Our Crop Monitoring Service

Our crop monitoring division has eight teams located within the major horticultural growing regions. Scouts are in the field monitoring for pests diseases and beneficial insects, across a range of crops, with programmes able to be adapted to suit various production schedules, growing conditions and individual grower requirements.

The accurate identification of insects and diseases enables precise control measures to be put in place at the right time and minimises financial costs associated with crop management. Both the records of identified pests and diseases and of the applications to control these can be produced into auditable reports.

Anna Graham
Crop Monitoring Manager

Dr Anna Graham completed a PhD thesis on young vine decline and a Masters on carbohydrate accumulation during dormancy and its effect on budburst and graft formation. She drew on her expertise with the management of pests and diseases for two major grapevine nurseries. Before that Anna followed her other area of interest, food science, in Australia developing and commercialising fermentation products for human and animal food, and manufacturing ingredients for global food companies.

Anton Herselman
Crop Monitoring Coordinator – Bay of Plenty

Originally from Zimbabwe, Anton Herselman studied in the United Kingdom, completing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture. He then worked in Germany for a global tobacco company where he managed the training and development programmes for Agronomy Technicians in Brazil, Africa, and Asia. Moving to New Zealand, Anton enjoys running his own avocado orchard alongside his role as Crop Monitoring Coordinator with Fruitfed Supplies.

Ryan Gittings
Crop Monitoring Coordinator – Hawke’s Bay

Ryan Gittings brings 11 years of experience in pipfruit and stonefruit growing to his role as Crop Monitoring Coordinator for Hawkes Bay. His interest in pest and disease management, along with his passion for growing, make him a valuable asset. Born in Hawkes Bay, Ryan's approachable nature and willingness to learn and help others make him an excellent addition to our team.

Dom Ison
Crop Monitoring Coordinator – Blenheim

Dominic joined the Crop Monitoring team in July 2022. A qualified viticulturist, he has over 10 years of experience working in both the practical and technical sides of viticulture in Marlborough. Dominic completed a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Studies Degree from Massey University. Based in Blenheim, Dominic manages Crop Monitoring Scouts working across the Marlborough and Tasman regions.

Sasha Thomson
Crop Monitoring Coordinator – Whangarei

Sasha joined Fruitfed Supplies in 2023 after working in the kiwifruit industry in the Bay of Plenty for seven years where she worked in laboratory operations, managing maturity testing and pest monitoring. Now based in Northland, the main crop she monitors is avocados including some of the largest avocado orchards in the country. Sasha loves the role’s variety and the opportunity to support growers by providing reliable data to support on-orchard decisions.

Ange Dolman
Crop Monitoring Coordinator – Gisborne

Ange has been working within the Fruitfed Supplies Crop Monitoring team for 13 years. Based in Gisborne, Ange has owned a lifestyle block where she grew export persimmons and citrus. With citrus, pipfruit, avocados, kiwifruit and grapes the main crops monitored in Ange’s region, she is experienced across a range of crops. She enjoys managing her time of up to eight scouts, in peak season.

Carla Daley
Crop Monitoring Administrator

Carla joined the Fruitfed Supplies Crop Monitoring Team as an Administrator in 2021. Originally from Taranaki, Carla was raised on a Friesian dairy farm and was heavily involved in the A&P circuit in the district. Now based in Papakura, Auckland, Carla's family is involved in a kiwifruit and lemon orchard, and she is enjoying being involved in growing crops. Carla is committed to helping the Crop Monitoring Team meet their service expectations.

Melanie Wilkinson
Crop Monitoring Administrator

Melanie started with Fruitfed Supplies in 2005 in the Crop Monitoring team as a part-time data entry operator.  She was soon promoted to Technical Services Office Manager where she looked after both the Crop Monitoring and Research & Development teams with administration duties. In 2022, Melanie became Crop Monitoring Administrator based at the Hastings branch.