Lycinda  Lett joined the AgFirst Waikato team as a Dairy Advisor in 2011 and became a partner in the business in 2020. With a Waikato dairy farming background and ongoing connection to her family farm, she brings a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farming businesses today.

At the heart of Lycinda's work is a belief that positive future outcomes are achieved when people feel connected, supported and engaged in the journey. She enjoys working alongside farming businesses to develop strategy, create clarity around decision-making and help teams and individuals realise their potential. Whether working with farm owners, sharemilkers or employees, Lycinda is passionate about building capability and creating environments where people can thrive.

A farm systems specialist, Lycinda has extensive experience using the Farmax Farm Systems modelling tool to assess the impact of farm system changes on productivity, profitability and environmental performance. She supports clients to evaluate options, understand trade-offs and make informed decisions that align with both business goals and personal aspirations.

Lycinda has a particular interest in the people side of farming businesses, from recruitment and succession planning through to team development, workplace culture and leadership. Her approach combines practical farm systems knowledge with a strong focus on helping businesses build resilient teams and sustainable futures.

Alongside her consultancy work, Lycinda contributes to the rural sector through governance and leadership roles, including as a Trustee of the Awarua Trust, a charitable organisation that owns and operates a farm in Patetonga for the benefit of its beneficiaries and wider community. Learn more about the Trust at https://awarua.nz/.

Qualifications:
• 2023 - Agri-Women’s Development Trust Escalator Programme
• 2015 - NZIPIM Emerging Rural Professional of the Year
• 2014 - Certification in Farm People Management, Massey University
• 2014 - Kellogg Rural Leadership Scholarship - ‘Barriers & Opportunities to Improving Dairy Farm Rosters in the Waikato’.
• 2012 - Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management Course, Massey University
• 2011 - Intermediate Sustainable Nutrient Management Course, Massey University
• 2010 - Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours (Hons), Lincoln University
• Member NZIPIM
• Elite Accredited Farmax Consultant

‍Career History:
‍2011 – current: AgFirst Agribusiness Consultant

Key Skills:  
• General dairy farm advisory
• Whole farm system reviews, scenario analysis and forecasting
• Farmax Dairy farm systems analysis
• Farm business strategy
• Business planning
• Financial budgeting
• Profitability analysis
• Farm performance benchmarking
• Nutrient management
• Sustainability planning
• Decision-making facilitation
• Recruitment management
• Contract negotiation
• Exit interviews
• Remuneration benchmarking
• Project leadership and coordination
• Productivity improvement
• Governance and trustee responsibilities
• Stakeholder engagement

Projects:
• Fonterra Farm Advisory On Farm Efficiency Pilot
• Fonterra Farm Efficiency Project
• Waikato Bay of Plenty Farm Financial Survey
• Sustainable Milk Plans
• P3 Dairy Push – Hauraki Plains Strategic Planning
• Dairy Push – South Waikato Strategic and Environmental Planning
‍
‍Publications:
• Moir JL, Edwards GR, Berry LN (2013) - Nitrogen uptake and leaching loss of thirteen temperate grass species under high N loading