Gareth joined AgFirst South in 2025, bringing 15 years of consulting experience with AgFirst Northland, where he worked closely with individual farmers and industry groups. With a strong background in both dairy and beef systems, he is focused on supporting farmers to achieve practical, measurable improvements across their businesses.

After graduating from Massey, Gareth worked on a split-calving dairy farm before moving into roles in the fertiliser industry and animal nutrition, eventually joining AgFirst Northland. As a consultant, he values a whole farm system approach, ensuring all components of the business work together to deliver robust, sustainable results. He also encourages a team-based style of consultancy, helping farmers make the most of the skills and insights offered by their wider professional network.

Alongside his advisory work, Gareth has a strong interest in extension and has been involved in numerous industry and farmer-led projects. His contributions to initiatives such as the Northland Dairy Focus Farm, Beef Profit from Pasture, and the Northland Partner Farms helped lay the groundwork for Extension 350 - a major regional programme that generated a return of $11.60 for every dollar invested.

Gareth is passionate about establishing AgFirst South and supporting Southland farmers to lift performance and get more from their farm systems.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Animal Science), Massey University (1993–95)
• Member of the Institute of Rural Professionals New Zealand

Key Skills:
• Whole farm system analysis
• Profit from pasture focus
• Animal production and reproduction
• Farm and financial planning, budgeting and tracking
• Innovative extension project design and delivery

Projects:
• Multiple extension projects - B+LNZ Monitor Farms
• Farming for Profit
• Kikuyu Action Group, DairyNZ
• Northland Focus Farm - Candy Focus Farm (2011-2015)
• Northland Partner Farms (2014-2018)
• NorthlandBeef Profit from Pasture Group (2016-18)
• Extension 350 Project (2017-2020)

Publications:
• Beef Profit from Pasture Summary: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/northland-beef-profit-pastures-group