will consider all applications and provide a recommendation to the full Board who will approve the appointment.

The successful Associate Trustee will be notified by 10 April and will be invited to attend the May Board meeting online and subsequent meetings and events.

For any questions please contact:
Lisa Rogers, Chief Executive
Phone: 021 139 6881
Email: lisarogers@ruralleaders.co.nz

Alumni in the Spotlight – Robert Campbell, Bryan Guy, Grahame Webber, Carlos Bagrie and Karen Williams

Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector. 

Robert ‘Robin’ Campbell, 1980 Kellogg Scholar, ONZM

Robert Campbell of Invercargill becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to farming and governance.

Over the last 40 years, Robin Campbell has freely given his farming and governance skills to the Southland community and to farming.

Other agencies Robin has served at include the New Zealand Sheep Council, Sheep Research Foundation, Sheep Improvement Ltd. And, at Ovita, he promoted funding for pioneering farm genetics research and genomic technologies.

Robin also served as Presbyterian Support Southland chairman for nine years and as the PSS national chairman where he earned the Extra Mile Award.

It doesn’t end there, Robin also adds Venture Southland, Presbyterian Retirement Villages Ltd, Waituna Partners Wetland Restoration Project, and the Community Trust of Southland, to his long list of service to community and industry. 

Bryan Guy, 1990 Kellogg Scholar, KSM

Bryan Guy has been awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to the community. Bryan is a retired dairy farmer who has volunteered in his community through church, farming and other organisations.

A leader in the Anglican Parish of Oroua, he holds several governance roles. He stepped in as Parish Bishop’s Warden in 2022, the primary lay parish leader for the seven churches of the Oroua Parish. He is also Chair of the Oroua Parish Trust and a Trustee of the St Johns Close Board Trust, administering church housing for the St Johns Close Trust Village.

He has been a Board member of Arohanui Hospice since 2021 and was elected as the Wellington Hawke’s Bay Board member of the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) in 1986, with 20 years on the LIC National Board.

He became an Area Representative of the Manawatu-Rangitikei Rural Support Trust in 2015 and was involved with Farmstrong at its inception. He is Chairman of the Coach House Museum Board and was a Trustee of the Eastern and Central Community Trust (ECCT) from 2016 to 2020. Mr Guy previously served six years as Chair of the Taonui School Board of Trustees.

Grahame Webber, 1988 Kellogg Scholar, KSM

Grahame Webber, former Waipā District councillor, deputy mayor, and Cambridge Community Board member, has been awarded the King’s Service Medal for his outstanding contributions to local government and farming governance.

Grahame was a Waipā councillor for 21 years, to 2022, including deputy mayor from 2010 to 2019, and a member of the Cambridge Community Board from 1998 to 2022.

In an article from the Waipa District Council, he said it was an honour to be awarded the King’s Service Medal. 

In the article Grahame said, “It was overwhelming and emotional. I never dreamed someone would put my name forward. When I first received the email about the nomination, it took me a week to open it because I couldn’t quite believe it.”

While serving on the Cambridge Community Board, Grahame chaired the Sister City Committee, and started annual tours to rural communities, building connections with Le Quesnoy in France and Bihoro in Japan. These annual programmes have now been running for over 25 years.

In addition to his local government service, Grahame was a member of the Cambridge Federated Farmers from 1982 to 2020 and a director of the New Zealand Dairy Group from 1991 to 1994.

Carlos Bagrie, 2024 Nuffield Scholar, ONZM

Carlos Bagrie, 2024 Nuffield Scholar was recognised in the New Year’s honours list, along with Nadia Lim, for services to the food and rural industries.

Carlos and Nadia become Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Carlos, co-founder with Nadia, of meal kit company My Food Bag, was recognised for regenerative, ethical farming practices at the couple’s Royalburn Station in Arrowtown, Central Otago.

