Wairarapa Fencing Contractor - Repost stockist - @larsen_rural

027 4507 479 - larsenrural@gmail.com

Where are you from, Jehmiah? Give us your background.

I’m based in the Wairarapa and have been around farming and fencing for over 13 years. My wife Bailey and I live in Masterton with our three kids — Jordan (11), Mason (7) and Kaira (4).

Our agriculture journey began when I attended Taratahi Ag Training Centre about 15 years ago — that’s where I met my now wife. We farmed sheep and beef for over 13 years before deciding it was time to invest in our own venture.

Larsen Rural is named after my grandfather, Ian Larsen, who started fencing at 14 and did it his whole life. I’m proud to follow in his footsteps. He instilled a lot of values in me that I carry into every job.

Rural’s home for us. We’re settled now — not chasing the hottest farm job — and our kids will grow up here too.

What made you get into fencing?

I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work and being outdoors. Fencing’s one of those jobs where you can stand back at the end of the day and actually see what you’ve achieved.

It’s physical, practical work. Every job’s different depending on the land, soil type and stock pressure. I enjoy the challenge and I enjoy seeing customers happy with the outcome.

Following in my grandfather’s footsteps makes it even more meaningful.

Why did you decide to become a Repost stockist?

It just made sense.

I’d been following Repost’s journey — on social media and at Fieldays — and I liked what they stood for. They’re stopping good material going to landfill and getting it back onto farms at a fair price.

Fencing gives you one of the best returns on investment on farm. But if it doesn’t fit the budget, you can’t seize the gain. Repost fits the bill. It allows farmers who can’t afford brand new to still get the work done and get the fencing contract across the line.

If farmers can get more kilometres done for the same spend — what’s not to like?

They’re practical, affordable, and there’s a bigger purpose behind it. I like backing businesses doing something good for the rural sector, not just selling product. That’s Repost.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

The variety. No two days are the same. No hilltop has the same view. And you get to meet some pretty good people along the way.

Even though our farming venture is behind us, fencing keeps me connected to farming every day. I enjoy working alongside farmers and figuring out what works best for their setup. Every property’s different — soil, contour, stock — so there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Being part of making a farm more efficient and knowing that fence will still be standing strong years down the track is pretty satisfying.

How have you found working with Repost so far?

What a team.

Greg and Dansy have built something pretty inspiring. With drive, passion and determination, anyone can build something meaningful.

The team are easy to deal with — good communication, no nonsense. It makes it easy to support a product when the values are cohesive right through the business.

What feedback do you get from farmers about Repost posts?

Farmers have become very resourceful, especially after the economic downturn. There’s more maintenance fencing happening now than ever, and farmers are cautious and smart with spending.

Repost is a perfect match. Replacing broken posts with a second-life post — it’s a no-brainer.

Using the 1.6m posts for maintenance is ideal. In most cases, older fences sit lower than new builds, so you still get the right depth in the ground. It’s allowed farmers to double or even triple the amount of maintenance they’d normally do.

The price is right. The product is right. The durability is spot on.

And there’s definitely more awareness around waste. Farmers don’t like seeing good material buried when it still has life in it.

What’s the hardest part about fencing work?

The weather. Without a doubt.

Wairarapa can throw wind, frost, dry summers and torrential rain at you — sometimes all in one day.

And the ground. One minute you’re in nice clay, then mudstone, then sandstone down the gully. Best to keep the auger handy. There’s nothing worse than a strainer springing back on you when you’re three feet in the ground.

What’s something people might not know about Repost posts?

They’re tougher than people think.

Some might look rough compared to brand new, but once they’re cut and re-tipped, they’re solid and they keep stock in — and that’s what matters.

A lot of them would’ve ended up in landfill otherwise, which doesn’t sit right when there’s still plenty of life left in them.

Farmers are resourceful people. Buying from farmer to farmer builds trust. I’m not surprised by Repost’s growth — it just makes sense.

Crocs or work boots?

Work boots on the job — no question.

Off duty? If it’s not boots, it’s crocs. Quick, easy and convenient.

Any advice for contractors on the fence about using Repost posts?

Repost is a second-life post — pre-spike holes if needed and they’re good to go.

For me, the last 10% makes the difference. Your line can be perfect, but if you forget to square up your knots, it looks average pretty quickly. Another 10% effort and you’ll stand out.

Take pride in your work — your name’s on every fence you build. Invest in good tools. Listen to experienced hands. Build relationships.

In rural communities, reputation is everything.

QnA with our Wairarapa stockist Jehmiah Deys Shailer – Larsen Rural