| 73 The practical way Kelly Deeks As autumn settles across the lower South Island, decisions made in a matter of days can shape how farms perform through winter. With pasture growth slowing and soil temperatures dropping, farmers are weighing up final nutrient applications, aiming to build covers before growth stalls. In those narrow weather windows, aerial application often provides the only practical option, particularly on steeper country. It is in those moments that Otago Airspread has built its reputation over the past quarter century. Founded in 2000 by Des and Elaine Neill, the family-owned business grew from a farming background and a practical understanding of what farmers needed from an aerial topdressing operator. Seeing a gap in the market for a reliable, locally focused service, the couple purchased an existing operation and a single Fletcher aircraft, laying the groundwork for what has become a major regional provider. Their son Ryan joined the business in 2020 and now plays a leading role in operations. With a degree in agriculture from Lincoln University and a commercial pilot’s licence gained within nine months of finishing study, Ryan says combining agronomy knowledge with aviation experience remains central to the company’s approach. “Agricultural aviation is about more than flying,” Ryan says. “You need to understand farming systems, soil types, and what each client is trying to achieve. That’s especially important across the area we cover.” RURAL SERVICES » Otago Airspread For Quality, Growth & Results, see . . .MILBURN LIME, EVERYTIME T: (03) 417-8228 E: milburnlime@outlook.com Milburn Lime is the wise farmers’ choice for results and value everytime Milburn Lime is South Otago’s top lime deposit and is reputed to have the highest quality agricultural lime in New Zealand. We can supply various grades of lime rock for multiple uses around your farm Unlock your farms potential with Superior Science driven customisation for optimal results Partner with Superior today www.superior.net.nz TimAdcock Otago / Southland 021 418 224 Gabriel Stauffer C. Otago /W. Southland 029 276 0303 Scott Eckhold North Otago 021 418 699 Otago Airspread services farms from Ashburton through to Southland, operating from bases in Roxburgh, Balclutha, Waimate, Taieri, and Gore. The Gore base was most recently added following the acquisition of Super Air Southland in the past 18 months, extending the company’s reach and strengthening its ability to respond during critical seasonal periods. Fleet investment has been a key driver of the business’s growth. Within 18 months of starting, the original Fletcher aircraft was replaced with a turbine-powered Fletcher capable of carrying larger payloads and servicing more properties efficiently. That progression continued with the purchase of bigger aircraft, with the fleet now comprising four Crescos alongside a Fletcher used for specialist and smaller-scale work. Ryan says the focus has always been on improving efficiency for farmers. “Bigger payloads and faster turnaround mean we can get product on when conditions are right, which is crucial in autumn when timing really matters.” The business employs five pilots, supported by a loader driver and ground crew responsible for logistics, fuel supply, and positioning aircraft and product across multiple regions. Staff retention has been a major strength, with Ryan noting that no pilots have left the business in its 26-year history. “That consistency benefits our clients. Having the same pilots year after year builds trust and ensures the job is done the way the farmer expects.” Shifts in nutrient use have been evident in recent seasons, with tighter budgets and a move toward more targeted applications. Autumn nitrogen, particularly urea, remains a significant part of the workload, alongside traditional superphosphate. Ryan says capacity and timing are critical when dealing with high-value nutrients. Aerial seeding has also increased, particularly on harder country where ground access is limited. GPS-guided technology, adopted early by Otago Airspread, ensures accurate placement, reduced overlap, and improved results. Despite ongoing challenges including land-use change and forestry expansion, Ryan says working closely with farmers remains the most rewarding part of the business. “They’re a great group of people to work with. Our role is to support them by being accurate, efficient, and reliable, especially when the window is tight. That’s what we’ve focused on since day one.”
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