| 55 Evolving with the needs of their clients The core business of Haffner Ag Services is ploughing, drilling, and cultivation. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Haffner Ag Services The small but growing Haffner Ag Services in Southbridge on the Canterbury Plains is evolving with the needs of its clients, with an expanding fleet of machinery and an increasing suite of services as Tom Haffner aims to become the first contractor local farmers think about for all the jobs that need doing on-farm. Tom started Haffner Ag Services in 2020. He has a vision for farm ownership and with a natural propensity for engineering and heavy machinery, sees contracting as the pathway to get him there. Tom’s can-do attitude has seen him gain not only opportunities to work for new clients, but also some very helpful guidance from local farmers who once found themselves in the same position. Tom was lucky to start out contracting after doing a bit of general engineering on the farm of Patrick Miller. “He said why don’t you use the gear I’ve got here in the yard, and we’ll work out a hire rate,” Tom says. “So I started doing jobs with his tractor and his implements. I’ve learnt a lot along the way and continue to do so: things like what to charge out, how far is my boundary line for work, it’s all a learning process.” Tom spent his first year working with Dairy Holdings, picking up a regrassing contract. Throughout his first year he also began welcoming new clients which allowed him to build on his knowledge and services. This also gave Tom the confidence to go out and get a new drill, plough, and a couple of tractors. Tom had some golden advice from Patrick when he first started out and he still follows it today. “Patrick has been a mentor right the way through and he told me to look after my clients and if I did, they would be the ones that keep coming back. I would like to think that I do.” Haffner Ag Services is still growing and as more farmers find out about what Tom can do for them, he is gaining new clients regularly. “My new customers are coming from word of mouth and I think a lot of them can see that I’ve started with nothing and they want to support a young guy out there doing it for himself.” Tom maintains close relationships with each client and this provides mutual benefits. He gets a full understanding of their operation and what they require, while also being able to chat with them about any ideas he has for growing his business. “Haffner Ag Services is only four years old but for me, I have been farm and tractor crazy my whole life. Owning a business is a new concept for me, so I clamp on to every bit of knowledge I can get.” Today Tom offers general engineering, round bales, small and medium square bales, rut busting, tip trailer work, and the core business of Haffner Ag Services is ploughing, drilling, and cultivation. He wants to satisfy any requirement a local farmer may have so if there is something that Haffner Ag is yet to do, Tom is open to explore if this could be implemented into his services. Proud to be associated with Ha ner Ag Services T. 03 3243 030 E. office@lays.co.nz www.layassociates.co.nz Rolleston Ashburton Lincoln Leeston • General Engineering • Baling - Medium square, Round, & conventional • Rut Busting • Tip Trailer • Ploughing • Drilling • Cultivation SERVICES INCLUDE: We strive to deliver an on-time, quality service every time! 0279666748 | haffner.agservices@outlook.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=