Nadia commented to RNZ that “We are blown away to be receiving this recognition. And even more so because we are on the list together this year. We are stoked that farming and food production are receiving some of the spotlight.”

Carlos received a 2024 Nuffield Farming Scholarship and spent several months travelling, looking at innovative agricultural systems and exploring how New Zealand Food and Fibre exporters can position themselves for success in global markets.

Carlos, along with his fellow 2024 Scholars Rachel Baker, Jenna Smith and Peter Templeton, will submit their final Nuffield research reports in the coming months.

Carlos and Nadia spoke on The Country about the award, along with Dan Steele, 2015 Nuffield Scholar, who spoke about his work on Blue Duck Station and his father Richard’s recognition on the Honours List – awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to the rural community.

Dan provides an update on Blue Duck Station and how their conservation efforts are going.

You can listen to Rowena interview Carlos, Nadia and Dan on The Country here,

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-country-28628176/episode/the-country-full-show-monday-january-257128853/

Or read a Press article here,

https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360534278/food-and-rural-leaders-nadia-lim-and-carlos-bagrie-recognised

Karen Williams, 2023 Value Chain Innovation Programme

Karen Williams completed the Value Chain Innovation Programme in November 2023. Karen is National Client Propositions Manager with FMG and has recently been appointed to take up the CE role for IrrigationNZ.

In an article by Farmers Weekly, IrrigationNZ chair Keri Johnston said Williams brings a wealth of experience to the role, including a background in resource management, agriculture and farming, notable awards for her achievements and wide recognition for her leadership skills.

You can read more about Karen’s appointment in the article here,

https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/people/karen-williams-to-head-irrigationnz/

Karen was named as one of NZ’s most influential and inspiring women in food and drink in 2023.

Alumni in the Spotlight – Anna Nelson, Rosie Dowling, Kate Kellick, Reuben Carter, Sarah How and Tracy Brown.

Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector. 

Kate Kellick, 2024 Kellogg Scholar.

Kate Kellick’s esheep, a shedding sheep breeding operation, hosted its first ram auction in Mangamahu near Wanganui recently.

The auction saw farmers from across the North Island, bid on the adaptive shedding sheep.

In a Farmers Weekly article by fellow Kellogg alum Cheyenne Wilson, Kate said: “It was quite surprising. There was a good turnout of people from all over the place. There were even a few bidding wars, with people vying for the same ram and pushing the prices right up.” 

During the auction the top ram fetched $8000, with an average price of $3500. 

“That’s apparently topped the average ram price in New Zealand,” Kellick said. 

“It definitely exceeded my expectations and makes all the hard work worthwhile.” 

Take a read of Cheyenne Wilson’s Farmers Weekly article here.

You can also read Kate’s Kellogg report here.

Reuben Carter, 2015 Kellogg Scholar and 2024 HortNZ Leadership Programme graduate.

A recent ODT Rural Life article charts Reuben’s career and life course so far – let’s just say he’s been a busy man. You can read more on Reuben’s journey here.

As a both a Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and HortNZ Leadership Programme graduate Reuben is well equipped to deal with the challenges and opportunities the sector presents.

Reuben, is a crop manager with Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables in Canterbury. Delivered by Rural Leaders, Reuben and his fellow cohort completed the HortNZ Leadership Programme in two phases over nine weeks, between August and October this year.

Take a read about Reueben’s HortNZ Leadership Programme experience here.

Tracy Brown, 2020 Nuffield Scholar.

Following up on last month’s post on Tracy Brown’s new role as Chair at DairyNZ, we share a recent DairyNZ ‘Talking Dairy’ Podcast.

In the podcast Tracy shares her inspiring journey and her vision for the future of New Zealand’s world-leading dairy industry.

You can hear how Tracy plans to steer DairyNZ to deliver greater value for farmers here.

Rosie Dowling, 2014 Kellogg Scholar.

Rural Leaders’ programme alumni appear regularly on Country Calendar.

