top of page
Search

New Talent on Board

  • Lyn Larsen
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 7 hours ago


Brooke Cheyne is one of our newest members in our team, joining us as a Junior Agronomist, and works closely with both the R&D and Agronomy team. 


She’s been with us for three months now and has become a natural fit within our skilled team.  With a quiet demeanour, she’s always got a smile and is eager to join in. When asked what she loves about the role “the balance of research, data work, crop walking, and learning knowledge from the wise old owls from the team.


My role gives me the freedom to explore new ideas; if I want to trial something, I have the opportunity to make it happen. Brooke brings youth, fresh energy, and a strong drive to develop the research side of her role, with a particular passion for helping growers understand the data we provide."


HER JOURNEY INTO AGRONOMY

Brooke has always been an outdoors girl, and horticulture was a natural path. Growing up visiting friends and family farms sparked her early interest, eventually leading her to study Agricultural Science at Massey University. Her uncle, who works at an agriculture research centre, introduced her to the industry through work experience—and she was hooked straight away.


During university she completed summer placements with Bayer Crop Science alongside Michael Haupt, and then with Ranui Field Research (Hort Research), where she carried out extensive trial work. She continued there through her third year and stayed for over two years, developing a strong work ethic, and practical skills.  “Spraying all day with a fully loaded backpack on my back taught me resilience” she states.


Brooke then moved to Halter, joining the customer support team and working closely on pasture management through virtual fencing technology. While she enjoyed the analytical side of the role, the long hours, shift work, and constant screen time made her realise she missed her true passion—agronomy and horticultural research—which ultimately brought her to us.


HER LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK

Brooke grew up in Taradale, Hawke’s Bay, where she spent all her schooling years. She has one older brother, Vinny, who lives in Auckland and is a lot of fun to spend time with. Her mum is a teacher aide and her dad—formerly a police officer and now in car sales—still lives in Hawke’s Bay. Family is very important to her, and she visits her parents at least once a month.


Sport has been a huge part of Brooke’s life. She played canoe polo all through school before shifting into sprint kayaking—following in the path of Lisa Carrington. She went on to represent New Zealand. She also loves netball, running, mountain biking, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Right now, she’s training for a marathon next May, secretly plotting to beat her direct manager Rob Cox—who is very cheeky about winning. Brooke is determined to cross that finish line first, no matter what. “I’m planning on a 3hr 30 finish.”



“My spare time is filled with travelling, beaches, and exploring good food. In the  summer months, my dad’s boat (Bada Bing!), named after the strip club in The Sopranos, is my base for every water sport. Taupo has been our family’s go-to holiday spot since I was born.


Brooke also plays guitar. She loves rock music and secretly dreams of playing in a band. “A friend from Uni who produces music has been teaching me and helping me improve my skills.”


She currently lives in Grafton but is out searching for her new home here in Franklin.  She desperately wants a dog—especially a cocker spaniel—but isn’t quite ready yet. “I love living close to the Grafton food scene, biking tracks, and live music spots like Spark Arena and Eden Park. Wok’n’Noodle is my favourite local dinner stop.” Despite enjoying city life, she's a rural girl at heart.


Trial work is ramping up, and Brooke is doing quite a bit at the Plant & Food demonstration farm. “We have our ‘Crop Stock’ event coming up on 4 March 2026 at the demo farm, and we want it absolutely packed. We’ll also have a range of trials on display for people to come and check out.”







If there are any trials you’d like the R&D team to investigate please make contact with Brooke on +64 27 239 4217.

ree

bottom of page