Louis grew up on a hill country sheep and beef farm out of Taihape, in the rural community of Moawhango. As he enjoyed the outdoors and farming lifestyle, he progressed to university where he studied towards a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, doing practical work experience on a dairy farm and for a fencing contractor.

After university he travelled overseas for two years working in Australia and Canada on broadacre cropping farms, eventually returning to the home farm. During this time, he took interest in the environmental reforms which were unfolding and decided to further his studies by completing a Masters of Agribusiness focusing on environmental aspects. His thesis explored the implications of planting manuka on hill country farms to help address greenhouse gas emissions on-farm as well as understanding the Manuka honey industry. The thesis involved a case study which looked at the effects of integrating trees into different farming systems in terms of profitability and sustainability.

Upon completion, Louis started working for Agfirst Manawatu-Whanganui where he works on a range of projects supporting farmers, industry and government. This includes Farm Environment Plans, Overseer and Farmax analysis, investment analysis and work relating to climate change. He is also involved in tutoring for Primary ITO.

Key Skills
· Farm Environment Plans
· Overseer Analysis
· Farmax farm systems analysis
· Cost-benefit analysis

Qualifications
· Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
· Bachelor of Agricultural Science
· Masters of Agribusiness
· Associate member of NZIPIM