| 81 65 years of service Kelly Deeks For more than six decades, Hinds Seed Cleaning has been a cornerstone of Mid Canterbury’s arable sector, quietly underpinning the success of farmers and seed companies through specialist processing expertise and trusted service. Now the long established business has started a new chapter, with Carrfields purchasing the company from the Ellis family. Founded more than 65 years ago by Vern and Phyllis Ellis, Hinds Seed Cleaning has grown from a mobile seed dressing operation traveling from farm to farm into one of the region’s most respected independent seed processors. The company established its permanent site on Framptons Road in 1967 and expanded alongside irrigation development and the rise of proprietary seed breeding, becoming a key processor of ryegrass and other small seeds for both domestic and international markets. Today the plant processes large volumes of small seeds each year, servicing New Zealand farmers, seed companies, and offshore clients. Multiplication crops grown out of season for Northern Hemisphere markets form a significant part of the workload, alongside increasing volumes of vegetable seed suited to temperate climates and a steady organic seed segment. Under the new agreement with Carrfields, Hinds Seed Cleaning will continue to operate as a standalone entity, trading as Hinds Seed Cleaning 2026 Ltd. Manager Corey Reid-Macfarlane will continue to lead the operation, with Brian Ellis remaining involved for a period to support a smooth transition. All staff will be retained and day to day operations RURAL SERVICES » Hinds Seed Cleaning / FCANZ - 20th Anniversary 03 303 7266 admin@pmr.co.nz www.pmr.co.nz Agents for World Leading Brands NZ Specialists in seed cleaning & processing plants. Bulk, General & Container Cartage Grain Testing, Drying & Storage Fertiliser Spreading (Spreadmark Certified) General Storage & Warehousing Container Hire & Sales Phone 03 308 7772 24hrs www.wilsonbulktransport.co.nz WE TAKE TRANSPORT SERIOUSLY! will continue as usual. Brian says his decision follows 45 years in the industry. “I have decided it’s time to retire,” he says. “It has been a privilege to work with dedicated staff, loyal clients, and valued partners whose support has shaped our success. “The relationships and trust built over the years mean a great deal to me. I am confident the business is in capable hands and to ensure a smooth transition, I will remain available for a period.” Carrfields Group managing director Craig Carr says the acquisition is a strategic step that strengthens the group’s seed capability. “Hinds Seed Cleaning already processes significant volumes for Carrfields, and as demand and time pressures increase, this investment allows us to strengthen our processing capability and better manage quality and delivery timeframes,” he says. The acquisition enables deeper vertical integration across seed processing, calibration, treatment, and packaging. Carrfields and its subsidiary Winseed have recently invested in new seed processing and calibration technology not currently available in New Zealand, further enhancing the group’s service offering to growers and seed companies. Craig says the move represents another milestone in what will be a significant year for Carrfields. “This is a progressive and exciting step for Carrfields and further cements the foundations we are building for the future. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026, this investment reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and supporting New Zealand’s seed industry for generations to come.” For Hinds Seed Cleaning, the transition signals continuity rather than disruption. With experienced leadership remaining in place and the Ellis family supporting the handover, the business will continue operating from its long established Mid Canterbury site, maintaining the specialist capability and independent service that growers have relied on for generations. FCANZ Members test the strength of various footing techniques. A big milestone Kelly Deeks The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) marks 20 years as an incorporated society this year, a milestone that reflects major change across the fencing sector and the wider rural economy. Over two decades, the organisation has grown from a small group of contractors to the leading voice for professional fencers nationwide, guiding the development of a trade that continues to evolve in scale, skill, and recognition. One of the most significant shifts has occurred on-farm, where fencing has steadily moved from a job done between other jobs to a specialist service. FCANZ President Phil Cornelius says farmers increasingly see the value in engaging trained contractors. “Farmers used to do everything themselves, but over the past decade there’s been growing acceptance that bringing in a professional often works out cheaper and more efficient,” Phil says. “It frees farmers up to focus on their stock, and they know the fence going in will be built to a high standard.” When FCANZ was formally incorporated in 2006, two years after it first formed, its founding objectives were ambitious. The organisation set out to lift the standard and visibility of fencing nationwide, grow demand for professional contractors, promote quality workmanship, encourage training, and support regional information sharing. Today those aspirations are captured in a single mission: to raise the profile of fencing as a recognised trade built on best practice, quality standards, and ongoing professional development. That mission is supported by three core principles — that fencing is a recognised trade, a worthwhile career, and an industry where best practice is the norm. But as Phil notes, progress has not come without challenges. Fencing remains largely unregulated, and while the Fencing Act 1978 outlines responsibilities for boundary fencing, it does not prescribe construction standards. Councils add their own by-laws around height and style, creating a patchwork of requirements across the country. To address this gap, FCANZ is developing a comprehensive suite of best-practice technical drawings covering a range of fence types. “Everyone has their own way of doing things, and practices vary between regions,” Phil says. “These drawings set out what we consider best practice based on 20 years’ industry experience. Contractors can still use their preferred methods, but this gives members • Decking • Garden Sleepers • Custom Profi les • Posts-Rai ls-Beams • Weatherboards • T&G T&GV • Macrocarpa Internal • Finishing Timber • Post and Rai l P 03 234 8390 E office@pankhurstsawmilling.co.nz 225 Ward Road, Longwood RD1 Riverton 9881 www.pankhurstsawmilling.co.nz Specialising in Macrocarpa Oregon | Radiata We’re proud to support FCANZ Full fencing service, from rural fencing to residential & commercial, retaining walls and more. Congratulations to FCANZ on their 20th Anniversary and landowners a clear understanding of what good looks like.” The drawings are being developed by an experienced panel of fencers from around New Zealand and are undergoing peer review to ensure they are robust and practical. The first set, due for release in the first half of 2026, will cover key rural fence types along with post-and-rail and paling options. FCANZ members will access the drawings through the member portal, while councils and construction companies will be able to purchase them to support procurement. While FCANZ’s foundations lie in rural fencing, its membership now spans residential, commercial, and security sectors. Many contractors work across multiple environments and materials, and a growing number have diversified into vineyard installations, orchard structures, track building, decking, and retaining walls. Later this year FCANZ will launch a new website, including an upgraded contractor directory that currently attracts more than 20,000 visits annually. Executive Director Jaime Bigwood says improving accessibility is a priority. “We run an always-on Google Ads campaign to help ensure our members are the first contractors people find. A seamless user experience is essential, and the directory plays a key role in lifting the visibility and recognition of fencing as a professional trade.” For an industry built on precision, craftsmanship, and pride in doing things right, FCANZ’s 20-year milestone marks not just longevity but the growing professionalism of a trade that underpins the rural landscape.
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