| 73 A diverse operation A flying success Karen Phelps Rosa Watson Combining a passion for flying with a background in agricultural contracting has been a winning formula for King Country businessman Darryl Williams. Darryl started agricultural aviation company Total Heliwork more than 10 years ago, specialising in a wide range of precision spraying and fertiliser applications using industry-leading technologies. Servicing the King Country, Waikato and Taranaki areas, the company carries out fertiliser applications including Urea, Sustain, SOA, Ammo, DAP, Super Phosphate, Granulated Lime, and also specialising in Bulk AgLime and Aerial Lime at high rates per hectare. Spraying applications include pasture, gorse, scrub, blackberry and brushweeds to name a few. Total Heliwork have two helicopters in operation – a Hughes 500, and a AS350 B2 Squirrel, which provides large volume capability. They also carry out any lifting jobs that people need, such as stock, logs, beehives, and sometimes the unusual, Darryl told Rural North. “We’ve lifted out jets boats (from the river) before.” But its main business is in aerial spraying and fertiliser application. This season has been particularly busy for insecticide, he said. “It’s been quite bad for the bugs this year.” Over the years Darryl has worked to make the company’s systems more efficient, with state-ofthe-art fertiliser loading systems. The Hughes 500 can carry half a tonne while the B2 can carry up to 1000kg. Darryl is the company’s sole pilot, but is also supported by casual pilots to help him through the busy periods. There are also two ground staff, one of which has their commercial Total Heliwork have two helicopters in operation. RURAL SERVICES » Scott’s Ag Contracting Ltd / Total Heliwork licence but needs to complete their agricultural rating to be able to fly for the company. Forestry was where Darryl first got a taste for helicopters. “I was working for a guy loading helicopters in Taranaki many years ago. We got to the stage where he said tell you what, go and get your licence and I’ll get you a machine to fly. “I worked for him for a number of years and then got going in the industry.” Darryl started out in partnership with Precision Helicopters where he cut his teeth in the industry and eventually bought the helicopter off Matt Newton and acquired the base at Piopio. “That’s what got me into owning a machine. You can’t turn down an opportunity like that.” Five years later, with jobs increasing in size, he was ready for something bigger and purchased the B2. His background in contracting gives him the knowledge to meet the needs of agricultural clients. Darryl is also still involved in the forestry industry and operates an array of machinery for family businesses King Country Logging and DR Drainage. “But (Total Heliwork) is the main focus for me. The forestry work compliments it well for when the weather doesn’t allow for flying, I can still be working on the ground. ” He said compliance was getting “harder and harder”. “Not only in the aviation industry, in every industry.” But it was a case of getting it done and getting on with it. The introduction of drones would take out some of the smaller work in the future, but there is still plenty that a helicopter will be needed for. “We’ll continue to provide quality workmanship and efficient services for farmers and growers all around the region.” PROUD TO SUPPORT SCOTT’S AG CONTRACTING LTD VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES!! www.joestyres.co.nz PROUD TO KEEP WAIRARAPA ROLLING - 24/7 We offer quality Tyres, tyre repair and servicing for all vehicles including: • Tractor • Implement • Trucks • Trailers + Loaders JOE’S TYRES 06 3777451 17 Villa St, Masterton SERVICING & REPAIRS HEAVY VEHICLE PARTS 24 HR EMERGENCY ASSIST • Heavy Commercial Trucks • Heavy Trailers • Light Engineering • Southpac Truck Service Dealer • Warranty Repairs to Kenworth & DAF Trucks • Supplier of OEM and TRP Parts for Kenworth & DAF Trucks. • Range of airbags, airlines, brake chambers, brass fittings, trailer springs, hub seals and merchandise. • We provide a 24 hour emergency breakdown assistance service in the Wairarapa Region. • Call 0508 22 5577 Zach Calver Parts Interpreter 027 250 9019 | Parts@cfs.net.nz Nick Smurthwaite Owner / Operator 021 256 7559 | Nick@cfs.net.nz www.commfleet.net.nz SPRAYING FERTILISER LIFTING Contact Darryl today to discuss your requirements 021 797 740 totalheliwork.co.nz Find Us on Facebook! admin@totalheliwork.co.nz Safe and efficient systems for all your aerial agricultural requirements “It’s about working out what our customers’ want and delivering the right services to them. More farmers are aware of the ever changing environment and protecting their soils,” explains Rhys. With more than 30 local employees and a fleet exceeding 50 vehicles, the company has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Parkvale. In 2015, it expanded further by acquiring Smith’s Spreading and implementing TracMap technology, enhancing its service delivery and health and safety protocols. “We are seeing farmers getting increasingly professional in how they operate their businesses. That has had a flow on effect to our business. We are having to also increase our levels of professionalism and continue to invest in the latest technology, methods and equipment to keep up with our customers’ needs,” says Rhys. The current economic climate has only strengthened the company’s resolve to support local farmers. “Times are tough for farmers right now so our job is to help them get the jobs done they need to at the best possible price”, says Rhys. From the smallest lifestyle block to the largest stations across the Wairarapa region, Scotts Ag Contracting aims to assist customers with whatever they need. Rhys says the Scott name on the company’s vehicles serves as both a source of pride and accountability. “As a family business it’s our name on the company so we have a real vested interest to get it right for our customers every time,” says Rhys. “Our goal is to keep ensuring we are supplying a high level of service to our customers and continuing to enhance our business. That’s our goal each and every day. We’re proud to be the second generation of Scotts providing the very best agricultural contracting services to the Wairarapa Valley. No matter what our customers need, whether it’s planting, harvesting, silage, bailing or earthmoving our team is here to help.” Scotts Ag Contracting, a family-owned business based in Carterton, has transformed over the years into a diversified operation offering everything from transport and fertiliser spreading to a complete range of ag contracting and earth moving services. “We’ve always done these things in one shape or form, but it’s grown over time and now we have separate divisions for these services. Our aim is to provide a really comprehensive range of services. So no matter what they need done they can ring us and we’ll get it done”, says company managing director Rhys Scott. The company’s journey started over 30 years ago when Bernard Scott suffered a broken wrist while milking cows. This led him to assist a friend’s contracting business, where he discovered his true calling lay beyond the dairy shed. Today the second generation of Scotts lead the business with his sons Jason and Rhys at the helm since 2011. While Rhys takes on the managing director role Jason, who began operating tractors as soon as he could reach the pedals, manages the fertiliser and agricultural services division. Rhys says the company has strategically expanded its operations over the years to meet farmers’ evolving needs. While maintaining its core services of baling, cultivation and forage harvesting it has ventured into earthmoving and transport sectors. The transport division now handles livestock, general bulk cartage and fertiliser spreading with purpose-built spreading trucks. The company can also supply and crush local sourced aggregate and do tree work such as cutting down and removing trees. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its adoption of GPS technology and Spreadmark certification. More recently it has introduced strip tillage services for all precision planting, responding to customers’ needs. The company’s journey started over 30 years ago.
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