Crop Inputs Team

For the seed, the fertiliser to nourish the growing plant and crop protection products to keep it from harm whilst it grows to its full potential, we’re the specialists to advise on and procure all your crop production inputs.

Lee Oxborough

Crop Protection Procurement Manager

There is no doubt that farmers are facing a period of uncertainty and challenging times ahead. Standing together and working cooperatively has never been more important and I am delighted to head up the Crop Protection Team, supporting our members by procuring competitive product in the most timely, efficient manner.

I hold a Basis certificate in Crop Protection and come from a background made up of both agronomic and practical experiences. I have been the Service Engineer fixing your tractor, the Driver drilling well into the night and the Development Agronomist walking your crops and trialling newly discovered chemistry options. I live and breathe Agriculture and couldn’t think of another industry I would rather be a part of.

matthew kealey crop production

Matthew Kealey

Head of Crop Inputs

I am passionate about brand UK and building sustainable and profitable agriculture.

Having graduated from Harper Adams University many moons ago I hold a BASIS certificate in Crop Protection along with the BAA (British Agrochemical Association) Part III qualification. I have 25 years industry experience having worked for both global R&D crop protection and plant breeding companies and latterly smaller post-patent businesses. I recently spent a year working in Whitehall advising and assisting agritech businesses both export and import their technologies. I’ve worked closely with the UK distribution network at all levels and have a deep understanding of the commercial aspects of the supply chain. This includes brand segmentation, product linking, rebates and the necessity to forecast to achieve the best deal in terms of both price and continuity of supply. And, overall, I have a genuine passion for brand UK, building sustainable and profitable British agriculture.

rebecca archer crop production team

Rebecca Archer

Crop Input Specialist

I have made every effort to keep learning and gaining qualifications relevant for the procurement process and team at AF.

I joined the Crop Production team in September 2018, with this being my first full time job since leaving college, where I was studying for my A levels. During my time at AF, I have obtained my foundation BASIS, safe use of rodenticides and gained a wealth of knowledge in the crop protection sector. I am from a local farming family and have a keen interest in agriculture.

crop production team aleksija curcic

Aleksija Curcic

Technical Specialist

I keep our Members, and agronomists who advise them, up to speed with the changes in crop production products and systems.

I graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Agriculture with Hons in Agronomy in 2017, and then completed the MDS graduate scheme, giving me experience in a range of crop production systems. I have since completed my BASIS qualification in Crop Protection. My role includes providing our agronomists and Members with the latest technical updates, ensuring Members are aware of the current products and upcoming revocations, as well as the latest developments in crop technology and innovation, including environmental, legislation and digital advancements.

paige waters crop production team

Paige Waters

See Procurement Manager

I enjoy being a point of contact to help our Members face their agronomic challenges and choose their inputs.

I joined AF over 2 years ago, coming from completing a BSc (Hons) in Equitation and Coaching in 2018. I have since gained my Foundation BASIS in Agronomy, which has given me the key understandings of agronomy and the inputs involved. Living on a working farm I understand the pressure and constraints that growers are up against and enjoy being a point of contact to help our Members face these challenges.

Josh Joachim

Fertiliser Procurement Manager

I aim to make sure our Members receive the best service and advice when purchasing their soil and crop nutrition requirements.

I believe in getting the most out of our inputs and am always looking for ways to enhance the efficiency of the fertilisers our Members purchase.

 

I am FACTS and BASIS Soil & Water qualified. In April 2022 I joined AF from the merchant trade where I worked in a similar role focussing on soil and crop nutrition. I graduated from Harper Adams with a BSc (Hons) Agri-Business in 2019 and worked in the grain industry before specialising in fertiliser.

In the volatile world we are currently operating in it’s vital that our Members get the most for their money. My job is to source the best deal at the right price and at the right time for our Members. I enjoy working with suppliers looking at new products and matching our Members needs with suppliers’ offerings.

 

Annalise Shackcloth

Crop Inputs Specialist

Despite not coming from an agricultural background, it has always been a keen interest of mine, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning new topics and helping our members.

I joined AF in November 2021 having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science & Welfare. In my time here I have already learned so much about the products I procure for Members.  I joined AF at a challenging time for farmers.

I am passionate about learning and will work towards completing my foundation BASIS and a qualification in the safe use of rodenticides in the future.