Lauren is a leading dairy farm systems specialist and Director of AgFirst Taranaki, specialising  in dairy farm systems, business performance and strategic decision making.  She works alongside farmers, farm owners, sharemilkers, contract milkers, corporate farming businesses and Māori Trusts to improve profitability and  build resilient, high-performing farming businesses.

Lauren is recognised for combining strong technical farm systems expertise with commercial business  insight. Working with more than 30 dairy businesses, she helps clients optimise production systems, improve feed utilisation, evaluate development opportunities and make informed decisions that enhance both farm performance  and profitability.

With extensive experience in farm systems analysis and FARMAX modelling, Lauren helps clients assess  opportunities, manage risk and understand the financial and operational implications of system change. Her expertise spans farm systems optimisation, feed systems, business performance improvement, investment analysis, governance support and on-farm recruitment.

Prior to joining AgFirst, Lauren spent more than four years with DairyNZ as a Consulting Officer, working closely with dairy  farmers across Taranaki and developing extensive expertise in farm systems, business management and farmer engagement.

In addition to her consultancy work, Lauren leads and contributes to major industry and research projects, including economic modelling, environmental management and applied farm systems research. This ensures her advice is grounded in both practical farming realities and the latest industry knowledge.

Qualifications:
‍• Bachelor of Agriculture Science – Massey University
• Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management – Massey University
• Body Condition Score Accredited
• Farmax Bronze Accredited
• In-Calf Trained Advisor
• Full member NZ Institute of Rural Professionals (NZIRP)

Key Skills:
• Dairy Farm Systems
• Farm Systems Modelling & Scenario Analysis
• Business Performance & Profitability
• Strategic Planning & Investment Decisions
• Feed Systems Optimisation
• Farm Development & Business Growth
• Farm Governance & Supervision
• People, Recruitment & Team Development
• Industry Research & Project Leadership

‍Career History:
AgFirst Taranaki Ltd: 2019 - Present
• Director, Senior Agribusiness Consultant (2024 –Present)
• Agribusiness Consultant (2019 – 2024)

‍DairyNZ: 2014 - 2019
• Consulting Officer, North Taranaki (2015 – 2019)
• Graduate Consulting Officer Taranaki (2014 –2015)

Key Projects:
• Project Lead - MPI MABx Rua Taranaki Herbal Medicinal Cluster (2023– 2024)

‍‍Publications & Reports:
• McEldowney, L; Verheij D.2024. Practical solutions for high rainfall dairy effluent systems. Report prepared by AgFirst Taranaki for Our Land and Water Rural Professionals Fund.May 2024. 17 pages.

• Densley, R.; Hunt, J.; RetiKaukau, J.; McEldowney, L.; Journeaux, P. 2023. Implications of global priceand supply of supplementary feeds on the New Zealand agricultural sector.Report prepared by AgFirst Waikato for Our Land and Water Rural ProfessionalsFund. June 2023. 92 pages.