| 49 Natural fertilisers key to soil health Leith Watene, directors Bennett Fertilisers. DAF truck and loader (below) Richard Loader RURAL SERVICES » Bennett Fertilisers Over three decades ago Papakura poultry farmer Ross T Bennett recognised the bene ts of using chicken manure as a natural fertiliser. With a small tip truck Ross began supplying chicken manure to farmers in the Auckland region and established Bennett Fertilisers Ltd. Now owned and operated by Leith and Daniella Watene, the family business has continued to evolve and grow, offering a range of natural fertilisers for pasture, maize crops, market gardens and small blocks. Products now include lime, compost, untreated pine shavings and sulphur. Based in Air eld Road Papakura where it all began, Bennett Fertiliser’s site is equipped with a custom made storage shed that holds 8000 cubic metres of chicken manure. Free of harmful chemicals, the products are convenient and cost effective. Sales Manager Allan Eddy says applied to the soil, chicken manure has great conditioning qualities and is a great topsoil building product. “One of the key bene ts is the effect it has on the soil and how it supports the natural biomass. You’re getting worms back and actually feeding the soil the way nature intended, which then feeds the plant. “You’re getting sustained growth and the long term effect is that it’s also better for animal health. We supply to dairy farms, dry stock units right through to maize blocks and lifestyle blocks. We do a lot in the horticultural sector, especially amongst kiwifruit.” Allan has been part of the team for the last ve years and has a strength in biological systems and soil health. “We have a strong sales and administration team available for advice, working to ensure our customers’ requirements are always catered for. Our expert sales team can carry out soil tests and provide the client with specialised advice about the most cost effective solution. We use an independent testing laboratory in Auckland, and make a recommendation based on the test results, which might be the addition of nutrients — the main one being sulphur.” Currently operating a eet of well-maintained bulk truck and trailer units and spreader trucks, Bennett Fertilisers has the capability to service farmers, growers and life-stylers from Taupo to Kaitaia. “Our custom made bulk-spreaders are engineered for minimal environmental impact and superior spreading. Accurate and even application are key factors to a great growth cycle and our eld operators are thoroughly trained. Everything goes through a calibration process in the spreader truck, which is absolutely critical for the correct application. The manure usually goes on at two to two and a half tonnes per hectare. That’s all calibrated, evenly spread and monitored.” Included in the team are ve staff who have been with the company for over 15 years. Mainly drivers, they bring skill, experience and that personal touch to each and every delivery, ensuring the safe and ef cient delivery of the product from shed to paddock. “Our drivers and spreader operators are the front-line face of the business,” says Allan. “When they do the delivery that experience and knowledge counts. Our transport manager has been with the business almost from the very start. We have a team of people who all believe in the product.” Tony - Owner/Operator 07 549 2553 0272 780 603 Miles - 027 493 5659 | admin@soilpro.co.nz Soil Conditioner Products Ltd. Biochar Mineral Mix Carbon Mineral Mix
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