| 17 nzdairy DAIRY AWARDS » Matt Macdonald: Glencree Trust Award win welcome after battling cancer Hugh de Lacy A major health problem delayed Matthew Macdonald’s progression into the dairy industry: instead of leaving school to start milking cows, ongoing fatigue and recovery from a bout of cancer meant Matthew had to reconsider his options. Now, 10 years on and with his health challenges mostly behind him, he manages his parents’ dairy farm in Gordonton in the Waikato, and says he was stoked to win this year’s Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year Award. Matthew runs a herd of 255 Kiwi-cross cows on the 74ha farm, under a System Four operation that sees maize and palm kernel fed out in a 3000m2 Redpath feed shelter over the winter. The maize is grown on an eight-hectare neighbouring leasehold block that is also accessible for winter grazing, and the herd produces 380kg of milk solids per cow and 1300kg/MS per hectare. The farm breeds its own replacement stock during five weeks of artificial insemination, following that up with Hereford bulls. The white-faced calves are reared and the bobbies sold. After high school Matthew headed off to Massey University. Because of his cancer treatment, which required a stem cell transplant and radiation treatment, Matthew was not physically ready to take on the daily challenges of farming, so opted instead for further education. Matt Macdonald manages his parents dairy farm in Gordonton in the Waikato. Proud to partner with farmers like Glencree Trust to achieve great results. wi li l i l . Whatawhata & Gordonton 07 210 4562 DESIGNED FOR THE DAIRY FARMER WET WEATHER GEAR ACID RESISTANT 100% WATERPROOF 4-WAY STRETCH betacraftworkwear betacraftworkwear.com admin@agrownomics.co.nz www . a g r own om i c s . c o . n z PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING GLENCREE TRUST INDEPENDENT RESTORATIVE PRODUCTIVITY HIGHER RETURNS He was grateful for the support of a Dairy NZ scholarship for all three years of his Agricultural Science degree. After graduating he started his career on the Dairy NZ Scott and Lye research farms at Ruakura, and enjoyed working on the Forage Value Index study which was developing a region-specific and profit-based index of perennial ryegrass cultivars. “On top of the science degree, being involved in the research work was a great preparation for taking on the management of the home farm two years ago,” Matthew says. The judges of the Dairy Manager of the Year Award said Matthew’s knowledge and involvement in the farm decision-making, and his influence as part of the farm team were evident. “The extensive reporting documentation you provided for your herd clearly demonstrated superior management practices,” they said. “The judges were very impressed with your use of your own spreadsheet to assist with recording and planning of pasture and feed management.” On the questions of people and personal developments, the judges noted his “impressive presentation of clearly defined strengths and opportunities and budgets to support your goals and future aspirations,” adding, “We really cannot fault you in this category.” Matthews thoughts on environment and sustainability were “well articulated,” and while the farm didn’t have any major water bodies, his knowledge of the “regulatory requirements of all areas, including riparian rights, was relevant.” Now aged 25, Matthew is relishing his role in driving and refining the profitability of the enterprise which he manages on his own, with the support of his father in the busy times. As a sideline, he pursues an interest in beekeeping by running 30 clover honey hives, producing around 100kg of honey a year, on the home farm.
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