Business Rural Spring 2025

Advance Agriculture has now served the farming community across Southland and Otago for 24 years - Page 6 Experience, service and commitment SPRING 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | Contents #businessrural #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Paramount Dairies �� 03 Advance Agriculture Ltd �� 06 Helen Cummings �� 14 Brooklands Jerseys �� 15 Brendan Lochhead and Gordon Anderson �� 17 Cameron and Cassandra Spencer �� 17 Megan Morrison - Haswell Dairy �� 18 Cruse Deer �� 19 Grant Lightfoot �� 20 Fairlight Station Ltd �� 22 Foveran Deer Park �� 23 Dolma Eggs �� 24 Dingleburn Station �� 25 Glenrobin Stud �� 26 Havrincourt Farm �� 27 Hill Springs Farming Co Ltd �� 28 Newhaven Perendales �� 30 Ballandean Ltd �� 31 Elliot King �� 31 Longacre Station �� 32 Malvern Downs �� 34 Upton Dorset Downs �� 35 Martin Suftex Rams �� 36 Melrose Stud �� 38 Mokoreta Genetics �� 40 Opawa Simmentals �� 42 Nithdale Genetics �� 44 Orari Gorge Station �� 46 Peter Adam �� 47 Raymac Holsteins �� 48 Sam and Liz Barton �� 49 Vermont Angus �� 50 Waikoura Coopworth Stud �� 52 Wakaepa Farm �� 54 Wether Hill Farming �� 56 Kerry Irvine �� 58 Lake Heron Station �� 58 Merrydowns Romney Stud �� 59 Mt Guardian Perendales �� 59 Pyramid Downs �� 60 Cheviot Ag Air Ltd �� 61 AgriHealth NZ Ltd �� 62 Advantage Plastics �� 63 Coldstream Contracting �� 64 Graincorp Ltd �� 65 Hawkins River Spreading �� 66 Herberts Transport. �� 67 Heslip Forest Contracting �� 68 Hyslop Groundspread �� 69 JW Fencing �� 70 Magnify NZ Ltd �� 71 Mainland Minerals �� 72 Plains Irrigators Ltd H/O �� 73 Milburn Lime �� 74 Northern Southland Vets �� 77 Ridge Mechanical �� 80 Smith Seeds �� 82 Turnbull Grain Seed Ltd �� 84 TG Contracting Golden Bay Ltd �� 86 Switzer’s Valley Transport Ltd �� 87 Westland Farm Services Hokitika �� 88 Abercrombie Fencing Services �� 89 Marshall Ag Baleage �� 90 Mt Lyford Contracting Ltd �� 90 Pastoral Improvements �� 91 Renwick Transport �� 92 Leeston Seeds �� 93 Rata Equipment �� 94 Otago Fencing Services �� 95 Hamish Haugh �� 96 Gleneden Dairies �� 98 Birkett Farming Ltd �� 100 Tamar Farm �� 104 34 | Malvern Downs has key partnership 69 | Hyslop Groundspread enters a new chapter 87 | Local, independent agricultural service 14 | Cow of the Year award a joint effort T&C’s: These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Waterford Press Ltd and its clients. 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| 3 A mix of Kiwi and overseas recruits Jared says they have enjoyed favourable growing conditions this season. Sue Russell It’s been just over six months since we last spoke with Jared Crawford, who owns and operates Paramount Dairies Ltd with his wife, Sara. In that time, he says, the beautiful Lamorna farm - owned by NZ Super Fund and part of the Farmright Dairying network - has been ticking along nicely. At 524 ha in Orari, between Ashburton and Timaru, Jared and his team of nine workers, a mix of Kiwi and overseas recruits, look after the daily operation, which sees 2000 cows milked through a substantial 100-bale Milfos rotary platform. When Rural South spoke with Jared in June, about 1600 cows were being wintered on a run-off block at Pleasant Point, another property owned by the network. It’s been almost a year since Allflex collars were introduced to the farm’s management practices, and Jared says the team is continually refining how they use the system to maximise its benefits. “Our goal this calving season is to leverage the technology’s full capabilities. The collars especially appeal to the younger members of the team, and I see them as another valuable tool for maximising herd performance and keeping the cows in top condition,” Jared says. Another focus is to fine-tune the supplements fed in-shed - a blend designed to boost cow performance through the first part of the season. Jared says they have enjoyed favourable growing conditions this season and have taken a proactive approach to hoof health, monitoring and treating any signs of lameness early. Persistent damp, rainy weather can affect hoof condition over time, so on a property of this scale its a priority to keep the herd’s feet in top shape as any issues can reduce cows’ willingness to move and eat their fill. “When we see any lameness, the cow is drafted and treated promptly, she joins the once-a-day herd for a spell, and ideally within a couple of weeks she’s back with the main mob. It’s something we’re constantly monitoring.” After its regular maintenance and a bit of tweaking, Jared says the milking plant is running very well, receiving a Grade 3 rating and proving everything is top-notch. DAIRY PEOPLE » Paramount Dairies For all your building requirements Specialising in: NEWHOMES • FARMBUILDINGS RENOVATIONS • CONCRETEWORK TR STACK BUILDINGLTD Terrence Stack - 021 024 93312 A/H. 03 307 0157 | E. terrencestack@gmail.com New Zealand Certified Builders Association CB LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONERS Building confidence Your Agri business partner We partner with you so you can focus on doing what you do best. Give Brent a call for a free no obligation chat to find out how we can help you reach your full potential. Brent Love T: (03) 683 1871 | M: (027) 528 1537 | E: blove@kpmg.co.nz kpmgenterprise.co.nz | facebook.com/KPMGFarmEnterprise Turanganui Romneys Mike Warren 027 446 5312 or 06 307 7841 Guy Warren 027 848 0164 William Warren 027 824 9327 Jared is grateful the entire crew has stayed on for another season - a testament to the farm’s focus on training, clear systems and looking after its people, which will only lift next season’s milk performance. Drying off such a large herd is handled in three stages, starting with early heifers and some lights, followed by “middles,” then “fats and lates,” as Jared describes the groupings. With most cows off farm once they’re dry, there’s still plenty of routine maintenance to keep the team busy. “It’s a good time to give everyone a breather and tick off the pre-calving task list,” Jared says. The herd will return from 20 July, and the full calving window spans 10 weeks. Jared and Sara are lower-order sharemilking at Lamorna and intend to stay on this lovely farm for some time yet. “We have a clear long-term plan: secure a second large-scale share-milking role to strengthen cash flow, channel those earnings into property to build equity, and ultimately position ourselves to purchase a dairy farm. At the same time, we’re focused on financial stability and quality family time, with current investments in housing and the House of Hop Brewery forming part of that strategy.” Jared says he enjoys a very positive relationship with Farmright. Each farm in the collective is treated as an independent entity, yet there’s strong engagement among the farmers across Farmright properties.