In one of the most recent episodes, Rosie Dowling’s determination in the face of adversity features as she farms sheep and beef, raises her young kids after her husband dies, and runs a business making wool-insulated dog kennels.

This is an inspiring watch. Head here to view.

There’s also this article on Rosie, in CountryWide by Joanna Grigg.

Anna Nelson, 2016 Kellogg Scholar.

Anna Nelson has been Chair of the co-operative side of Silver Fern Farms for six months and will take over from Rob Hewett as Chair of the Shanghai Maling joint venture side of the business in May.

Anna also runs a 1450ha King Country sheep and beef farm with husband Blair.

You can read more about Anna in Farmers Weekly’s Land Champions series below.

You can read the article here.

Sarah How (Tait), 2018 Kellogg Scholar.

The Zanda McDonald Award, a prestigious trans-Tasman honour that recognises and nurtures exceptional talent in agriculture, has announced the final three New Zealand finalists for 2025. The finalists include Kellogg alum Sarah How (Tait) and Lincoln University alum Maegen Blom.

Sarah is Co-founder and General Manager of Landify Ltd, in South Canterbury.

You can read more about the Xander McDonald Awards here.

You can read the article here.

Alumni in the Spotlight – Alison Bentley, Hamish Marr, Wayne Langford, Tracy Brown, Cam Henderson and Ben McLauchlan.

Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector. 

Alison Bentley, 2023 Kellogg Scholar.

Alison Bentley (Tikitere Farm) spoke yesterday at the event ‘Global and Local Approaches to Climate-Resilient Land Use: NZ’s Path Forward.’

Alison joined Angela Clifford (Eat New Zealand), in Session 2: Resilient Food Systems: Small-scale and Local? 

Alison and Angela’s presentation was titled, ‘Resilient Food Systems: small-scale and local?’

Keynote speakers at the event were: Ada Ignaciuk (OECD) and Katarzyna Zawalinska (IRWiR, Polish Academy of Sciences).

Head here to read a short article on Alison’s (and Angela’s) presentation.

While this event has been and gone the registration page has plenty of information about its purpose and the speakers. Head here to learn more.

Ben McLauchlan, 2020 Nuffield Scholar.

Marlborough wine producer and grape grower, Balvonie New Zealand, has released Marlborough’s first Prosecco from Glera grapes planted in the Rapaura sub-region.

The 2023 Balvonie Prosecco has been a three-year project for owners Ben and Helen McLauchlan, who first fell in love with Prosecco while living in the UK. The well-loved wine is made from a little-known grape called Glera, widely planted in Italy, but largely unknown in New Zealand.

Take a read of Balvonie’s Press Release here.

And more about the Balvonie Prosecco here (includes the all important tasting notes).

Tracy Brown, 2020 Nuffield Scholar. Cam Henderson, 2019 Nuffield and 2017 Kellogg Scholar.

Tracy Brown and Cameron Henderson have been confirmed as Chair and Deputy Chair of the DairyNZ Board, respectively.

Tracy Brown had previously been announced as Chair-elect in June 2024 when former Chair Jim van der Poel signalled his retirement from the role.

Take a read of DairyNZ’s press release here.

Hamish Marr, 2019 Nuffield Scholar.

In a recent REX podcast, Dominic George spoke to Hamish Marr about his role in connecting New Zealand agriculture with global markets.

Hamish explains how he navigates international conversations on sustainability, trade demands, and consumer preferences while advocating for New Zealand’s unique farming standards.

He highlights the importance of collaboration and adapting to global demands, offering a rare perspective on New Zealand’s role within the larger agricultural landscape.

You can listen to Hamish here.

Wayne Langford, 2014 Kellogg Scholar.

Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford features in a recent Farmers Weekly article stating that both the general public and farmers are still unsure about what GE or GM means, and whether it is or isn’t already allowed in this country. 

In the article Wayne Langford says comments from farmers are generally positive and tend to be around meeting climate targets.

