How does a degree in Politics & Economic History lead to a career selling fertiliser? With the end of university looming, four consecutive summers working for agricultural giant Cargill in the UK inspired Alastair to accept a Graduate Traineeship with Dalgety Agriculture.
Six years of selling for Dalgety were followed by four years as its UK National Fertiliser Technical Manager. In 2004 he joined Groupe Roullier, the largest seller of RPR in Europe.
‘In 2008, I joined Altum. My family and I love the freedom, safety and fun that New Zealand offers and when we are not watching sports, or fishing and hunting, we explore our new home.’
Hawke’s Bay born, bred and schooled, Jason graduated from Lincoln in 2001 and spent three years in the viticulture industry before starting with Altum in northern Hawke’s Bay in 2003.
Outside of work he enjoys the BBQ season, socialising and watching rugby and cricket.
'I’ve a great job as I get to meet and help a wide range of farmers in places that I wouldn’t otherwise get to see. It’s a big buzz to be able to improve farm production for my clients through leading product technology and on farm advice.'
Mark holds the distinction of having filed the first sales docket for the fledgling Quinphos company, now Altum. He held shed meetings in the Gisborne area to promote the first shipment of RPR, and soon had farmers signing up.
'There have been a lot of developments since we started out in the late 80s, but RPR and the Altum approach have stood the test of time.
'I use our products on my farm, and it’s great to be able to show interested customers the benefits first hand.'
Hadyn was brought up in Central Hawke’s Bay on the family sheep and beef farm. After a false start studying architecture, he came back to the Bay to work in the agriculture industry.
‘I worked for more than a decade as a fencer, shepherd and stock manager before joining Altum in 2010. I’ve developed a real passion for farming and gained my Diploma in Agribusiness Management by studying extramurally.
‘When I’m not working I’m either hunting or out on my boat trying to catch that ever-elusive trophy fish.’
Born and bred in Central Hawke’s Bay, Peter says he grew up between droughts. He went to Poukawa and Ongaonga primary schools, boarded at Lindisfarne College, and then went to Lincoln University.
‘I studied Dip Ag and Dip Farm Management. Both diplomas were put to great use when I started a crutching gang.’
Peter joined Altum at the beginning of 2011. Duck shooting, diving, fly fishing and hunting are among his favourite pastimes.
Hailing from a Banks Peninsula sheep and beef farm, Harriet has always been a one-eyed Canterbury supporter! After attending boarding school in Christchurch, she studied at Lincoln University.
‘Through the university holidays I worked on a number of sheep, beef and dairy properties to fund university and social activities. I love to get to the beach or lake for water-skiing and have got my scuba diving ticket. I now have the ski slopes in my sights.’
Harriet started with Altum in September 2010.
