A head start behind the wheel

Waitohi Ag general manager John Svensson (left), who hired Dustin Wright (right)  in October last year says it’s important for the industry to invest in the next generation. Claire Inkson

At just 16, Dustin Wright is already behind the wheel of some of the most advanced machinery on North Canterbury farms -  but his passion for all things diesel started well before he ever climbed into a tractor.

Long before this season with Waitohi Ag, Wright had his sights set on trucks.

He’s attended major trucking shows in Australia with his father, Iain, who has since pivoted from farming into truck driving across the Tasman.

Wright has been a contributing writer for Little Trucker magazine from a young age.

 “I’ve always been into machinery,” Wright says. “Trucks were probably the first obsession.”

That early exposure - on farms, around trucks, and travelling with his dad - laid the foundation for what has become a natural progression into agricultural contracting.

“I’d have been five or six driving with Dad in the passenger seat,” Wright says. “I first drove by myself when I was about eight.”

Now in Year 12 at Christchurch Boys’ High School, Wright started his first season with Waitohi Ag during the October exam break and has been working through the busy silage and balage period.

“It’s just something I’ve grown up around,” he says. “Diesel, machinery, being outside. I enjoy working by myself and getting the job done.”

Learning on the job

Wright currently operates a range of machinery, including a CLAAS 610 tractor, as well as John Deere tractors and mowers, along with rakes and the wrapper.

“The biggest challenge has been learning new machines and different brands,” he says. “Things like the wrapper, mowing and raking were all new to me, so it’s been about getting your head around how everything works.”

Despite his age, Wright says he’s never felt out of place.

“The farmers have been really good. I haven’t had a moment where I’ve felt like I shouldn’t be here because I’m only 16,” he says. “I’ve grown up around most of them, so that helps.”

The hours don’t faze him either.

“It’s easy enough. You just carry on and get it done.”

Asked what it feels like to be trusted with expensive machinery so young, Wright doesn’t hesitate.

“I feel pretty lucky,” he says. “You’ve just got to go slow and steady and be thankful you’ve been given the chance.”

    Dustin Wright (16) has always had a passion for diesel machinery.

Looking ahead

Wright plans to finish one more year of school before heading off to travel and work overseas.

“Australia, the UK, maybe America,” he says. “I’ll come back for another season next year.”

While trucks remain a long-term goal, tractors are filling the gap until he’s old enough for his truck licence.

“It’s all burning diesel in some form,” he laughs.

His advice to other young people thinking about contracting is simple.

“You’ve just got to be passionate, find the right company that’s willing to give you a go, and not be afraid of hard work.”

A Farmer-led approach

Waitohi Ag was formed in the 1970s by a group of local farmers who wanted to service their own contracting needs.

Over time, the farmer-led cooperative evolved into a professional contracting business servicing farms across North Canterbury.

Today, Waitohi Ag specialises in precision planting and drilling, cultivation, and hay, baleage and silage operations, with a strong focus on reliability, modern machinery and delivering a consistently high-quality service for its clients.

Waitohi Ag general manager and Hawarden farmer John Svensson knows taking on young operators isn’t for everyone - but for Waitohi Ag, it’s central to who they are.

“It’s huge,” Svensson says. “We’re a family-focused business, supporting local families and local farmers. We are farmers working for farmers.”

Svensson started with the company as an operator, later bought into the business, and stepped into the general manager role in November.

Creating a pathway for young people entering the industry matters, he says.

 “At some point, the next generation will be running the company. You’ve got to put the groundwork in early, give them a chance, and help them enjoy what they do.”

   Dustin Wright began driving tractors early, sitting on his father Iain’s lap when he was just five years old.

Training, safety and support

With a small team of around six staff, including other younger operators, training and support are a priority.

“It’s about doing the front-end work properly,” Svensson says. “Making sure they’re trained, supported and ready before they’re operating on their own.”

Fatigue management is also taken seriously, with strong support behind the scenes.

“Our partners and families play a big role,” he says. “Making sure the team’s fed, watered, and looking after each other during long days.”

Svensson says farmers are generally open to seeing younger operators behind the wheel.

“There’s a real understanding now that we need to invest in the next generation,” he says. “It won’t just happen by itself. You’ve got to be proactive.”

Community at the core

As a locally owned and operated business, Waitohi Ag is deeply connected to the community it works in.

“We support local clubs and local shows, we’re part of the community,” Svensson says. “The community supports us, and we support it right back.”

Looking ahead, the focus is on steady growth without losing what matters.

“We want to grow the business while maintaining the quality of service our loyal clients expect,” he says. “It’s exciting, but it’s about doing it right.”

A message to young people

Svensson’s advice to young people wanting a career in agriculture is straightforward.

“Do the basics right. Be keen. Keep trying,” he says. “Someone will give you a chance eventually. Passion and enthusiasm go a long way, but you’ve still got to turn up and put the work in.”

For Wright, it comes back to that first opportunity.

“Find someone who’s willing to give you a go,” he says.