Business Rural Autumn 2021

76 | RURAL SERVICES » Townsend Seeds “I would suggest more than 90% of vegetable and forage seeds are grown in the Canterbury area,” Lynn says. “Because of a lack of infrastructure in some other areas, it is sometimes a bit challenging to grow seed outside of Canterbury. We do some produc- tion in the North Island and also Southland, and we bring that seed back to Canterbury for cleaning and processing. Canterbury is our preferred area for seed growers, it is fully geared up for seed produc- tion.” He says New Zealand has a reputation around the world as being a good producer of high quality seed, and although ‘we’re only a small island down the bottom of the world, we are still well-recognised as a place where overseas and international seed companies can get their production done’. Customers send their stock seed to Townsend Seeds, usually for sowing in autumn and spring, and harvest takes place in February/March. Cus- tomers have complete confidence their stock seeds will be secure, and cultivars will be grown to their fullest potential. • from page 75 The growing field is monitored throughout by Townsend Seeds’ field staff, who have many years of experience with a wide range of vegetable and forage crops for seed production. Customers are supplied with detailed crop reports and photographs at regular intervals throughout the growing season. Townsend Seeds is grateful to have recently added a third field rep to its employ, with Lynn saying such experience is not easy to find in the industry. This new employee will play a major role in the facilitation of imminent grower portfolio growth. Lynn says as well as having the right sort of field, Townsend Seeds growers are experienced in arable farming, and are prepared to listen to other people’s experiences and the field reps who have a lot of knowledge around these crops which they are growing all the time. Townsend Seeds and Lynn’s business has been building over 40 years of him and his staff travel- ling overseas, but of course today’s business is being done via video conferencing. Lynn is looking forward to being able to get back to personal visits and international seed conferences, where he and his staff can get face to face with his customers again and establish new contacts. “Because of a lack of infrastructure in some other areas, it is sometimes a bit challenging to grow seed outside of Canterbury. We do some production in the North Island and also Southland, and we bring that seed back to Canterbury for cleaning and processing. Canterbury is our preferred area for seed growers, it is fully geared up for seed production.” Healthy seed is the basis for healthy crops. Export Quality Seed Processing When only the best will do Including: Weighbridge, moisture testing, drying, packaging, container loading and cartage. Specialising in export quality processing of: • Vegetable See d • Grass See d • Cereal s • Clover • Brassica s • P ulses Smallbone drive Ashburton Ph one 307 8383 Fax 308 1497 For a Complete Seed Processing Service “Proud Seed Processors to Townsend Seeds” 100% Canterbury Owned & Operated We have Autumn contracts available: Kym Townsend 0275223060 | Hayden Argyle 0275344534 | TimDale 0273324174 Get in touch with one of our reps: Ryegrass, Turf & Forage € Clover € Broadbean € Chrysanthemum Canterbury ‘fully geared up for seed production’ Customers send their stock seed to Townsend Seeds, usually for sowing in autumn and spring, and harvest takes place in February/March.