22/12/2024
J I M M Y R E I D
We would like to acknowledge James Reid ‘Jimmy’ and his commitment to the Heenan Family.
Jimmy has been involved with the Heenan family and business for nearly 50 years and still going! At a guess, the amount of fencing would be in excess of 30,000 kms of fencing. All completed with his original Fiat tractor that he still uses today.
Barnhill was purchased in 1972 and was in a very ‘run-down’ condition. 2400ha of hill country with one fence which ran down the middle that was far from stock proof and 500ha of flat country, that barely had a standing fence in place
In 1976 Mike and Jimmy first met, when working together at a community centre working bee.
They soon worked together with a large project ahead of them fencing Barnhill, subdividing the farm into 150-300ha blocks. Harry Carran bulldozing fence lines and the tracks and Jimmy completing the fencing. It was a huge team effort with Mike Heenan, Tom Hazlett and others. The quality of the fencing was extremely high. Where the ground allowed post and 10 wire, or waratah and 8 wire fencing.
1984 Rogernomics hit and in 1986 the share market crash, which slowed momentum until the late 1990’s. Jimmy remained working for the family with general farm duties as well as working full time at the local venison works.
In the early – mid 2000’s the Heenans’ converted to Dairy, now known as Mahoe Dairies Limited. These properties required a lot of fencing, all completed by Jimmy. Mahoe #1 originally a sheep farm, had to be re-fenced to Dairy, probably not to the amusement of Jimmy.
When Mahoe #2 farm was purchased, it was covered in weeds. Jimmy then started his spraying business (JR Spraying) and made a significant difference improving the land on this farm as well as keeping the gorse under control at Barnhill.
Jimmy is still working on all our farming locations, carrying out the spray contracting and fencing. He puts in a solid days work everyday and is work ethic is second to none. He truly loves what he does, his passion in everyday work and love of life and everyone around him is inspiring.
Jimmy is never short of a fantastic story of history, love, life, loss and tragedy and hope to see these stories in writing one day.
Jimmy on behalf of Mike, Denis, Amy and the boys, we appreciate everything you have done and continue to do, we would be at a loss without you. You have never let us down and we hope we can reciprocate that to you.
