Neil Keane has been appointed as the new Head of Agriculture at FRS Network, the farmer owned co-operative organisation that provides skilled people to meet customer requirements. In his new role, Neil will be responsible for evolving and growing FRS Network’s deep ties to the farming community, furthering their connections and offerings to Irish agriculture. 

Neil has an extensive background in agriculture and agribusiness, having worked in the sector for more than 20 years, both in Ireland and abroad.

In his most recent role he was Commercial Director with Alltech, working across global markets. He previously managed Alltech’s beef sales and farm products across Europe.  He has also worked with Countrywest and Thomas Flynn & Sons over the course of his career. 

Neil is also a former President of the Agricultural Science Association. 

Based in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, Neil holds a number of agriculture and business qualifications from University College Dublin, the University of Plymouth and University College Cork. 

Speaking about his appointment, Colin Donnery, Group CEO of FRS Network said, “We are delighted to have Neil Keane join us in the role of Head of Agriculture. Neil brings in depth knowledge of all things agriculture and agribusiness to the role, having gained extensive experience at home and abroad over the course of his career. As the last few years have shown, Irish agriculture is evolving fast. At FRS Network we pride ourselves in always being able to quickly adapt to the needs of the market. Neil’s expertise will greatly assist us in not only improving what we provide to our customers today, but also knowing how we can further enhance our farming services for tomorrow.”

Neil Keane, Head of Agriculture at FRS Network said, “I’m honoured to be joining FRS Network, it is great to be working for one of Ireland’s most recognisable Co-Op’s. FRS make a tangible impact in addressing key agricultural issues, providing labour solutions, innovative agri-products and support services to farmers, government and NGO’s. Having worked internationally for over 20 years, focusing on productivity and profitability, I can see how the net has widened to the industry in recent years as part of efforts to decarbonise food production. I’m looking forward to working with the talented FRS team and our stakeholders to help address these challenges and deliver for the needs of the agri-sector,” Mr. Keane concluded.  FRS Network is active in every county across Ireland and incorporates a range of business units which employ approximately 2,000 staff. These businesses include FRS Farm Relief, FRS Fencing, FRS Recruitment, FRS Training, Herdwatch, Turas Nua, FRS Business Services, FRS Employability and WrkWrk. FRS are also one of the key partners in the Irish Soil Expert Consortium (ISEC).