Dairy farmer Rachel Numan loves working at the heart of her local community with fellow community members to make a positive difference. Image / Supplied.

“Tractor Dave” author shows how dairy farmers add to life in NZ.

Dairy farmer Rachel Numan started writing Tractor Dave children’s books for her sons, but they soon gripped a much wider audience – and have had a positive effect on Kiwi communities nationwide.

Tractor Dave is a colourful character who has adventures on a dairy farm. Rural children see their lifestyle in the books and Numan aims to inspire children from towns and cities to consider farm life. A portion of the proceeds go to charity.

Numan is also involved in a wide range of local community and environmental initiatives in Pokuru, between Te Awamutu and Pirongia, where she farms with husband Chris: “I love working with family, neighbours and community groups – we achieve so much more working together.”

For every copy of the first Tractor Dave book sold, Numan donated 50 cents to the charity Meat the Need. It supplies meat and milk donated by Kiwi farmers to food banks and community organisations nationwide, and was founded by dairy farmers Siobhan O’Malley and Wayne Langford, to help families in need.

“It’s great contributing to a positive initiative that’s making a real difference in people’s lives,” says Numan.

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For every copy of the second book sold (Tractor Dave – Digger Disaster), a native tree is planted on the Numans’ farm – to help protect waterways and enhance native bird and insect biodiversity.

“I’ve been inspired by nature and conservation since I was young and hope my story might inspire others to get involved in their own communities,” she says.

Rachel and Chris call their sons Jack (6) and Oscar (4) “tiny farmers”, so have their eyes fixed on progressing a positive future for dairy farming and New Zealand.

“All Kiwis want their children to grow up in a healthy environment and supportive communities,” says Numan.

Rachel hopes her involvement in her local community including volunteering will inspire sons Jack and Oscar (left to right) to do the same in future.

The Numans pay the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society to help plant trees on their farm, with over 5000 planted so far. Another 1000 will be planted every year. The couple donate to the society to support work to protect native kōkako on Pirongia mountain.

The Numans also receive trees from Trees that Count, a charity that matches seedlings gifted by Kiwis to planting projects nationwide. The goal is to strengthen projects in every corner of New Zealand – from community groups, schools, iwi, hapū and whānau projects to local councils and farms.

Numan says many farmers get involved in local communities because they want to see them thrive. “Farming can be isolating so it’s great to get out and develop strong community connections. I find the more I give, the more I get back.”

The Numan farm lies between Mt Pirongia and Mt Kakepuku in the Waipā district. Numan volunteers with the Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society to re-stock bait-lines on the mountain several times a year, as part of the pest management programme.

A goal is to ensure the native birds and chicks are safe during nesting, so the bird population continues to grow. Native birds on Mt Kakepuku include tūī, kererū and North Island robins.

“Going up the mountain makes me feel really connected to my community. It’s great for me – I’m out in nature, enjoying the beauty of the bush and getting exercise.”

Rachel says she highly recommend dairy farming as a career, as it’s great working with animals and outdoors.

Ensuring there’s never a dull moment, Numan helps run the Pirongia Playcentre. She works alongside other parents and teachers to ensure the playcentre runs smoothly. Alongside other parents, she attends playcentre sessions eight hours a week.

“Many of my friends are playcentre mums – you get great friends from getting off the farm and into your community.”

Numan made the move to farming after seven years as a vet in Te Awamutu, where she worked mainly with dairy cows. “I highly recommend both careers – it’s perfect if you love animals and being outdoors.”

For her next venture, Numan is developing a small flower farm to trial different methods of improving soil health. Part sustainability science experiment, part relaxation, it’s also because she loves flowers.

Numan says she gets so much out of all her activities and shares what she learns with her children. She strongly encourages others to get involved with their local community and environment groups.

For more information go to: dairynz.co.nz