LARGE-SCALE DAIRYING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 147, 7 June 1932, Page 11

LARGE-SCALE DAIRYING

OWNER OF LARGEST HERD IN THE WORLD. AIR J. G. PATERSON, OF TARANAKI. One of the most interesting personalities in the dairy-farming industry of the Dominion is Mr J. G. Paterson, of Manaia, Taranaki, who milks over 2000 cows on shares. Half this number is farmed in Taranaki, the balance being milked on his farm at Tatuamu, in the Waikato. Mr Paterson is by far the biggest dairy-farmer in New Zealand, and actually the owner of the (largest dairy herd in the world. With the average man the control ot these immense herds of dairy cows would be sufficient work, but Air Paterson also i arms about 10,600 sheep. Left an orphan when five years ol age, Air Paterson commenced work at the early age oi nine, being apprenticeu when fourteen to a blacksmith. Atte, his time as an apprentice was served, fie commenced business on his own account in Alanaia. in the early days of that district, considerable areas of Maori land were available close to Alanaia at reasonable rents, which rents in many instances were paid years in advance. Mr Paterson was successful ui securing some of these blocks on which he commenced cattle and sheep-farming, gradually extending operations each year. About twenty-five years ago, when dairy produce prices became stabilised, Air Paterson was impressed with the returns that successful dairy-farmers were securing, with the result that he decided to change over from grazing dry stock into dairying. Further purchases of land were made, in each case native leases under the control of the Public Trustee being preferred. Under this system of purchase, the only outlay was foi the improvements, thus leaving the purchaser a capital available for erecting the dwellings, sheds and purchase of dairy stock. Mr Paterson built up his herds until he had over .2000 cows milking. This remarkable achievement Has been accomplished from very humble beginnings, but a long fife of hard work—for Mr Paterson is now 73 years of age—and dogged determination has been the secret of his success, of which he may well be proud.