ADVANCE AGRICULTURE - Key Persons
Alison has been an integral part of Advance Agriculture since its inception in 2002, serving as an administrative expert. Her unwavering commitment to the organization and exceptional problem-solving skills make her the go-to person for resolving any account-related or transactional issues.
Alison resides in Gore with her husband, Mike, and has a passion for gardening and animals outside of her professional obligations.
Job Titles:
- Technical Arable Representative
Andrea is a seasoned professional with an impressive five-year tenure in the arable industry. She earned her B.Ag.Sci from the esteemed Lincoln University, and subsequently, embarked on a big O.E abroad before resuming her career in the agriculture sector. In 2022, she joined Advance Agriculture, lending her expertise to assist Martin Sloane and Chris Wilson in their efforts to cater to the needs of their esteemed cropping clientele.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Andrea is a passionate advocate for Southland's abundant outdoor activities and enjoys exploring the region's many walking trails. She also takes pleasure in engaging in social netball games during her leisure time.
Bradley has an extensive background in agriculture, having spent most of his working life in the industry. He was born and raised on a hill country property in Warepa, just south of Balclutha. For 17 years, Bradley owned and ran the family farm. Together with his wife Brodie, he currently owns a 35-hectare block in the same district. Bradley has a keen interest in community involvement and has been involved with various local groups over the years.
In terms of sports, rugby is Bradley's preferred choice, and he has represented South Otago, Southern Region, and Otago Country. He also enjoys other competitive sports such as swimming, softball, golf, and squash. Bradley has a passion for outdoor activities such as jet boating, sea fishing, hunting, and motorbiking. When time allows, he enjoys hosting BBQs and drinking a cold Steiny classic.
Bradley is excited to be part of the Advance Agriculture team and to be able to use his extensive knowledge and experience to assist the local farming sector.
Job Titles:
- Store and Field Support Invercargill
Britt has dedicated the past five years to the Agriculture sector, continuously expanding her knowledge and understanding of all aspects involved in operating a farm. Britt currently manages the chemical division of the Invercargill store, while also proactively assisting and learning from the company's representatives out on the farm.
During the winter months, Britt spends her time playing netball and coaching for the local Winton Netball Club. In the summertime, she enjoys outdoor activities and socializing with family and friends, often accompanied by good banter and the occasional drink.
Callum commenced his tenure with Advance Agriculture Gore in August 2020, as a storeman and sales support staff. With over 10 years of experience in the local agricultural contracting industry, Callum brings a wealth of expertise to his current position. He also spent two years managing a small beef and arable farm in the UK prior to this.
As a result of his excellent customer service skills and extensive knowledge of the industry, Callum has since been promoted to the position of Gore store manager. In this role, he continues to leverage his expertise to provide exceptional service to our valued clients.
Furthermore, Callum is well-known for his culinary skills. However, the rest of the team may not have the pleasure of enjoying his cooking skills as much as they would like to due to his busy schedule.
Cam brings a strong farming background to his role at Advance Agriculture, having been born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Waimumu, situated 12kms outside of Gore. Currently residing in Gore with his partner, Cam enjoys utilizing his leisure time exploring Southland and socializing with his family and friends. Additionally, during the rugby season, Cam actively participates in the sport, playing for the Pioneer Rugby club for the past six years.
With a passion for embracing new challenges and adventures, Cam is excited to be working for Advance Agriculture and is committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. His extensive farming experience, combined with his enthusiasm for delivering excellent results, ensures that he is well-equipped to assist you with any requirements you may have.
Beyond her professional life, Chelsea's love for rural living is evident in her personal interests. Growing up on a farm and now farming near Owaka, gives her practical experience in the role. Chelsea also enjoys quality time with friends, family, and her son, James. Her artistic pursuits in painting and drawing, coupled with her interest in photography, reflect her creativity. Additionally, she maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys getting outdoors.
Chelsea's return to Advance Agriculture is a valuable opportunity for anyone seeking a dedicated and experienced professional in the rural servicing sector.
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Lead, Eastern / Northern Southland
With 14 years of extensive experience in the agricultural chemical and seed industry, Chris brings exceptional knowledge and expertise to the table, specializing in cereals, fodder beet, brassicas, and pasture. He has been instrumental in refining Advance Ag's pasture seed blends since the company began selling seed in 2007, making him the ideal person to consult when looking for grasses that will best suit your farming operation.
Currently residing in Gore with his wife Leah and two sons, Callum and Riley, Chris enjoys harness racing and has experienced success in racing his own horses. Additionally, he is a past President of the Gore Harness Racing Club. His passion for sports extends beyond horse racing and includes cricket, rugby league, and supporting his sons in their hockey and football games.
For any crop-related inquiries or advice on seed or chemical, Chris is the go-to expert.
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Representative Central and Northern Southland
Craig Thomson has a wealth of industry experience . After 30 years of farming, he spent two years in the fertiliser industry soil testing and doing on farm recommendations in the cropping pasture space.
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Manager - Eastern Southland
Dan brings with him a wealth of expertise from his nearly ten years of involvement in the agricultural aviation industry across Otago, Southland, and the Hawkes Bay regions, before joining Advance Agriculture 2016.
Dan is a highly motivated and results-driven Technical Field Manager with a passion to work together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Dan is keen to ensure his team continues to be leading in technical expertise adding value to our clients operations throughout Southland and Otago. Dan values the relationships we have with our clients, suppliers and each other.
