A Conversation with Amanda Payne: Discovering a Future in Horticulture

Trainee Agronomist – Seed and Field.

When I sat down with Amanda Payne, a recent Massey University graduate now working full-time in the horticulture sector, I expected a straightforward conversation about her study pathway. What I got instead was a warm, honest, and inspiring story about discovering passion, breaking stereotypes, and finding confidence in an industry she once never imagined joining.

Amanda didn’t begin her journey with horticulture in mind. At high school in Taradale, agriculture felt like the “normal” option—while horticulture, she remembers, carried an odd stigma. “People thought the hort students were a bit weird,” she laughs. But exposure to both subjects early on at Massey opened her eyes, she found herself gravitating toward the plant-focused papers in her Agricultural Science degree, slowly realising just how fascinating and complex horticulture really is.

Her practicum placements—first at Gourmet Blueberries and later at T&G—cemented that shift. She describes discovering “a whole world” behind every crop, variety, and growing decision. “I thought a blueberry was just a blueberry,” she admits, “but there’s so much science and work behind every variety.” Each workplace welcomed her curiosity, and those early connections later helped shape her career.

One message Amanda repeats often is the importance of being physically present at university. Lectures, field trips, and even casual conversations created friendships she calls her “found family”—relationships she still relies on now that she’s working with growers every day. Those same connections with industry speakers and growers have already opened doors for her, including the full-time role she’s thriving in now.

She also credits Massey for teaching her how to think. Her soil science, plant science, and weed identification classes are tools she uses constantly, but it’s the mindset—learning how to learn—that she values most. And surprisingly, one of the most useful skills she took from university was public speaking. “We were always made to talk in front of the class,” she says. “I hated it then, but now I’m doing speeches at industry events. It’s actually helped so much.”

When I asked what she’d say to a young person considering horticulture, her answer came quickly: “Be open to it. Don’t write it off.”
She wants students to know there’s no “type” of person who suits horticulture. Whether you love data, connection, the outdoors, or science, there’s a place for every personality. Her own role blends agronomy, problem-solving, visiting growers, and building strong relationships— work she clearly enjoys.

And her final piece of advice? Don’t be afraid not to know everything. “Growers don’t expect you to know it all,” she says. “They just want to see that you’re willing to learn.” In an industry hungry for new people and fresh ideas, that willingness matters more than anything.

Speaking with Amanda left me feeling hopeful. Her enthusiasm, humility, and genuine excitement for the industry are exactly what horticulture needs—and exactly what young people need to hear. Horticulture isn’t “boring,” she insists. It’s vibrant, varied, and full of opportunity. And she’s living proof of where an open mind—and a bit of courage—can lead.

Here is a little about Amanda’s role
Seed and Field are specialist vegetable agronomic providers, working closely with growers to help them achieve the best possible results from their crops. The business also has a seed division that treats and supplies seed to growers across New Zealand.

I am currently working as a Trainee Agronomist, where I shadow experienced agronomists within the business to develop the skills and knowledge needed to support growers in the vegetable sector. Agronomy is the science of soil management and crop production, and much of the role involves being out in the field walking crops and working alongside growers.

Our focus is on helping growers improve crop yield, quality, and sustainability by managing pests and diseases, maintaining soil health, and selecting suitable crop varieties. Building strong relationships with growers is an important part of the role and something I really enjoy.

I am also involved in trial work, helping run and monitor trials that investigate new crop protection products, vegetable varieties, and management practices. This work helps ensure the advice we provide to growers is supported by practical research and field results.