Our Teams
Owl Farm is operated on a day-to-day basis by a team of three permanent farm staff, and overseen by a number of committees: the Farm Management Committee is made up of technical representatives of each of the funding partners, the Demonstration Manager, and representatives from St Peter’s and local farmers. The Governance Committee is comprised of senior members of the funding partners, the FMC Chair and the Demonstration Manager; it provides guidance on strategic directions. The St Peter’s Farm Operations Committee is made up of the Farm Manager, Demonstration Manager, and school Board Trustees.
Jo Sheridan Demonstration Manager
Jo was brought up on a dairy cow and goat farm in Taranaki, and after studying Applied Science (Ag) at Massey University she spent time travelling and working overseas on various farms. She has been involved for over 20 years in the dairy sector supporting farmers with education and extension on farm, and has been the Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm since 2019.
Jo is also involved on her local school Board and local community projects. Their two boys keep Jo and her husband Carl busy, coaching and supporting numerous sport teams, mountain biking and camping around as much of NZ as they can.
Tony Alarca Farm Manager
Tony joined us in November 2022 from South Taranaki where he had been farming at Waitotara. Prior to this he was farming in Canterbury and in the Waikato. He brings extensive farm management experience coupled with a bachelor’s degree in science. Tony originally comes from the Philippines and was joined by his wife and 4 boys in March 2023. Tony and his wife are both qualified teachers.
Louie Seroy Farm Assistant Louie joined us in April 2024. Louie has farmed previously in Matamata and Morrinsville although this is his first experience of milking in a rotary shed. Originally from the Philippines and an experienced sushi chef in Dubai, Louie loves the fresh air, early mornings, and time for family that NZ farming provides. He is always willing to help out with a smile and is keen to continue learning more about farming.
Louie joined us in April 2024. Louie has farmed previously in Matamata and Morrinsville although this is his first experience of milking in a rotary shed. Originally from the Philippines and an experienced sushi chef in Dubai, Louie loves the fresh air, early mornings, and time for family that NZ farming provides. He is always willing to help out with a smile and is keen to continue learning more about farming.
Melchor FariscalFarm Assistant
Mel joined Owl Farm in September 2024 after a career as a glazier. Mel came to New Zealand from the Philippines to follow his dream of farming. Mel is handy at fixing things and thinks he has the dream job at Owl Farm.
Emjay Sheridan Hostess
Joining the team in 2022 is Emjay, the youngest of all our staff members. Emjay has a very important job – to meet and greet all the visitors to Owl Farm and provide positive experiences for the many students and children who visit.
Manuel (Manny) FernandezChair of Governance Committee and St Peter’s Farm Ops Committee
Manny is a trustee of St Peter’s. Brief bio to follow.
Mark BrownGeneral Manager (NZ), Agricom
Mark has held the position of Australasian Brand Manager for Agricom since 2012. He is responsible for all facets of the Agricom business. Mark graduated from Lincoln University in 1987 after studying Farm Management. Following a few years of farm management roles plus time spent agricultural contracting, Mark joined the Agricom business in 2001 as a territory sales manager and has subsequently progressed to his current role. Mark sits on the governance groups of the R&D companies Grasslands Innovation Ltd, Forage Innovations Ltd and Endophyte Innovations Ltd..
Nico LyonsHead of Science, DairyNZ
Originally from Argentina, Nicolas holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Sydney (Australia).
With 20 years of dairy R&D experience across Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand in both commercial and research organisations, he has a track record of building high-performing teams, leading large-scale collaborations, and delivering industry-wide impact.
Nicolas is currently Head of Science at DairyNZ, where he provides people leadership and development to DairyNZ’s water quality, forage, farm system and animal scientists. He also contributes to science direction, ensuring DairyNZ works in the right areas and partners with the right organisations, developing people’s skills and making best use of their talents, and ensuring DairyNZ communicates the value and impact of their science.
Debra KellsRegional Head of Upper North Island, Fonterra
Debra heads up the farmer facing team of Fonterra Farm Source for the Upper North Island (Waikato and Northland ) who are responsible for connecting farmers to their Co-op through a wide range of services and support including on farm specialist support, tools and services and a store and hub network. In her more than 20 years in Fonterra she has worked in a variety of leadership positions including Human Resources, change management and Fonterra’s shared services business unit. Debra has a passion for how the Co-operative model can support farmers to stay and grow in the dairy industry and helping them to maximise the value of their milk.
