Allan grew up that quintessential rural Kiwi kid, spending holidays on his uncle’s sheep and beef farm. While studying and qualifying to be a Vet at Massey University in the early 1980s, he made money selling possum skins and venison. In fact, the bush is still a place you’ll often find Allan to this day.
Allan worked in rural practice in South Taranaki for 20 years before moving to Mid Canterbury where he went on to head a large veterinary practice mainly involving large animals. His main veterinary interest and work has involved dairy cattle, particularly around preventive medicine and a focus on economic return for the farmer/client.
It was during this time Allan had a realisation that many of the problems he saw originated from poor nutrition caused by low quality food being grown in poor soil structure that necessitated increased fertiliser inputs to produce enough dry matter.
Cropping and other types of farming were also facing similar issues and so over a period of 10 years Allan worked on solutions to correct the cause of the problem, namely poor soil structure especially soil compaction.
Agraforum NZ was formed in 2007 with two other partners and has developed and grown slowly as different products were found and proven around the world to correct these problems.
“My motto is, correct the cause of a problem, don’t continue to treat the symptoms when the whole problem can be eliminated.” – Allan Piercy
Mobile: 0274 485 159
Email: allan@agraforum.co.nz
Mike’s experience in our industry spans over two decades, and has seen him focus on the health and wellbeing of some of our finest exports. Having previously worked for Greenfields Co-operative, the six-year stint as an animal health representative for Schering that followed eventually ended with Mike choosing to return to one of his first passions – dairy farming.
As a dairy farm assistant manager, he was no stranger to being out there in the paddock. He’s seen first hand the impact soil health has on overall yield and stock results. And before joining us, he worked for one of New Zealand’s largest Angus Studs.
For the last few years, Mike’s focus has been on soil health and the impact of fertilisers. But when he’s not out there with our clients, you’ll likely find him on the track or field coaching rugby and athletics.
Mobile: 027 576 7744
Email: mike@agraforum.co.nz
Born and bred in Timaru, Andy Craig has been involved in agriculture from a young age and brings practical experience gained across a wide range of farming systems throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
As Area Sales Manager for Otago, Southland, and South Canterbury, Andy works closely with farmers to deliver practical solutions that support productive, sustainable farming operations. Passionate about the future of agriculture in New Zealand, he enjoys helping farmers get the best from their land through straightforward advice and trusted products.
Known for being easy to deal with and down to earth, Andy values strong relationships and a practical approach both on and off farm.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find him fishing, water skiing, or out hunting.
Mobile: 021 466 775
Email: andy@agraforum.co.nz
With around a decade of experience in agriculture, Michael Crews brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the Agraforum team. Before moving into agriculture, he spent 21 years in Australia working in material handling, helping businesses across mining, distribution, and manufacturing find solutions to complex operational challenges.
Michael has always been interested in agronomy and soil health, and joining Agraforum gives him the opportunity to work more closely with farmers rather than simply sell to them. He’s particularly enthusiastic about the potential of Agraforum BioN to help farmers manage rising input costs, reduce their reliance on urea, and get more from their land.
For Michael, it’s about understanding each farmer’s challenges and finding practical solutions that make a genuine difference to their operation.
Based near Mount Oxford in North Canterbury, Michael has his own 20-acre livestock block. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him chasing deer in the hills or diving around Banks Peninsula and Kaikōura.
Mobile: 027 2373 368
Email: michael@agraforum.co.nz
With a background rooted in construction, Robert Piercy brings a distinctive perspective to the team at Agraforum. His journey contains a blend of hands-on experience and a passion for cultivating the land.
Robert’s construction expertise, cultivated over years in the industry, has now found its way into the agricultural landscape at Agraforum. His commitment to mastering the trade is evident, drawing parallels to his hands-on approach in crop management, soil testing, and herbage testing.
Beyond the work environment, Robert is a nature enthusiast. His love for the outdoors extends to activities like pig hunting and fishing. These pursuits not only showcase his adventurous spirit but contribute to an understanding of the ecosystems he engages with.
Mobile: 0273 706 512
Email: robert@agraforum.co.nz
With more than 20 years in agriculture, Wium brings a combination of hands-on farming experience and technical knowledge to the Agraforum team. Holding a BSc in Agricultural Science, he’s spent eight years as a dairy business manager, worked on a high-input 800-cow dairy farm and managed a 550-goat dairy operation in New Zealand.
His career then took him into rural services, working as a Livestock Agent and King Country Dairy Coordinator with PGG Wrightson. For the past seven years, Wium has worked across livestock trading, soil science, fertiliser and water remediation, developing a strong understanding of how healthy soil biology influences pasture growth, animal health and farm profitability. He’s passionate about helping farmers address the cause of a problem rather than continually treating the symptoms.
Based in Te Awamutu, Wium is well known throughout Waikato and King Country farming circles. Outside of work, he’s a keen supporter of local sports clubs and schools, and enjoys fishing, golf and spending time with his wife and two young daughters.
Mobile: 027 463 7577 Email: wium@agraforum.co.nz
Carla brings more than 25 years of experience in large-animal veterinary care, administration and rural sales to her role as Area Manager for the Lower North Island. Having also spent many years dairy and dry-stock farming with her family throughout New Zealand, she understands the practical challenges of farming and the importance of having the right support.
With a strong background in animal health and rural services, Carla enjoys building lasting relationships with farmers and takes a practical, down-to-earth approach to helping them and their businesses. Her experience both on farm and within the agricultural industry gives her a genuine appreciation for the people who keep New Zealand farming moving.
Outside of work, Carla enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, fishing and travelling. She’s also passionate about paddock-to-plate living, loves entertaining and sharing good food, and enjoys making the most of the great Kiwi outdoors.
Stu’s connection to farming began on his family’s King Country farm, where he started working after leaving school. He went on to spend 30 years farming across the King Country, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau, before beginning another 20-year chapter as a Stock Agent working with farmers throughout the region.
Over the years, Stu developed a growing interest in soil health, particularly how soil functions and the important role it plays in productive farming. With a lifetime of agricultural experience behind him, he knows there’s always more to learn. Drawing on the knowledge of farmers, soil scientists and the wider Agraforum team, Stu enjoys finding practical answers and sharing what he’s learnt along the way.
While retirement has given Stu more time to enjoy mountain biking, fishing, waterskiing, golf, travelling and spending time with his grandchildren, his curiosity about farming and soil health certainly hasn’t retired with him.