James Robertson: Young Farmer of the Year making an impact in global agribusiness

James Robertson grew up in Waikato with a passion for farming and saw the industry’s demand for skilled graduates. That brought him to Massey’s Bachelor of AgriCommerce programme, which gave him the perfect balance of business knowledge and hands-on agricultural experience. James made history by becoming the youngest-ever FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner at just 22 years old.

Finding his path at Massey University

James has always been passionate about farming, but he didn’t realise the industry’s wide range of opportunities. His experience competing in the Junior Young Farmers competition during high school opened his eyes to the possibilities and inspired him to study agriculture at university.

“Waikato was home so it would have been the easy option for me, but I was keen to see what Palmerston North had to offer. I was impressed by the scope of the practical and networking opportunities, and the Massey Young Farmers Club was a massive drawcard,” he says. “I really enjoyed accounting and economics at school, so a Bachelor of AgriCommerce ticked all the boxes.”

James fully immersed himself in university life. He was a DairyNZ Scholar for three years and won several academic awards, including the 2016 Property Institute of New Zealand Top Student prize. In 2017, he was named Massey University’s Agriculture Student of the Year and became the first person ever to receive both that title and the William Gerrish Memorial Award.

“Studying agriculture is something unique. It’s like a business and science degree mixed up with a primary industry setting. In one lecture, you might be learning about how futures work in the US wheat market, and the next, you are working out the present value of a potential investment in a centre pivot irrigation system on a Foxton dairy farm.”

James was also heavily involved in extracurricular activities. He played for Massey’s Under-21 rugby team for all three years, participated in national stock judging competitions, mentored the Junior Young Farmers Group at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, and served as Treasurer and then Chairman of the Massey Young Farmers Club. “The Massey Young Farmers Club is awesome. It is what you make of it and being the largest Young Farmers club in the country, there are certainly plenty of opportunities. The club provides plenty of social events but also helps to build governance, public speaking, event and people management skills during university,” he says.

Winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year James’ biggest personal achievement came in 2019 when he was crowned the FMG Young Farmer of the Year at just 22 years old, making him the youngest winner in the competition’s history. “When my name was called out, I went into shock. I just can’t believe it—it’s a dream come true,” he says. “It’s always been a goal of mine to win this title.” James took home a prize package worth around $75,000, including a trip to Ireland.

He also won the FMG People’s Choice Award, the innovation prize, and was named the most tech-savvy contestant. “Winning Young Farmer of the Year helped to unlock another level of connections in the industry,” he reflects. “But more than anything, I’m most proud of the friendships and networks I’ve been lucky to build through my time at university and during my career.”

From Massey to Fonterra and Shanghai

After graduating from Massey in 2017, James wasn’t entirely sure what his next step would be. He applied for Fonterra’s graduate programme, got accepted, and soon found himself moving to Auckland – learning to navigate life in the ‘big smoke’ while rotating through different areas of the business.

“The graduate programme involved four six-month rotations across the company, and my degree really set me up well for the transition into the corporate world,” he says.

Then came an exciting opportunity – Fonterra offered him a role as Trade Strategy Manager for Asia, based in Shanghai. “I found myself living in Shanghai, covering China, North Asia, and Southeast Asia. My role involved leading Fonterra’s engagements with external stakeholders, from the New Zealand Government and foreign governments to industry bodies and associations,” he says.

James spent nearly three years in China, experiencing life in one of the world’s biggest cities while navigating the complexities of international trade. “It was surreal to live and work in such a different environment and be part of a market that’s so important to New Zealand’s agricultural industry,” he reflects.

Now back in Auckland as Fonterra’s Chief of Staff, James has come full circle—from a Waikato dairy farm to global agribusiness and back home again, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for the industry that started it all.

Advice for future students

James strongly advocates making the most of university life beyond the classroom. “Your degree is just one part of the skills you gain at university. The personal growth, building soft skills, and friendships are what truly set you up for life after graduation,” he says. “Balancing study with sports, social activities, and clubs is key.”

He also encourages new graduates to stay open to new experiences, “Finishing university is just the start of your learning journey. The first few years of your career are the perfect time to take risks and do something different that challenges you.”

Looking back, James credits Massey University for opening doors and shaping his career. “I can’t think of many degrees where you get to know your entire class, participate in exchanges, and build a network of people who will support you throughout your career. The connections and opportunities I gained at Massey were invaluable.”