As a result, the to-do list on his farm started to build up.
Thankfully, James’ Area Manager, Vicki Wallace, recognised his predicament and put an SOS out to several local farmers asking for help on the farm. They all volunteered without hesitation.
Vicki also contacted Reporoa Transport Team Leader Graham Blank and arranged for tank drivers to come and help for the day.
“ Vicki came in, contacted my wife, organised all these things to be done,” James says. “It is hard to accept help, particularly for farmers. I was very grateful that Vicki didn’t accept a ‘no’. “
- James Heke, Fonterra Farmer, Bay of Plenty
Together, the volunteers chopped firewood, cleaned calving pens and covered silage stacks. James’ neighbours also joined in to tidy up races and troughs, spray the weeds and fix fences.
The team at Farm Source also sourced a free load of wood shavings.
“Everyone went above and beyond,” James says.
He adds all shareholders and sharemilkers should be aware that the Area Managers are more than a source of information about supplying milk.- James Heke, Fonterra Farmer, Bay of Plenty
“ They really can help with providing that support and co-ordination "
The amazing effort from all who helped out reduced the stress for James and allowed him to concentrate on the year ahead. To say thanks, he put on a special dinner.
And while James has since had to give up farming, he remains appreciative of all that was done for him and his farm.