| 71 A reliable service Rosa Watson Kelly Deeks A South Canterbury-based animal feed business is going from strength to strength in its few years of business, and is now eyeing up export markets. Based in Timaru, Jordan and Cam Scott own Grains and & Gains Co a stockfeed company that produces Lucerne-based horse feed for customers around New Zealand. Its Elite Performer horse feed product is 100 per cent lucerne haylage and is its top performing product. It also produces Moo Meal calf muesli. Jordan says the past year has been a significant growth period for Grains & Gains Co. The Elite Performer product has expanded rapidly, particularly within the racehorse market, and continues to grow. “This growth has reinforced our confidence in the product’s quality and performance. “Alongside this, we also experienced strong growth in our calf meal offering, making it a standout year across both core product lines.” She says growth has been driven by increasing demand and continued refinement of products. “We work very closely with animal nutritionists and feed specialists to ensure our formulations and manufacturing processes remain at the highest possible standard. “While we haven’t introduced technology in a traditional sense, the evolution of our manufacturing processes, quality control, and nutritional consistency has been a key focus and continues to improve year on year.” Jordan says the biggest challenge has been managing the pace of growth. “Cash flow, staffing, and capacity have all been After more than three decades on the road, Taranaki’s Barry Bishop is as well known for his reliability behind the wheel as he is for his impressive collection of green and yellow vintage tractors. Between BJ Bishop Transport and the Maketawa John Deere Museum, Barry has built two thriving operations that celebrate hard work, community, and a lifelong love of machinery. Barry’s career in transport began 35 years ago when he started helping local farmers move stock feed, fertiliser, and metal. He’s been an owner-driver ever since, building a loyal client base that appreciates his dependable service. “The transport market has changed a lot, there are more trucks on the road and more competition,” he says. “But I’ve always had good clients who stick with me. They like dealing with me directly, and our service and reliability keeps them coming back.” Working solo, Barry has forged strong relationships across the industry, often teaming up with other transport operators when extra muscle is needed. “I’d rather work in with people than against them,” he says. “That’s the way you get things done.” These days, Barry still hauls loads of stock feed, fertiliser, and metal around the region, but his greatest pride sits just down the road — in a shed that was supposed to be for the truck. “We built a shed for the truck, but it never went in there,” he says. “Instead, it became home to my John Deere collection — and it just grew from there.” What started in 2018 as a simple hobby has turned into the Maketawa John Deere Museum, a RURAL SERVICES » Grains & Gains Co / BJ Bishop Transport Ltd labour of love now boasting more than 40 vintage tractors ranging from 1930 to 1959. “It’s not just a collection — it’s a passion,” Barry says. “I bought my first John Deere about 45 years ago and was hooked from the start. The comfort, the reliability — I’ve always stuck with John Deere.” Barry’s collection includes some truly rare models, such as a 1940 John Deere BI imported from the United States, one of only a handful known worldwide. “That one cost me $20,000US — but it’s worth it,” he says. “They’re hard to find, even in America.” Each tractor in the museum tells part of the John Deere story — from the early “unstyled” models with exposed radiators to the later, sleeker “styled” versions that gave the brand its iconic look. Alongside the tractors are around 300 John Deere model replicas, vintage photographs, and memorabilia. The museum, located just outside Inglewood, has become a popular destination for families, schools, and clubs. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with Barry while exploring the collection, and group visits can include access to the upstairs meeting room, barbecue area, and new facilities. “People come through and say, ‘We didn’t even know this was here!’” Barry says. “It’s quiet during the week, but weekends bring in families and John Deere fans from all over. The kids love the pedal tractors outside.” At 67, Barry says the museum keeps him active and connected to people who share his enthusiasm for classic farm machinery. “I’ve worked hard all my life, and these tractors are my reward,” he says. “They’re simple, they’re beautiful, and they represent everything I love about farming and machinery.” stretched as demand has increased quickly. “At times it feels as though we have created something truly special and are now focused on steering and structuring the business to sustainably support the scale it is reaching.” The North Island continues to account for the majority of horse Lucerne sales, driven for the most part by the racing sector, while the calf meal side of the business remains primarily South Island–based. This reflects the strong dairy and farming demand in that region, Jordan says, While they have not yet entered the export market, the couple see significant opportunity ahead. “Both Australia and Japan present strong potential for a premium New Zealand Lucerne product, particularly one with consistent quality and performance. “Export is a clear strategic opportunity we intend to explore in the coming years once the business is fully structured to support it.” Jordan and Cam started the business from ground up on Cam’s family farm five years ago. They found a local lucerne grower they were able to work with initially which has now expanded into a lot of growers around the canterbury region, which allows them control right from the start of the process, including harvesting the crop themselves. A bespoke feed mill processes all feed on site, and a robot arm installed in 2023 allows them to speed up production times. The couple is grateful to customers, partners, and supporters that have backed them along the way. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone both big and small who has chosen to support Grains & Gains Co. on this journey,” Jordan says. Dunstan Horsefeeds in particular has been a strong supporter of the Elite Performer, she says. Partnering with you to help make business easier. Quality Business Advice – We’re here to help. When it comes to advisory services, business accounting, tax advice, farming and rural accounting you need an accountant that has the experience and skills to ensure not only the best tax outcomes but the best support for your business. We have combined business, rural advisory and accounting experience of over 50 years. Our most important value is to put our clients first, we are committed to working with you to ensure your business performs and your life goals are met. (03) 687 9045 | admin@compassbp.co.nz | www.compassbp.co.nz | PO Box 529, Timaru 7910 Trusted since 1915 Quality ISO 9001 Registered For more information on this subject call... Call 0800 REMEDY (736 339) www.nutritech.co.nz Grains and Gains Co. are committed to offering top quality feed products and unparalleled service. Nutritech are proud to be a trusted supplier in this sector. P. 06 758 1199 | E. info@mcdev.co.nz | www.mcdev.co.nz Smart insurance solutions, powered by local expertise. Protecting what matters most - your business, home, contents and vehicles. “Proud to help protect the business of BJ Bishop Transport” Eyeing expansion The museum is located just outside Inglewood.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=