| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Balle Bros Group ‘A humbling accolade to receive’ Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells (far right) at the awards. Kim Bowden When Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells heard his name announced at the 2025 Potato Industry Awards in Christchurch, he admits it felt a bit surreal. The 30 year old, who is more often out in a paddock than in the public eye, took home the Shining Star Award, recognising his leadership potential and contribution to advancing New Zealand’s potato industry. “It was quite a humbling accolade to receive, especially from my peers,” he says. “It was a really, really nice feeling to know what I’m learning in the industry is being recognised, and it just further drives me to keep learning more.” Jamie’s career has been firmly rooted with Balle Bros, one of the country’s largest vegetable producers. He joined the Auckland-based company straight out of Pukekohe High School in 2012, after meeting one of the company’s directors, who encouraged him to give it a go. What began as a summer job evolved into a career. He worked full-time while studying by correspondence through Massey University, completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Horticulture) in 2019. “I felt like I was able to learn what I was getting taught in the classroom and put it into practical use out in the field,” he says. “Seeing what actually works from the books into real-world situations.” Now a senior agronomist, Jamie advises farm managers across the Franklin and Waikato regions on crop management. Balle Bros’ operations span roughly 3,200 hectares nationwide, growing potatoes, carrots, onions, brassicas, spring onions, and cereal crops. “We go from the top of the North Island for our washed salad potatoes to start the season, and then we work further down the country towards Canterbury for seed production,” Jamie says. “It gives that all-year-round crop supply into the supermarkets.” Jamie also plays a key role in mentoring younger people into horticulture. A founding member and first chair of Potatoes New Zealand’s Youth Council, he’s been part of efforts to connect high-school students with the industry. Other farming careers – dairy, in particular – seem to steal all the limelight. “We want to change that narrative,” he says. “There’s a plethora of opportunities available in our sector, and we definitely need more people to come on board.” He acknowledges that the industry faces headwinds, particularly around increasing regulatory demands. Then, there is the complication of different expectations put on growers by different buyers. “Everyone seems to want to have their own guideline of how they would like product produced,” he says. “I think there needs to be a bit more symmetry. “It seems like it’s doubling the paperwork when it’s not necessary.” Despite the challenges, he finds the work endlessly rewarding. “Every year is never the same. You’ve always got to keep learning, and that fuels the mind a bit,” he says. “What I really enjoy about it is making a crop that’s going to go to market that provides goodness and nutritional benefits to people around the world.” And he still likes a good feed of potatoes himself – something his mates don’t let up about. “Some of my mates from high school call me spud boy, but I still do enjoy a potato,” he says with a bit of a laugh. “I guess I have in the back of my mind keeping the industry going every potato I have for dinner or lunch - just doing my little bit.” 09 237 0430 sales@sfnz.nz www.sfnz.nz From industry-leading products and protection systems, to hands-on, expert advice, you can count on Seed & Field to deliver great results from paddock selection and sowing to harvest. Despite the challenges, Jamie finds the work endlessly rewarding.
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