New Wairarapa manager brings detailed local knowledge derived from several generations of farming in the region.

Andrew McKay has just taken over as the PGG Wrightson Livestock manager for Wairarapa. He steps into the role following four years with the company as a rep in the region.

Coming from a family that has farmed there for several generations, he fully understands the underlying market dynamic of Wairarapa.

“In terms of livestock, with our climate conditions, we are a selling rather than a buying region. At a certain point of the year, we need to send most of the weaned lambs out of the region.

“Although we are some distance from our markets, the stock that comes out of here is particularly good, which makes it easier to find buyers. As livestock representatives, we need to tell that story effectively, to justify the extra cost of cartage that anyone buying stock from here must pay. What we sell is top quality. Wairarapa has a good name, and stock bred here will do well for people who buy them,” says Andrew.

He grew up in Gladstone east of Masterton, on a 180-hectare sheep and beef property that his parents Rex and Bev still farm. After finishing school Andrew worked for several years on local sheep and beef properties, initially as a shepherd, then moving up to farm manager. In 2018 he became a technical representative at another rural service company, advising farmers on agronomy and animal health.

“Working alongside farmers to help them succeed: it’s a similar role to being a livestock representative, though with a different product,” he says.

After two and a half years in that role, he joined PGG Wrightson, taking over the client list previously looked after by Steve Wilkinson, who became the company’s Lower North Island livestock manager.

Carrying around 1400 stock units, the McKay family farm, where Andrew still takes an interest, is a traditional breeding and finishing property, with Romney ewes, cattle and some cropping. Keeping his hand in with his parents gives Andrew good market insight to share with his customers.

“Aside from lambs finished locally, most Wairarapa bred stock end up in Manawatu or Hawke’s Bay, our two closest markets,” he says.

Andrew enjoys working hard to achieve a good price for his clients.

“I regard myself as part of a team with my customers. This role is not just to go in there and sell their livestock, you need to properly represent them and give them the best result possible. In our situation, as a selling region, building connections with agents outside the area will make the difference for a client.

“Persuading clients not to undervalue their stock is an ongoing story. I often tell them they need to stand firm and hold out for the best price possible. That usually comes down to how stock is presented, and when they are sold. Marketing them at the right time can be the crucial factor to achieve best value,” says Andrew.

Outside work, aside from putting in time on his parents’ farm, family is Andrew’s main focus: with wife Jo who works as an accountant in Masterton, he has 12-year-old daughter Lucy, and son Henry, whose Gladstone RFC Under-11 team Andrew coaches, a couple of seasons after giving up rugby himself as fullback for the club’s senior team.

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