4 | “It’s a good time to give everyone a breather and tick off the pre-calving task list,” Jared says. DAIRY PEOPLE » Paramount Dairies 68 Stafford st, Timaru Ph 03 688 4802 Proudly Supporting Paramount Dairies Your 1 stop Motorcycle Shop 4x4÷3 When you buy a Suzuki KingQuad, you’re getting more than 40 years of proven 4x4 performance and reliability. And right now you can divide the cost into 3 payments over 24 months at an interest rate of only 3.9%*. Talk to us today or visit Suzuki.co.nz www.heartlandsuzuki.co.nz IN12MONTHS IN24MONTHS DEPOSIT 1/3 1/3 1/3 + + “We have a clear long-term plan: secure a second large-scale share-milking role to strengthen cash flow, channel those earnings into property to build equity, and ultimately position ourselves to purchase a dairy farm.” BDC - Working with Jared Crawford & Paramount Dairies • General Excavation • Dairy Conversions • Dairy Lane Development and Maintenance • Drain Clearing • Stump and Tree Removal • Digger 4-25 Ton • Truck & Trailers • Bulldozer • Mobile Shingle Screen 0800 343 551 | blake@digger4u.co.nz Toby: 027 286 8577 | tobydownie@gmail.com EXCAVATION / LAND DEVELOPMENT

