Ian Jordan, 94, with his daughter, Christina Jordan. Ian has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the livestock industry.
Ian Jordan has come a long way since paying 30 guineas for a stud ewe, and he’s hoping his legs can carry him a little further to enable him to collect his New Year Honours medal.
Blenheim-based Jordan is being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the livestock industry.
Jordan, 94, is retired from farming duties, but he said he still liked to get involved.
“At 90-years-old I could still plough a paddock. I’m still interested in livestock.”
He is receiving the honour for contributing to sheep and cattle breeding in Marlborough, nationally and internationally.
His first and greatest passion in farming has been breeding Southdown sheep, he said, but his list of roles and achievement stretches far and wide.
Jordan is currently Honorary Judge for the Southdown breed and his Jersey cattle and Southdown sheep are regular exhibitors at Agricultural and Pastoral Shows – numerous trophies for his prize animals decorate his home.
But amongst all his achievements, he said one of the greatest memories of his career was seeing his son, Roger Jordan, place runner-up in a world ploughing contest.
“That was one of my highlights.”
Jordan has grown his expertise in sheep since he bought his first 10 stud ewes in 1956 for 30 guineas each.
These days, he exports Southdown, recently sending a ram to Uruguay and a cargo of the breed to north Japan with an enquiry for more to go to South America, he said.
“That’s how this developed, we’re one of the leaders in the Southdown in New Zealand now. That’s the one where I’ve made so much progress.”
Jordan was born with farming running through his veins and a family history in the industry in Blenheim where he still resides.
He said a lot had changed over the years, with the biggest shift being the transformation of land from grazing to vineyards.
“There is not as much livestock, but there’s still a lot of sheep grazing vineyards.”
With his legs not working the way they used to, Jordan said his children and grandchildren were following in his younger footsteps, taking on the responsibilities of livestock.
“We’ve always liked to keep good stock.”
As for the Order of Merit honour, he said was “surprised” and “very happy to accept it”.
“It’s keeping me wanting to live a bit longer. I want to be able to stand up just to get this medal in early May.”