Smaller herd, OAD – and the sunrise
The strong working partnership of smaller herd farmers Matt and Sarah-Jane Yates has been a cornerstone of their farming success.
SourceNZ is a custom feed blend company in Te Awamutu.
McDonald’s name was drawn from 35,000 entries and he took home a Case Farmall JX90 tractor. The competition, at National Fieldays, awarded to SourceNZ clients one draw-prize entry for every $1000 order of the company’s feed during the ensuing four months.
Theo Swart, business manager of SourceNZ, phoned McDonald, who was making wedding arrangements.
“It was really emotional,” says McDonald. “I had to compose myself and it took a few days for it to sink in”.
McDonald bought 39ha in 1983 and with his late wife Marg built the farm to 224ha during their 33 years together. 80ha was converted from forestry.
Marg died two years ago. Their two daughters work on the farm and McDonald now has seven grandchildren. He recently remarried.
The Case tractor will be used for fencing and other work. McDonald is busy converting a 50ha bush block.
The SourceNZ competition was supported by Giltrap AgriZone, Mineral Boost, Intergrain NZ Ltd, Cargill MidPro Meals and Volac.
