54 | A comprehensive ag service provider Karen Phelps Te Puke-based agricultural business FeedCo aims to set new standards in the feed supply industry by combining innovative farming practices with sustainable solutions, while expanding its service offerings. Owned by Rick and Vanessa Henderson and Andre and Katy Lietze, they have transformed three existing feed supply and contracting businesses into a comprehensive agricultural service provider that spans the Bay of Plenty region and reaches into the Waikato and Central Plateau. “We’ve grown up in the farming industry, we know what farming’s all about and understand the challenges farmers face. Working alongside farmers is key,” says Andre, who brings his background in rural finance to the operation. The company’s diverse services include agricultural contracting and supplying supplementary feed to all farm types including dairy, sheep, beef, and goat, equine and lifestyle blocks. While maize silage forms the core of its feed supply business, along with grass silage, hay and straw, it has expanded into supplying calf meal and other maize grainbased feeds. Andre says that what sets FeedCo apart is its vertically integrated approach to feed production. It starts with leasing land for growing maize, carrying out all the crop husbandry themselves, processing as required and taking the final products to the end users under their own brand. This cuts out the middlemen, enabling it to maintain strict quality control while offering competitive pricing. “FeedCo’s home-grown New Zealand maize grain offers one of the highest quality feed options available. RURAL SERVICES » Feedco With a metabolizable energy rate of around 13.6, it provides excellent complementary nutrition for pasture-based systems,” explains Andre. “The environmental benefits of local production align with growing consumer awareness of carbon footprints in agriculture. By sourcing locally grown ingredients, FeedCo minimises the environmental impact associated with imported feed products.” The company is championing an innovative feed solution by mixing waste kiwifruit with maize silage, creating a higher-energy product that demonstrates its commitment to both sustainability and efficiency. • Truck and trailer bulk units • Transporter hire • Aggregates • Race Pumice • Fertiliser • Stock Foods/Auger Truck • Reject Kiwifruit PROUDLY SUPPORTING FEEDCO P: 07 542 4693 | E: o ce@addlinetransport.co.nz For professional and reliable service call the team at Addline Transport Ltd. QUALITY PRODUCTS FORQUALITY FARMS. The Quality Forage Company has looked around the globe to bring NewZealand contractors and farmers high quality and robust silage inoculant and consumables. ProudlysupportingFeedCo 0800 556664 admin@qualityforage.co.nz www.qualityforage.co.nz Grass, Maize &Multi-Crop Silage Inoculant and Consumables The core team consists primarily of Rick and Andre, with key staff from the three previous businesses. This creative approach not only further reduces environmental impact but also provides farmers with a cost-effective feed option. “Providing a premium product and service is crucial. Doing a really good job for a fair price is our aim,” explains Andre. In a move to maximise the land utilisation of the business, FeedCo operates a rotation system on its leased land. After harvesting maize silage, it direct drills grass to create temporary pasture, which is then used to graze approximately 1,000 dairy cows during the winter months from May to July. Andre says this helps to provide farmers with a comprehensive feed solution for their cattle. The company’s diversification has also seen it venture into engineering, designing and building specialised equipment such as a custom weed bucket for council drain maintenance, marking an area it plans to develop further. Despite its growing operations, FeedCo maintains a lean structure. The core team consists primarily of Rick and Andre, with key staff from the three previous businesses. Andre says the aim is to continue to expand the offering of complete feed solutions while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability.
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