Looking forward to whatever the future holds.

Growing up on his parents’ Bindy and Steve Free’s Dannevirke sheep and beef farm, Max Free always knew farming was in his future.

“Being outdoors in the landscape, working alongside inspiring people, seeing the country: I’ve always been drawn to that.”

After Napier Boys High, going to Lincoln University was the natural step. Max graduated at the end of last year with a Bachelor in Agricultural Commerce.

“I enjoyed Lincoln. Making new mates and opening myself up to new areas were the highlights. Being able to do different papers, branching out and exploring different sides of agriculture, then being able to follow up on the ones I was most interested in, has really helped to focus and set me up for the career that I want.”

Between times, each summer, Max was back in Hawke’s Bay shepherding and doing handpiece work. Now the career he wants is taking shape. Since January this year Max has been a PGG Wrightson trainee sheep and beef livestock representative, based in Ashburton and working mainly in Mid/South Canterbury.

From what he was used to growing up, Max sees the differences in the South Island.

“There are a lot of dairy conversions, which is a challenge, and I’m still getting used to how big the country is. It’s bigger, harder country down here. I’ve been intrigued to see how the big stations operate.”

Despite the change of islands, he’s able to fall back on some of the farming experiences he gained from his upbringing.

“When times are good, farming is great. However, you need to understand that some factors are beyond your control. Big weather events in particular. As well as drought, we suffered from cyclones. When something like that comes along, you really can’t do much about it,” he says.

Now well into what will likely be an approximately 18 months traineeship, Max is learning as much as he can from more senior colleagues.

“I enjoy the job, particularly what you pick up from people who have been doing it for several years. I’ve learnt different things from everyone I’ve worked with, special tricks and knacks to different parts of the job.”

At the heart of the livestock representative role, Max reckons maximising farm income from stock sales is the key. One of his first assignments was buying lambs on behalf of a client.

“We decided I’d buy this season’s lambs for her. It was a good experience, with heaps of communication between us beforehand. Since then, we’ve had plenty of follow up to make sure she’s all happy, and we’re on the same page. Keeping in contact now and seeing that the lambs are going well is very satisfying,” says Max.

Being part of an experienced team, alongside so many with deep and detailed knowledge, including Joe Higgins, Greg Uren, Cameron Gray and Kelvin Sadler is the best possible grounding, Max reckons

“Their commitment to their clients and to trading livestock stands out. Learning from so many different experienced guys is a great privilege, and will set the course for my career,” he says.

At the end of the traineeship, he’s looking forward to getting clients and a patch of his own.

“I’m happy to go wherever an opportunity opens up. Although I’d like to go back to the North Island to be near family, I’m also having a great experience and developing strong links here, so I’m looking forward to whatever the future holds.”

Longer term, as someone who is just starting out in an agriculture career, Max sees several possible changes ahead.

“Seeing technology come into play, and how farmers adapt to that, will be something to watch in the coming years. As well as how many farmers come through in the next generation, and how many family farms keep going. All those trends will influence the way farming practices change,” says Max.

Outside work Max plays at second five for Banks Peninsula RFC, his second season at the club, and enjoys hunting, particularly tahr and deer on high country public land at the head of the Rangitata.

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