BakerAg are thrilled and proud to advise that at a recent New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) meeting Chris Garland was recognised as a Life member of the Institute - full citation follows

Chris Garland graduated from Massey University in the late 70’s and joined the MAF Advisory Services as a farm advisor.

Life was busy and sometimes stressful through the 80’s, with massive interest rates and helping clients through the debt restructuring programme. There was also the pain of shifting to a user pays service in the mid 80’s that put MAF advisors at odds, almost conflicted in their relationship with farming clients.

The step up and out, came when Chris joined David Baker in 1986, and their partnership spawned a consultancy business with a national reputation.  All out of the rural town of Masterton. This firm is now known as BakerAg, has an adjunct office in Feilding, and over twenty people employed. Chris chaired the board of BakerAg for over 15 years and remains as a partner and director.

Chris took on a role as director of the Society of Farm Management in the 90’s, and was recognised for his outstanding service to NZIPIM, being made a Fellow some 10 years later.

Among the list his note-worthy achievements, Chris has been long-term Facilitator of the Pastoral Management Group, was awarded Landcorp Rural Communicator in 2015, the Grasslands Association Leading Consultant Award, and was a Finalist Judge for the Ahuwhenua Trophy for 2 years.

In 2019, Chris penned a letter to the Prime Minister and other ministers asking for more consideration for the rural sector's well-being, in the face of ever more onerous regulation.  The letter gained momentum resulting in national media coverage.

The team at BakerAg and Chris’s wife and children, wish to record their pride in Chris, a very worthy recipient of Life Membership of NZIPIM.