Mackinson receives local ag honor
Don Mackinson follows in the footsteps of some big names in agriculture around Livingston County as he was named this year’s Agribusiness Person of the Year by the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I was surprised,” Mackinson told the Central Illinois Farm Network Friday morning. “It’s an honor.”
The Mackinsons have been farming in Livingston County’s Esmen Township since 1865.
“The farm we milk on now has been in my family since 1895 and there’s been a milk cow on that farm pretty much all the time except when my dad went to World War II,” Mackinson recalled.
They have been milking at their current facility north of Pontiac since 1975. Mackinson farms with his brother, Roy, and son, Matt.
“Six grandkids are always around taking care of stuff and Rita (Mackinson’s wife) is there to keep us all going.”
Looking back, Mackinson has observed changing technology in the ag industry. This includes autosteer features in the tractor.
“It’s just very interesting how things are going in the agriculture community,” Mackinson said.
Mackinson milks 130-140 head which he says is right where they want to be. He is active on the Prairie Farms board of directors and with the Livingston County Farm Bureau.
The family believes in giving back to the schools and ag programs locally, such as 4-H and FFA.
“The younger generation is what keeps me going with six grandkids,” notes Mackinson.
Mackinson’s daughter, Mary, works in ag and his son-in-law, Jesse Faber, is the Pontiac High School ag teacher. Matt’s wife Amy is a nurse but will lend a hand on the farm when needed.
“It’s a family operation,” added Mackinson.
Mackinson will be honored during the upcoming Pontiac Chamber banquet on Thursday, March 13 at the Pontiac Elks. Social hour begins at 5:30 with dinner at 6 and the awards starting at 7 p.m.
