Thomas MacDonald

Winner of the 2018 award, Thomas Macdonald is a third-generation dairy farmer from Gordonton, Waikato. Macdonald is the General Manager of Milk Supply for Spring Sheep, a growing dairy company specialising in nutritional products from NZ sheep milk.

Thomas is involved in oversight of new farm development, farm operations and on-farm R&D programs for the 10,000+ sheep across the company’s farming group. He is also heading up a number of key projects at Spring Sheep including the establishment of a farmer supplier group, the development and operation of pilot farms (research farm) and facilitating a platform for the companies farmers to share knowledge with each other and the emerging industry.

Macdonald has a strong vision and desire to see New Zealand products championed on the world stage, and believes connections in the industry between NZ and Australia are critical to further developing a stronger agribusiness sector.

Other achievements include completing a Masters of Management (First Class Honours) in Agricultural Economics, ongoing interest in public research, and involvement with several new groups exploring new and alternative land use.

Macdonald feels privileged to have taken out the 2018 award, and sees it as a huge opportunity to spend time with leading people and businesses in the food and fibre sector, as well as expanding his horizons and networks.

Thomas is married to wife Megan, enjoys water skiing during the summer months, and getting out on farm as often as possible.