A hands-on approach combined with local knowledge sets Greymouth-based Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co apart, says founder Darryn Fairhall. “Our customers tell us they like our attention to detail and focus on getting it right. From the ground up, we work out what’s needed for the job and have the right gear to get it done,” adds Darryn.
Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co has been delivering vital services to farms and communities since 1991. At the helm of this enterprise are Darryn and his son Cody who are proud to be fourth and fifth-generation West Coasters. Darryn’s journey into the agricultural world began early. Born and bred on the West Coast, he grew up on a small dry stock farm and spent four years working on a sheep and beef farm. His agricultural prowess expanded further with a stint in his father’s gold mining operation for six years.
Drawing from this diverse background, Darryn founded Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co. What started as a modest venture blossomed into a thriving enterprise, with a personal approach at its core. Initially specialising in spreading, seeding, levelling and cultivation work, the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliability quickly grew.
Notably, Landcorp took notice leading to the expansion of the fleet to undertake land conversion projects. Landcorp is still a big client for Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co with it undertaking direct drilling and pasture restoration work. It was when the West Coast’s challenging conditions took a toll on equipment that adaptability proved essential, leading Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co to evolve into bulldozing work. This strategic shift allowed the company to play an integral role in the coalface of farm development, a departure from mere finishing work.
“The success of a contracting company lies in understanding the land, the people and the unique challenges they face.”
Today, Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co offers a comprehensive range of services that encompass various agricultural needs. The company’s skills extend to fertiliser and lime spreading, as well as specialised services like rural housing subdivision and farm development and restoration. Outside of the rural industry, the company completes a diverse range of projects spanning mine restoration, flood repairs, forestry roading and even designing and building croquet green in Greymouth and recently a new sand carpet sports field in Hokitika.
Custom-built equipment still helps the company complete jobs to a high quality and more efficiently. At present, it is developing a custom-built harrow seeder to efficiently repair pug damage and reinstate bare areas without disturbing existing pastures. Plant includes bulldozers, excavators, direct drills, rippers, spreaders, rollers and a range of John Deere tractors. Alongside Darryn and Cody, who has completed a bachelor of agriculture at Lincoln University, there is one more full-time staff member plus seasonal casuals. This means the team offers a lot of knowledge and experience, says Darryn.
As Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co continues to thrive, its upcoming projects include rural subdivision work, drilling of grass and crops, gold mine restoration projects and general farm work. With an anticipated increase in work due to the buoyant regional economy, the family legacy continues to grow. “We hope that Fairhall Agricultural Contracting Co stands as a testament to the enduring value of hands-on experience and deep local knowledge as the success of a contracting company lies in understanding the land, the people and the unique challenges they face.”
© Waterford Press Ltd 2024 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
