Rural Technical Team

BVSc

Andrew grew up on a Central Otago sheep farm and graduated Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University. After a 14-year career as a farm vet, Andrew joined PGG Wrightson in 2008.

Andrew’s training and seminars for both PGG Wrightson staff and farmers reflect that animal health cannot be considered in isolation from feeding.

Andrew believes that “many of our current animal health goals on farm are achieved though optimal feeding of stock at critical times, particularly ewes during pregnancy.  While pesticides are an important component of any parasite management plan, the farmers use of grazing management tools is most likely more important.  It is rewarding to see farmers take the science we present and put it into practice in their farm system.”

BSc (Hons), MSc

Chris graduated Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture/Environment and a Master of Science in Crop Protection from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom.

Working as an agronomist for Agrii UK Chris looked after 6,000-7,000 hectares of cereals, brassicas, pules, maize, and sugar beet. He also ran one of Agrii UK’s demonstration iFarms taking the science learned at the innovation centres out to the field for growers to visit.

Chris moved to New Zealand in 2014, taking up a role as a Technical Manager of Agronomy with Ravensdown in which he was responsible for training the field staff in all matters of agronomy.

After 24 years in the agronomy business, Chris joined PGG Wrightson in April 2021. Chris has a real passion for agronomy and he takes “it personally if a crop doesn’t perform!”

NDA (Farm Management)

After achieving qualifications in General Agriculture and Farm management Gary travelled to Australia where he worked on some large arable, beef and sheep farming operations including a couple of stints as a shearer in Western Australia and again in New South Wales.

After returning from Australia, Gary managed some large arable and vegetable farming operations throughout the United Kingdom.  Having spent five years in farm management he decided to specialise in agronomy and worked for the UK’s largest agronomy and farm input business Agrii UK.  After spending 19 years as a Senior Agronomist and Regional Technical Manager at Agrii UK Gary and his family moved to New Zealand.

Gary joined PGG Wrightson in 2014 bringing with him valuable agronomy experience in maize, arable, pasture, vegetable, fodder beet and brassica crops.  Gary is passionate about agronomy and says he just wants to make a positive difference to New Zealand farming and pass some of his passion and knowledge to the PGW team.

When he isn’t working you will find Gary with his family on their lifestyle block or he will be out on his boat fishing.

BVSc (Dist)

Jason graduated from Massey University with Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Distinction.  He was a vet in practice for 24 years which included varied roles involving farm production animals across both dairy and sheep, beef, and deer. Jason also worked with a veterinary pharmaceutical company as a technical advisor for approximately two years.

Having grown up on a farm and also leased land, he currently owns a small block.

Jason joined PGG Wrightson in 2017 and brings a strong practical working knowledge of animal health issues and solutions.  He gets real enjoyment out of seeing healthy productive animals and seeing farmers reaching their goals.

BSc (Agr) (Hons)

Jay was born on the West Coast of the South Island however he grew up in the North Island. He graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture and a PhD in Soil Science.

Jay spent 15 years growing vegetables and cereals in Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom for England's largest supermarket before returning to New Zealand with his family in 2010.  Prior to joining PGG Wrightson Jay worked for Massey University as a Soil Scientist undertaking teaching, research, and science extension.

Jay joined PGG Wrightson in 2018 and he has a passion for nutrient management and sustainability to improve New Zealand farming practices.  Jay’s goal is to make science easy to understand.

Joseph began his career as a city boy turned farm boy at 23. After learning the ropes with sheep (first on the conveyor and then in the shearing sheds) Joseph discovered a passion for agronomy. This led him to study at Massey University while continuing to work in the industry.

Joseph gained valuable experience within the store network before stepping into a technical field rep role in Waipukurau, where he refined his agronomy skills. Over time, Joseph deepened his expertise in crop production and farm systems paving the way for his current role as an Agronomy Specialist on the PGG Wrightson Technical team.

Today Joseph focuses on translating complex research from R&D teams into practical, relevant solutions for field reps, farmers, and growers. He’s passionate about bridging the gap between science and on-farm application to help deliver better outcomes.

DipAg, DipFarmMgt

Pete grew up on a family farm in the Maniototo, Central Otago. After graduating from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Agriculture and a Diploma in Farm Management, Pete returned to Otago where he farmed for 10 years.

Pete  joined the Ashburton Wrightson store in 2000 as a Store Person and he worked his way up to Store Manager.  In 2011 Pete opted to join the field team and he became a Technical Field Representative in Mayfield, where he enjoyed helping develop a very successful business in the local area. Pete joined the Technical Team in January 2023.

As a diverse all-rounder Pete enjoys all types of agronomy, from growing crops and cereals to brassicas and beets.  He is also a specialist in pastoral farming systems, including crop to dairy or deer, as well as traditional sheep and beef.  Pete believes that “pastoral farming faces its challenges so embracing the latest innovations in seed and chemical technology will hopefully give our New Zealand farmers the tools to keep competing on the world stage.”