Whether a quirk of the business or just good planning, when you step into Farmlands Cromwell for some wire or netting, you’ll notice the full-time retail team are all women – under the strong leadership of Branch Manager Tash Biemond.
Born and bred in Central Otago, Tash started her Ag career working in her parent’s market garden, getting to know her way around packing spuds and brussel sprouts. Then she got to know more about the building game, working as a labourer for her brother. By her admission she got all the crappy jobs no-one else wanted. Testament to Tash’s determination, she always got the job done.
The future, however, was destined to be back in the primary sector, not as a gardener but learning the ropes at Farmlands Alexandra in the Inwards Goods / Bulk Store, building relationships with all the fencing contractors coming through. Over time Tash’s knowledge of what goes into making a good fence and associated infrastructure grew, with trips out into the field to see her local contractors in action.
Tash’s familiarity with the wide range of products available through Farmlands has enabled her to successfully quote for some pretty important projects. “Price is a big one when we’re trying to get jobs over the line for customers. We’ll quote different suppliers for them and if they want a particular item, I’ll always give them the low down on which product is better quality and why” says Tash.
This ability to manage the big jobs with successful outcomes for customers has led Tash all over Central Otago with Farmlands. From Balclutha to Dunedin and now to Cromwell, where her relationship skills and organisational abilities have helped make Farmlands one of the biggest and most depended upon rural retailers in the region. “There’s no one else really in our area that has the room or the size of operation, with the variety of products that can measure up to what we’re doing” says Tash. If you needed any more evidence of Tash’s hard work and Farmlands being on the up, just wait for an increased Farmlands Horticulture presence at the Cromwell store.
Outside of Farmlands, Tash’s business sense and people skills are also being put to good use, as she builds a house in the area – and she still finds time for a bit of hunting and fishing. What do they say? If you need a job done, give it to a busy person.
Make sure you drop into Farmlands Cromwell and say hi to Tash and the wonderful women on her team, helping fencing contractors get a better deal and better results for their customers.
Supplied by:
Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
Read WIRED online
Follow us on Facebook
© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)
