| 67 Totally reliable, multi-skilled operators Smart solutions: Ross and Frank designed and built this large bucket to fit on the tractors so they could shake out all the small bits and sawdust from split firewood before loading onto the truck for delivery. Russell Fredric RURAL SERVICES » Battensby Bros Contracting Demand for flexible, multi-skilled contracting has seen Northland operators Battensby Brothers Contracting steadily expand their services across farming, fencing, and seasonal support services. The business is run by Glenn and Ross Battensby, with the pair and their team building a reputation as reliable, multi-skilled operators supporting increasingly diverse farm systems. Battensby Brothers Contracting’s services cover core agricultural contracting such as silage, haymaking, and groundwork through to fencing, firewood, and specialised jobs. That spread of work helps balance seasonal demand while allowing the team to respond to changing farmer needs, and Glenn says the ability to adapt has been key to the business remaining relevant. “You’ve got to be able to turn your hand to a bit of everything. Farming’s changed and we’ve changed with it, but the focus is still on doing a good job and being reliable.” The company runs a fleet of seven tractors ranging from 80 to 300 horsepower, backed by a well-equipped workshop where much of the maintenance is carried out in-house, helping ensure machinery is reliable and ready to perform, especially during periods of high demand. Fencing forms a steady part of the winter workload, including boundary fencing, stockyards, and repairs. Firewood provides a profitable source of offseason income and is an ever-expanding part of the business, with sourcing and splitting firewood a year-round job; typically Battensby Brothers Contracting sells around 450 cubic metres of firewood each year. They are WINZ registered and can provide quotes on request. Ross, known locally as Scooter, works alongside Glenn and a small core team, with additional staff brought in during peak summer demand. This structure allows the business to scale up during busy periods without compromising consistency. Seed drilling is another area where the company has invested, with specialised equipment enabling a single-pass system that combines ground preparation and seeding, reducing soil compaction while improving efficiency. “We’ve had really good results with that. It does a good job and you get two jobs done in one pass. It’s unreal how much work we’ve had from it.” Effluent and waste spreading has also grown in demand, with the company’s muck spreader used for clearing wintering sheds and redistributing nutrients back onto pastures, providing both environmental and cost benefits as farmers look to reduce fertiliser inputs. Beyond the farm gate, the business has taken on subcontracting work including roading, drainlaying, and subdivision projects, broadening its income streams while making use of existing machinery and skills. Operating in a competitive sector, the business has built its client base through repeat work and word of mouth developed during its more than two decades in operation. “You’re working alongside these farmers year after year. They rely on you to get the job done when it counts, and that trust is everything.” Office manager Cherie Delatour says the past season has tested both contractors and farmers, with weather and external pressures creating challenges, but there have been positives. “It’s been a bit of a struggle with the weather and now with the diesel crisis; however, we have had a better financial year than the previous two years and have feed in stock, including square silage bales, round silage bales, square hay, round hay, and conventional hay.” NATURES GOODNESS – to meet your needs and your budget. With our cost effective agricultural lime it will help you balance the books as well as the soil. Balanced soil calcium promotes root and leaf development, increases yield by reducing soil acidity and increasing calcium availability, improves microbial activity and enhances the uptake of other nutrients. Ask for PARKER AGLIME at your local Farmlands store for your next application! Call 09 431 2407 or 0279 353540 or send an email to trevor@parkerlime.co.nz From our quarry to your farm For over 60 years, Parker Lime has been suppling the New Zealand farming community with a variety of products to take farming into the future sustainably.
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