112 | RURAL SERVICES » Pankhurst Contracting Ltd A hand in Hurunui Kelly Deeks From a small North Canterbury contracting operation built by David and Diane Pankhurst more than 35 years ago, Pankhurst Contracting has evolved into a modern agricultural business adapting alongside the changing needs of the rural sector. Based near Greta Valley, the family-owned business now services farms throughout the southern half of the Hurunui district, providing everything from baling and cultivation through to drilling, post driving, and winter pipe laying. Ben Pankhurst, who now owns half the business says it was built on strong farming foundations. “Dad grew up on a family farm in North Canterbury wherehe and mum went from sharefarming into contracting,” “They have been full time contracting for about 25 years and although they’re starting to semi-retire, Dad still drives for me regularly, and my partner Lisa has recently taken over the office role from mum.” Ben grew up around the business and has worked on farms and for contractors throughout his career. His studies at Telford Polytechnic armed himwith practical farming knowledge and mechanical skills that helped shape the company’s growth. As farming systems have changed across North Canterbury, so too has the contracting business. Pankhurst Contracting Ltd once carried out significant vineyard post-driving work throughout Waipara, this has unfortunately declined in recent years. “There are properties where vineyards are being removed and returned to pasture. While vineyard work has reduced, it has created new cultivation and agricultural opportunities as land returns to traditional farming use. Today Pankhurst Contracting works on all farm types with the majority being sheep and beef , Ben says confidence has recently improved throughout the pastoral sector. “The sheep and beef guys are fairly happy at the moment and when farmers are doing well, they tend to invest more.” Alongside changing farming trends, technology has also transformed the business. Pankhurst Contracting Ltd now run GPS equipped machinery with precision farming systems designed to improve efficiency, and continues to invest in technology to meet demand. “We run modern,efficient gear and last season we introduced the Ag Drive App to manage job tracking, staff movements, and health and safety requirements,” Ben says. “It has been a really positive change for us, saving time in the office and helping us keep track of everyone who are often working remotely.” Ben says administration demands have become one of the biggest changes for small rural businesses. Despite these changes the core values at Pankhurst Contracting remain the same. “We always try to do the best job possible and work as though we are working on our own farm,” . “We take a lot of pride in looking after our customers.” He says finding the right people remains one of the most important parts of running the operation. Pankhurst Contracting currently employs two to three full-time staff alongside seasonal workers, including returning workers from the Hurunui district and Scotland. “We look more at character than anything else. We want good people who are willing to learn.” Looking ahead, Pankhurst Contracting is set to continue evolving with the rural sector while maintaining its strong connection to its farming roots. “We have had a very stable business for a long time now, and we are proud to support our local farmers and community who keep these regions going.” For all your cultivation, drilling, hay & balage requirements phone Greta Valley, North Canterbury Ben 027 677 5882 Contracting for Waitaki Kelly Deeks David O’Neill Contracting has built its reputation in the high country by providing Mackenzie and Waitaki farmers with a complete contracting service, backed by experience, reliability, and a strong understanding of the challenges of farming in the region. Based in Omarama, the family owned business is the only local contractor in the area, giving farmers a one stop option for everything from cultivation and drilling through to harvesting, transport, and feed preparation. David O’Neill says the seasons dictate what work is coming up, with farmers currently looking ahead for fertiliser application, shearing, and moving stock back onto pasture. While wool is being sent through to stores in Timaru and Christchurch, fertiliser is often returning on the same trips to be stored ready for spreading. As the season progresses, David O’Neill Contracting moves through a wide range of jobs, including cultivation, direct drilling, heavy rolling, silage, baleage, and harvesting. The business has the equipment and experience to manage different farming systems and weather conditions, with planning a key part of keeping everything on track. “We can do everything in one phone call,” David says. “A farmer might ring us for extra baleage, feed barley, or direct drilling, and it can all be organised in one phone call.” That ability to provide a complete service is a major advantage for local farmers, particularly in an area where timing can make a significant difference. While David O’Neill Contracting has grown considerably over more than 25 years, David says the company remains grounded in its high country roots. The team of 17 seasonal staff operates with a practical, family-focused approach, rather than a corporate structure. “We are a professional outfit, but we are a high country professional outfit,” David says. “We are not sitting in toolbox meetings every morning. We would rather sit down at the end of the day, have a drink, talk about what happened and what’s happening tomorrow.” That sense of belonging is supported by the company’s purpose-built workshop, kitchen, and staff accommodation in Omarama. The business also employs two cooks who prepare evening meals and baking for the team during the busy season, giving everyone a chance to sit down together after a long day. The business provides a range of accommodation options in town, including two houses and recently built shearer’s quarters-style accommodation capable of comfortably housing up to 10 staff members. “If people have nowhere to stay, they cannot come and work for you,” David says. David believes a strong workplace culture starts with everyone working together. Regardless of your role within the business, everyone plays an important part, and there’s a real team mentality where people are always willing to lend a hand and get stuck in wherever needed. That hands on approach has helped create the family atmosphere that runs through the business, with staff working hard together during the busy season and then returning to the company quarters afterwards to relax, share a meal, and enjoy a bit of banter With strong local relationships, a capable team, and the ability to handle every aspect of the contracting season, David O’Neill Contracting continues to be a key part of the farming community it serves. 280 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru | 03 688 7401 | www.jj.co.nz SOUTHLAND • OTAGO • CANTERBURY RURAL SERVICES » David O’Neill Contracting
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