James is highly qualified in numerous aspects of Agriculture, with specialty technical knowledge in sheep and beef. An experienced farmer in his own right and majority shareholder and Managing Director for Ashgrove Genetics Ltd, a 600 ha hill country sheep and beef farm in the Kaipara.

He is an experienced company director. Previously chairing the board of Beef + Lamb NZ Ltd and the NZ Meat Board. He currently Chairs Wools of New Zealand and also serves on the board of OSPRI which manages NAIT and TB Free.

James brings a unique set of skills to AgFirst. With a strong governance background, and a strong technical knowledge in sheep and beef production systems, sheep and cattle genetics with a grounded practical skill set as a farmer. He has a strong empathy and connection with farming staff on the ground but equally connects with the farm shareholders and governors of an organisation. Business processes, financial planning and wealth creation, business proposals for banks, building organisational culture, strategy, risk management and integrating technology into the farm business are particular areas of strength for James.

He is an accomplished speaker, 2008 Nuffield Farming Scholar, a member of the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management, and is an accredited Farmax Elite consultant.

James is located at Maungatapere, Whangarei

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