Business Rural North Spring 2021

38 | New way forward for Osflo Fertiliser Osflo Fertiliser offer custom programmes and blending as well as fertiliser transport and spreading. Karen Phelps W ith environmental regulations tighten- ing farmers are increasingly looking at alternative fertiliser options. This has seen significant growth for Osflo Ferti- liser, as farmers start thinking outside the square and moving away from the chemical fertilisers they have been used to using in the past, says company sales manager Caleb Dent. Osflo Fertiliser provides natural and sustainable fertilisers that help farmers in their endeavours to care for their land. Key to this is that Osflo Fertiliser creates a circular system within the agri-sector, says Caleb. “Nutrient-rich organic matter is incorporated to regenerate natural systems and replenish soils to encourage plant growth,” he explains. The base fertiliser is chicken litter, which some farmers use as-is. But Caleb says many choose custom blends that sees Osflo Fertiliser experts identify what the requirements are for their par- ticular soils and farm then mix a blend to meet that need. It’s called a sustainable soil fertility programme, resulting in nutrient-dense pasture and crops, to help improve farmers’ production. Of course getting this right requires a great deal of expertise and this is where the Osflo Fertiliser team shines, says Caleb. “Our team has been working in the industry for over 50 years and is passionate about providing a completely natural fertiliser as a sustainable alter- native that maintains and enhances soil physical, chemical and biological properties. We provide farmers with a complete suite of services from soil and herbage testing to profes- sional nutrient advice, custom fertiliser programmes and blending right through to fertiliser transport and spreading including proof of placement.” He says that the nitrogen in the chicken litter is slow releasing, due to the high level of organic mat- ter in the fertiliser. The organic matter feeds the soil microbiology contributing to good soil health. This means less opportunity for wastage of the precious nitrogen and that farmers are getting more bang for their buck, he says. “As biology in the soil breaks the organic matter down it is released into plant available form provid- ing a nutrient plus food source for the biology in the soil.” Osflo Fertiliser has been Fertmark registered since 2002, giving farmers confidence and trust in the products. Osflo Fertiliser is also BioGro certified RURAL PEOPLE » Osflo Fertiliser and provides both conventional and organic agricul- tural systems an environmentally friendly option to sustain and enhance soils and plant growth. It’s all about rural people helping other rural people. Osflo Fertilisers Limited was established in 1967 by a team of locals who were passionate about offering farmers a sustainable fertiliser. Based in Inglewood, the company works Taranaki wide and sends product all over the North Island. In 2010 Osflo was awarded the Environmental Award by the Taranaki Regional Council for benefi- cial use of waste products. Osflo is currently work- ing towards a product stewardship accreditation, to recognise the environmental efforts taken to reduce pollution, waste and environmental harm. Caleb says staying ahead of regulatory changes affecting farmers is key to continuing to offer customers best advice. The company now offers Certified Nutrient Management Advisors and has staff studying the new Farm Environment Plan qualification to be able to also offer this service to farmers in the near future. “Our team has been working in the industry for over 50 years and is passionate about providing a completely natural fertiliser as a sustainable alternative.” The organic matter feeds the soil microbiology contributing to good soil and plant health. BULK SPREADERS AND TRAILERS Peter Harrison 06 278 3054 or 027 448 0802 Regent Street, Hawera Custom built bins and trailers & all associated truck and trailer work Made in NZ with NZ components for NZ conditions • Prompt backup service • Drawbeams • Roll bars • Bumpers • Chassis alteration