“School wasn’t exactly my thing, but I had to secure a job before leaving, so I was pretty lucky to slot in there,” Tim says.
“I was absolutely worn out every hour after work, but I loved it. To be honest I think I came out just as good if not better than a graduate cadet – as in I didn’t have any debt, got paid the whole time, and ended up with a couple of dogs.”
But lured by big machinery, Tim set his sights on a season combine harvesting in the US.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to see a bit of the world and drive some cool machinery while I was young and didn’t have anything holding me back. It was always on my list of things to do.”
His first application with a harvesting outfit was turned down because of a lack of experience. Not one to baulk, Tim headed to Taihape and drove tractors for three months to meet the prerequisite.
He can’t quite put his finger on why he loves the idea of big machines, but says certain characters just do.
“There’s something quite cool about driving the biggest model that a company makes. It’s just a buzz, really.”
In December 2014 he got a job with Westlake Contracting, sold his dogs, and flew to Minnesota the following April. First-time recruits have to pay for their flight and visa but all expenses over there are covered, including getting a truck licence.
A moose running through a harvested wheat field.
Would he do another season over there?
“Well, the boss was trying to get all us Kiwis back – offering more money and all sorts of things.
“If I could make it work again, I would. It was an awesome experience. But I’m prioritising my station job now, so probably couldn’t wangle it.”
Tim’s shepherding again, on Te Hau station near Gisborne, and says he really enjoys being back.
“I think my heart’s on the hills with dogs. I really missed stock work while harvesting.”
