Welsh Organizations Honor Farming Couple with Prestigious Award

Six Welsh organizations recently honored a New Zealand farming couple, Mr. and Mrs. Neilson, with the Wales International Relations Award. This prestigious accolade was presented to recognize their contributions to agriculture and their longstanding relationships with Welsh farmers. The award ceremony took place in Mosgiel, New Zealand, drawing attention to the deep connections between farming communities across borders.

Celebrating a Legacy of Farming

Mr. Neilson, who farmed alongside his wife at East Chatton during the 1970s, expressed his family’s surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “Boy, we are humbled,” he stated, reflecting on the significance of the recognition. The couple has spent decades fostering connections between New Zealand and Welsh farming communities, a relationship that began when Mr. Neilson was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 1975.

During his scholarship, the Neilsons visited various sheep farms in Wales and were struck by the welcoming nature of Welsh farmers. “I found a comfort with the Welsh sheep farming system,” Mr. Neilson noted. This mutual admiration laid the foundation for numerous exchanges, with over 100 students from the Welsh Agricultural College living and working on their farm between 1978 and 1993.

A Personal Journey

Mrs. Neilson, who now resides in a retirement village due to dementia, has been a crucial support throughout Mr. Neilson’s career. He praised her unwavering encouragement, saying, “She is my greatest mentor. If she had not been there to give me that support and encouragement, I would have never started.” The couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary, having first met at the amalgamation of the Young Farmers Club and Country Girls’ Club in Napier in 1968.

The Neilsons launched their farming partnership on a 243-hectare sheep, beef, and cropping farm in East Chatton shortly after their wedding. Their dedication to agriculture earned Mr. Neilson various accolades, including the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013. He emphasizes that these honors reflect the contributions of his wife and family as well.

Throughout his career, Mr. Neilson held several key roles in the agricultural sector, including serving as chairman of Ovis Management and Johne’s Management. He also played a pivotal role in the eradication of hydatids disease in New Zealand, a significant achievement that required years of dedication and effort.

The couple’s commitment to nurturing relationships has profoundly impacted numerous young farmers from Wales, who benefited from their mentorship and hospitality. Welsh sheep and beef farmer John Yeomans, who stayed with the Neilsons twice, described the experience as life-changing. “It opened my mind,” he recalled, highlighting the warmth and openness of the Neilson home.

As the Neilsons reflect on their journey, they remain grateful for the lasting relationships they have built and the recognition from Welsh organizations. The award serves as a testament to the power of community and collaboration in agriculture, transcending geographical boundaries.