Andy Maclean and George Falkiner
With mixed emotions, we bid farewell to Andy Maclean after his significant thirty-year tenure with Haddon Rig and the Falkiner Family. Andy joined the team in 1994 as a senior jackaroo and swiftly rose to the role of Overseer. At the age of 25, Andy assumed the position of Stud Manager upon Forbes Murdoch's retirement in 2001, a role he has since embraced with his characteristic capability, work ethic, and integrity.
Andy's enduring contribution to the Haddon Rig business and the Merino industry is immeasurable. He has navigated the HR stud through extreme droughts, floods, and market volatility, integrating new technologies and innovative sheep management practices that have modernized infrastructure and streamlined operations amid manpower and margin challenges. Andy's adoption of ASBVs and industry benchmarking has been instrumental in breeding high-quality dual-purpose merinos and establishing the HR Poll Stud.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andy's interpersonal skills have fostered close relationships with clients, offering guidance and warm hospitality alongside his wife Rachel. His patient mentorship has positively impacted numerous young people, including our daughters, who consider him family. Andy's passion for breeding and training working kelpies further reflects his dedication and care.
Andy is returning home to the Walgett District to work with his brothers in their mixed-farming and merino operation. We sincerely thank him for his invaluable contributions to Haddon Rig and wish him every success in his future endeavours. We will miss his wry smile and supportive presence but eagerly anticipate his continued involvement with the Stud and the broader industry.
Reflecting on his time at Haddon Rig, Andy remarked, "Working at Haddon Rig has been a fantastic journey filled with opportunities and the chance to meet and collaborate with wonderful people. I am deeply grateful to George, Sal, Liv, and the entire family for their unwavering support throughout my tenure. The friendships and experiences have been truly rewarding, and I look forward to maintaining these lifelong connections."
"Liv is now in her second year at the helm of Haddon Rig, demonstrating strong leadership and a professional approach to advancing the Stud. I am confident that Liv and Matt will form a formidable team, supported by Stuart Murdoch and the HR team, to nurture lasting relationships with current and future clients and propel the Stud forward. I am excited to collaborate with them in furthering the growth and promotion of the Stud." - Andy Maclean
Matt Kelly and Andy Maclean
We are fortunate to have a strong support network around Andy, and we are pleased to announce that Matt Kelly will assume the role of Haddon Rig Stud Manager. Matt's background includes two years at Haddon Rig post-school, followed by two years as Overseer at Egelabra before pursuing Agricultural Business studies at Marcus Oldham. Matt returned to HR in January 2024 as Assistant Manager, working closely with Andy in managing the Stud. We enthusiastically welcome Matt and look forward to the journey ahead. Please introduce yourself to Matt at our upcoming field days and ram sales and join us in extending a warm welcome back to the business.
Matt says, "My career in agriculture started at a young age, growing up on a large-scale commercial Merino grazing property 130 km southeast of Cunnamulla, QLD. After completing school at The Southport School, I began as a jackaroo at Haddon Rig in 2017, where I experienced the diverse aspects of the business, enhancing my knowledge in both stud and commercial sheep and wool production, as well as learning about irrigation and dryland cropping. Following this, I was offered the position of Overseer at Egelabra. During this time, NSW was grappling with one of the worst droughts in recent memory, and I witnessed firsthand the adaptability of Merino sheep, supported by planned resource management and farming techniques to combat feed and nutrition shortages in livestock.
After my tenure at Warren, I pursued a full-time Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, VIC. My time at MOC was fulfilling, allowing me to network with like-minded individuals and visit various farms and enterprises across Australia and overseas. My studies deepened my commitment to agriculture, enhancing my understanding of the business aspects of farming and solidifying the fundamentals of farm management. Upon graduation, I worked in Blackall, Central QLD, where my parents oversee a large-scale organic sheep and cattle operation. I spent a year contract mustering throughout the district and returned to Haddon Rig in early 2024. I look forward to advancing my career at Haddon Rig under the Falkiner family's guidance and collaborating with the management team to propel the stud and business forward successfully into the future." - Matt Kelly
Andy will continue to work closely with HR as a classer and Stud Advisor, contributing to our breeding program and stud direction. We wish Andy all the best in his next chapter and eagerly anticipate continuing our longstanding friendship. We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Ram Sale, where we will celebrate Andy and his contributions to HR over the last 30 years. Andy’s last day at Haddon Rig will be on 30 October, 2024.
Andy Maclean with his family