Newspaper Article 1989 – Farmer of year field day

Farmer of year field day

A field day is to be held on Mangatarata Station on Thursday to show why property owner Mr Donald MacDonald [Macdonald] is the Richmond Farmer of the Year.

Mr MacDonald was named the winner from 12 other entrants and was judged the farmer of the year by Mr Thomas Crosse, Pakota [Patoka] Station and Mr Tony Fraser managing district valuer for Valuation New Zealand.

Mr MacDonald’s station comprises 980 hectares of rolling to steep country running 11,500 stock units and although it was severely hit by the drought the judges said they were impressed with his management skills in coping with the situation.

The competition is organised jointly by the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The competition is run annually to promote high standards of agricultural and pastoral farm management and production by identifying a highly efficient farm and manager in Hawke’s Bay.

The property will open for inspection at the field day, and catering will be done by Hunter Park Kindergarten.

Mr MacDonald collected $5000 for winning the competition.