With over 38 years in the primary sector, hear how Luke Hawthorne's career brought him back to Farmlands.

Tell us about your horticulture experience to date? 

At the age of 20 I completed my cadetship and was trained by Alan Tait. I then bought shares into my first orchard at 23 years old and farmed through the very tough times of the 90’s and early 2000’s. I was lucky enough to have the support of great neighbours: the Easton family.

In 2006 I sold the orchard and went on to work for the Wakatu corporation (Ngatahi/Kono Horticulture). This was a truly a great experience and it was where I really found my passion for hops and development of new blocks in Horticulture.

In 2014 I was then given the opportunity to join the Farmlands team as a Technical Advisor which was a new experience within the industry for me. Shortly after I was asked to join Horticentre team in 2017 in a similar role before becoming their Regional Manager.

As of June 2024 I am back home at Farmlands as Regional Sales Manager - Horticulture (Southern). 

Who else have you worked for in that time – and why did you come to Farmlands?

I have previously worked at Horticentre (Tasman Crop) for just under 7 years. The Horticultural industry is changing in NZ; we have gone from over 1500 pipfruit growers to less than 300. The small family farms are getting bought up by corporations.

I believe Farmlands has the resources and powerhouse to look after these large entities as well as support the local Mum and Dad growers.

Chemistry is also changing along with sustainability which Farmlands is very passionate about being leaders in.

Which crop would others consider you an expert on?

I would never call myself an expert but my passion is Hops, Pears and pipfruit at high density.

Why should customers come to/work with Farmlands Horticulture?

Farmlands is a grower owned business therefore all profits stay in New Zealand. At the same time the grower/farmer is getting the best possible deal there is.

The farmlands branches really work as a team and everyone helps each other.

Outside of work where do you invest your time/money? 

My lifestyle block is where most of my time and money goes! I do love my fishing and hunting and the occasional micro brewing happens in the shed to help support the Hop industry.

Number one of course is spending time with my wife and two boys as much as I can. 

Interested in working at Farmlands Horticulture?

Connect with us on our careers site, check out our Sales Team page or get in touch via careers@farmlands.co.nz.