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.”
