Husband and father first

Family first: George, Fred, one, Poppy, two, and Sarah.

01-06-2010 | Not Specified

The pathway to success in the agricultural industry is sometimes paved with long hours away from family.

This is not the case for the winners of this year's Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Business of the Year, George and Sarah Tatham.

At the field day on their Wairarapa farm recently, Sarah Tatham made the point that George puts his family before their farm. The challenge of running a large and diverse farming operation means George has exceptional time-management skills which allow him to invest time in his family as well as the business.

"Work and life balance is a large part of the success of Matariki," she said.

They are able to get away from the farm on a regular basis because of the excellent management systems in place, with reliable staff to carry out the work required.

Interests in tennis, rugby, cricket and duck-shooting also require George's attention at various times throughout the farming year.

"When he is on holiday, he is exactly that. The running of the farm is left to the staff and that is a testament to their quality," Sarah said. Regular breaks away allow them to clear their heads, freshen their thinking and maintain a positive attitude towards the running of the farm.

"George also recognises the importance of ongoing training. He tries to attend as many conferences, field days and seminars as his workload allows." Staff are also encouraged to up-skill at any opportunity.

"In all the discussion today about management and finances, animal health and facts and figures, it's quite easy to overlook the real reason Matariki works the way it does. I believe that is the people that live here," Sarah said.

Living 45 minutes from Masterton means they are relatively isolated, but through the families of the staff and neighbours, Matariki has become a community in itself.

Community involvement was one of the key factors for the judges voting on the competition. George is a member of the Wairarapa Monitor Farm steering committee, and also a member of the East Coast Sheep and Beef Council. Matariki is also one of three farms reporting information to the wider community monthly through the Baker and Associates farm advisory system, Pasture Pro.

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