Bringing enthusiasm and unique experience to a new role.

Lisa Nolan became the newest member of the PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics team in late January. Appointed to the role covering Otago and South Westland, Lisa succeeds Callum McDonald after his recent promotion to National Genetics Manager.

When Lisa first saw the position advertised late last year, it immediately appealed. With a longstanding enthusiasm for livestock and breeding, the opportunity to move into a role focused on genetics and performance strongly resonated.

“I see myself as always open to new opportunities. If something interests me and I want to understand it more deeply, I commit to it wholeheartedly,” Lisa says.

Two months in, her transition to the new role and the corporate environment has been positive and rewarding.

“It’s a whole new learning curve, which I’m thoroughly enjoying. Getting to know people who are so committed to what they are doing and helping them improve the genetics of their stock is such a worthwhile mission. I really appreciate meeting so many people and learning from them, while continuing to build my capacity to add value to their businesses.”

With such a broad geographic area, while she’s still fresh in the role, Lisa’s focus is on learning about each of her clients and their various farming systems.

“Understanding the genetic values of livestock is important. We need to ensure we are selecting the right livestock to suit the business we are dealing with and the environment in which they farm,” she says.

Lisa’s sheep and beef career began after graduating from Lincoln University with diplomas in Farm Management. Over nine years working full-time as a shepherd across Otago and Southland, she progressed to a block manager role.

“I was incredibly fortunate with my previous employers, who provided priceless opportunities for growth and development. Since I started in this role, reconnecting with people I have worked alongside earlier in my career has been awesome.”

She also spent a brief period one winter in the Northern Territory, chasing feral bulls as part of a team that earlier featured in the ABC documentary series ‘Outback Ringer.’

“That was outstanding: a real eye opener.”

Lisa’s family background and upbringing give her another unique perspective on rural life. She grew up on an extensive beef breeding property in Haast, South Westland, which has been in the Nolan family for five generations, and was where her passion for farming first began.

In her high school years, boarding at St Kevin’s College, she always looked forward to returning home whenever possible, especially for the annual marking and weaning musters.

Spending a week at a time on horseback up the majestic Arawhata Valley remains a highlight.

“It’s always a family affair with the usual musterers who all share the same excitement about the trip. No two musters are ever the same. We always come back with a whole new set of stories.”

Now based near Ranfurly, while Lisa has sold the team of working dogs she built up in her career as a shepherd, she still keeps two horses, which she enjoys riding in the hills and hunting during autumn and winter. Outside of work and time with her horses, she keeps active through sport and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

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