62 | Serving the region for three generations Kelly Deeks A family contracting business serving the Hawke’s Bay region for three generations is witnessing its next chapter unfold as Nathan Harris steps into the business his grandfather established 75 years ago. Harris Contracting Dvke Ltd, founded by Ron and Bev Harris, has deep roots in the agricultural community between Norsewood and Woodville. “It was before my time but I remember my father Ron saying that he used to sit on the back of the hay baler and tie them by hand,” says Kevin, who joined the business straight from school and now boasts 45 years of experience. After gaining experience in construction posthigh school, Nathan, who represents the third generation, has returned to join the family enterprise with wife Hannah, this year marking his fifth season with the business. “Dad wanted me to experience the world first. It was a great thing to experience the working world and realise I wanted to be my own boss and work with family. It’s a learning curve. I shadow Dad and am learning a lot from him,” says Nathan. The company’s success stems from decades of relationship building within the farming community. “It comes down to the rapport Dad and Granddad built with our clients over the past 75 years. They’ve seen a lot of farms changes hands through generations and have keep the work. They’ve made a strong connection and do a great job,” explains Nathan. Operating from their base near Dannevirke, where the family also runs a 250-cow dairy farm with the herd owned by Nathan’s brother David who is 50:50 sharemilking, the business provides comprehensive contracting services. These include fine chopped silage through a self-propelled harvester, round and square baleage and various hay baling options. The company’s fleet includes two Claas 870 forage harvester, three trucks, a 435 JCB loader, McHale fusion round combi baler, New Holland round baler and square baler, a conventional baler, RURAL SERVICES » Harris Contracting Dvke Ltd Kuhn wrapper and an extensive array of hay balers, rakes and mowers. During winter months, the family focuses on maintaining the company and farm machinery, also using the equipment to do work on their farm while remaining available for supplementary feed cartage. “If anyone calls us we often cart supplement for other farmers during this period as well,” says Nathan. Staff retention has been a particular strength, with the longest-serving driver marking 21 years with the business. “The hardest thing about contracting businesses is finding staff. So we are lucky to have the staff we have – they are well trained and have worked for us for years. We are turning people down now as our staff don’t want to go anywhere,” says Nathan. Behind the scenes, Anna, Kevin’s wife, manages the administrative operations. Nathan acknowledges her crucial role: “If we didn’t have her, working in the office while we’re out in the paddocks, the business wouldn’t function.” The company maintains a focused operational area, generally working within a 30-kilometre radius of Dannevirke. “We concentrate on this area as if we say we’ll be somewhere we’ll be there. We like to look after our clients. Loyalty is important to us,” says Nathan. He and Hannah are looking forward to taking over the entire business one day as part of the family’s succession planning: “I don’t want to push Dad out as he knows far more than me so the longer he sticks around the better,” says Nathan with a laugh. “But Hannah and I are very excited to start taking over the business and continuing to serve our loyal clients.” Air Conditioning Factory Trained Mechanics Engineering Workshop & Field Service Total Oil Distributor Hydraulic Hose Service YOUR SPECIALIST SALES & SERVICES TEAM F O R M A C H I N E R Y S U C C E S S U S E L T S 2 0 2 2 8 Makirikiri Road, Dannevirke Ph 06 374 7731 Dave 027 244 1213 Proudly supporting Harris Contracting Dvke Ltd 06 323 0309 | tractors@trctractors.co.nz Charles 027 224 7678 | Logan 027 224 7679 | Lewis 027 224 0403 • Tractor & Machinery Sales • Side by Sides Kevin Hall Phone 06 374 9161 After Hours 027 531 3061 5 Miller Street Dannevirke independenttyres2002@hotmail.co.nz Cars ●Trucks ●Tractors ● ATV Nate and his wife Hannah with Anna and Kevin Harris.
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