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Lead, Western / Northern Southland
Dann became an esteemed member of the Advance Agriculture team in 2017, assuming the position of an agricultural equipment service technician. Before his tenure at Advance Agriculture, Dann gained extensive experience as a repair specialist for various types of agricultural spray equipment during his employment with Groundspray. Additionally, he possesses a comprehensive background in the Dairy Industry, having dedicated 10 years to this sector, following a successful 12-year tenure as an Automotive engineer.
Ellen boasts an illustrious career in administration within the Agriculture Industry, with a vast repertoire of experience spanning over 15 years. She became an integral part of the Invercargill Team in September 2016, assuming a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office. Given her extensive knowledge and expertise in administration, Ellen is uniquely qualified to provide invaluable support to the technical team, suppliers, and customers alike.
Job Titles:
- Technical Arable Representative
Garth Shanks brings decades of agricultural experience to Advance Agriculture, transitioning from farm work and contracting to a notable nine-year retail career focused on seed and agri-chemicals. An early advocate for fodder beet integration in farm systems, Garth's passion for innovation remains strong.
During his eight-year tenure at Seedforce/RAGT, he serviced agricultural retail networks across Southland and Otago, emphasising farm systems and fostering lasting client relationships.
Residing on a 20-hectare property in Waimumu with his family, Garth enjoys boating, fishing, and supporting his children's sports endeavours. Actively engaged in community initiatives, he has been a member of the Southern Field Days committee since 1997. Garth's dedication to agriculture and community involvement defines his professional and personal ethos.
Job Titles:
- Store and Field - Invercargill
Graeme has dedicated over four decades to the agricultural industry since departing school, working in an array of roles ranging from shearing, farming, truck driving, and contracting. In 2016, Graeme embarked on a new trajectory when he joined the Advance Agriculture team in Invercargill, contributing his expertise to the seed mixing operations of the company. Nowadays his focus is mainly based around the spraying equipment and parts for the Invercargill store, along with helping with on-farm deliveries during the busy season.
Although a former sportsperson, Graeme's current leisurely pursuits are centred around golf, which provides both pleasure and frustration.
If you require parts or spray equipment or merely a chat over coffee in Invercargill, Graeme welcomes you to visit him at the Lorneville corner. You may be surprised by the wisdom and experience that this "Wise Old Owl" has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Member of the Management Team
Howard brings over three decades of extensive experience in the agricultural input industry and currently serves as a Director of Independent Crop Care Distributors (ICD). His vast knowledge and expertise have also led him to serve as a former Board Member of Farming for Arable Research (FAR).
As a specialist in the application of agricultural inputs for arable and pasture farming, Howard spends a significant amount of his time working closely with arable farmers to ensure profitable crops. While he remains dedicated to this work, he also dedicates a substantial portion of his time to overseeing the smooth functioning of the company.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Howard is also involved in farming 40 hectares at East Limehills in partnership with Vicky. His personal interests include horses, rugby, and socializing, albeit not necessarily in that order.
Iain Wilson - Chief Commercial Officer
Job Titles:
- Commercial Director
- Member of the Management Team
Iain has been an active participant in the agricultural chemical industry since the turn of the millennium. In his current capacity at Advance Agriculture, he handles the administrative responsibilities while also bringing a wealth of knowledge in pastural farming and agrichemicals.
With a profound understanding of the intricacies of agrichemicals, Iain plays a vital role in ensuring that Advance Agriculture provides top-quality products and services to its customers. His exceptional expertise and meticulous attention to detail make him a valuable asset to the organization.
Iain currently resides in Winton with his wife, Nola, and finds his leisure time spent with his family, indulging in a game of golf or fishing. His easy-going personality is a perfect fit for the friendly team environment at Advance Agriculture, and his presence adds to the organization's success.
Job Titles:
- Seed Mixer and Store Support Invercargill
Jake joins us here in the Invercargill Store as a full time seed mixer after being with us as a seasonal employee for the last 2 years. He has slotted into the Fulltime roll with ease and is always happy to help out wherever needed.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- Member of the Management Team
Janine has been an integral part of Advance Agriculture's team since 2015, serving as the General Manager. In her role, she actively participates in all aspects of the organisation to ensure its seamless operation. With over 25 years of experience in rural retail, Janine recognises the significance of customer service and product availability as vital contributors to the success of the company.
Janine is a firm believer that the knowledge and experience possessed by the organisation's workforce are paramount to its accomplishments. She acknowledges that each team member brings unique strengths and expertise, which they willingly share with each other. The collaborative efforts of the team lead to an overwhelming wealth of information and expertise, ultimately contributing to the organisation's success.
During her leisure time, Janine enjoys following her daughters' sporting events and spending quality time boating with her family.
Job Titles:
- Invercargill Store / Seed Operations Manager
- Store / Seed Operations Manager
Jeremy has amassed over 14 years of Experience in the Agriculture Industry, having worked full-time in Agronomy and the seed industry for the past decade subsequent to his departure from Lincoln.
His professional background has provided him with extensive knowledge and proficiency in seed and sprays, as well as a comprehensive understanding of all facets of farming.
Outside of work, Jeremy takes pleasure in engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing and boating. He now spends more time at home with his wife Olivia, son Angus and their Staffy Poppy.
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Rep - Eastern / Northern Southland & West Otago
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Representative - Central / Western Southland
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Representative - South Otago
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Rep - Balclutha
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Representative - Eastern Southland
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Representative - Northern Southland
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Rep, Eastern Southland / West Otago
Job Titles:
- Technical Field Rep, Southern / Western Southland