62 | Botting Bros span several generations Botting Bros Limited’s primary services include silage harvesting, ploughing, and baling and hedge cutting. Bernadette Cooney Botting Bros. Limited is an established familyrun agricultural contracting business based in Te Houka, near Balclutha in South Otago. The venture is headed by James Botting and his twin brother Matthew, and overseen by their uncle Simon and their father, Andrew who together, also run a substantial farming operation between Te Hau and Warepa. With roots that go back nearly 80 years, the family business has a long-standing reputation in the region for dependable, high-quality, and affordable services tailored to local farmers’ needs. Botting Bros Limited’s primary services include silage harvesting, ploughing, and baling and hedge cutting. “Silage contracting makes up the bulk of what we do,” says James. “We operate two silage choppers keeping one as a backup to ensure uninterrupted service during peak times.” “It’s been a wettish start to the silage harvesting season and this can stress crops and make it rush to seed quicker, so it can be critical to bring it in and that’s where we can help.” Botting Bros Limited can also provide baling and hedge cutting services and has three diggers they utilise to support farmers with earthwork services and slip damage repair over the winter months. James and his uncle oversee contracting services from November to March, offering efficient and cost-effective harvesting and baling services, aimed at maximising productivity during busy periods. The Botting family’s involvement in agri- contracting began several generations ago, when James’ grandfather purchased a hay baler and began contracting to Clutha farmers. “Then my father and uncle started doing silage with a neighbouring farmer for a few years, before they bought the whole lot and have evolved and continued ever since.” James works closely with his uncle, who manages the contracting side, while his father oversees the farming operations. Sue, Simon’s partner, manages the administration and client communications. Botting Bros Limited is organised to efficiently balance both contracting and farming operations across the family’s 1100-hectare sheep and beef farm, including an arable section of about 100 hectares. Their farming operation includes around 5500 ewes, primarily open-faced Romney sheep and RURAL SERVICES » Botting Bros Ltd around 200 Angus breeding cows. “We just finished calving and lambing and we don’t know the numbers just yet but it’s looking pretty good considering the weather we’ve been having.” James works the farm before taking over contracting services in the summer months, with an emphasis on local engagement, preferring to hire local casual workers during peak summer months when additional drivers are needed for tractors and trucks. By employing locals, they maintain a team familiar with the area’s farming practices and landscapes, fostering a reliable and responsive workforce. The enduring legacy of Botting Bros Limited to the Clutha region reflects their commitment to local farming communities, delivering essential services honed over decades. Botting Bros Limited has built a reputation for offering “good, affordable, and fair services,” BOTTING BROS. LIMITED BALCLUTHA Silage • Ploughing • Digger & Truck Hire JAMES 027 333 3844 • MATHEW 027 333 3851 Find us on Facebook Pleased to support Botting Bros Ltd 47 Ordsal Street, Gore Phone 900-4673 Brake Clutch Commercial Driveline Electrical Engine Filtration Lubricants Suspension Tools making them a go-to for farmers in the South Otago region. Their primary service area covers a wide range, extending to Paretai, Lovells Flat, Clinton, and Clutha Valley, positioning them as a trusted local contractor for agricultural needs. James welcomes enquiries about their contracting services and can be contacted on 027 333 3 844 or call Matthew on 027 333 3851.
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