James Barlow joins as Commercial Manager, and Richard Turner is the new Forage and Environmental Portfolio Manager

Two new starters at RAGT this autumn bring a wealth of seed sector and industry experience, as the firm aims to fulfil its ambition to become the number one genetics provider to UK farmers. They come into a new-look team that has seen several exciting appointments in the last 12 months.

James Barlow joins RAGT as commercial manager, having previously held two senior-level roles in the seed trade. Firstly, as head of seed at ADM Agriculture, and then as eastern seed sales manager for Agrovista. He says this experience gives him a good understanding of how to foster close collaboration with the seed trade on developing new varieties.

Coming from a Nottinghamshire family farm and completing a degree at Lincoln University while working in a sales role at a machinery dealership has given him a thorough understanding of the industry from the ground up, explains James. This was reinforced by his progression through Gleadell, then ADM, from farm trader to head of seed.

“RAGT hugely values its breadth of portfolio across crop species, and how they complement each other," says James. “It also has a strong brand in the market and close relationships right through the supply chain from farmers up to seed trade execs.

“Looking at the exciting pipeline of varieties coming through, it is a great time to join RAGT.”

RAGT’s other new appointment is Richard Turner, who takes over as forage and environmental portfolio manager. He comes from the grass breeder and producer Barenbrug, where Richard was the head of business operations and seed production. 

After graduating from Writtle College, he embarked on a career in farm management, focusing on fresh produce, during which he developed a considerable breadth of experience in agricultural operations, before moving into the seed trade with his previous role.

“When I was in farm management, I was always interested in plant breeding and collaborated with several companies to develop new resistance traits, which gave me the desire to move into the seed trade,” says Richard.

Richard managed a complex seed production supply chain, giving him extensive familiarity with meeting the demands of the forage and environmental sectors.  He says that the broader portfolio, coupled with the opportunity to work with new RAGT managing director Helen Wilson, was the impetus for the move. 

“I am looking forward to getting out and meeting our customers, building relationships and developing RAGT’s commercial offer in the forage and environmental sector,” adds Richard.