Paul Renton, who with wife Marie farms Glenmore at Mangatahi west of Hastings, is a "Hawke's Bay boy" right down the line.
Magpies supporters through the mid to late-80s will remember his four seasons in the black and white jersey, while the farming community across the region is well versed with the Renton name.
He's fifth generation on the land they farm - it was taken on back in 1858 and they have been farming it on their own account since 1996.
They love the business, and love the region.
"Born and bred here - 54 years - I'm giving my age away now," he said with a laugh.
Their devotion to farming and what they have achieved was recognised recently through their being named the Silver Fern Farms Hawke's Bay Farmer of the Year - and when spoken to he was busy getting the spread ready for the field day planned on May 4.