Paterangi farmer Andrew Macky says hello, once again, to his nearly 24,000 YouTube subscribers in another video last Friday.
Twice a week, it’s lights, camera, action for Paterangi farm manager Andrew Macky – and thousands seeking a glimpse of New Zealand farm life are there watching him.
Last Friday – as he would normally upload the second of two weekly videos, or vlogs, to his YouTube channel -The Once A Day Farmer – The News was there.
Three years after starting it, about 23,500 people subscribe.
Andrew regularly getting 13,000 viewers and estimates 80 percent are watching from overseas.
When Andrew told his wife, Holly, he wanted to film vlogs, “…go for it,” was her response.
“I wanted to share what I’m doing, interact with people and promote positive dairying.”
Committing to such a schedule requires a “staggering” amount of work from the 2022 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year.
“It’s crazy it’s been that long – it’s very challenging, yet rewarding. Who knows how long I’ll do it, but I do enjoy it.”
Editing a typical video takes up to three hours.
“It takes a little longer to get through other jobs on the list on video days.”
Viewers tune in for a modern-day glimpse at Macky family life – but the family’s Paterangi history is also a compelling story.
The Macky family’s been in Paterangi for 150 years.
Andrew’s great-grandfather bought the farm in 1912. Subsequent generations have farmed it.
“Back then, they wanted to be here so the kids, including my grandfather, were closer to the then Ngaroto train station.
“It’s not there anymore, but as the story goes, they would ride their horses there, leave them in the paddock, catch the train to school for the week then return on Fridays.”
It’s Andrew’s fifth season managing the farm for his father William.
“I love getting to work with him, and being outside with animals is fantastic.”
Though he’s had other jobs around New Zealand, and the world, home has always been calling.
After gaining his Farm Management Diploma from Lincoln University, he went shepherding for three years. He’s been an agricultural contractor both here in New Zealand and in the American Midwest, and worked on a dairy farm in Scotland.
“One day – if one of the kids wanted to farm here – I’d want them to take over an already well cared for, sustainable environment.”
Paterangi farmer Andrew Macky
He and Holly relish raising their three children – Willie, 4, Frankie, 2, and nine-month-old Tayla where Andrew spent his childhood.
“It’s a wonderful place to watch them grow up.”
Next season, Andrew and William will milk nearly 300 cows once a day on roughly 93 effective hectares.
“The once a day system works well – and makes a lot of sense – in our case. It gives us a good mix between family life and farm work.”
Stewarding the environment well is a key on-farm passion too.
After winning the Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year title last year, Andrew became a DairyNZ dairy environment leader – and part of a nationwide network of environmentally conscious farmers.
“One of my biggest goals is to consistently take intentional steps towards a sustainable environmental future.
“One day – if one of the kids wanted to farm here – I’d want them to take over an already well cared for, sustainable environment.”
Soon, Andrew will establish native plants on roughly 1.2 hectares of the farm.
“The environment is incredibly important. As a dairy environment leader, I would encourage others to join.
“As we’re each environmentally active within our own farming communities, w we will all collectively be doing our bit to help.”
Future generations are, in fact, already watching Andrew it seems.
“Young kids message me saying watching my vlogs makes them want to farm.
“Kiwis are the world’s best dairy farmers – hopefully the videos showcase that for everyone to see.”
