48 | Expertise across the kiwifruit industry Currently, SCH manages over 600ha of established kiwifruit orchards. T T from page 46 Southern Cross Horticulture HORTICULTURE Josh says the past two seasons have been positive for the sector, resulting in growing interest on the part of the dairy sector to convert any excess land they may have, that’s suitable, into kiwifruit production. “This is where our long history in the sector and our ability to build resilient infrastructure, then manage it, really comes into its own. We’ve built world-class orchards, and I’m pleased to see the crop-management side of our business growing,” Josh says.. Underpinning Southern Cross Horticulture’s performance in the orchard-management space is the understanding that owners want their investment to be top quartile net, and to enjoy a good relationship based on solid communication, with no surprises. “The focus now is for us to continue growing a great team, and have in place smart systems with really good guard rails. We also want to innovate within these parameters, delivering results for our partners and always adding value to our business.” Josh says what is most heartening is that the company has, on average, quite a young team. “We’re about encouraging young people, full of passion, to grow within our organisation. In my team we’ve certainly seen some very talented people come through; people who have come to us from school and been given opportunities to invest alongside us. “This, in turn, has led to opportunities for their wider family.” Another key strength is the capability of the people working on the ground through the repetitive cycle of orchard-management tasks. “We’re quite involved in the RSE scheme and receive workers from places such as Kiribati, the Solomons and Vanuatu. We constructed a purpose-built village for them in Edgecumbe, and many come back season after season,” says Josh. “They’re highly skilled and dedicated to what they do, and it has had a positive impact on their communities back home.” Josh says there are a lot of good reasons why the kiwifruit sector is in such good heart, with a strong brand in market and a fine quality of fruit produced consistently. “We’re united under a monopoly structure and it is very collaborative in nature. We’re all incentivised to help each other. The industry is old enough now to have been through quite a few cycles, and growers are disciplined at keeping their balance sheets positive.” Driven by the vision to be the best in the industry requires a nimbleness of company spirit, underpinned by a strong set of family-based values. Josh says, with everyone engaged and on the same page, Southern Cross Horticulture, has a strong pathway ahead to continue to grow. “We are always looking for good people to join our business. If there’s someone out there who enjoys coming to work to better their craft every day, who enjoys a fast-paced environment, and likes getting their hands dirty, then there are limitless opportunities with us, so please be in touch.” Providing the Matamata and Waikato regions with premium drilling, drainage and digging services for over 40 years. 13 Elizabeth St 07 888 5724 admin@griffithsltd.co.nz Book your seasonal work with the experts: Operations Manager: Phillip Shalfoon - 027 573 6990 Logistics coordinator: Alex Grant - 027 555 5815 | admin@ primogrow.nz At PrimoGrow Contracting, we know a successful harvest requires precision year-round, so we provide comprehensive machinery services for your orchard. • CROP SPRAYING • WEED CONTROL • FERTILISER APPLICATION We deliver expert machinery services to keep your orchard thriving, ensuring quality results and on-time performance every time. • MOWING & MULCHING • LOGISTICS FOR HARVEST TRANSPORT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=