The Macdonalds won the 2004 Lincoln University Foundation Rabobank Farmer of the Year competition from a field of five finalists who went through the last round of judging at Lincoln University today. Earlier judging had involved a property visit, analysis of budgets and a personal interview. Today's hurdle was a public presentation by each couple about their farming operation.
William and Susan farm the 17,000-hectare Middlehurst Station in Marlborough's Awatere Valley. They run it as a sustainable, productive family business.
They told the Lincoln audience how they had changed the sheep policy from wethers and ewes to ewes only, using improved genetics, artificial insemination and pasture improvement.
Similarly with their cattle they are using cross breeding for hybrid vigour and since 1998 they have increased the stock units on Middlehurst by 8500 aided by a property purchased at Cheviot for finishing stock.
Runners up in the competition, which has been held annually since 1983, were Michael and Ruth Williams of Banks Peninsula, who farm a 510-hectare hill country property near Akaroa. They won a $5000 award.
In third place and winners of a $2000 award were Johnny and Rose Acland of Mount Peel Station, Central Canterbury.
Speaking on behalf of the Lincoln University Foundation trustees, Andrew Thomas said that the five finalists had been whittled down from a field of 14.
He said the judges were looking for physical performance, planning, financial performance, innovation and use of new technology, market focus and community association outside the farming business.
"All the finalists performed very highly in these areas," he said.
"They also showed excellent custodianship associated with the land." A key factor too was their passionate approach to their business and the fun and enjoyment they get out it."
Speaking on behalf of principal sponsors Rabobank, the world's largest agribusiness bank and supporters of the competition for the past nine years, Craig Williamson noted that all the finalists had achieved a good balance between work life and family life.
"I congratulate the finalists on getting that right," he said.
Accepting the top award, William Macdonald said the competition had put him and his wife "right out of our comfort zone for some time but that won t have done us any harm".
He thanked his family and Susan's for their support and those people back at Middlehurst who are "keeping the wheels turning while we're down here".
For further information contact
Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: (03) 3252811 ext 8549.
Email: Ian Collins