A life-changing cricket injury caused ag consultant Joel Hensman to step out of his daily routine and adopt a broader perspective on life – something, he believes, is also essential for farmers.
Drawing on his own brave life story, the Perrin Ag senior consultant is dedicated to helping clients see the bigger picture of their businesses and make informed decisions that support both their operations and personal wellbeing.
Hensman’s journey into agriculture began on Thorn Flat, a 1000 hectare block of Kereru Station backing onto the Ruahine ranges in Manawatū.
His upbringing there instilled in him a deep connection to the land and laid the groundwork for his future in New Zealand’s primary sector.
With his love of the outdoors, from a very early age that he set his sights on being a shepherd.
“Mum questioned me on ‘Will this take you where you want to go?’” Hensman said.
Encouraged to get a formal qualification, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture from Massey University, which further solidified his passion for farming.
“I finished the degree and went shepherding anyway but I eventually sold off the dogs and took on a huge change from the outdoor I loved to the indoor office of farm consultancy. I could still apply my practical knowledge.
“After six years this was not having the impact I was looking for.”
Hensman then landed himself a job with a water and ag-tech company.
“This was about how technology is being used to validate the work farmers are doing on farm.”
In his latest role, as he balances his recovery from severe post-concussion syndrome after being struck in the head with a cricket ball during a social match, Hensman has learnt to prioritise what truly matters.
“I help our clients step out of their daily realm and look at things through a broader lens.
“When you start talking to farmers about their goals and then look at what their long-term vision is, sometimes the two don’t align.
“Part of my recovery was figuring out what’s important; simplifying life and doing the things we often push down the road.”
This experience gave him a fresh perspective and a holistic approach to farm consultancy.
“I am acutely aware of the mental health challenges facing our industry and the need to maintain the sustainability of our land and our people.
“We want farm practices that ensure long-term success without compromising farmers’ wellbeing.”
Sometimes, these crucial conversations are best had in the everyday environments of farmers.
“I am the kind of consultant who’s happy to get on a handpiece in the woolshed alongside a farmer if that’s a better place to have the conversation.”
With the abundance of data available to farmers today, Hensman highlights the importance of effectively interpreting this information.
“Sometimes just having the skill to look at the farm data and see what can be tweaked is a big part of aligning goals with the long-term vision.”
Hensman’s ability to think outside the box and empower others to learn and grow makes him well-equipped to manage farm supervision and strategic planning.
He has been involved in enhancing and supporting Māori-led organisations through farm supervision and major development projects, further showcasing his versatile skill set.
His family reassessed their lifestyle following his injury, embracing minimalism by moving into a tiny house on 12ha of leased land near Palmerston North, where they graze dairy heifers.
“We had renovated two houses, had two kids, I had a head injury.
“We were in a position to look at the next step; we had been 12 years in the Bay of Plenty; relocation, let’s do it, let’s move.
“We were watching tiny house movies and getting excited. We were over renovation; big houses are a lot of cleaning.
“‘Do we need it?’ We started asking the question. Then came covid, the chance to shake up ideas on what we did want to do.
“My head injury was the world’s worst training course. It did teach me a lot, and a lot about our relationship and what is important.
“I was working long, hard days, making priority choices of work ahead of family.
“What would have happened to our marriage if this injury did not happen?”
This change has allowed the family to focus on what truly matters, spending quality time together and maintaining a balanced life.
“I’m not advocating for everyone to move to tiny house living, but it’s where we ended up when we started assessing our life alongside our career and family goals.
“It’s about taking a broader look and being open to alternatives.
“It’s been a tough journey for me. I now know the things that are non-negotiables for mental health. I wish I knew what those things were five years ago.”
Hensman likes to see people flourish in their own right.
“Everybody is on their own journey in an ecosystem of people.
“I always challenge people’s thinking – is it what they really want in their next steps, are they putting their feet where they want to go?”
Hensman encourages a regular check-in on yourself.
“Make conscious choices. Bad day, bad client; need to re-focus and put solutions in place to deal with the problem.”
Away from work, Hensman enjoys mountain biking, tramping, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Living in a tiny house and running a small farm operation, he is passionate about growing great food and helping people understand where their food comes from, all while keeping his boots dirty.
