Sam Harmer tells us about her passion for Sheep farming and how a desire for connection to the community brought her to Farmlands. 

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

When I left school, I was driven by my deep-rooted passion for sheep farming, wool, and genetics. Growing up on a high-country sheep and beef operation, I learned firsthand the importance of producing quality Merino wool and food for the world. However, I wasn't entirely sure which path in agriculture to go down.  

Tell us about your career to date.

My career path started with shepherding, where I gained invaluable experience with sheep, beef and deer, and understanding their needs. I then took an interest into wool classing, which allowed me to refine my understanding of wool quality and genetics. I spent a lot of time in the woolsheds, wool handling my way around Canterbury. I loved this as I got to meet new people every day, new farmers and different operations, from cropping to high country. I was lucky to be awarded a wool classer scholarship with the NZ Merino Company, which gave me the opportunity to spend two months learning from a mentor. During this time, I gained a deeper understanding of wool contracts and the wool market, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What led you to Farmlands? 

I've spent time overseas in the UK and Europe, broadening my knowledge and gaining new perspectives on global farming practices. Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by a desire to support farmers and be connected to the industry, where I can make a tangible difference. I'm deeply passionate about sheep genetics, recognizing its potential as a powerful tool for farmers to enhance genetic gain. I also enjoy supporting farmers by offering solutions and ensuring they feel valued. In saying that, what leads me to a retail job at Farmlands is my desire to stay connected with the farming community, offer valuable solutions, and apply my passion for agriculture and stock breeding in a practical setting. It feels like a natural extension of my interest in supporting farmers and helping them thrive.

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

During my time with Farmlands, I’ve grown by deepening my understanding of the farming community and the challenges they face. I’ve had the opportunity to offer practical solutions, and see the impact that can have on a farm’s success. I’ve also developed stronger communication skills, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with customers and ensure they feel valued and supported in their work. It’s been a great opportunity to combine my passion for farming with hands-on experience in the industry.

What do you most enjoy at Farmlands? 

One of my key achievements at Farmlands has been helping farmers find solutions that directly improve their productivity. It’s rewarding to see the tangible impact of those decisions on their farms and knowing I’ve played a role in supporting their growth. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built with customers, making them feel heard and valued. What I enjoy most about working here is the opportunity to work closely with the farming community and offer practical advice and solutions. I really appreciate being in an environment where I can combine my passion for agriculture with meaningful work.

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

My advice for someone interested in a career at Farmlands would be to really immerse yourself in the farming community and take the time to understand the unique challenges and needs of farmers. Building strong relationships is key, so developing good communication skills and being genuinely interested in helping others is important. Also, be open to learning and expanding your knowledge—especially about things like new farming technologies, products, and advancements in areas you are unsure of. The more you can offer relevant, practical solutions, the more value you’ll provide to the farmers you work with.

Interested in what we offer in the Retail space?

Check out our Retail page and Retail Apprenticeship page for more details.

Interested in working with Sam in our Retail Team?

Connect with us on our careers site or check out our current vacancies.