Housing & Accommodation • Woolsheds & Covered Yards Sheep Yards • Cattle Yards • Workshops • Stables Honey Sheds & Extraction Sheds • Fert Bins

6 | The Invercargill Team at the Lorneville site which has seed mixing facilities. Karen Phelps Experience, service and commitment INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd “We are the only locally owned and operated agronomy company in the deep south offering full agronomy services. We have direct accounts with all proprietary agrichemical and seed companies throughout New Zealand.” Take control and choose proven quality from PGG Wrightson Seeds. pggwrightsonseeds.com • freephone 0800 805 505 Spring’s on theway. TIME TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SOWING. THE SOFT-STEM ADVANTAGE − Excellent stem softness and quality for crop utilisation and animal performance − Exceptional leaf yields and a very high leaf-to-stem ratio − Versatility to be used as an autumn forage − Very good winter hardiness, and late winter leaf percentage − Late flowering to increase the period of feeding in late winter − First and second crop option − Ability to control weeds in the Cleancrop™ Brassica system AN EARLY MATURING, SOFT BULBED SWEDE − Soft bulb relative to later maturing swedes − Ability to control weeds included in the Cleancrop™ Brassica System − Improved disease resistance to dry-rot and Alternaria compared to Major Plus − Improved leaf and bulb yield over Major Plus − Yellow-fleshed, light, purple-skinned bulb − Pelleted seed available While each season presents new challenges and opportunities, one thing remains true: every farming decision matters. “From seed selection to crop protection, equipment and trusted advice, it’s the sum of these choices that shapes not only a successful season but to ensure the viability of the sector in to the future,” says Janine Smith, Advance Agriculture General Manager. She says that for Advance Agriculture this philosophy has guided its evolution over 24 years of serving the farming community across Southland and Otago. Despite progressive growth and adaptation to meet changing agricultural needs, the company’s founding values of experience, service and commitment remain as relevant today as they were in 2001, says Janine. The 37-strong team operates throughout both regions, working across all farming sectors from purpose-built facilities in Lorneville (Invercargill), Gore and Balclutha.

