Agriculture Team
The agriculture team bring together over 70 years of professional experience in the sector.
David Linton
07740 063315
Agriculture Commercial Manager
With almost 26 years’ experience in the seed sector, David joined Barenbrug in 2000. Combining a qualification in Agri-Food science with experience gained on his own farm in Northern Ireland, he offers a wealth of practical and technical knowledge.
His local knowledge of the farming scene in Northern Ireland is second to none. David is particularly proud of the Barenbrug grass seed range which he feels has set a new standard in grassland production and quality. David has advised numerous local farmers on sward renovation / rejuvenation as well as establishing new swards for silage / grazing.
Janet Montgomery
07741 656407
Agriculture Product Manager
Janet joined Barenbrug UK in September 2022, as the Agriculture Product Manager. With a broad range of agricultural experience in Canada and New Zealand, Janet also spent 5 years in Technical Development team at Barenbrug New Zealand. Janet lives on a farm in Fife, and enjoys reading, Scottish country dancing, piping, and adventuring around the countryside.
Donna Mearns
07775 814397
Account Manager
Scotland
With over 26 years of experience in the agricultural supply industry, Donna brings to Barenbrug a detailed knowledge of Scottish farming, its practices and – most importantly – its people.
Donna is well-known in the Scottish agricultural supply industry, having worked for many years within the agricultural industry, latterly as a Regional Operations Manager. She has also served as secretary for the Scottish Seed Trade Association, a body which represents wholesale and retail Scottish seed merchants on issues relating to the herbage seed industry and in dealings with the Scottish Government.
“There’s a lot of technical knowledge within Barenbrug,” Donna notes, “and I will enjoy working with what’s a really close-knit team to build the Barenbrug brand here in Scotland.”
Emily Abrey
07502 057920
Account Manager
East England
Emily joined Barenbrug in March 2022 as a Technical Sales Agronomist for the East and South of England. With over 11 years experience in the agricultural industry, in both R&D trials and agronomy/precision farming sectors, Emily brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has a BSc (Hons) degree in Agriculture with Crop Management and has recently passed her BASIS Crop Protection Exam, improving her practical knowledge on farm.
Emily grew up on a small family farm in Essex and attended the local young farmers club as well as spending a lot of time at her local swimming pool, training twice a week and occasionally competing. Emily’s Romanian rescue dog called Philip is her pride and joy.
James White
07799 459256
Account Manager
South-West England
James joined Barenbrug at the end of May 2022 as a Technical Sales Agronomist for the Southwest and South Wales. James has over 12 years’ experience within agriculture having worked in both arable contracting and as an agronomist for a national distributor, building both practical and technical knowledge. He has a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with Crop Management and achieved BASIS and FACTS in 2018. James grew up in North Yorkshire and now lives in Dorset where he enjoys mountain biking and evenings on the beach.
Kathryn McKeown
07880 702683
Account Manager
Northern Ireland
Kathryn McKeown, our Technical Sales Agronomist for Northern Ireland, works closely with our Agriculture Commercial Manager, David Linton.
Kathryn holds an honours degree in Agricultural Technology from Queen’s University Belfast. Her career has spanned various roles, including farming, veterinary practice, and livestock markets. She also served as a Ruminant Nutrition Advisor for United Feeds. Kathryn is also a passionate sportswoman, participating in her local running club and women's rugby team.