Meet The Agri Search Team: Leaders In Agricultural

About Us

The Agrisearch Team

Jason Rankin – Strategy Manager

Jason is Strategy Manager at AgriSearch, he first started his job role in 2011. He is responsible for developing organisational strategy and managing stakeholder relations. His work includes developing new projects, securing external funding, overseeing AgriSearch’s PhD Scholarships programme, and representing the charity on external bodies. Jason farms 200 dairy cows in the Ards Peninsula and was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship in 2008. He is actively involved in industry committees and organisations, contributing his expertise to the wider farming community.

028 9244 6102

jason@agrisearch.org

Sean Kane – Operations Manager and Company Secretary

Sean is AgriSearch’s Operations Manager and Company Secretary since November 2023. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation, covering finance, HR, governance, and company secretarial duties. Raised on his family’s beef and sheep farm in Newcastle, County Down, Sean combines his practical farming background with strategic oversight of the agrifood sector, helping AgriSearch deliver meaningful impact for farmers and stakeholders.

028 9244 6107

sean@agrisearch.org

Leah Steele - Network Manager

Leah is AgriSearch’s Network Manager, appointed in February 2026. She is responsible for strategic coordination and overall management of the CliBeef Project, directing AgriSearch’s contribution and overseeing Farm Liaison Officers. Also ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, project delivery, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of sustainable beef production. Leah originates from a dairy farm in Glenavy, Co. Antrim, underpinning her passion for the agricultural sector. She graduated recently with a BSc in Agricultural Technology and is due to complete her Master’s in Agri Business Management this spring. Outside of work, Leah remains actively involved with her family farm and serves on industry committees, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the advancement of the agri-food sector. She is committed to agricultural innovation and growth.

07889127587

leah@agrisearch.org

John Morrow – Agriculture Manager

John joined AgriSearch as Agriculture Manager in March 2025. He oversees a wide range of knowledge exchange activities including farm walks, conferences, webinars, podcasts, and videos. He also works closely with the Strategy Manager to design and develop new research projects. John grew up on his family’s beef and sheep farm in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, where he still helps alongside managing his own flock of Lleyn ewes. Away from farming, he enjoys rugby and has a strong passion for the resilience and diversity of Northern Ireland agriculture.

028 9244 6108

john@agrisearch.org

Jasmine Morton – Communications Officer

Jasmine joined AgriSearch as Communications Officer in February 2025. She is responsible for branding, PR, event organisation, social media, and general communications, ensuring that AgriSearch’s work is shared effectively with farmers, stakeholders, and the wider public. Jasmine farms in County Armagh with her husband, running a dairy enterprise and holds a degree in Agri-Business Management from CAFRE. Her strong farming background brings valuable insight to her communications role.

07510 574836

jasmine@agrisearch.org

Courtney Colgan – Farm Liaison Officer

Courtney has been a Farm Liaison Officer with AgriSearch since July 2022. She is primarily involved in the ZeroNsile project, acting as the main point of contact for participating farmers and providing them with guidance and support. Courtney grew up on a small suckler farm on the North Coast of County Antrim, giving her a strong appreciation for the sector.

028 9266 6106

courtney@agrisearch.org

Denise Aiken – Finance Officer

Denise has been AgriSearch’s Finance Officer since 2017, overseeing the organisation’s finances and supporting its day-to-day operations. She comes from a small sheep and beef farm, a background that gives her a strong appreciation of the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

028 9244 6104

denise@agrisearch.org

Jonathan McAleese – Farm Liaison Officer

Jonathan joined AgriSearch in February 2025 as a Farm Liaison Officer, working on the Dairy Carbon Network project. He is responsible for data collection and acts as the main contact for farmers taking part. A graduate of Harper Adams University in 2024, Jonathan previously completed a 12-month placement with AgriSearch in 2022/23. He grew up on his family’s 90-cow dairy herd, which he now helps to manage alongside his parents.

07858 18689

jonathan@agrisearch.org

Stephen Shanks – Farm Liaison Officer

Stephen joined AgriSearch in February 2025 as a Farm Liaison Officer, working on the Dairy Carbon Network project. He will be supporting farmers in achieving sustainability and environmental targets through practical on-farm measures. He grew up on a family dairy farm in County Armagh, where he continues to help out. Before joining AgriSearch, Stephen spent six years working as a breeding advisor with genetics companies, providing tailored solutions to improve efficiency and profitability on farms.

07858 18690

stephen@agrisearch.org