Blair Hellewell

Blair Hellewell is a New Zealand native whose journey with the MAST (Minnesota Agricultural
Student Training) Program came full circle in the most unexpected way. After completing farm
management studies at Lincoln University in New Zealand, Blair arrived in Minnesota in 1997
as a MAST student. He was placed with his host family, Ron and Connie Schwartau, on their
farm near Balaton, Minnesota—an experience that would change the course of his life.

Following the winter semester at the University of Minnesota, Blair worked on a harvest crew,
and during his time in southwest Minnesota he met his future wife, Tami. The two were married
in 1999 and returned to the area to continue working alongside Ron and Connie at Coorain, Inc.
Over time, Blair and Tami were able to take over the farm operation.

Today, they manage a 1,400-acre cropping and sheep operation, raising a flock of 350
commercial breeding ewes. Coorain has proudly hosted many MAST students from around the
world, continuing the legacy that first brought Blair to Minnesota. Recently, the operation has
expanded into innovative uses of wool, including wool pellet fertilizer and wool-based animal
bedding.

Blair and Tami have three daughters and remain deeply involved with the MAST program as
host families. When not farming, they enjoy spending time outdoors and with family. Blair is
passionate about mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders through MAST.