| 67 Investing in cutting-edge technology The Bishops. JD7250R and KV Speed Disks. Karen Phelps Family-owned agricultural contracting business Central Rural Services has been quietly expanding its services and investing in cutting-edge technology, resulting in year-on-year growth. Owned by Ben and Jackie Bishop, the business has transformed significantly since the couple purchased it five years ago. Since taking ownership the Bishops have substantially modernised the company’s equipment and diversified its service offerings, allowing it to meet a broader range of farmer needs across the region and complementing their traditional full cultivation offering. One of the most significant additions has been the introduction of direct drilling services providing what Ben says is a cost-effective sustainable way for farmers to get their seed into the ground. “It’s going really well, we’re doing 1000-1200 hectares per year currently and growing,” says Ben who grew up on a high country farm in North Otago and brings 30 years of contracting experience to the operation. The investment in technology extends to precision agriculture with the company’s tractors now equipped with John Deere Greenstar GPS systems offering 25mm accuracy and saving farmers what Ben estimates is between 5-10% in seed and fertiliser costs. The system also provides farmers with full accurate mapping. The company’s equipment also includes CLAAS Disco Mower Conditioners, McHale Variable Chamber Round Balers, an Allen Custom CD4500 Triple Disc Airseeder Drill and various cultivation machinery including an Overum 5 Furrow Auto Reset Plough and Keverneland 4.0m Speed Discs with an Airseeder. Another expansion of services has been the addition of individual baling and wrapping capabilities through the purchase of a McHale Fusion machine complementing the general baling and cultivation operation. “Individual baling and wrapping is good for smaller amounts or for farmers looking to sell feed,” explains Ben. Feed trading has developed into a substantial portion of the company’s operations – buying and selling from local farmers. Complementing this growth in feed trading, Central Rural Services has expanded into transport services, delivering hay and baleage throughout the South Island. This addition has allowed it to offer a more comprehensive service to both suppliers and purchasers of supplementary feed. Based in Alexandra, Central Rural Services now employs a team of six people, including Ben who is still out on the job, and services an area RURAL SERVICES » Central Rural Services 2020 Ltd stretching from Roxburgh to Tarras and from Oturehua to Saint Bathans for its contracting services, while its transport division operates South Island-wide. Jackie manages the administrative side of the business and her role extends to driving and operating machinery when needed and even taking hot meals to staff out in the paddocks when they are working long hours. “We really value our team,” she says. “Without them we couldn’t do what we do.” As members of Rural Contractors, the Bishops are committed to maintaining high standards in their operations. Looking ahead they see continued growth on the horizon. “As a family owned and operated business based in Alexandra, we have nearly 30 years of experience in delivering exceptional services that help our clients grow and succeed,” says Ben, “We’ve grown year on year and we aim to keep providing a high quality efficient service to farmers in the region.”
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