Meet The Team
With over thirty years of combined experience across the agricultural landscape, we are a team of passionate individuals working with farmers to transfer science into profitable farming systems. We are the people who put together the jigsaw of farming operations, and national and local policy and help you figure out your risks and opportunities for the future of your business.
We have the ability to connect you with a range of leading experts throughout our industry networks. We are forward-thinking and problem solvers by nature and enjoy all the agricultural sector has to offer.
Laura Keenan
Senior Consultant
Manawatu based as an Agronomist and Environmental Consultant, Laura can help farmers achieve their productivity, profitability and sustainability goals. Following a B Ag. Sci (Hons) degree at Lincoln, she has followed her passion for the technical element of the environment, agronomy and farm systems analysis. With proven experience in delivering environmental outcomes for farmers, Laura has extensive knowledge of national and local policy to guide practical decisions on farm.
She is widely involved throughout the industry, including commitments on the national executive of the New Zealand Grassland Association and on the board of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management.
In 2018 she was awarded the Emerging Rural Professional of the Year award at the NZIPIM national conference and in 2020, was selected to start a PhD at Lincoln University where she is focusing on improving the profitability of farm systems and environmental outcomes when using forage crops.
Qualifications
+ Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) Lincoln University
+ Doctor of Philosophy, Plant Science
+ Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
+ Land Use Capability Mapping Accreditation
+ RMPP Facilitation Accreditation
+ Certificate in An Introduction to New Zealand’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Management
+ Kellogg Rural Leadership Program
+ CNMA Certified
+ National Freshwater Farm Plan Certifier Training
(027) 214 3776
Stephanie Sloan
Senior Consultant
Also based in the Manawatu, Steph has a Bachelor of Science followed by a PGDip AgriScience majoring in soil science. With over ten years of experience across the agricultural landscape, she is passionate about working with farmers for land production system improvements.
Having been involved with numerous industry key stakeholders, as well as working with iwi/hapū in Māori agribusiness capability and development of land parcels. With a strong background in pastoral systems, land management, natural resources and farmer engagement, she has the ability to operate effectively and comfortably from community to CEO level as a subject matter expert or through facilitation.
Steph is widely connected throughout the industry including commitments on corporate farming boards and with industry bodies as well as a proven track record managing high-performance teams.
Qualifications
+ Bachelor in Science (Geography) – Otago University
+ Post Graduate Diploma AgriScience – Massey University
+ Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
+ Land Use Capability Mapping Accreditation
+ RMPP Facilitation Accreditation
+ Certificate in An Introduction to New Zealand’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Management
+ CNMA Certified
+ National Freshwater Farm Plan Certifier Training
(021) 224 4030
Hayley Keenan
Farm Systems & Environmental Consultant
Hayley has been involved in the Agricultural industry since she left university where she completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture.
Hayley has been working on farms for the best part of 8 years including dairy farming in New Zealand, Crop farming in Canada and large-scale crop and sheep farming in Australia.
Hayley has a particular interest in farm systems and how to make them the most efficient, sustainable and profitable. She joined the K S Agri Team in June 2022 and is looking forward to working alongside farmers to achieve the best possible outcomes for their farming business and to support them on their journey.
Qualifications
+ Bachelor Of Commerce in Agriculture Lincoln University
+ Certificate in Intermediate Sustainable Nutrient Management
+ Certificate in An Introduction to New Zealand’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Management
+ Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
Chrystal Barr
Consultant
An award-winning consultant in travel for the past 10 years, Chrystal found herself wanting a change of scenery. After having her first child, she was introduced to the world of environmental and agricultural sciences.
Now, after the birth of her second child, she back studying toward the goal of consulting in this space. Chrystal is KS Agri ladies’ right-hand woman, for now, helping to keep things in check behind the scenes.
Chrystal adds an organised, calm and driven energy to an already enthusiastic and passionate women-led business who are helping you facilitate action in your communities.
Robyn Engels
Farm Systems & Environmental Consultant
Robyn joins the KS Agri team as a dairy farmer and environmental consultant based in Manawatu. After gaining a Bachelor of Agri-Commerce through Massey University, she spent 5 years as a sustainable dairy advisor, working on the ground to support and advise farmers to achieve positive environmental outcomes for their business.
She took on a farm manager position to fully immerse herself in farm life, which she has found extremely rewarding. Understanding on-farm challenges and finding opportunities to improve efficiencies all around is something that excites her looking forward.
With a love for the outdoors and the primary sector, Robyn is driven to help farmers unravel compliance pressures to ensure that they can farm with certainty into the future.
Qualifications
+ Bachelor of Agri-Commerce – Massey University
+ Certificate in Farm Dairy Effluent: System Design and Management
+ Certificate in Intermediate Sustainable Nutrient Management
+ Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management
+ Next Level Graduate – Agri-Womens Development Trust
Harriet Gibson
Consultant
Harriet is our newest addition to the KS Agri team. Based in the Manawatu Harriet has a Bachelor of Environmental Management and a Post Grad Certificate in Commerce.
With over 5 years of experience in the agriculture industry, she is a highly motivated rural advocate who is passionate about supporting farmers to achieve great outcomes.
For the last 3 years, Harriet has worked as a Community Catchment Coordinator, which she has found extremely rewarding. This experience has enabled her to become widely connected and trusted throughout the industry.
Harriet is particularly interested in business diversification for pastoral farming and how to make them sustainable and profitable. She is also driven to help farmers overcome challenges with a growth mindset.
Qualifications
+ Bachelor in Environmental Management, Lincoln University
+Post grad certificate in Commerce, Lincoln University
+ Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
+ Land Use Capability Mapping Accreditation
+ Facilitating Learning and Change Accreditation