Having grown up in Nelson, the Waikato has been home for some time now and Debra enjoys living and working right in the heart of dairy country.
Mark WisnewskiSenior Manager – Corporate Business, Westpac Bank
Mark has been with Westpac since graduating from Massey University in 1994 and has an extensive background in agribusiness. He has spent 16 years in the Westpac Agribusiness team in a variety of senior roles which have included working closely with customers and Westpac staff. Mark’s current role as Senior Manager in Corporate Business involves managing the banking relationships of a limited number of corporate clients in the greater Waikato region.
Alison BaileyProfessor of Farm Management, Head of Department Farms, Lincoln University
Alison has been at Lincoln University since May 2016. She has been an active researcher in Farm Management for over 25 years, primarily as a social scientist working within multi-disciplinary teams. The focus of her research is on the analysis of sustainable farming systems and wider agri-ecosystem resilience, with particular emphasis on the financial impact on farm productivity of alternative farming systems and agri-environment policy. Her work contributes to improvements in how government legislation is implemented, reducing the burden for both government and the farming industry whilst managing risk, maintaining food safety and quality, and/or reducing the impact on the environment. The work has been undertaken across the European Union, United Kingdom, Africa and most recently New Zealand for both Government, commercial and charitable organisations.
Richard LuxtonChair, Farm Management Committee
Richard has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Canterbury and a Diploma in Agribusiness. He has completed the NZID Directors’ course, and the Kellogg’s Rural Leadership programme. Richard is a St Peter’s alumnus; he sits on the St Peter’s School Foundation Committee and has been involved in a number of charitable trusts. He has extensive corporate farm governance and management experience. Richard is currently a director of Tatua Dairy Cooperative, JD & RD Wallace Ltd and Kotare Ltd (two large-scale corporate farming businesses). He also manages two family dairy farms in the Waikato, where he lives with his wife and two young children. As Chair of the Farm Management Committee, Richard has an important liaison role in the Governance Committee.
Mike ManningChief Science Officer, Ravensdown Fertiliser Ltd
Mike has a vast experience in the Fertiliser Industry with some 44 years of direct involvement commencing in the field services role working directly with farmers to then enjoying several senior management positions within Ravensdown. Mike currently has responsibility for ensuring Ravensdown’s business decisions including the advice offered to farmers emanates from a robust science foundation. Mike also has the responsibility for engaging research providers to develop technologies and products to meet the environmental and productivity needs of Ravensdown’s farmer customers.
Jo SheridanDemonstration Manager, Owl Farm
Jo was brought up on a dairy cow and goat farm in Taranaki, and after studying Applied Science (Ag) at Massey University she spent time travelling and working overseas on various farms. She has been involved for over 20 years in the dairy sector supporting farmers with education and extension on farm, and has been the Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm since 2019.
Jo is also involved on her local school Board and local community projects. Their two boys keep Jo and her husband Carl busy, coaching and supporting numerous sport teams, mountain biking, sea kayaking, mountain biking and camping around as much of NZ as they can.
Nic BoydDirector of Finance, St Peter’s
Nic has been with St Peter’s as Director of Finance for nearly three years. In her capacity on the Farm Management Committee, she helps Jo produce the financial reports for Owl Farm, and represents St Peter’s financial interests on the Governance Committee.
Mike CalvertHead of Commercial and Operations, St Peter’s
Mike hails from the Northeast of England. In 1996 he graduated from University College London with a Bachelor of Engineering. In 2009 he moved to Australia, relocating to New Zealand 6 years later. He has spent the majority of his career working in the tertiary education sector and was the Director of Student Services at the University of Waikato before joining St Peter’s School in 2024.
