Grant McKay has returned to Farmlands as Key Accounts Manager - Horticulture, bringing with him a wealth of experience, awards, and achievements from his 30-year career in horticulture in New Zealand.

What did you want to do career-wise when you left school? 

Originally, I intended to study law or political science, but I decided I would take a year out before heading to university, giving me a year to decide 100% on what I was going to do and have some fun. I had a friend who said to come and do a horticulture certificate in the meantime, and it just went from there. I never looked back. Not sure if I would have made a great lawyer, perhaps just a "bush lawyer" of sorts. 

Tell us about your career to date.

My passion for horticulture began over 30 years ago, working in market gardens in North Otago. I later earned a B.Com Hort and a Diploma in Horticultural Management from Lincoln University, then spent 10 years working in consultancy in the Nelson Tasman district, leading to a career in research, development, and technical advisory roles.

The opportunity came up to join Farmlands as Horticultural Field Manager and establish the Farmlands horticulture brand in Central Otago. It was a no-brainer to move back to Otago, which I call home, and be closer to family. From there, I was promoted to Sales Manager - Otago. I left Farmlands and established another ground-up horticultural company in Central Otago, and after 6.5 years, I have made the move back to Farmlands as National Key Account Manager for Horticulture.

I received the Horticulture New Zealand Industry Service Award in 2023 and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Scholarship in 2013, and I sit on the New Zealand Summer fruit Export Reference and R&D Group. I specialize in pipfruit, stone fruit, and viticulture (both conventional and organic) and have experience in kiwifruit and forestry. 

What led you back to Farmlands?

Having worked for Farmlands in the past, it was easy to come back as I believe Farmlands has the scale to service an ever-changing, diverse primary sector. Horticultural enterprises have also grown in size and scale over the years, and I believe Farmlands is in a position to make a positive impact for shareholders and growers through their size and offering. "It’s about relationships and sound technical advice," which aligns perfectly with Farmlands’ cooperative spirit.

How have you grown in your time with us at Farmlands?

Farmlands has afforded me many opportunities over the years to grow professionally, build a very strong network, and meet some great, highly skilled people.

What are your key achievements / what are you most proud of? 

When in Nelson, I was involved with the Young Grower of the Year Competition and the formation of the Young Tasman Growers group. On moving back to Otago, I found that there were no support mechanisms for young people entering into or already in the industry. So I set about establishing the Central Otago Young Fruit Grower Competition and a Young Grower group with the support of Horticulture NZ and others to build and foster young talent, and to develop their industry knowledge and networks. Over a decade later, I have only just stepped down as the organizer. This competition is now well embedded within the Central Otago horticulture sector.

What would your advice be for someone who's interested in a career in Horticulture at Farmlands? 

Work hard, listen, and be solutions-focused. Make the most of opportunities that come your way, and always seek to create opportunities for others along the way. You need to give back what you take.

Interested in learning from or working with Grant 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.