Business Rural North Autumn 2021

64 | RURAL SERVICES » Dickie Direct Sustainable results from biological additives Karen Phelps D ickie Direct Fertiliser is working proactively with proven biological additives, with the aim of getting healthy (biologically active) soils working alongside key nutrients, to improve farm production, profitability, and environmental sustainability. “In the past some farmers have been disil- lusioned by exclusively going down the biological path. By using biological additives as a complement to our NPKS fertiliser blends, and not as a substi- tute, our clients are seeing better, more efficient and most importantly, sustainable results,” states Dickie Direct Fertiliser director, Charles Dickie. Charles says that in order for the NPKS fertilisers to work optimally, the plants rely on the soil to de- liver those nutrients efficiently. This is one key area where Dickie Direct is seeing biological additives add value. “The aim is to promote healthy soils in order to improve the efficiency of nutrients moving from soil to plant, and onto increased production,” explains Charles. “From our own research, independent trial data, and from the results our clients are already achiev- ing, we are confident that there is a strong future for these products in the New Zealand market.” Key biological and growth enhancer products be- ing offered by Dickie Direct include Effective Micro- organisms (EM) Fert Enhance and Humates. Charles says that EM Fert Enhance increases biological soil activity and enhances fertiliser efficiency. It has a unique composition made up of a diverse group of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. The product is available in both liquid and solid forms. The solid variant allows the product to be blended in with solid fertilisers making application simple and efficient. Humates stimulate microbial activity within the soil, increasing bacteria and fungi levels, leading to improved plant quality, better yields and greater productivity, he says. Dickie Direct Fertiliser was established in 2014 by Charles who grew up in a farming family in Waverley. His vision for the company was based on efficiency and leaving no stone unturned to ensure Dickie Direct had the most efficient supply chain offering New Zealand farmers the most effective and sustainable products. Being truly independent is extremely advanta- geous and allows Dickie Direct to recommend the best product for each farmer’s individual situation, he says. Before the impacts of Covid-19 Charles frequent- ly travelled all corners of the globe to ensure Dickie Direct was offering the most efficient products at the best prices. As an example Dickie Direct was the first company in New Zealand to offer Granu- lated Reactive Phosphate Rock (RPR) from Egypt. “A premium quality RPR due to its high P content, high solubility, low Cadmium levels and granule characteristics making it a great product to blend and apply. Dickie Direct has seen a huge in- crease in demand for this product as the NZ market looks for more efficient forms of Phosphate. Dickie Direct is currently supplying farms throughout the North Island. The company organ- ises delivery of full and part loads direct to farm, cutting out additional store charges, freight and handling fees associated with operating satellite stores, says Charles. All blends are custom made to each client’s specific requirements. The company also proactively works with a network of independ- ent consultants. “By keeping the recommendation and supply of product separate our clients can be confident they are getting unbiased advice and the most efficient fertiliser for their requirements,” says Charles. While upholding the Dickie Direct business model Charles is conscious that biological additives are not on every farmer’s priority list. He says that Dickie Direct will be sticking to its transparent low cost model and simply sees these biological addi- tives as an exciting addition to its product range. Dickie Direct currently supplies farms throughout the North Island. All blends are custom made to each client’s specific requirements. Tomoana Warehousing is a leading transport, warehousing and third party logistics provider to importers, exporters and manufacturers nationwide. (06) 873 5350 115 Elwood Road, Tomoana, Hastings 4172 info@tomoanawarehousing.co.nz www.tomoanawarehousing.co.nz Can do. Will do. TOMOANA WAREHOUS ING TRANSPORT r si is l i tr s rt, r si t ir rt l isti s r i r t i rt rs, rt rs f t r rs ti i . (06) 873 5350 115 Elwood Road, Tomoana, Hastings 4172 info@tomoanawarehousing.co.nz www.tomoanawarehousing.co.nz . . I “The aim is to promote healthy soils in order to improve the efficiency of nutrients moving from soil to plant, and onto increased production. From our own research, independent trial data, and from the results our clients are already achieving, we are confident that there is a strong future for these products in the New Zealand market.”