I’m Phil Fleming and I was born and bred in Taranaki. I grew up on a dairy farm and spent my early childhood there right through till when I went to college in Wellington and then went to University Massey University. I did a Bachelor of horticulture and then did an OE in America for a year, and then came back and did a Master of Applied Science in agronomy. I worked for Ballance Agri Nutrients for eight years, and I've been with FarmWise for just over 10 years. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters. I have a passion for racehorses. I own a few racehorses, and even breed a few.
What do I like about FarmWise?
Being a FarmWise consultant is a really good fit for me. I've done a lot of studying and really enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy talking about the fundamentals of farming but what I really find rewarding is working with people. Most of my clients are family orientated farms rather than corporate farms. On average they milk around 300 to 400 cows.
I think what’s critical to my farm consultancy relationships is integrity. I’m straight up and honest with people. Sitting around the table with a farming family, there can be three generations involved in the conversation. Being there listening, getting the communication flowing is one of my skills. Often, if I find there is a problem, being a third party means I can get everyone heading in the right direction.
The other thing I like about FarmWise is the teamwork. We’re a close-knit crew, and not a day goes past where there's not a question thrown out to all of us like: how would you deal with this situation? We can all get individually busy, but having a large number of colleagues behind you is really reassuring for both the consultant and actually the farmer!
Generally, we’re good all-rounders with a lot of knowledge and on average, around 10 years’ experience – so we can always find an answer and tap into the resources of LIC for reproduction, animal health, and genetics.
Education
Master of Applied Science, Plant Biology (Hons.), Massey University.
Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management Certification, Massey University.
Member of NZIPIM.
Certified BCS Assessor.
InCalf Advisor.
Farmax Bronze Certification.
Work experience
FarmWise Dairy Consultant since 2012.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients technical fertiliser representative for 8 years
Dairy farm owner
