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January 2019
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
EXPERT RETIRES Dairying and family have always been at the centre of Ray Lawrence’s life. Now, after 40 years working with local dairy farmers to breed healthier and more efficient herds, Ray is set to retire from his field consultant and artificial insemination (AI) technician roles at CRV Ambreed. BY DE
R
ay has had a lifelong association with farming. He and his six siblings were raised on a 60-acre dairy farm in Oeo. In 1967, his Scottishborn parents sold the farm and moved to Hawera. After five years working as a stock agent and a herd tester, Ray married Joyce, and the couple went sharemilking. “My two years herd testing cemented my interest in dairy farming,” said Ray. “I had great mentors during that time; Freddy Hancock at Taragower Holstein Friesians, and Brian Kilpatrick
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Rahotu Panel
NISE GUNN
at Killydowns Stud. That’s where I really gained my pedigree.” In 1976, during the couple’s sharemilking years, Ray won the South Taranaki Young Farmers Central Progressive Young Farmer of the Year. Seven years later, when Ray was 27, they bought a farm. Ray said that although he didn’t have a tertiary qualification, he knew that buying a farm was the right thing to do for him and Joyce. “I always knew cows were going to be part of my career,” said Ray.
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Ray has had a lifelong association with farming
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of farm implements; troughs, calfaterias, drums, spraytanks and tanks. Panelbeating, car painting, insurance claims, fibreglassing, rust repairs and batteries.
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Ph Peter 027 216 7464
www.hawera.laserelectrical.co.nz hawera@laserelectrical.co.nz
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