| 75 Relationships built over four decades Sheep and beef farmers are enjoying exceptionally strong pricing. Sue Russell RURAL SERVICES » RJ Preston Ltd For more than four decades, R J Preston has worked alongside Canterbury farmers as the agricultural sector continues to drive growth across the region, supporting not only farm businesses, but the contractors, suppliers, and rural communities connected to them. Director Grant McCulloch says the firm was built on agricultural accounting from day one, a focus established by founder Richard Preston and still central to how the company operates today. “We’ve always had a rural bent,” Grant says. “That’s what the business was set up for and that’s what we’re passionate about.” Grant’s connection to farming is personal as well as professional. Brought up on a farm, he still farms part-time, while fellow director James Cooke runs a lifestyle block in North Canterbury and worked in farming systems overseas in his earlier years. “That helps,” Grant says. “We understand the pressures farmers are under and we try to help find solutions.” Chattu Wattage joined the RJ Preston team in 2013 and became a director last year. She brings together leadership and technical expertise, using her background in software development and postgraduate accounting to help clients make the most of their business technology. “Good technology should make business simpler, not more complicated,” she says. “We help clients choose and set up the right software, connect their systems, and understand their data so they can run their business efficiently and with confidence.” The company’s head office is in Sheffield Crescent in Christchurch, though Grant has spent the Safeguarding rural businesses for nearly 50 years Connect with us 03 307 7454 | AJG.co.nz past three years based in Marlborough after he and his wife took over her family’s sheep and beef farm. Much of RJ Preston’s advisory work is shaped by what banks require, particularly when farmers are expanding or managing volatility in commodity prices and seasons. Cashflow forecasting, scenario planning, and budgeting are regular requests. “If someone wants to buy more land, the bank will want to know what that looks like in three years’ time,” Grant says. “That’s interesting work because it’s about growing businesses and helping clients understand their options.” He says recent seasons have created a mixed picture. Sheep and beef farmers are enjoying exceptionally strong pricing, wool has lifted, and dairy payouts are high, although rising input costs mean margins remain tight. “A big payout doesn’t always mean big profits,” Grant says. “Costs have gone up so much that many need a high milk price just to break even.” Cropping farmers, meanwhile, have been hit by poor cereal prices and challenging weather, while Marlborough’s viticulture sector has softened as export demand eases. Across all sectors, Grant says disciplined cost control is one of the clearest differences between average operators and top performers. “It’s easy to throw inputs at a farm and lift production,” he says. “But is it still profitable? The farmers who know their numbers and control their spending are the ones who give themselves choices in the future.” That philosophy aligns closely with the company’s long-standing approach. “Our job is to stand beside our clients,” Grant says. “If we can help them make informed decisions and be in a stronger position tomorrow, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
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