Lisa Portas has been appointed as associate trustee for Agmardt, bringing extensive hands-on experience from across NZ’s agricultural and rural business sectors.

Ellie Brock has been awarded the 2026 Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant, and she says the recognition has not only boosted her confidence but affirmed the growing importance of plant pathology in the future of food production.

It was love that first led DairyNZ senior area manager Leah Prankerd to dairying - but decades later, it’s her passion for the industry that keeps her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.

Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez is the new general manager, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms at the Environmental Protection Authority.

After starting as a tool-grabber for his dad at just five years old, budding young farmer James Clark, now 18, has been awarded the 2026 Ravensdown Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship.

Corteva Agriscience has taken a major step to advance its move into biologicals, appointing Canterbury’s Jess Ross to a brand new role that signals confidence and momentum ahead of its first launch in this new category.

Six Rural Advancement Scholarships have been granted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand for 2025, covering everything from research into triple lamb rearing to youth mentorship.

Mike Siermans is the new chief executive of Federated Farmers, formally succeeding Terry Copeland who left the role last spring.

Every year, the Animal and Plant Health NZ awards spotlight people whose leadership, innovation, and commitment strengthen New Zealand’s primary sector.

Five Kiwis have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Zanda McDonald Award.

It’s all go on the people side at Corteva Agriscience as the company prepares to start 2026 with two new territory appointments and another internal promotion.

UPL New Zealand has appointed Sarah Dewes as country head, marking the first time a woman has held this role for UPL in the APAC region.

PGW Wool has created a wool export account manager role to strengthen the link between procurement and export while planning for the future.

After nearly three years, Southern Dairy Hub general manager Andrea Dixon is stepping down to focus on the next step in her career, family and personal priorities.

Alyssa Brazendale has joined Perrn Ag as the newest consultant at the Rotorua-based firm of agribusiness advisors.

After 20 years in industry good research, one of the arable sector’s best known plant scientists is back in the field full time, and he’s loving it.

Bay of Plenty technical lab manager Phoebe Scherer has won the coveted 2025 Young Grower national title. Scherer works for Apata in Tauranga and is also the Bay of Plenty regional champion.

One of Corteva Agriscience’s most recent appointments may be new to the company, but he’s far from new to the South Island primary sector.

New Zealand’s citrus industry recently gathered to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership at the inaugural Citrus NZ Industry Awards.

As part of Greenlea Premier Meats’ continued focus on growth and leadership development, long-time team member Aaron Craig has been appointed general manager of Greenlea Premier Meats.