2026 Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship. Apply by 17 August 2025. Read More...

Apply for 2026 Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship by 17 August 2025. More details...

Why do the All Blacks need a Coach when 76% of farmers don’t.

Nathan Keoghan

Executive Summary

Top farmers leverage their consultants to achieve more than they would on their own. They do this in five main ways; 

  1. They have a plan.
  2. They are prepared for their time with the advisor.
  3. They have identified the skill s or tools they require.
  4. They seek advice from reputable sources.
  5. They seek options, not answers.

Consultants have the ability to significantly lift farm performance provided;

  1. They are aligned with the farmers plan.
  2. They are prepared for their time with the farmer.
  3. They have the experience and skills required to fill the identified gap.
  4. The y ask the right questions.
  5. They provide options that are the “right fit” for the farmer.

Consultants also provide an important safety net and social connection for individuals within our industry.

While a corporate background is certainly not a prerequisite for being a farmer, the disciplines, skills, and tools acquired during employment are advantageous to any business owner. Where possible,

farmers should seek out courses and conferences to enhance their business skills.

The goal is to make “their” boat go faster.

Nathan Keoghan, Keegan

Grow. Advance. Lead.

Do the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

More Kellogg reports:

2024

In ? We Trust

This report investigates the trusted sources of advice for NZ kiwifruit growers during biosecurity and adverse weather events, with a focus on understanding the drivers ...
Read More →
2025

What are the Key Considerations of Weighing Technology Adoption on Sheep and Beef Farms in NZ?

This report by Campbell Smith looks at the adoption of livestock weighing tech lags due to trust, usability, integration, support, cost thresholds, and peer influence ...
Read More →
Iain Inglis report 2024

Better cattle handling: For people, product and perception

Exploring, educating, and applying low-stress livestock handling to benefit the people, product and perception of New Zealand’s beef industry.
Read More →