NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

20 | nz dairy CENTURY FARM » Worthington Family / Nigel & Yvonne Rawlings Spade, slasher, axe From 1988 Jan remained as a permanent full- time teacher in the junior class for the next 17 years followed by relief teaching, retiring in 2004. From 1982 to 2006 the Worthington’s purchased four neighbouring farms resulting in a two-farm operation. Grant, who holds a Massey University Agricultural Science degree, ran one of the farms for two sea- sons until taking over the home farm in 2006. After an underpass was built on Gordon Road in 2011 the dairy units became one and a new well- appointed rotary cowshed was built enabling the 500 cows to be milked in an hour-and-a-half. “We’ve probably been lucky. If we couldn’t have expanded, the 80 acre farm wouldn’t have been economically viable. We love the Toko area,” Graeme says. He was actively involved in the Stratford Jersey Club, being president for three years and secretary for six years. He and Jan moved to a one hectare block near New Plymouth in 2012. Now aged 70, he still keeps his hand in on the farm, which is a 45 minute drive away, when needed and Jan has had plenty of time to pursue her passion for gardening. On the home farm she established, with Graeme’s help, a beautifully landscaped garden which was open to the public during the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival for seven years. The farm block purchased in 2006, comprising 125 hectares, came under the newly formed com- pany, Gordon Dale Farms (2006) Ltd, the year which Grant took over the operation of the farm. The addition of this a dry-stock support block crucially meant the farm became self sufficient, with all stock and supplement made and retained on the farm. Since Grant took over the home farm each new season’s heifers have been registered through Jersey New Zealand, continuing the tradition of breeding pedigree cows started by his grandfather 64 years ago. For Graeme, with the family’s support, dairy farming has been an enjoyable and rewarding life- style which has created a legacy along the way. “I’ve loved every minute of it.” • from page 18 Tradition of breeding pedigree Jersey cows continues “I’ve loved every minute of it.” PHOTOS: Pioneering farmers Geoff and Ethel Rawlings cleared tree stumps with dynamite on their Otorohanga farm. Stumping was an annual autumn task for over 60 years. Grass, Maize andWhole Crop Silage Specialists Allan 0274 759 794 Nathan 0275 421 155 hallandwilson@gmail.com Specialising in Grass and Maize Forage Harvesting, Round Bale silage, and Crop Cultivation.