10 | Innovative feed solutions further refined Waikato team, Tom Rogers and Harry Newy enjoying their clients product. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Castlegate James As sustainability and efficiency are paramount in agriculture, Castlegate James is leading the charge with innovative feed solutions that promise to extract more value from every mouthful. Over the past two years, the company has been diligently working to improve feed values and offer alternatives to straight palm kernel expeller (PKE) for on-farm feeding, with its PK Brew range at the forefront of this revolution. “We offer four specialized PK Brews, all of which lower total usage of PKE while adding feed benefits,” explains Greg Pillar, General Manager of Commercial at Castlegate James. Greg says that what sets PK Brew apart is its carefully formulated composition. It provides a higher available protein level while lowering total NDF% (Neutral Detergent Fibre). Additionally, the inclusion of yeast in the mix improves rumen function and can contribute to overall cow health. Perhaps most appealing to farmers is that PK Brew comes at a better price point than straight PKE, making it an economically sound choice. The range includes four specialized blends: PK Brew, Sunny Brew, Flour Power, and Kibbled Brew. Each blend is tailored to meet specific nutritional needs and seasonal challenges. For instance, Sunny Brew, with its 24% crude protein content, is perfect for complementing maize silage. Flour Power, on the other hand, is designed to give cows an energy boost in early lactation, potentially driving milk production and overall performance. Greg says that since the PK Brew range was launched about a year ago it has been met with enthusiasm from farmers across the North Island. For South Island farmers Castlegate James offers a different product called Enhance PK to cater to the different conditions in that part of New Zealand. Enhanced PK is the company’s South Island option which uses flour, broll and oats to increase feed value and utilisation of straight PKE. Greg says the added benefit of a pellet in the mix allows for use in silos for direct in shed feeding or it can be used for younger stock and a boost to growth and to complement pasture or other feeds. Called James and Son in New Zealand until four years ago, a merger between this company and Castlegate led to Castlegate James. Castlegate James has made a name for itself in the industry by repurposing food that might otherwise end up in landfills into innovative products including speciality moist blends, dried blends, calf feed and value adding of PK, custom blending to meet farmers’ needs. “We use food to create food,” says Greg. “We’re re-purposing food that could head to a landfill and utilising it in our feed products.” This innovative approach involves processing expired products from human food production - including confectionery, chocolate, muesli bars, and bread - and transforming them into highly nutritious feed sources for livestock. The company’s specialised equipment allows it to de-package and process these products efficiently, creating what products such as ‘cookie crumble’ - a cooked product that’s particularly beneficial for younger animals due to its quick digestibility and high energy content. Greg says that Castlegate James’ success lies not only in their products but also in their approach to customer relations. Proudly working with Castlegate James for all your Bulk & Silo cartage requirements. For a competitive price phone 0800 707 404 - option 1 • Truck and trailer bulk units • Transporter hire • Aggregates • Race Pumice • Fertiliser • Stock Foods/Auger Truck • Reject Kiwifruit For professional and reliable service call the team at Addline Transport Ltd. PROUDLY SERVICING CASTLEGATE JAMES’ TRANSPORT NEEDS P: 07 542 4693 | E: office@addlinetransport.co.nz The company prides itself on building long-term, trusted relationships with farmers. “We become a business partner, not just a client. If they do well, they will keep buying and working with us. It’s about adding real value to their farming business.” This personalised approach involves regular farm visits, on-going communication, and the use of technology to predict and meet farmers’ feed needs proactively. By taking on the responsibility of feed management, Greg says that Castlegate James allows farmers to focus on other aspects of their operations.
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