| 111 RURAL SERVICES » Mainland Spreading RURAL SERVICES » LJ Contracting (NZ) Changing conditions 2026 Trophy winners LJ Contracting supports farmers throughout Southland. Kelly Deeks Kelly Deeks As Southland farmers prepare for another busy season, Winton-based LJ Contracting is focused on meeting the changing needs of the region’s rural sector through investment in people, equipment, and year round service, while also planning for the future of the business. Operations manager Kenny Jackson says no two seasons are the same, with weather patterns, operating costs, and customer expectations continuing to evolve. “This year we were still making silage at the end of May, which is really late for us,” he says. “The weather is definitely changing, and we’ve got to move with it. You can’t do what you did last year and expect the same result.” LJ Contracting supports farmers throughout Southland with a wide range of agricultural contracting services, including drilling, cultivation, fertiliser application, mowing, raking, baling, beet harvesting, drainage, effluent management, and general farm work. As another season approaches, one of the company’s biggest priorities is building the right team. “We’re in the process of putting our team together now. We bring in overseas staff each season, usually from Ireland and England, alongside our Kiwi employees.” Kenny understands the seasonal contracting lifestyle well. Originally from England, he first arrived in New Zealand in 2014, working in Northland before moving south to spend winter working on a farm and summer with LJ Contracting. For several years he travelled between New Zealand and the Northern Hemisphere, following the seasons, before deciding to settle permanently in New Zealand in 2019. “Our overseas staff are a fundamental part of our team. Mainland Spreading has been reognised for more than just the quality of its fertiliser application, with the North Otago business taking home the 2026 Spreadmark Trophy at the Groundspread NZ Awards. The prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Spreadmark scheme and promoting excellence in nutrient placement across New Zealand. For Mainland Spreading founder John Schultz, however, the recognition belongs to an entire team. “This is a team of people, and I’m just the guy who had to go up and collect the award,” John says. “We’ve got a bloody good team here, and that is what this recognition is really about.” He says Spreadmark is also a team effort. It has been going for years, but it keeps changing and improving because the industry keeps changing. “It is a living document, so it continues to be relevant.” Spreadmark represents far more than certification. It provides farmers with confidence that fertiliser is being applied accurately, efficiently, and responsibly, while supporting farm planning and environmental decision making. “Fertiliser is one of the most expensive bills a farmer has,” John says. “When you spend your money, you want to maximise your return, and that is where Spreadmark comes in. “We have an accessible system that can measure what we are doing and provide something tangible back to the customer. The audits can answer a whole lot of questions that come up in their farm plans.” John says precise application delivers environmental, production, and financial benefits, with Spreadmark providing a recognised way for farmers and contractors to demonstrate best practice. Canterbury currently has the highest percentage of Spreadmark certified contractors, but interest is growing elsewhere as farmers increasingly look for ways to demonstrate responsible nutrient management. They’ve just finished their season at home, so they usually arrive really hungry for it and ready to work.” Many return for multiple seasons, providing valuable experience and consistency. “When people come back for a second or third season, you know what you’re getting. They’re good operators, and they set a great standard, especially for our newer guys.” Alongside developing its team, LJ Contracting has continued investing in machinery to improve efficiency and expand its capability. Recent upgrades include another four rotor rake, additional loading equipment, and a forage chopper, allowing the business to take on more silage and pit work while supporting owner Jim Cooper’s two dairy farms, which milk 1100 cows. Like many rural businesses, LJ Contracting is also navigating rising costs. “Everything has gone up. Machinery, wages, fuel, and consumables have all increased, and we’ve had to adjust our pricing to reflect that.” Baling and cultivations remains a significant part of the business, with Kenny saying the cost of wrapping film is one of the ongoing challenges. “We use European product because it is a quality product that has been refined over many years. We are always open minded about alternatives, but it has to be something that works for us.” While the business continues to focus on supporting local farmers, planning is also under way for its next chapter, with discussions progressing around Kenny eventually taking over ownership from Jim as he steps to the side. For Kenny, the future of LJ Contracting will be about continuing to adapt while maintaining the relationships that have helped build the business. “Farming is always changing, and contracting changes with it. Our job is to keep investing, keep improving, and make sure we’re there for our customers when they need us.” “Primary producers are wanting to use this as best practice,” he says. “It is becoming more and more of a requirement because of audits and what they are requiring.” John says the industry now has the tools it needs to continue improving, but those tools need to be accessible across the wider farming community, including farmers who spread their own fertiliser. “We have got to keep it relevant and provide a return,” John says. “Farmers can spend a lot of money buying their own spreaders, and we can help them understand what they are doing and whether they are achieving the right results. The more people we can get involved, the better it is for the industry.” Today, John’s daughter and son-in-law manage Mainland Spreading, while he has happily returned to spending more time behind the wheel. “The new generation are doing it better, which is pretty cool,” he says. “We have got customers where we have dealt with the parents, and now my kids are dealing with their kids, and that is really special.” John says the future success of the groundspread industry depends on continuing to show the care, professionalism, and value that sits behind every application. “Groundspread New Zealand plays a massive role in making that happen. It is not perfect, but the people who have put their hands up and committed to doing things properly are pretty bloody good. They care about the industry, they care about getting better, and that is what will keep pushing us forward.” KEEPING LJ CONTRACTING MOVING 100%SOUTHLAND OWNED AND OPERATED Engineering Wholesalers Southland proudly supplies TotalEnergies lubricants to help keep LJ Contracting’s hard-working machinery operating across Southland. www.ewl.co.nz | 03 218 7263 | 93 Clyde Street, Invercargill TotalEnergies lubricants for agricultural and contracting equipment Proudly supporting LJ Contracting (NZ) Ltd Call us on 021 082 98109 Need advice on navigation, spreader options & computer guidance? Proud to support Mainland Spreading. 03 308 1506 www.engrep.co.nz . r . . • CNC machining – lathe & mill • CNC profile and HD plasma cutting • Earthmoving machinery • Alloy and stainless steel mig and tig • General repairs • Fertiliser spreaders • Transport decks • Certified welding PHONE 03 308 1506 Engineering Repairs (2012) Ltd is a family business situated at 14 Watson Street, Ashburton, we specialise in manufacturing and repairs.
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