Exert from BusinessRural
Murdoch Ag Contracting has been a trusted name in the Franklin District since 2010, known for its commitment to helping the
region's dairy and beef farmers' operations run smoothly year-round.
Founded by Chris Murdoch, the business offers a full range of agricultural services - from cultivating maize paddocks and harvesting grass silage in the spring, to tackling silage and hay work throughout the season and later harvesting maize in the autumn. With a close-knit team of 5-6 employees during peak season, Murdoch Ag has built a solid reputation for putting its customers first.
A key factor in the success of Murdoch Ag Contracting is its use of high-quality machinery, notably three Strautmann loader wagons. These
32-cubic metre loader wagons are suited to the rolling to steep terrain typical of the Franklin District.
Chris has remained loyal to Strautmann loader wagons from the outset, steadily building his fleet from a single wagon to the three he now operates.
"The reliability of the Strautmann loader wagons is second to none," Chris states. "They very rarely break down."
This dependable performance is further enhanced by the support Chris receives from Strautmann Hopkins, the New Zealand dealership for Strautmann machinery. Founded in 1983 by John Hopkins, Strautmann Hopkins has built a legacy of bringing the best of German agricultural machinery to New Zealand farmers.
John Hopkins was drawn to Strautmann equipment for its unmatched strength and reliability, qualities that resonate deeply with Murdoch Ag's operational philosophy. Chris speaks highly of his positive relationship with Strautmann Hopkins, emphasising the quality of its backup service. "The company is personal and relatable, as you are dealing with the company owners directly," he says.
He says the exceptional support from Straut-mann Hopkins enables Murdoch Ag Contracting to maintain its machinery in top condition, minimising downtime and ensuring it can continue delivering reliable services to its solid customer base.
The availability of genuine Strautmann machine parts, coupled with the ease ofaccessing these parts through a simple phone call or the online parts catalogue, provides Murdoch Ag with a critical operational edge, particularly during peak seasons.
"Because the parts come from Palmerston North, we can order a part before 5pm one day and it's there the following morning," Chris says.
"This is so beneficial in streamlining repairs in the event of a breakdown, ensuring we don't fall behind schedule."
"We buy our John Deere tractors from Brandt." Brandt has a huge selection of reliable, high-quality new and pre-owned farm equipment including tractors, combines and more.
Looking to the future, Chris envisions a continuation of what they do best - providing high-quality agricultural contracting services without any immediate plans for expansion.
"We have a pretty solid customer base, and we genuinely like looking after them," he says.
This commitment to customer care, combined with the reliability of Strautmann loader wagons and the unparalleled support from Strautmann Hopkins, positions Murdoch Ag Contracting as a trusted partner to farmers across the Franklin District.
By prioritising quality machinery and strong relationships with clients and suppliers, Murdoch Ag Contracting continues to set the standard for agricultural services in the region.
