66 | CPC has expanded into a year-round operation Kelly Deeks What started as a small, family-run operation with just three seasonal workers in 2011 has grown into a thriving agricultural contracting business employing 15 full-time staff. Canterbury Plains Contracting (CPC), owned and operated by Dean and Sian Jenkins, is built on hard work, a commitment to their employees, and deep ties to their local community. From its humble beginnings, CPC has expanded into a year-round operation specialising in baling, feed supply, and transport, and keeps all staff employed even through the quieter winter months. “We run a feed-out programme in winter that keeps our team busy and allows CPC to retain our them year-round,” says Dean. “The more people we have, the better the working environment. It’s easy when it’s dry, but when it gets wet, the job can take two to three times as long. Having a reliable, skilled team makes all the difference.” CPC places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, ensuring staff have ample time off and are well cared for on the job. “During baling season we provide evening meals and in winter, we provide lunch. There’s nothing worse than working long hours in the middle of nowhere while hungry. We want our team to be well-fed, energised, and focused.” This year, CPC welcomed two female employees, a milestone in an industry traditionally dominated by men. “We’re not about it being a boys’ club,” says Sian. “The women on our team bring a different dynamic and handle the machinery just as well as the men. Between Dean and our 2IC Richard Perkins, we focus on training all staff across multiple roles to keep operations flexible and efficient.” RURAL SERVICES » Canterbury Plains Contracting As workplace safety in New Zealand’s agricultural sector becomes a growing concern for the Government, CPC has made it a top priority. “The government is cracking down on farm safety due to the rising death toll in the industry,” says Dean. “Farm deaths are second only to forestry, and we want to ensure our team members go home safe every day.” CPC has adopted stringent health and safety protocols, earning a Totika accreditation with a performance rating that improved from 71% to 79% in just a year. “We drill safety into our staff daily, hold regular meetings, and record everything to ensure compliance,” Sian adds. “It’s intensive, but necessary.” CPC’s growth over the years hasn’t come without challenges. “At the start, Dean was working long hours while I balanced my career in banking and family,” Sian recalls. “We took out a loan, had support from family, and put in years of hard graft. In 2021, we finally purchased the business outright and gained full control of its operations.” Financial support from Kiwibank has been instrumental in CPC’s success. “Unlike other banks, Kiwibank understands our industry. They come to see us, listen to our needs, and offer quick solutions. In this business, cash flow is everything.” Beyond their business, CPC is deeply involved in the local community, supporting schools, sports clubs, and agricultural events. “We employ local staff, we back Kirwee and Sheffield rugby clubs, and we support the local school and the local collie club,” Dean says. “We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us.” Parts & Services • Air Conditioning • Batteries • Diagnostics andy@hitechautoelectrical.co.nz www.hitechautoelectrical.co.nz 03 421 7109 28/3 Factory Drive, Rolleston Power Farming Canterbury Rolleston and Amberley Phone 03 349 5975 | www.powerfarmingcanterbury.co.nz Power Farming Canterbury is pleased to support Canterbury Plains Contracting From its humble beginnings, CPC has expanded into a year-round operation specialising in baling, feed supply, and transport.
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