| 91 While new dairy conversions have stopped, work remains ongoing as farmers continue to focus on improving their production. RURAL SERVICES » Southern Baling dispose of. “This is our first variable chamber baler with this technology, and it allows us to deliver high quality bales in various crops with very high density.” Southern Baling operates with a core team of seven local workers during peak season and three over winter. Warren’s sons, Rhiane and Tom, are also involved in the business. Rhiane is particularly passionate about aerial technology and is currently undergoing drone training. “We believe drones will be an essential part of the future,” Warren says. “They are going to come quickly, so we are learning as much as we can now.” Technology plays an increasingly crucial role in Southern Baling’s operations, both in the paddock and back at the office. Warren’s partner Karen Sinclair manages the accounting systems of the Insurance services you can trust. Serving the South with Local People, Local Knowledge and International Reach. Business | Rural & Farm | Liability | Personal | Marine | Life & Health Level 1, 33 Gala Street, Invercargill 03 211 3018 | 108 Main Street, Gore 03 203 3220 admin@ibal.co.nz Proudly Supporting Southern Baling • LIVESTOCK • FERTILISER SPREADING • BULK CARTAGE CLUTHA VALLEY TRANSPORT LTD 03 415 9114 027 439 2989 We proudly support Southern Baling business using Xero software, and the company uses task management systems like Farm Backup and Resolution Farming App to streamline job allocation and record keeping. “Farmers can send us a job card, and the team can hop on and get started right away.” While the adoption of technology has had its learning curves, like the first instance of ploughing the wrong paddock in 20 years, the efficiency gains have been substantial. Communication has also evolved, with WhatsApp groups facilitating seamless coordination between Southern Baling, its customers, farm managers, and spraying contractors. However, phone reception remains a significant challenge in the region. “It’s the worst it’s ever been,” Warren says. “There’s nothing worse than repeating the same thing five times because the call keeps cutting out.”
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