Harvesting at Berriedale Farm, North Canterbury
Jason Brooks the crew manager from B&C Logging has managed both operations and is very conscious of maintaining a good relationship with the forest owner. He believes this is achieved by good communication and setting very clear expectations at the start of the job.
Will commented that he "found the crew were very professional and helpful. They do what they say they are going to do and don't leave behind a mess. They are very mindful and accommodating of our other business activities. PF Olsen will be back to manage further harvesting for the Morris clan next year. To date they have managed to time the market well, and Nick Scott the Canterbury Branch Manager points out the benefit of having a strong relationship with your harvest manager, so they can assess the quality of the crop and what market conditions and harvesting system will deliver the best outcome for the forest owner.
This block is being harvested with a Washington 88 swing yarder with a Falcon claw. This small yarder was purchased specifically for these type of blocks. It is economical to transport to the site and operate. With six men Jason is running the Washington and also has a ground-based operation that you can see in the aerial photo above.
Jason Brooks (pictured) can be seen discussing the next part of harvesting with James and Will Morris of Berriedale Farm.
Another Canterbury forest owner who had a similar experience with B&C Logging was Bob Morrison near Cust.
Bob said he "found the PF Olsen team very professional and the logging contractors they used were very obliging and went out of the way to answer all questions and assist in every way. A pleasure to have them on my property."