| 7 INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd • to page 9 Bradley Dodds in the Balclutha store. Locally created customised seed mixes. HIGH PERFORMANCE OPTIONS FOR PRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS. For more information contact ǉíǉǉƉŏíƑƉƑăí, visit Advance Agriculture or agricom.co.nz BIG, BOLD, AND HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE. DENSE, HIGH QUALITY HYBRID RYEGRASS. EARLY SEASON BOOST, ALL SEASON PERFORMANCE. NEXT STEP IN KALE GENETICS. ADVANCE AGRICULTURE Ltd SUPPORT NEW NEW MOST NEW ZEALAND’S HYBRID RYEGRASS AGC2833 PROUD TO 37 ® 37 ® ® 37 ® ® LE 0 ^V\SK KLÄUP[LS` YLJVTTLUK [OL CONVISO SMART® :`Z[LT [V V[OLY MHYTLYZ! P[ JVU[YVSZ ^PSK [\YUPW ^OPJO JHU IL ]LY` L_WLUZP]L ;OL NYV^PUN VM [OL JYVW PZ NVPUN [V IL JVUZPKLYHIS` SLZZ JVTWHYLK [V [OL JVU]LU[PVUHS NYV^PUN VM [YHKP[PVUHS ILL[ Ask your local agronomist about our system or visit kws.com/nz CONVISO® SMART represents the innovative fusion of SMART KWS Seeds with Bayer’s advanced CONVISO® ONE Herbicide. CONVISO® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Unleash the Power of Weed Control Hamish Blackmore, Dairy Farmer. :LH^HYK +V^UZ :V\[OSHUK For farmers growing beet this season, the KWS CONVISO SMART system is a stand-out option for effective weed control, fewer spray applications and more flexibility in your beet growing. A seed company with serious history, KWS have been developing high-yielding varieties since 1856, improving genetic performance through investment in research and breeding programmes. Their CONVISO SMART system combines high yielding, herbicide tolerant beet varieties with a broad spectrum herbicide, CONVISO ONE, that has been specifically formulated to be effective against hard-to-control weeds. KWS Country Manager, Simon Witheford says, “In Southland and South Otago situations where weeds are particularly problematic, CONVISO SMART is proving incredibly effective. Farmers using the system are reporting strong crops, improved yields and good grazing performance. Cows love it.” Developed together and sold as a system, CONVISO’s beet seed and herbicide combination means farmers gain a key advantage of increased flexibility when growing their beet crops. Traditional herbicides can be phytotoxic to beet crops – especially when applied during periods of stress or at high rates. The SMART beet have been bred to be tolerant to the CONVISO ONE herbicide, which means the spray has no impact on the beet. This allows spray applications to be targeted at the weeds rather than being aligned with the growth stage of the beet. CONVISO ONE is a truly broadspectrum herbicide developed by Bayer. It is highly effective against difficult weeds such as mallow, wire weed, willow weed and weed beet along with comprehensive grass control. CONVISO ONE’s reduced phytotoxic effect allows a wider spray window for application – a major advantage during the hectic growing season. Farmers experience highly effective control of problem weeds, without it knocking back their beet crop. With two SMART beet varieties available, growers have a choice of a sugarbeet most suited to mechanical lifting, or a high DM% fodderbeet variety called SMART Josina KWS, which is particularly suited to grazing for mixed-aged dairy cows. CONVISO SMART is only available in New Zealand through accredited agents and agronomists. Accredited agronomists – such as Advance Agriculture – have completed the KWS Stewardship Accreditation Programme to ensure they can provide accurate in-field advice to farmers. Now’s the time to choose the best beet for this year’s growing season. Talk to your local agronomist to find out if the KWS CONVISO SMART system is right for you. Revolutionise beet farming with KWS CONVISO® SMART These bases, complete with three seed mixers and substantial storage capacity for seeds and chemicals, represent just one aspect of the company’s commitment to accessible, localised service. “We are the only locally owned and operated agronomy company in the deep south offering full agronomy services. We have direct accounts with all proprietary Agrichemical and Seed companies throughout New Zealand. We have local seed mixing facilities which enables a fast turnaround of customised mixes for our farmers.” “This capability proves particularly valuable in regions where timing can be critical and transportation delays costly.

8 | On farm collaboration between clients and field representatives. “At Advance Agriculture knowledge and experience are key to understand what’s happened in the past, the implications on the present and into the future.” INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd Pick a proven performer. barenbrug.co.nz 0800 449 955 The benchmark in tetraploids. 4front NEA2 The phenomenal 3-5 year pasture. Forge NEA 3-5 years Perennial New Zealand’s top seller Maxsyn NEA4 Perennial The superstar perennial. Array NEA2 Perennial Take the risk out of your pasture renewal and get the best return by sowing a proven product, backed by science. Farmer and environmental safety Stops feeding faster Prolonged e cacy ADAMA.COM It’s all about the pellet Ferrabait®: A new standard in slug and snail control, contact Advance Agriculture or visit Adama.com Ferrabait® is a registered trademark of an ADAMA Group Company. Watching over your forage brassica crops so you don’t have to. Delivering a complete suite of crop protection solutions for today’s forage brassica growers. Our portfolio of powerful, proven products has helped farmers from one end of the country to the other create and maintain thriving businesses, and has earned us a reputation as New Zealand’s brassica protection specialists. Samuel Whitelock - Plant Science Graduate, Lincoln University Visit corteva.co.nz to view our range of online brassica resources. The team ensuring they have the most up to date technical & product knowledge.

