| 91 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Lewis Agri Ltd Strong momentum since launching in 2021 Kelly Deeks Mid Canterbury contractor Lewis Agri is expanding across the region, with growing demand for full service agricultural contracting driving new investment in baling gear, tractors, and staff ahead of another busy season. Based in Staveley, director Hamish Lewis says the business has built strong momentum since launching in 2021, growing into a trusted contractor working from Methven and Rakaia Gorge through to Arundel and the wider Ashburton district. The company now provides cultivation, drilling, precision planting, and newly launched baling services, giving farmers one point of contact from paddock preparation through to harvest and feed management. Hamish says the move into baling came after repeated enquiries from customers looking for a reliable operator who could handle the full process. “There was definitely demand there. A couple of customers had asked about baling services, so we picked it up and ran with the opportunity. “It was a big investment, but we believed it was the right next step.” Lewis Agri introduced baling in a lean way during its first season, and has used that experience to plan further expansion for the upcoming season. “This season we are gearing up for a bigger one with more tractors and more staff so we can keep momentum going with both cultivation and baling.” Hamish says one of the company’s biggest growth areas since its inception has been precision planting, particularly maize crops where accurate seed placement and timing are critical. “In our first season we did around 300 hectares of precision planting. Now we are doing between 1000 and 1200 hectares.” Overall cultivation and drilling volumes have also risen sharply. “In our first year we might have put in 800 to 1000 hectares of seed. This season we have done around 3000 to 4000 hectares.” That growth has meant a larger team is now needed during peak periods. “For the last couple of seasons we have generally had two to three staff plus myself. This season it will probably be four to five plus myself, depending on how much baling work comes in.” Hamish’s background as a heavy diesel mechanic has also played a key role in the company’s progress. After completing his apprenticeship in Winter maintenance is a big focus because when the season starts, the gear needs to be ready. Timaru, he worked in contracting before starting Lewis Agri. He says his experience remains valuable, particularly when it comes to maintenance and keeping machinery reliable through the season. “All our routine servicing is done in house, and a lot of repairs are done ourselves too. Winter maintenance is a big focus because when the season starts, the gear needs to be ready.” Lewis Agri also favours staff who are mechanically minded or keen to learn. “You need people who can keep a machine moving. If something small goes wrong in the paddock, being able to sort it quickly saves downtime.” The business now offers mowing, raking, round baling, square baling, cartage, and tube or individual wrapping, alongside its established contracting services. While rising fuel prices and input costs continue to pressure contractors and farmers alike, Hamish remains optimistic about the wider rural sector. “Dairy is strong, beef and lamb are strong, and Follow/Like us on Facebook Your FIRST STOP for ALL your Agricultural Contracting requirements including Maize & Fodder Beet planting PROUD TO SUPPORT LEWIS AGRI LTD farming is still looking positive overall. Costs go up and down, and we work through it together.” With demand increasing and services broadening, Lewis Agri is positioning itself for another busy Canterbury season.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=