You can read the full article here.

 

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Rural Leaders renew partnership.

The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership agreement with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).

Pictured: Lisa Rogers, CEO, Rural Leaders (left). Justine Kidd, GM Extension, B+LNZ (right).

One of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust’s (Rural Leaders) earliest industry partners is Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).  

The signing of a new partnership agreement between the two organisations aligns strongly with B+LNZ’s People and Capability Strategy focused on improving on-farm talent retention. Core to delivering on the objective of increasing the retention of people from their first day on farm to their third year is the role of on-farm leadership. Leadership that creates great work environments, communities and futures for people in the sector.

Justine Kidd, General Manager Extension, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says, “On-farm leadership is critical to solving the challenge of our people’s future on farm. We are attracting enough young talent to the sector, but we aren’t holding them. Rural Leaders’ world-class delivery of leadership programmes supports our strategy, and we are looking forward to our continued joint effort growing great rural leaders across New Zealand.”

“B+LNZ’s partnership with Rural Leaders is a strong fit with two of our three investment pillars; ‘On-Farm’ focused on talent retention directly on farm and ‘Energising’ focused on growing leadership capability, celebrating and sharing stories of success.”, adds Justine Kidd.

To this end, B+LNZ recently announced farmers Richard Cameron and Natasha Cave would be the 2025 recipients of the B+LNZ Leadership Advancement Scholarships. They each receive full sponsorship to complete the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2025, along with mentorship from a B+LNZ leader aligned with their interests.

Lisa Rogers, CEO, Rural Leaders says, “The Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarships will become a flagship opportunity for the sheep and beef industry’s farmer-leaders. We look forward to playing a key role in these leaders’ development and future, both as people and as change-makers.”

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The next available Kellogg places are for Programme Two 2025, 24 June start. Applications close April 13, 2025.

Alumni in the Spotlight – Ben Todhunter, Jen Corkran, Paul Crick, Nathan Guy.

Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector. 

Ben Todhunter, 2006 Nuffield Scholar.

Ben Todhunter is an experienced Angus breeder, and operates a Merino stud on his farm Cleardale Station. He was recently appointed to the Board of Angus Australia.

In addition to the skillsets mentioned, Ben also breeds Cleardale SX Fine Wool sheep and is a successful competitor in Mustering Dog Trials. 

You can read more in this short article from Angus Australia on the appointment.

Jen Corkran, 2023 Kellogg Scholar.

Jen Corkran, is a Senior Analyst for meat protein with Rabobank. Jen features heavily across several pages in the Sheep Country issue. Jen says the long term view for sheep meat is positive.

She says farmers can be assured that global sheep meat prices are past the bottom of the cycle. “I’m reasonably confident we won’t see less than $6/KG for some time”, said Jen Corkran.

You can read the full article ‘Green shoots emerging after a tough season’ here. (Scroll to page 20).

Paul Crick, 2015 Kellogg Scholar.

As we mentioned, the “Sheep Country’ issue of CountryWide featured many Kellogg Alumni.

Paul Crick, Independent Director of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, featured in an article ‘Testing genetics in commercial hill country conditions’. Paul farms ‘Glenside Station’ a 850ha, 7700 stock unit operation with his partner Dayanne Almeida.

The Wairarapa property was formerly the Taratahi Farm Training Institute’s. Paul and Dayanne took control of the property in 2019 and with it the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Hill Country Central Progeny Test Flock (CPT).

You can read more about the work Paul and Dayanne are doing here – work underpinned by the philosophy,  ‘if you look after the individual, the flock will take care of itself’.

(Scroll to page 62).

Nathan Guy, 1999 Kellogg Scholar.

Nathan is Chair of the New Zealand Meat Industry Association and says that in a time of challenging conditions it is critical that we do not scale back on marketing – specifically the telling of our farmers’ stories.

You can read more from Nathan Guy here.

(Scroll to page 19).