| 9 2025 ICD member conference in Christchurch. • from page 7 • to page 11 Rob Wilson, Daniel Knowles and Chris Wilson leading in the field. INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd Proven and trusted in brassica and fodder beet programmes WWW.FMCCROP.NZ FMC is passionate about bringing new solutions for New Zealand growers and their advisors. ” We offer full transparency on our mixes so our clients can be certain of the quality of seed they are receiving,” explains Janine.” The Gore facility also has a workshop dedicated to servicing the diverse range of agricultural spray equipment the company offers. Janine says this integrated approach reflects a broader understanding that farming success depends on multiple interconnected elements working in harmony. Daniel Knowles, Technical Field Rep Manager says that central to the company’s success are the 20 technical field representatives who focus on driving profitability for farmers both now and in the future. Their work represents a collaborative effort between client, field representative, and suppliers to achieve optimal outcomes. “At Advance Agriculture knowledge and experience are key to understand what’s happened in the past, the implications on the present and into the future,” says Daniel. “This perspective built over time proves invaluable when navigating the increasingly complex challenges facing agriculture.” The proactive approach emphasised by Daniel centres on tailored advice and correct use of crop protection products to maximise returns while minimising risk. However this strategy extends beyond immediate gains to encompass long-term sustainability. “We understand the need to protect the crop protection products to enable them to be used in the future,” explains Daniel. This forward-thinking approach addresses emerging challenges such as herbicide and fungicide resistance, which are already impacting efficacy due to over-reliance on single chemical types. In brassica forage crops, multiple weeds are becoming problematic, necessitating chemical rotation and mixing strategies to ensure continued effectiveness.“Staying at the forefront of industry standards, being willing and able to pivot when met with challenges in the agrochemical space is vital,” says Daniel. “The phasing out of chlorpyrifos exemplifies this challenge, requiring transition to friendlier, softer chemistry options.” Investment in professional development underpins the company’s ability to provide cuttingedge advice. Over the past two years 12 staff members have completed the Massey University Herbicide Course and a team of eight travelled to Australia with Corteva in 2023 to examine new chemistry and biologicals. Three staff members visited the UK and France with proprietary seed breeders and supplier RAGT and Germinal Seeds to explore pasture options and systems.

10 | Agworld, the tool used to assist both the client & the technical field representatives. Precision Ag Specialist, Paul Sinclair planning the next Agleader implementation. INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd The Hardi Mega in action.

