Bruce Thorrold

As Chief Science Advisor Bruce provides scientific technical expertise and knowledge at the leadership team level to support science as a core capability at DairyNZ.

Bruce is a dairy farmer and a scientist, bringing a unique perspective to both the challenges and opportunities that the dairy sector faces, and how to assist dairy farmers with adapting their on-farm practices to remain resilient and competitive.

He has spent the past 20 years as a strategy and investment leader at DairyNZ ensuring that our investment of farmers’ levy funds create a positive impact for farmers and the dairy sector. Before joining Dexcel (now DairyNZ), Bruce spent 15 years with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and AgResearch, where he worked in soil science and catchment management, including hill country and lowland studies.

At Dexcel, Bruce led the farm systems research team and was involved with the Holstein-Friesian Strain Trial and the Lake Taupo policy process, before taking on his current role.