‘Straight up, hardworking guy’ Matt Crawford taking over as Paul Peterson ends a 40-year career, including as local livestock rep since 1991. 

This month marks the beginning of a new era in Hunterville. At the end of June, having recently celebrated 40 years with the company, Paul Peterson retired as PGG Wrightson sheep and beef representative for the district, with Matt Crawford taking over. 

Originally from Wairarapa, Matt has been in the area for several years, shearing, casual farming and in the loose forwards for Hunterville RFC, so is a familiar face around the district. 

He and Paul have been working together since October last year, as Matt explains.

“We’ve been around most of the farms Paul has worked for, seeing different systems, and talking with farmers about how and why they farm in a particular way. Every farm is different, which is something I really enjoy about this job. 

“I am focused on building relationships with farmers Paul has worked with, who are now my clients. They are all different. I am learning specific things about those farmers and their farms. It’s all relevant when I come back with advice for them,” says Matt.

Originally from Oamaru, Paul Peterson shifted to Hunterville in 1991. He reckons being a good livestock representative requires certain characteristics.

“To be effective you need to be straight up and honest. If you are involved in the community, that helps. This is a breeding area with few trading guys, so it’s important that you can come back in the gate next time around. We deal with families who rely on their agent to give them the right advice. You must get it right, and if you make a mistake, you must fix it immediately.

“Matt looks set to do a good job. He’s a straight up, hardworking sort of guy who has a good way with people.”

Looking back over his own 40-year career, Paul reckons communication is the biggest change.

“We used to have one landline in the house. The client was lucky if they could get through to talk to you, generally in the evening. We had no cellphones and not much reception. Now it’s much easier and you can be much better organised. Being on call when you are out and about makes it a lot easier to sort out the likes of transport and trucking. You can do those things much quicker and with less effort,” says Paul.

Matt’s interest in agriculture started when he was a child on the farms of family friends.

“Although I’m not off a farm myself, I was always active with hunting and diving, and always liked being outside. Through college I did a gateway programme that took me onto farms one day per week, then I went to Smedley for two years direct out of school,” says Matt.

Initially working with big mobs of sheep and cattle on Ohinewairua and Otupae, two large stations between Napier and Taihape, he progressed to shearing around Hunterville for several years, broken up with a stint farming and shearing in England and Scotland.

Matt most enjoys achieving the best possible prices for his clients.

“You need to do your homework. Especially while I’ve been learning the job, there’s plenty of advice to listen to. I’m keen to learn as much as possible. I’m lucky to have been travelling around with Paul since I started, which has been awesome. He is very good at what he does and has been teaching me well. There is also a wider team of great people, willing to offer advice and ready to help whenever you need it. Even though it can be stressful at times, having people like that surrounding you, there to catch up for a chat, or call if you need a yarn, they make everything a lot easier,” he says.

As Matt fully takes over, Paul begins a well-earned retirement, initially including some overseas travel to England France and Germany, then keeping it local in Hunterville, with family, including a daughter involved in farming, and grandchildren nearby.

“Being out of it after such a long time will take a bit of getting used to. I’ll probably take the odd trip to the saleyards to find out how everyone is getting on,” says Paul.

Find and contact your local Livestock Rep here.