Richard LuxtonChair, Farm Management Committee
Richard has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Canterbury and a Diploma in Agribusiness. He has completed the NZID Directors’ course, and the Kellogg’s Rural Leadership programme. Richard is a St Peter’s alumnus; he sits on the St Peter’s School Foundation Committee and has been involved in a number of charitable trusts. He has extensive corporate farm governance and management experience. Richard is currently a director of Tatua Dairy Cooperative, JD & RD Wallace Ltd and Kotare Ltd (two large-scale corporate farming businesses). He also manages two family dairy farms in the Waikato, where he lives with his wife and two young children.
Tony AlarcaOwl Farm Manager
Tony joined us in November 2022 from South Taranaki where he had been farming at Waitotara. Prior to this he was farming in Canterbury and in the Waikato. He brings extensive farm management experience coupled with a bachelor’s degree in science. Tony originally comes from the Philippines and was joined by his wife and 4 boys in March 2023. Tony and his wife are both qualified teachers.
Frank PortegysSenior Extension Partner, Cambridge-Pirongia, DairyNZ
Frank has been involved with farming all his life, being brought up on dairy farms on the Hauraki Plains and Morrinsville before attending Massey University. He has spent time working for MPI (MAF) and eight years in the fertiliser industry before joining DairyNZ in 2002 as a Consulting Officer and also working in the Environment Team. In 2008 Frank and his wife went dairy farming as an equity partner and sharemilker milking 400 cows between Morrinsville and Cambridge. While there they were finalists in the 2012 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards taking out the Nutrient Management Awards and Best Dairy Farm Award. He is now back with DairyNZ as an Extension Partner in the Cambridge-Pirongia area. He is also an all-round good guy.
Mike CalvertHead of Commercial and Operations, St Peter’s Cambridge
Mike hails from the Northeast of England. In 1996 he graduated from University College London with a Bachelor of Engineering. In 2009 he moved to Australia, relocating to New Zealand 6 years later. He has spent the majority of his career working in the tertiary education sector and was the Director of Student Services at the University of Waikato before joining St Peter’s School in 2024.
Sarah DeathSenior Agri Manager, Ravensdown
Sarah is a seasoned rural professional with over 15 years of experience across dairy, cropping, and sheep and beef systems. Her career in agriculture has been driven by a deep commitment to sustainable farming, agri-tech innovation, and strengthening the long-term resilience of New Zealand’s primary industries. Sarah’s work has spanned the greater Waikato region, where she has partnered with diverse farming operations to deliver practical, profitable, and environmentally sound solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Massey University and has continually expanded her expertise to encompass farm systems, environmental compliance, and agricultural profitability. Sarah excels in roles that blend technical insight with strategic problem-solving, and she is passionate about mentoring emerging farmers and sharing knowledge to build capability across the sector. Her mission is to play a meaningful role in shaping a future-focused, climate-smart, and economically robust agricultural landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Charlotte WestwoodVeterinary Nutritionist, PGG Wrightson Seeds
Dr Charlotte Westwood has 25 years of experience in veterinary science, nutrition and farm management in both New Zealand and Australia. With a vet degree from Massey University and a PhD in dairy nutrition and reproduction from the University of Sydney, Charlotte enjoys all aspects of dairying systems but particularly ruminant nutrition, reproduction and animal health management. As a veterinary nutritionist employed by one of Owl Farm’s sponsors, PGG Wrightson Seeds, Charlotte has been a member of the farm management committee since 2014.
Sarah WoodFarmer Services Manager South Waikato, Fonterra
Sarah grew up on a large sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury. She moved to the Waikato to study for a bachelor of Management Studies at University of Waikato, and has never left. While raising a young family, she and her husband sharemilked their way to farm ownership in the Matamata Piako region over 12 years. During that time Sarah worked in the Technical Sales team in various roles at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, and then moved to her current role with Fonterra in 2009. Over the last 12 years she and her team have supported farmers through the highs and lows of dairying, and she firmly believes that the NZ dairy industry has a great future despite the global challenges. Sarah has represented Fonterra as a member of the farm management committee since 2014.
Jo SheridanDemonstration Manager, Owl Farm
Jo was brought up on a dairy cow and goat farm in Taranaki, and after studying Applied Science (Ag) at Massey University she spent time travelling and working overseas on various farms. She has been involved for over 20 years in the dairy sector supporting farmers with education and extension on farm, and has been the Demonstration Manager at Owl Farm since 2019.
