Couple on road to ownership

 Fraser Taylor and his partner Kendra Pye were selected from a strong pool of candidates to manage the McRae Trust Farm, 8km from Wairoa, near Frasertown. The 622ha property was bequeathed to the nation in 1975 and is a working sheep and beef farm committed to the improvement of farming lands and sustainable methods.

The couple, who both grew up on farms in Taihape and have pursued careers in farming since leaving school, said the opportunities for them at McRae Trust were evident from their first visit.

“Neither of us have lived or worked in this area before and we came over for a look at the farm the first day and then were interviewed as a couple by the board the next day,” says Fraser (26).

“We really liked the property and we could see the opportunities it could offer us,” adds Kendra, (23). “This was the first manager’s position we had interviewed for so it was a big deal for us.” 

They learned later that night that they were successful, and a month later made the move east in time for their November 17 start date.

“It’s all still fairly new but we are keen to get stuck in,” says Fraser, who has worked on farms throughout the country including Molesworth and Otupae Stations. “A lot of the day to day stuff we have done before but farming bulls will be new and it will be a lot warmer and drier here over summer than we are used to. But what better position for us to be in with all of the board members to learn from, who know so much about this farm and farming in general.”

Trust chairman Peter Manson has no doubt they can bring the goods, having impressed the board with their work history and skills. “A management position is their next logical step and after an early career spanning almost all aspects of hill country sheep and beef farming they are capable of filling this role,” says Manson.

“They have energy, experience and enthusiasm for the role… a team approach to farming, strong combined knowledge and shared skills. Fraser has been selected for his understanding of the issues facing the McRae Trust farm, decisionmaking ability and practical skills.”

Manson is also confident the couple can continue the successful work of previous manager Michael Cooney, and embrace the vision upheld by former managers and the trustees over the past 39 years.

“Mike has left the property in an excellent position for further growth. He managed and oversaw a comprehensive development programme and achieved spectacular gains in livestock performance.

“A key role for the property is as an implementer and demonstrator of farming ‘best practice’ and, while striving to improve profit, the trust has a comprehensive trust deed which must be managed. The deed requires the trustees to… [preserve] native flora and fauna and [uphold] horticultural and silvicultural goals and these have to be managed alongside the business finances.”

Visionary benefactor

Miss Eliza May McRae drew up a will gifting her farm property for the benefit of the people of New Zealand. She had inherited the sheep and beef hill-country block from her father, Farquhar McRae, a one-time Scottish shepherd who became a prosperous station proprietor.

The property is 622ha and includes steep hill-country ridges and gullies, easy sloping intermediate terraces and river flats and fans.

Stock: 5500 units – 2000 breeding ewes plus 550 replacement hoggets; 170 cows; total cattle wintered 550 including finishing bulls.

The entire farm, including three Queen Elizabeth II covenants, is protected under a perpetual lease.