8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Dickie Direct Farmers enter a more buoyant market Charlie and Bideford client Jamie Falloon checking out his Italian rye clover mix. Karen Phelps With a record payout for dairy on the cards and sheep and beef recovering quickly optimism is growing as farmers enter a more buoyant market, says Charles Dickie, director of fertiliser company Dickie Direct. “Everyone is still aware of costs though and at Dickie Direct we know the biggest value comes from using the right product with an emphasis on cost per unit of nutrient utilised along with other factors,” he says. As an example the company has developed a comprehensive seven-factor approach to help farmers select the most appropriate phosphate fertilisers for their specific situations. It considers existing phosphate levels, soil pH, location and application type, phosphate retention levels, rainfall, additional required nutrients, and budget constraints. “This analysis helps determine whether farms require instant phosphate response for optimal production or would benefit more from prolonged release. Soil pH consideration is very important as it helps determine if lime should be prioritised or if a pH neutralising phosphate source might be more suitable,” he says. The company’s approach to location and application type particularly demonstrates its focus on efficiency. Charles says that high analysis products can significantly reduce freight and application costs, with greater savings achieved the higher these costs are. Similarly phosphate retention levels in soil help determine whether water-soluble forms of phosphate are appropriate or if citric soluble forms should be considered. Rainfall patterns play an important role also in the decision-making process. In areas where high rainfall events might cause phosphate loss through runoff, particularly in soils with low phosphate retention, the company recommends steady- releasing phosphate sources to counter these losses. Founded in 2014 by Charles, who grew up on a family farm in Waverley, South Taranaki and previously worked in the logistics industry, Dickie Direct has evolved from initially importing urea from China to becoming a full-service fertiliser business. It maintains a lean supply chain, dealing directly with suppliers globally to keep prices competitive while ensuring access to innovative products. It can supply and custom blend a full range of products in both bulk and bulk bags supported by an efficient logistics network. The company’s services also include soil and herbage testing, providing recommendations and advice and working with independent fertiliser and farm consultants throughout New Zealand. Charles says a particular focus for the company is environmental, which begins with its range of conventional and enhanced-efficiency products. It proactively sources, researches, tests and trials new products to ensure it supplies the most advanced fertilisers and agricultural nutrients at competitive prices. Regular factory visits and quality checks maintain high product standards from manufacture through to farm delivery. “When suitable we incorporate biological enhancers and feeders into blends, enhancing soil and plant health and nutrient uptake,” explains + Increase Soil Moisture Retention + Increase in Bacteria & Fungi Levels + Humates High in Carbon + Increase Pasture Growth Improves Soil Health Southern Humates Available from Dickie Direct – your local supplier. EM will improve yield and performance in agriculture through enhancing soil biological activity and fertiliser inputs. • Improve soil Health and Performance • Improve Yield • Enhance Fertiliser Inputs • Improve Root Structure • Improve Germination • Reduce Soil Compaction • Improve Organic Matter Breakdown P. 03 374 6323 E. paul@emnz.co.nz W. www.emnz.com Ben Chadwick - Gisborne Area Manager 0800 686 060 | 027 282 0937 ben.chadwick@farmersair.co.nz Simon Grant - Chief Pilot/Wairoa base pilot 027 642 5717 simon@farmersair.co.nz www.farmersair.co.nz Charles. It also embraces precision farming principles, ensuring nutrients are only applied where needed. Charles says the focus of Dickie Direct remains on helping farmers make informed decisions about their fertiliser investments, ensuring they achieve optimal returns through the correct product selection, balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility and farm productivity. “At Dickie Direct our strategy is to innovate and challenge the status quo assisting our customers to farm even smarter.”
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