Sam Monk has business wrapped up

SAM Monk was initially surprised when a client left him the responsibility of managing the farm's silage.

Field Days

SAM Monk was initially surprised when a client left him the responsibility of managing the farm's silage.

Not that the 20 year old from Cobrico hadn't cut, wrapped or carted silage before - his business includes a fleet of seven tractors, a number of balers, boom sprays, seeders and silage wagons - but this time it was different.

"He said here's 100 acres (40 ha) of silage, I'll leave you with the responsibility of when to bale it for the best possible quality," he said.

"As people trust you more, they leave the job up to you from start to finish."

The entrepreneurial contractor has grown his business, Monk and Sons Contracting, from one tractor when he finished his diesel mechanic apprenticeship at age 16, to employing a sub-contractor and many staff, including bringing employees from overseas.

Don't let the name fool you though, because Sam has done all the hard yards and it his business.

Recently his brother, Nathan, 18, came on board to help him out.

Since September 1, his business, including three balers, with the assistance of Templetons Contracting have pushed out 50,000 bales.

Harvesting grass for dairy farmers in southwest Victoria is the majority of his work, but the addition of a Great Plains Spartan 607 no-till drill has added another string to his bow.

Direct-drilling summer crops and rye grass now takes up to 30 per cent of his workload and has helped him expand his business further north.

Last year, for 12 weeks from March, the business sowed 3400 hectares, predominantly on dairy farms.

It was his " busiest season" since starting the business and while an improved season helped business, he said regular clients were now booking for seeding as well as harvest.

Monk and Sons has hopes for a big autumn.

Also involved in the family dairy farm, he said there was still a need for dairy farmers to have their own machinery, but he had noticed clients were impressed with the efficiency of a contractor.

"When dairy farmers see you turn-up with three balers, bowl the job over and be cost effective, they can concentrate on their farm while their feed supplies build-up," he said.

This year will be the third time he has exhibited at the Sungold Field Days.

• For more information visit Monk and Sons at Sungold site F52 or phone [phone].