Jo is also involved on her local school Board and local community projects. Their two boys keep Jo and her husband Carl busy, coaching and supporting numerous sport teams, mountain biking and camping around as much of NZ as they can.
Omar Al-MarashdehLincoln University
Omar is a senior lecturer in Animal Science at Lincoln University, where his expertise and interest extend across diverse areas of agricultural research. Omar arrived in New Zealand in 2007 from Jordan, where he managed dairy farms before embarking on his academic career. Omar’s teaching and research have focused on ruminant nutrition, nitrogen partitioning and use efficiency, animal behaviour and welfare, and strategies to mitigate the negative environmental footprint of livestock farming systems, with a primary focus on dairy systems. Combining his practical experience in dairy farming with his remarkable research skills, Omar’s teaching and research philosophy is to keep it relevant and applicable to farmers’ needs.
Adrian Ball
Farmer Member
Tirau farmer Adrian runs Dennley Farms, a 196 ha fully integrated dairy and dairy beef finishing farm. He is also the Chairman of Rahinga Dairies in Dacre, Southland. Other roles include – Farmer elected Director of Silver Fern Farms Co-op; Board observer of Wool Works; appointed member of the Fonterra sustainability advisory panel. Adrian and his wife were the recipients of the 2019 Gordon Stephenson Trophy which is part of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, They were the 2019 National Ambassadors for sustainable farming and growing. He has also recently completed a strategy specialisation certificate at the Harvard Business School and an Advanced Directors course at the Institute of Directors NZ. He has undertaken IMD Change Management and Crisis Management courses.
Jo FaberWestpac
Jo is Head of Insights and Research for Westpac Agribusiness. She grew up in the Waikato where her family were involved in the dairy and drystock industries. Jo studied Biochemistry at Otago University and worked as a scientist in the US, UK and NZ where she specialised in freshwater restoration. After completing a post-graduate qualification in business at Auckland University, Jo moved into banking where she has worked in both business and agribusiness banking for the past eight years.
Nic BoydDirector of Finance
Nic has been with St Peter’s as Director of Finance for nearly three years. In her capacity on the Farm Management Committee, she helps Jo produce the financial reports for Owl Farm.
Kate HillertonOwl Farm Administrator
Kate originates from the UK, where she gained a B.SC in Agricultural Management from Wye College, University of London. She has wide-ranging agricultural experience, both practical and administrative. Now semi-retired, Kate likes to keep her hand in by continuing to provide the administration role for Owl Farm, along with specific projects as necessary.
Al Hall
Farmer Member
Al Hall grew up on the family farm in the hills just outside of Cambridge. He completed a Dip Agri Bus Mgmt, then gained large scale dairy conversion experience in Canterbury and Southland before heading overseas where he farmed for corporate interests in Australia and the UK, as well as everywhere in between. Upon returning to New Zealand, Al and his wife Tia, along with their two young daughters, have progressed from sharemilking to farm ownership of the 530-cow family farm. Al has completed IOD and Rural Governance courses. He serves on many other farming boards and industry groups, is a local school board member and really enjoys the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given his family so much.
Teagan GrayAssociate Member
Teagan is a 5th generation farmer on her family’s farm. She has worked on the farm since 2016 and is in her third season as Manager managing 500 cows on 160ha on the Hauraki Plains. Teagan holds a Bachelor’s degree of Agriscience from Massey University. In 2024 she was awarded the Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Manager of the Year and placed runner up in the New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year.
Mark Nicholas
Farmer Member
Mark Nicholas grew up on his family’s farm in Tokoroa. He then worked in the tourism industry in Queenstown, Australia and Europe for 10 years. Returning to NZ, he progressed from Farm Assistant to 50:50 sharemilking 720 cows, with his wife, Cathy. Mark has a Diploma in Agri Business Management and won Dairy Trainee of the year in 2009. The family lives in Tirau, owning a 120 ha dairy farm, split calving 265 cows; their two daughters currently attend St Peter’s school. Mark has been involved with the Dairy Industry Awards, school boards, Lions NZ, and industry events. His off farm interests are Triathlons and Fishing.
