Technical Field Representative Jo Balfour pulls into a gravel drive in Longbush to meet with her customer, Jason Scott. She parks her ute next to the retired milking shed of this old dairy farm. No cows to be milked today, any animals here are just the curious native birds flitting between branches. This land is now an arable cropping and supplementary feed block. Out beyond the old farm building are rows and rows of dried maize grain, nearly ready for the harvest.
Farmers and Growers are roles synonymous with our Primary Industries. However, there is one role, that is not always front of mind, but integral to the success of the industry—the Agricultural Contractor.
"I have never done anything else," says Jason, who has worked since he was 15.
Under Bernard Scott, Scott's Ag Contracting began serving the Wairarapa Valley over 25 years ago. At first, it was just a hay carting business. Over the decades, it has grown. Sons, Jason and Rhys, took over the business in 2011 and have continued to expand to a staff of over 30 people and a yard full of trucks, tractors, and earthmovers.
"We cover all aspect of contracting: silage making, hay baleage, cultivation, precision planting and drilling, harvesting, stock transport, fertiliser spreading, and earthmoving. We have recently moved into trucking and civil works, too."
Expanding into aggregate crushing, roading and earthworks for the region can seem daunting, but 'taking it one bite at a time,' is how the brothers manage. Diversifying and staying open to opportunities are important to Jason and Rhys.
"If you are open to the opportunities, to thinking outside the box, and have the willingness to put your hand up, we have found you get what you put in."
Relationships, however, is where business is really built
"We are Wairarapapa based, we know the area and people. Our business is built on reputation. It is a huge honour having our name on our client's gates, and we do not take that for granted. You can only pride yourself on the success of your most recent job," explains Jason.
"You must do the job right the first time. There are no shortcuts."
Another business built on relationships is PGG Wrightson.
Jo is visiting one of the many blocks the Scotts' run, to inspect their reseeded paddocks and maize crops.
"I am there to help them on the ag side of their business, mainly in Agronomy, with their maize grain and silage crops, cereals, and new grass," Jo says.
"But we often discuss different aspects of the integration of all of this into their wider business—what future options could look like for different blocks or areas."
For the Scotts, this about more than good advice.
"We get to bounce ideas off one another. It is like you are ringing a mate to run ideas past. I know she cares about our success. When she says, 'leave it with me,' we know we are in good hands."
That trust means a great deal when advising a customer, as Jo and Jason have found.
"You might be suggesting an option that has a big cost outlay up front, but you know will save them time and money down the line. Having the foundation, the relationship, allows them to trust you are giving them solid advice," explains Jo.
"Being a part of someone's business is a privilege. Helping them reach their goals is what we strive for."
