60 | A trusted name across the region Based in Waikaka, Southland Jason and Joy have built a contracting business that has become a trusted name. Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » Cleland Contracting 2005 Ltd The next generation is starting to work in Cleland Contracting. “Tractors are in our blood,” says sheep and beef farmer Jason Cleland who owns the business with wife Joy. Based in Waikaka, Southland Jason and Joy have built a contracting business that has become a trusted name across the region. Cleland Contracting was started 25 years ago and provides a full range of cultivation and baleage services to local farmers, travelling less than 20 kilometres to reach their loyal client base. “We get to know all of our clients very well. We do a good job for them and they always have us back.” The business began modestly when Jason purchased an existing contracting business from a neighbour with one plough, one baler and two tractors. Over the years the family has expanded Cleland Contracting, doubling the fleet, picking up new clients, and adding a team that now includes one full-time staff member and three to four casuals. Ploughing, discing, power harrowing, direct drilling, roller drilling and winter baleage are all part of the company’s offering. The Clelands run two Massey Ferguson 3130 balers, two Kverneland ploughers, and a SIP Swather rake to ensure jobs are completed efficiently. Direct drilling has been offered for about five years and the business recently invested in a new Taege 3.6m air seeder direct drill. “We wanted more horsepower as we have also purchased a 724 Fendt tractor, 240 horsepower. The direct drill has capacity to hold more seed and fertiliser making it more efficient and it’s also more accurate,” says Jason. Investing in modern, reliable machinery is a priority for Cleland Contracting. “We constantly invest to ensure machinery and equipment is modern, efficient and can get the job done reliably for farmers,” he says. The family’s own farm spans 135 hectares, running For all your insurance needs • Farming • Building & Construction • Business • Personal Insurances For Specialist Local Knowledge & Advice contact us at: Level 1, 33 Gala Street, Invercargill 03 211 3018 108 Main Street, Gore 03 203 3220 admin@ibal.nz GROUP UB Stock Cartage, General Cartage & Fert Spreading admin@waikakatransport.com 032072885 Peter CORCORAN & CAIRNSCONTRACTING LTD We’ve got the experience & the equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. 1,100-1,200 ewes, around 2,000 lambs, and 50-60 cattle. “Because we are farmers it means we have a good understanding of our contracting clients’ needs and how to best get the job done for them,” says Jason. “We also use the equipment on our own farm. It’s all proven on our farm to get the job done.” The family is also involved heavily in the local community, playing sports, sitting on committees and sponsoring local events such as the dog trials. The couple have three children: George, 21, Ollie, 17 and Jessica, 13. George has been working for Cleland Contracting for two years and Ollie helps during the summer and plans to complete a pre-trade qualification as a diesel mechanic. Joy, a key part of the contracting business for 25 years, has now moved to work at Farmlands in Gore, though she still hops on a tractor on weekends when needed. Two years ago they purchased 54 hectares of their current land holding from the same neighbour Jason bought the contracting business from 26 years ago. He says the expansion gives more land and another house to help support the next generation. With regards to their contracting business the family plans to keep on delivering a quality service farmers can rely on. “We like to do a good job, keep everything tidy, take our time and do it properly,” says Jason. biggest thing for us is knowing our customers very well and understanding what they need. For us contracting is more than a business - it’s a family tradition with the next generation ready to carry the legacy forward.”
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