Over the years he has had a number of senior management and governance roles, including a number as the Chair. Some of these roles were the setting up and development of new businesses, while others were working with established businesses. These ranged from sheep genetics through to wool marketing. One such company that he Chaired, a research and development company called Canesis, employed 150 staff in locations scattered around the globe. It gave him an insight to the huge potential of New Zealand agriculture.

He has witnessed the full cycle of farming fortunes, but is excited about the future prospects of the primary sector.

"We will experience in the next few years more fundamental changes in the way we farm than we have ever seen before. I want to be part of the solution to these big issues that will change the primary sector."

Since selling the family farm and relocating with his family to a lifestyle block on the outskirts of Hastings, Lochie uses his knowledge and skills working with farmers and the farming sector.

His special skill set copmlements the AgFirst team, and with a particular area of interest being business and strategic planning as he enjoys being involved with people wanting to grow or rethink their farming business. Lochie loves talking with farmers and can cover most farm-related aspects of the sheep, beef and deer sector. He is working with specialised lamb finishers through to large extensive breeding operations and would like to help you with the following:

• Strategic and business plans
• Farm purchase feasibilities and leasing
• Capital development
• Stock policy options
• Cropping options
• Staff recruitment
• Financial planning and budgeting
• Ongoing advice
• Farmax, for optimising policies and tactical decision support.