| 75 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Illawarra Contracting The Phillips family’s farming roots run deep Today, Illawarra Contracting specialises in round baling, small square bales, and undersowing. Kelly Deeks Illawarra Contracting has been a trusted name in the Waikato for more than three decades and now, as the second generation steps up to lead, the business is entering an exciting new phase as brothers Nathan and Daniel Phillips work together to ensure the family legacy continues to thrive. Nathan, the current manager of Illawarra Contracting, is working toward taking full ownership of the contracting side, while Daniel has already acquired the trucking division, Illawarra Haulage. Nathan, now 28, has been involved in the business from a young age. “As soon as I was old enough to drive, I was helping out. But Dad encouraged both Daniel and me to get outside experience before returning. I spent five years as a digger driver, and Daniel worked as a diesel mechanic before we came back. Now, we’re running the business together while keeping our separate identities.” The family’s farming roots run deep. Nathan and Daniel will be the fifth generation on the original dry stock farm on Scott Road in Morrinsville. Four years ago, dad Peter Phillips expanded the family’s holdings by acquiring a dairy farm, following the sale of a farm he developed in Taumarunui. Peter, who has traditionally focused on dry stock and grazing heifers before they return to their home farms in-calf and ready to milk, is now venturing into dairy farming. Illawarra Contracting started modestly, with Peter using a baler to work his own farm as well as supplement his income. “Back in the day, there was more hay and fewer contractors around, so it was easier for farmers to have their own gear,” Nathan says. “Over time, the business grew from servicing a few neighbors to a full-fledged contracting operation.” Today, Illawarra Contracting specialises in round baling, small square bales, and undersowing. They also own a digger, though this is primarily used on the family farm. “We don’t advertise the digger work because we’re too busy baling in the summer when people need it,” Nathan says. “So we use it for our own needs and to help out others when possible.” The partnership between the contracting and haulage businesses is a well-oiled machine. “Daniel carts the bales for me, and if I have digger work, he carts metal for me. We work together to keep both businesses busy.” When the trucking division was still part of the contracting business, it didn’t matter if the trucks sat idle, but now that Illawarra Haulage is independent, keeping them running is a priority. Since Nathan took over as manager, Illawarra Contracting has expanded significantly. “Dad used to do around 4,000 bales a year. When I took over, we upgraded from an individual baler to a McHale Fusion 3, and our output jumped to around 8000 bales. Now we’re pushing 9000 to 10,000 a year.” Competition has increased as more contractors have entered the market, but Illawarra Contracting stays competitive by maintaining fair pricing and prioritising efficiency. For the Phillips brothers, continuing their family’s farming legacy is a source of immense pride and good fortune. “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to move back and be part of a fifth-generation farming family. We’re committed to growing the business while honoring the foundation our parents built. proudlylocally owned andoperated 100% kiwi owneD Morrinsville ∙ PHONE 07 889 5059 Proud to support Illawarra Contracting 027 918 1474 illawarrahaulage@gmail.com Truck & Trailer Cartage Dropside Tippers Bale Cartage Skid Steer Calf Shed Cleaning
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