Louis grew up on his family’s hill country sheep and beef farm near Taihape and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Master of Agribusiness from Massey University.

Before joining AgFirst Manawatū Whanganui, he gained practical farming experience in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. He now works with farmers, industry and government across agribusiness and environmental projects, specialising in farm systems analysis, climate change modelling, carbon accounting, Farm Environment Plans and investment analysis.

Louis was named the 2024 FarmIQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year and is a graduate of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. He also has a strong interest in the global agrifood sector through his involvement with IFAMA. He enjoys working across farming systems, bringing together practical farm knowledge, economic analysis and environmental thinking to help farmers and the wider primary sector navigate change.

Qualifications:
• FarmIQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year (2024)
• NZ China Council China sustainable food study tour (2024)
• Strategic Thinking and Agrifood Management Programme (2020-2023)
• Aotearoa Horticulture Immersion Programme (2020)
• Masters of Agribusiness
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science
• Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
• Associate member of IRPNZ

Key Skills:
• Farmax farm systems analysis
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Farm Environment Plans
• Overseer Analysis