With a background in molecular biology and hands-on farming experience, Perrin Ag’s newest consultant Sam Gray loves helping farmers boost productivity and navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment.

Sam lives in Taupō with his partner Karoline on the 56-hectare farm they purchased six years ago after they returned from Scotland. There, Sam was working as a medical researcher at the University of Edinburgh.

Sam grew up on a dairy farm in the Far North, but after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Molecular Biotechnology in 2005 from the University of Otago, he embarked on a path into medical research.

“I initially worked at Auckland University looking at the genetics of bone diseases and then travelled overseas. I was working at the University of Edinburgh researching in the same area, predominantly related to gout, before we returned to New Zealand,” says Sam.

“I found myself looking more and more out the window from the laboratory and wondering whether I’d enjoy working outdoors in a more practical application of my skills.”

Sam and Karoline, who is a German translator, returned to New Zealand in 2012 and went dairy farming for four years before purchasing their farm in Taupō. Before joining Perrin Ag Sam used to rear 300 beef calves each spring, selling half as weaners at 100kgs and rearing the balance through to 18 months and 600kgs.

“I love farming, but I was searching for more balance. The role at Perrin Ag allowed me to combine my science background with helping farmers,” says Sam.

“In medical research you’re often focused on a very small problem and go into massive detail picking it apart. In farming you can have 100 different problems in a day and you’re solving them as you go. At the end of the day, you can see what you’ve done, and I find that very rewarding.”

With his property located in the Lake Taupō catchment, Sam has learned first-hand how to farm under a nitrogen cap. These learnings have also helped lay the groundwork for his consultancy role.

At Perrin Ag, Sam has been helping farmers navigate complex and rapidly evolving environmental regulations from nitrogen caps to developing Freshwater Farm Plans.

“My science background means I am a very analytical thinker, but I can bring a pragmatic approach to solving problems, which I think is a really strong combination,” says Sam.

Alongside working directly with farmers, Sam is also involved in an industry project aimed at measuring the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies in reducing nitrogen loss, a representation of the type of industry research Perrin Ag is also involved in.

“A lot of farmers are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about compliance. The work we do at Perrin Ag helps bridge the gap. We help farmers translate regulations into practical solutions that enable farmers to remain compliant while excelling at what they do best: farming,” says Sam.

“I love that every day brings new challenges and that you can see the results of the work you are doing for both the farm businesses we are working with and the land.”

Outside his role with Perrin Ag, Sam is an outdoors enthusiast enjoying the fly fishing, hunting, and snowboarding he is fortunate to have on his back doorstep.