QnA with John: JK Fencing
We decided to have a yarn with JK Fencing’s John who was a lifeline for many farmers as part of the ‘Commence the Re-fence’, his team enabled over 90km of fence lines to be repaired a bloody good effort if you ask us!
How did you get into fencing?
I grew up on a farm in Huntersville, then moved onto a farm in Hawke’s Bay, unfortunately I had a bad run in farming with major droughts in 2009, so I turned my hand to fencing and shearing to make ends meet.
What started as me with a hired tractor and rammer is now a team of 10 fencing guys. I’m blooming proud of my team and the company I’ve built from the ground up: JK Fencing.
What role did you play in Farmy Army?
JK Fencing was contracted to repair fence lines for the cyclone damaged farms. We helped over 120 property owners. On a personal level I know first-hand the heartache and loss felt by many due to Cyclone Gabrielle and wanted to do what I could to help.
How did you hear about Repost fence posts?
I’ve heard of you through the grapevine. Then Hawke’s Bay Regional Council contracted you guys at Repost to repurpose cyclone damaged orchard and winery stock to be donated back into the community. This stock went to us at Farmy Army. For us the stock continuously turned up quickly and enabled us to do a hell of a lot more km’s for the community here.
Times have changed in the fencing materials world what was once affordable materials out there has changed and you guys provide a low-cost quality recycled product, farmers are becoming more interested in second hand products and its cost effective and allows on-farm work to continue that’s for sure. Most of the farms I’m contracted to have already pre-organised post stock, some have ordered from you and I’m fine to work with your recycled products.
How did you install them (post borer, free hand)?
JK Fencing was contracted by Farmy Army ‘Commence the Re-fence’ to repair fence lines for the over 160 landowners needing vital repairs. We used two tractors and rammers which were donated by Stevenson & Taylor. The silt was hard, so the posts went in easy, and we got through a decent amount of just over 90km’s a good effort, but I wish we could have done more.
Do you have any stories that come to mind with farmers during your cyclone relief work?
We did around 89 large farms. They were simply grateful to have their fence lines back up and to have people donate time and resources. Many farmers had no stock left, but with fencing back up, could again when ready. Honestly, It’s difficult to comprehend the despair families felt, I’m proud my team could play a small role in helping repair fence lines, sit for a yarn during smoko for those to let many vent frustrations; just be present at a time when people really needed a sense of community rallying around.
It's clear John has a heart of gold and we are proud to have helped supply recycled posts to help. If you are in the Hawkes Bay region and want some fence work done, John is your man. His website was setup by one of the farmers who he helped! You can also call John on 027 858 7535.
