72 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » BlueGrass Contracting Hard yards, tough times build business nous Russell Fredric An innovative business cultivating land for the forestry industry around New Zealand three decades ago has developed into a large agricultural contracting company in the Central North Island. The Waikato company, BlueGrass Contracting, has grown to employ up to 40 staff, providing a diverse range of services in the Waikato and Taupo regions. BlueGrass Contracting is headed by Brook and Kerry-Ann Nettleton who are the second generation in the business. It was originally established by Brook’s father, Allan, who is now retired, but still takes an active interest. “Dad rst started in about 1997, ripping and mounding when dry stock blocks were being planted into eucalyptus for pulp. He designed a machine that made a mound to plant the trees on, so they didn’t get frosted. “I joined him in 1997/98 and we actually travelled around New Zealand working for PF Olsen and some of those forestry companies. We only had two tractors.” During this time a hedge cutting service was added, covering Bay of Plenty and Waikato. “We actually used to run it 24 hours a day sometimes. At the end of the day, when you’re rst starting off every dollar counts. You’ve got to put in the hard yards. It let us break into the Waikato I guess.” This, combined with the challenging times that followed the sharemarket crash of the late 1980’s, instilled a strong work ethic in Brook and was coupled with the strategy of maximising the usage of each item of equipment rather than to have more machinery with less use. “Times were pretty tough. To be honest it’s probably the best thing that could happen to us. I guess it teaches you some pretty serious life lessons. GT AGRI SERVICES On farm repairs & hedge cutting 021 066 5350 gtagriservices@gmail.com Specialist Environmental Consultants We provide expert advice and support to ensure your compliance requirements are being met. parksideenviro.co.nz The company’s relationship with Fonterra led to a bio-solids waste management service being established. “We do between 30 and 40,000 tonne of that a year,” says BlueGrass Contracting’s Brook Nettleton. • to page 74
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