| 51 Even more precise fert applications FBT Group Business Development Manager Mel Sorrensen. Hugh de Lacy RURAL SERVICES » FBT Spreading Peter Harrison 06 278 3054 or 027 448 0802 Regent Street, Hawera BULK SPREADERS AND TRAILERS Made in NZ with NZ components for NZ conditions • Prompt Backup Service • Drawbeams • Roll Bars • Bumpers • Chassis Alteration • Repairs and Maintenance • Structure Steel Fabrication for Buildings and Houses Proudly supporting FBT Spreading Custom built bins and trailers & all associated truck and trailer work INDUSTRY • COMMERCIAL • FARMING • DOMESTIC 100% Locally Owned & Operated - 24 HOUR SERVICE - CALL US NOW • Fire Extinguisher Sales • Fire Extinguisher Servicing • Building Warrant Of Fitness • Hose Reels • Smoke Alarms • Mobile Servicing • IQP & Insurance Council Approval Greg Lykles 027 476 3548 P: 06 751 1514 E: rewatchtaranaki@gmail.com www. rewatch.co.nz Your Safety is our Business Firewatch TARANAKI Fire Security, Sales & Maintenance Technology that delivers even more precise applications of fertiliser to Taranaki farms is the key point of difference for Inglewoodbased company FBT Spreading. The spreading company is one of only two in Taranaki that can provide farmers with the full advantages of GPS-based proof-of-placement technology - and further proof of FBT Spreading’s commitment to the latest in spreading technology is having two full-time Technical Sales Specialists to assist farmers in their decision-making. “All of our spreader trucks are fitted with GPS-guided technology and integrated software that provides comprehensive capabilities, from tracking the spreader’s location and monitoring fertiliser application rates to delivering precise records of nutrient placement” says FBT Group Business Development Manager Mel Sorrensen. “When an order comes in from one of our primary supply partners, Ravensdown or Ballance, the information is loaded into our customer’s Tabula file, including the nutrient breakdown and per hectare rate. “This information is transmitted to the spreader trucks’ on-board tablets, where Tabula monitors the spreader’s location and fertiliser application rates, generating a permanent record of nutrient placement.” “The drivers on board tablet informs them which product and rate is to be applied, if they happen to run out before the paddock’s finished, they’re able to go and reload, then resume work in the paddock from exactly the same point where they ran out.” “When the job is completed, the information syncs with HawkEye, MyBallance or stays with Tabula, creating proof of placement maps for farm compliance purposes. “We have two dispatchers supporting our team, and two Technical Sales Specialists who work with farmers to assess nutrient requirements, recommend the most suitable application vehicles, and determine the optimal timing for operations. Mel says such technology has become vital to meet the complexities of modern farming where profitability depends increasingly on precision placement of required nutrients.” FBT Spreading operates six spreading trucks, two tractors, a liquid spreader and – a recent addition – a Landcruiser spreader which is great for smaller areas. They are run by a team of eight drivers, two dispatch operators, a store manager and an operations manager, while the technical team – aside from the two Technical Specialists – includes a project lead and a mapping specialist. Besides the Inglewood headquarters, the company has a depot in Okato, and also runs the Windy Point Quarry near Maxwell, north-west of Whanganui. Despite high meat and dairying prices, Mel says we still hear of challenges in the farming field. ”Ongoing economic and environmental pressures continue to drive a year-on-year decline in nutrient application rates among farmers.” “We’re not seeing much of an effect on farm nutrient levels yet, but falling application levels put the pressure on businesses like FBT Spreading – which is why we’ve committed so many resources to technology.” “For both our business and the farmers’, survival rests on ever greater efficiency, and that’s dependent on technology,” Mel says.
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