Steven Howarth joined Agfirst as an Agricultural Consultant in April 2015. Prior to Agfirst Steve had spent six years as the Senior Technical Expert and Product Manager for Farmax Ltd, and two years dairying with Landcorp Farming Ltd. Steve maintains an active role in the family sheep and beef farm that he grew up on, located in the Hawkes' Bay.

Steve has a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Agriculture, with First Class Honours from Massey University, and has completed the Intermediate and Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management courses. Steve has a keen interest in farm systems analysis, coupling the feed, financial and environmental challenges. Steve has worked with a range of clients across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and South America to develop farm plans, feed budgeting and farm monitoring processes.

‍Qualifications:

       
•  Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management, Massey University, 2013
       
•  Navigator Leadership Course, Outward Bound, 2007
       
•  Sustainable Nutrient Management, Massey University, 2006
       
•  Bachelor of Applied Science with First Class Honours (Agriculture), 2005
       
•  Member NZIPIM
       
•  Farmax Elite Accreditation

Key Skills:

       
• Environmental Management: Nutrient budgeting, nutrient management plans, nutrient management modelling (Overseer)
       
• Financial management skills: Financial analysis, budgeting, cash flows, feasibility studies
       
• Technical management: Feed planning, fertiliser programmes, regrassing and cropping programmes, mating management, Farmax
       
• Project Management: Planning, execution and timely delivery
       
• Training in Agriculture: Development and delivery of course content
       
• Communication Skills: Competent in written reporting, small and large group presentations and public speaking

Career History:2015 – Present - Agricultural Consultant, Agfirst Waikato

       
• The consultancy work covers all areas of farm management and planning advice

2009 – 2015 – Senior Technical Specialist, Farmax Ltd

       
• Managed development and maintenance of software products, Agriculturist budget, scope and timeline
       
• Hold an expert level of technical knowledge of the Farmax software
       
• Oversee helpdesk operations to ensure excellent customer service
       
• Complete business analysis of new products and features to ensure products meet market requirements
       
• Develop and maintain relationships with key accounts encompassing industry, consultancy and corporate firms

2007 – 2008 – Trainee Production Manager, Landcorp Pastoral Ltd

       
• Assist in the management of the herd and dairy operations
       
• Duties included milking cows, moving cows, dairy hygiene, weed control, general

2006 – 2007 - Farm Technician, Landcorp Pastoral Ltd

       
• Setting and monitoring feed and financial budgets
       
• Monitoring animal, pasture, and soil productivity
       
• Assisting farm manAgricultureers with record keeping

2006 and earlier

       
• Casual work including Agriculture machinery operatory, dairy farm assistant, shepherd, and fencer