Brother John: Mission's pioneering winemaker
When Mission Winemaker Brother Stuart Cuttance, known to the industry as Brother John, died on 24 December last year, New Zealand lost one of its pioneering winemakers.
Des started James Engineering Ltd over 25 years ago, producing subsoilers and mole ploughs. The company, which he sold a few years ago though it retains his name, has gone on to become a leader in soil aeration equipment in New Zealand, producing a range of well-engineered, high quality machines.
Des was a stalwart of the field days circuit for many years, travelling to each show to display his latest engineering feat.
Located near Gore, James Engineering products are now sold throughout NZ. The company’s equipment is also exported to a number of countries, testimony to the quality of the machinery and to Des James’ visionary thinking.
An extensive profile of Des James, and his contribution to NZ agriculture, will appear soon in Rural News.
