Learn why we call our approach Performance Agronomy™ with a free one-on-one session with your local agronomist. We’ve forged a reputation for having the most technically astute agronomy field staff across the pastoral retail sector, achieving extraordinary yield results for winter-feed crops, including frequently winning yield competitions across regions.
Your free no obligation farm review includes:
We understand the nuances of South Island soil and conditions and how plants grow. That’s why 95% of our seed mixes are tailored and prescribed exactly when and where they’re necessary. We also tailor chemical and fertiliser solutions to each paddock and crop; this is not only more cost effective, in our experience it gets better results.
We’ve developed our own growing programmes including the cultivation of specialised formulations for kale and fodder beet. And we were the first to consider different ways of planting – a university- backed study that saw us build our own drill designed to sow seeds at a spacing rate we know works best in South Island soil.
To ensure our agronomy-led solutions reach their full potential, we’re on-farm regularly walking each paddock corner to corner to see how crops are tracking throughout every stage of growth and into the next season and the season after that.
Throughout his career Will has immersed himself in agronomy & farm systems, and brings extensive agricultural expertise to the Catalyst team. Will's passion for farming, coupled with his BCom(Ag) from Lincoln University, drives his commitment to the industry. He is known for his unwavering focus and determination, making him well-prepared to embrace the challenges ahead. Will takes the helm as Business Development Manager for the North Island and Upper South Island, covering South, Mid, and North Canterbury.
Nathaniel brings over 13 years of extensive experience in the agricultural industry, with a strong focus on technical agronomy and on-farm support. He has served farmers across the central North Island and recently mentored colleagues in Taranaki and Manawatu. Nathaniel’s passion for agriculture and his expertise in tailored agronomic advice make him a valuable asset to Catalyst Performance Agronomy. Outside of work, Nathaniel enjoys family time, mountain trails, hunting, and playing squash and rugby league.
Emma is a skilled agronomist with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) from Lincoln University and five years of experience as a Technical Field Officer for Farmlands Hawke's Bay, specialising in summer cropping, autumn re-grassing, and a variety of crops including maize, fodder beet, brassicas, and cereals. Emma combines her practical farming background, passion for agriculture, and technical expertise to deliver tailored agronomy solutions that enhance on-farm productivity and profitability. Based in Taihape, Emma enjoys sports, cooking, water skiing, and spending time with family and friends.
Butch has recently joined the company as our North Island Store Manager, bringing over 12 years of experience as a Technical Field Representative for PGG Wrightson, where he built strong relationships and a trusted reputation in the Taihape region. Most recently, he served as Property Manager for the Taihape Golf Club, managing the course's inputs and operations. Beyond his professional expertise, Butch is an avid golfer and a passionate rugby supporter, actively involved with the Taihape Rugby Club. His exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills, along with his deep connections throughout the Taihape region, make Butch a fantastic addition to the team and a key asset in building the Catalyst brand across Ruapehu and beyond.
Every day, we work closely with farmers and farm managers to grow crops that deliver great commercial results. We’re side by side with them in the field delivering tailored agronomy advice on the correct seed variety, planting methods, fertilisers and chemical controls.
Peter Allan runs 600 cows on a 300ha dairy farm that is fully self-contained with cows wintering on farm. Here's what Peter says about working with us: "Catalyst works with us on our winter crops which are a mix of fodder beet, kale and swedes. We've only recently introduced herbicide-tolerant varieties back into the mix and since then have far exceeded our yield targets."
We're set up to service farms face to face with our team of dedicated agronomists, but our mindset keeps us nimble and dynamic. If there's a better way of doing something, we'll embrace it. If a problem needs to be solved, we won't rest until it is.
We recognise that our customers, much as they love the land, are running big businesses with big financial commitments. We work to deliver real commercial results for them and add value to their bottom lines.