| 63 RURAL SERVICES » Taihape Bulk Spreading / Welch Shearing Building on a legacy Reliable shearing services The business has built a reputation for reliable shearing services. Kelly Deeks Kelly Deeks Taihape Bulk Spreading is entering its next phase of growth, with second generation owner Peter Elwin leading the business forward alongside new investment in equipment and precision technology as it continues to expand across the Rangitikei. Established in the mid 1980s by Rex Elwin and his wife Rita, the business has grown from modest beginnings into a trusted contractor supporting farmers throughout Taihape and surrounding districts. Following Rex’s passing, Peter took over and has continued to build on the family legacy, committing long hours, including weekends, to ensure clients receive consistent and timely service when it matters most. He says the support of his late partner Alison and their children during this time helped sustain the business through demanding years. Today, Taihape Bulk Spreading remains a family run operation backed by a dedicated team and a strong base of long standing clients. The company provides fertiliser and bulk spreading services across Taihape and the wider Rangitikei, including fertiliser application, lime spreading, and general bulk work to support pasture performance and farm productivity. The majority of work centres on superphosphate, lime, and blended fertilisers, primarily servicing sheep and beef farms, alongside mixed farming operations and rural properties of varying scale. Work is often seasonal, requiring careful planning and responsiveness to changing weather conditions. Peter says understanding local conditions is key to delivering results. “We know the terrain, we know the weather Welch Shearing is keeping the wool industry stitched together in more ways than one, combining skilled shearing services with a strong commitment to growing the next generation of shearers across the north Waikato and upper North Island. Led by Sam and Emily Welch, the business has built a reputation for reliable shearing services alongside a strong focus on mentoring young people entering the industry. While operations have adjusted in line with declining sheep numbers, the company remains active across the region, running multiple gangs through the peak season and maintaining long standing client relationships. Emily says the heart of the business has always been its people. “We are still shearing and still bringing in young shearers, training them up and helping them improve,” Emily says. “That is what we are passionate about. Giving people an opportunity and helping them become better.” At its peak, Welch Shearing employed large teams across several gangs, although numbers have reduced as land use continues to shift. “It is tough seeing whole valleys go into pine trees,” she says. “There are fewer sheep, which means shorter seasons and less work, but we just keep adapting and ticking along.” Despite these changes, the business continues to contribute at a high level, with many staff achieving competition success and even world records. “We have helped a lot of our crews over the years, and it is pretty special when you see them go on and achieve big things,” she says. “Even a couple of years ago, there were crews breaking records in Southland where every one of them had worked for us at some stage.” That commitment reflects Emily and Sam’s own backgrounds competing at the highest level. patterns, and we understand how important timing is for farmers,” he says. “It is about getting the job done right, at the right time, so clients can get the best from their land.” That local knowledge and a reputation for reliability continue to underpin the business, with many long term clients returning year after year and new work often coming through referrals. The company has adapted to industry changes through investment in modern machinery and precision farming systems. Its fleet includes Scania, Mercedes, Fuso, and Iveco trucks, equipped to handle a wide range of rural spreading work, while precision technology allows fertiliser to be applied more accurately. This has improved efficiency, reduced waste, and supported better environmental outcomes, an increasingly important focus for farmers across the region. “Things have changed a lot over the years,” Peter says. “There is a much bigger focus now on accuracy and doing things as efficiently as possible, and we have invested to keep up with that.” Looking ahead, the business is focused on steady growth, with plans to further strengthen its fleet. A new trailer with a spreading bin, currently being built locally, is expected to enhance capability and support increasing demand during peak periods. Peter’s partner Alexandra supports the operation behind the scenes, managing administration and precision farming systems, including mapping and job management, helping streamline processes and keep the business running efficiently. Together, the team remains focused on reliable service, strong relationships, and supporting the rural community, ensuring Taihape Bulk Spreading continues to deliver for farmers across the Rangitikei. “Shearing is like any high performance sport,” Emily says. “You are always working on your technique, setting goals, and trying to improve. It takes a certain mindset.” While both remain involved in the sheds when required, their roles have evolved, with more focus on managing operations and supporting staff. “Shearing is a young person’s game,” she says. “We still get in the shed when we need to, but these days it is more about keeping things running and supporting the crews.” Alongside the business, the couple has been leasing and working on the family sheep and beef farm. “I have always loved farming,” Emily says. “The sheep work, the dogs, and even just having that time on your own out on the farm, it is something I really enjoy.” Rising input costs remain a challenge across both farming and contracting. “Fuel is a big one for us because we provide transport for our teams,” she says. “You are always weighing up whether you absorb the cost or pass it on.” Despite pressures, the business remains grounded in its values, particularly around staff wellbeing. “We try to make sure everyone feels welcome,” Emily says. “If people feel like they are part of the family, they will look after the business and each other.” Looking ahead, she says attracting and retaining skilled workers is critical. “Shearing still battles its reputation, but it is a highly skilled and physically demanding job,” she says. “We want to see good people coming into the industry.” For Welch Shearing, that means continuing to invest in people and supporting their growth as the sector evolves. m Q E • Annual Accounts • Income Tax Returns • GST • FBT • Cash Flow Budgeting • Monthly Management Reporting • Setup and Structure Advice • Xero & MYOB Partners Proudly Supporting Welch Shearing 64 Beaver Road West R D 2 Pukekohe Ph: 09 - 238 8925 | Mob: 027 - 249 9443 | Email: admin@theclajCA.co.nz SAM & EMILY WELCH - 021 776 486 | EMILYWELCH648@GMAIL.COM SHEARING W A I K A R E T U , N Z
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