66 | Season started out tough but ended strong The Balfour based business is operated by Brent and Kate Eaton. Emma Bailey RURAL SERVICES » EWL Limited The balage and silage season started out pretty tough in Northern Southland with a wet start in spring for contractor EWL but it ended strong for the established and proudly family owned business. The Balfour based contractor is operated by Brent and Kate Eaton. The wet ground conditions in spring delayed them, Brent says. “This season started out pretty tough. Ground conditions were very wet and the grass growth was slow, we didn’t get started until early November. This was about three weeks behind our usual start date. “It took a good month for the ground to firm up but once it did the season was strong and steady.” The company was established by Brent’s parents Paul and Elaine Eaton in 2007 called Eaton Willow Lodge (EWL) with Brent and his brother Derek. Alongside arable farming and dairy grazing it provided agricultural contracting, cultivation, spraying and baling. Kate says the family business then expanded. “In 2018 the Eaton family had the opportunity to purchase a silage business off Richard and Kirsty Bullmore, a contractor they had supplied trucks to for many years. “In 2021 we purchased the silage and baling side of things, thanks to effective succession planning from Paul and Elaine.” Brent and Kate then renamed the business EWL Limited, reflecting its original name. “We are proud to be a family-operated business. Brent manages operations, while I handle administrative tasks in the office. I have also been seen on a rake every so often. “Brent’s father (Paul) offers advice and assistance when needed. With his many years of experience his input is invaluable.” Paul also owns several trucks that are integrated into the operations and mum Elaine frequently contributes by helping with food or maintaining the grounds around the workshop and staff housing. Brent and Kate’s children Liam (14), Riley (12), and Evie (8) also get stuck in. “They often assist with covering grass stacks. The boys especially have a strong interest in the machinery side of the business,” Kate Said. The family has a highly experienced close knit team. “We employ two full timers, four seasonal operators and a handful of valuable retired farmers drive our trucks,” Brent said. “We work as one gang but if the pressure is on, we can expand into two teams with our two Claas choppers and two Krone BigM mowers on hand.” After a brief reprieve things are getting busier again. “We have a quieter spell but not for long, at the end of May we winter graze approx 550 dairy cows for ten to 12 weeks. By the time the animals head home we are ready to start our winter maintenance on the gear,” Kate said. Winter is also the time to start recruiting workers for the upcoming season, a responsibility that Kate is becoming comfortable with. Covering Otago & Southland 0800 227 226 www.advance-agriculture.co.nz Proud to support EWL Limited Specialist Suppliers of Agricultural Chemical, Seed, Spray Equipment & GPS Precision Ag B BALFOUR ENGINEERING 2021 LTD PROUDLY SUPPORTING EWL LIMITED 03 201 6470 Carl - 027 272 9333 | Callum - 027 272 9888 o ce@balfourengineering.co.nz Since Covid-19, Immigration controls have become more stringent. “While we aim to employ Kiwis, skilled operators are crucial for the safe operation of our machinery. Therefore, hiring internationally helps us address this shortage.”
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