“For New Zealand to remain relevant on a global ag stage…” with Jack Ternouth

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Jack Ternouth, Head of Commercial Operations at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that captures what’s possible when curiosity, grit, and opportunity collide in agriculture.

Jack didn’t grow up on a farm, but through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, he’s built a career from the ground up in one of the most complex and globally connected parts of the ag industry. From classing wool and working alongside growers to now leading commercial conversations with global brands, his journey is a powerful example of what’s possible in ag today.

On this episode, we explore what it takes to build a career in agriculture without a traditional background, the critical role of mentorship, and why value creation - not scale - is the future for countries like Australia and New Zealand. Jack also shares how Zentera is helping create more certainty for growers in a volatile market through traceability, long-term contracts, and global brand partnerships.

This episode is about ambition, learning on the go, and the next generation shaping agriculture’s future.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Jack Ternouth’s journey from outsider to commercial leader in the wool industry
• Why curiosity, hunger, and alignment matter more than background
• The power of mentorship in accelerating a career in agriculture
• How Zentera is creating stability for growers in volatile markets
• Why storytelling still matters in a data-driven world
• The shift from commodity to value-added agriculture
• The importance of traceability, certification, and global consumer trust
• Opportunities for young people to build careers in ag without farming roots

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters
01:48 Jack’s Background: From Zimbabwe to New Zealand
04:10 Starting at NZ Merino & Learning the Wool Industry
06:30 Moving Into Commercial & Global Brand Relationships
08:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture
09:40 Learning the Industry Without a Farming Background
11:30 Storytelling vs Data in Modern Agriculture
12:45 Zentera’s Growth & Global Strategy
14:40 Certifications, Traceability & Market Access
16:20 Supporting Growers & Moving Away from Mulesing
18:10 Volatility, Contracts & Creating Certainty
20:15 The Future of Wool & Global Demand
22:10 Long-Term Vision for the Industry
24:10 Opportunities for the Next Generation in Ag
25:45 Wrap Up