76 | Joe’s strong client base keeps building In the team are two sons driving full-time and a third, still at school keen to get involved once he’s finished. Sue Russell Milton contractor Joe Herbert and his team of six operators offer an array of services to clients. Joe says the business is in a good situation with a strong client base and as someone who ‘just likes driving the tractors’, he’s pleased with the way business is going. Joe was originally a farmer, however when the family trust sold the farm, he bought a contracting business from the person who used to supply ploughing services on the home-farm. “I always enjoy meeting my clients and new people. I started off with two tractors and ag gear, such as a plough and disc, then we bought another tractor for mowing and baling. It’s just grown over the years as demand has increased steadily.” Today, Joe Herbert Contracting has seven tractors, two balers, two ploughs and a direct drill. The company also offers hedge-cutting and fencing among its services. Work extends over a geography extending 10-15km north of Milton (54km south of Dunedin), 30-40km west inland and about 50km south, and while there are a few other contractors operating in the area, each one seems to have their own collection of regular clients to service. “We struggled at the start of this season. It was a bit wet, but once that passed the work has gone pretty well so far, so I have no complaints,” Joe says. Asked if he held any concerns that may threaten the company, Joe says a number of farms are converting to forestry. “That why we’re pushing south. There must be 10-12,000ha now in trees which is a shame to see.” In the team are two sons driving full-time and a third, still at school, but very keen to get involved in the business too. There’s a strong rhythm and flow to the year, something Joe likes, however there are always bumps in the road, given environmental impacts. Those are things, he says, you just have to work your way through. “Clients understand we’re doing the best we can and there are elements beyond our control.” RURAL SERVICES » Joe Herbert Contracting Ltd The season really gets underway in October with November and December very busy months getting crops in. Baling starts each of December right through to the end of April. When crops have been removed from a paddock, resewing takes place. “Then there’s fencing we take care of as well so there’s always plenty of work during the season.” Joe says they take care of servicing almost half the fleet while Otago Farm Machinery service the rest of the machines. John Deere machines are the brand of choice for good reason, Joe says. “They are simple to operate and they just don’t have the breakdowns, however we’ve just brought a Valtra just to try something different. It’s made in Finland and came at a very good price.” Joe says working in contracting can lead to many opportunities overseas. MILTON LTD For all your general engineering needs Proudly supporting JoeHerbertContracting Kelvin&SamMaguire 027 392 6373 303Union St, Milton maguire.eng@xtra.co.nz The Team at Agrispray are proudly supporting Joe Herbert Contracting. Agrispray advises on and supplies a full range of farm inputs. Local for locals. Both his sons have worked in Australia and one also in Canada and one in the UK. He also enjoys training up young people with a good work ethic. “By training them up myself, I can ensure they’re operating the machinery to the standard I expect and delivering the quality of service our business is known for. If you’re prepared to work hard, listen and learn, contracting is a good career and business to have.”
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