Empire Ag’s Trip to New Zealand
Jonathon and Holly recently attended the Figured AgriFinance Leaders Summit 2025 and had the opportunity to visit Figured’s headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. This trip wasn’t just about attending a conference—it was about connecting with industry leaders and discovering new ways to better serve Empire Ag’s clients.
A Long Journey, But Worth Every Step
After an exhausting 15-hour flight, Jonathon and Holly arrived in Auckland and quickly got to work. They checked into the QT Auckland hotel and spent the first few days exploring Viaduct Harbour, taking in the sights, and indulging in local cuisine.
One of their favorite experiences was visiting the New Zealand Maritime Museum, which Holly described as having “real-life Moana vibes.” They also hiked up Mt. Eden, where they took in a stunning view of the city. But beyond the sightseeing, the heart of the trip was their visit to Figured.
A Productive Day at Figured’s Headquarters
Day 3 was all about business. Jonathon and Holly toured Figured’s headquarters in downtown Auckland, where they met CEO Dave Dodds and other key team members.
For those unfamiliar with Figured, the company specializes in agricultural software that helps farmers and ranchers manage their finances. Later that day, Jonathon and Holly took a ferry to Devonport, where they spent time networking with industry professionals and exploring the area.
Learning and Connecting on the Farm
One of the trip’s highlights was a farm tour on Day 4. Joined by Figured’s Chief Revenue Officer, John Gibson, Jonathon and Holly visited a farm north of Auckland, where they learned about innovative farming practices and how technology was streamlining operations.
This tour reinforced how Figured’s financial tools could help Empire Ag’s clients by providing valuable insights into their operations, enabling them to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Insights and Networking
The following days were packed with meetings and sessions at the AgriFinance Leaders Summit. Jonathon spoke on a panel about marketing a business and selling advisory services. The summit provided an opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders and connect with professionals in the finance and agriculture sectors.
One evening, Figured hosted a dinner at Origine, a venue with stunning views of the city. It was a great setting for deeper conversations with other leaders in ag finance and an opportunity to build relationships that could benefit Empire Ag’s clients in the long run.
A Memorable Day at Waiheke Island
A standout moment of the trip came on Day 7 when Jonathon and Holly spent the day on Waiheke Island with the Figured leadership team and other conference attendees.
They visited Tantalus Vineyards, where they sampled incredible wines, and took a scenic walk along the beach. But this wasn’t just a day of leisure—it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the Figured team and exchange ideas with other like-minded professionals.
Figured’s Impact
Throughout the trip, Jonathon and Holly remained focused on how Figured’s software could help Empire Ag bring even more value to its clients.
Figured’s financial tools provided deeper insights into farm and ranch operations, enabling smarter decision-making, greater efficiency, and long-term success. By partnering with Figured, Empire Ag ensured it stayed ahead of the curve, delivering innovative financial solutions designed specifically for agriculture.
A Successful Trip with Big Benefits Ahead
This trip wasn’t just about attending a conference or meeting new people—it was about discovering new ways to make Empire Ag even better.
With the insights, partnerships, and knowledge gained in New Zealand, Empire Ag became even more equipped to help farmers and ranchers navigate financial challenges and build lasting success in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