| 11 TFR Balclutha Merran Casse analysing paddock history with Nigel Cowie. TFR Gore Nick Bunting with Matt McKelvie looking at fodderbeet yields. The Invercargill team excited about the customised seed mixes they can deliver locally. • from page 9 • to page 13 INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd Rob Marshall 027 248 6822 South Island rob.marshall@croplands.co.nz CROPLANDS.COM/NZ Proudly supporting Advance Ag since 2001. Croplands linkage sprayers are designed to deliver safe and efficient spray application, incorporating the latest technology and engineered to perform, season after season. With tank sizes from 300L up to 2000L and boom sizes up to 30m, plus an extensive trailed sprayer range, we have a model to suit every farm. Contact Territory Manager AGRIPAK PRO 1300/1600 The NEW SUPERPOWER in barley $ SRZHUIXO ÀH[LEOH VROR IXQJLFLGH WKDW DFWLYHO\ SURWHFWV IRU ORQJHU Syngenta is proud to support and supply Advance Agriculture ® 5HJLVWHUHG WUDGHPDUNV RI D 6\QJHQWD *URXS &RPSDQ\ Winter months are dedicated to intensive internal training and collaboration with suppliers to ensure teams attain the most current information for upcoming seasons. Recent examples include Chris Wilson and Martin Sloane, two senior technical team members, attending a Herbicide Resistance workshop with Syngenta. “Ongoing training, upskilling and staying current with evolving industry regulations, field data, and product developments remain a key priority for Advance Agriculture and our ability to provide farmers and growers with the right advice,” says Janine. She says membership in ICD (Independent Cropcare Distributors) provides a valuable platform for collaboration, technical and commercial advancement and expertise exchange among members. This collaboration enabled Wesley Gray, Agchem commercial manager and Callum Dickson, Gore store manager, to attend Aglink business forum and management courses in Australia. Paul Sinclair, Precision Ag Specialist and member of the Australasian Agleader Peer Group, attended a workshop in Australia facilitating discussion and idea-sharing with like-minded businesses. “Our people are key to our success,” says Janine. “Collaboration within the team is a key strength, with staff working closely together, sharing insights, and supporting one another to consistently deliver value to our clients. The fact that over 2/3rds of staff come from hands-on farming backgrounds ensures genuine understanding of agricultural requirements and challenges.” Technology integration enhances service delivery through software and hardware tools including Agworld, Agfinity, Resolution, Precision Farming and other industry-specific programmes. These tools assist with on-farm compliance, enable information sharing and minimise risk to both clients and the business. TFR Balclutha Lilly Dixon inspecting Emma Burnby’s Kale for pests and diseases.

ADVERTISEMENT This spring’s conditions are forecast to be conducive to Septoria tritici blotch, New Zealand’s most damaging wheat disease. Revylution® fungicide delivers unbeatable Septoria control, even in the presence of resistant strains. Apply Revylution at T1 (GS 31–33) and T2 (GS 39–45) to protect yield early and securely. Because when it comes to Septoria, second place means lost yields – and that’s not an option. Septoria Alert for NZ Wheat Growers! ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS © COPYRIGHT BASF 2025. ®REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF BASF. ACVM REGISTRATION NUMBER: REVYLUTION®: P009923. READ PRODUCT LABEL BEFORE USE. AU55-P00002186 0825 • The “must-have” solo Revysol formulation • Highly exible mix partner for targeted disease control • Ultra-rapid absorption delivers superior rainfastness To nd out more please or visit crop-solutions.basf.com.nz or call our customer service number on 0800 558 399 SUPERIOR DISEASE MANAGEMENT STARTS HERE Take control with ABOVE NORMAL ABOVE ABOVE OR NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL OR BELOW BELOW ABOVE ABOVE OR AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE OR BELOW BELOW ABOVE AVERAGE ABOVE SEASONAL CLIMATE OUTLOOK August - October 2025 FORECAST TEMPERATURE FORECAST RAINFALL ABOVE NORMAL ABOVE NORMAL NORMAL BELOW ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE Source: https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/seasonal-climate-outlook/seasonal-climate-outlook-august-october-2025

| 13 Arable Manager Martin Sloane crop walking SY Defiant. • from page 11 INNOVATION » Advance Agriculture Ltd BAC 3464 Farmers’ most wanted, for heinous crimes against forage crop yields! We’re with you in the field cropscience.bayer.co.nz SIVANTO® prime is a registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P9952 and is approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, No. HSR101642 SIVANTO® prime is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. © Bayer Crop Science 2025. End the damage from these three vile vermin in your forage brassica and fodder beet crops with SIVANTO prime. SIVANTO prime contains flupyradifurone, a powerful new insecticide providing rapid control of Nysius, green peach aphid and springtails. • Rapid and effective control of key establishment pests in forage brassicas and fodder beet • Can be effectively integrated into IPM programmes • Innovative, odourless, liquid formulation that penetrates the plant quickly • Can be applied by helicopter Insist on SIVANTO prime from Bayer. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Bayer New Zealand Crop Science HELPS WITH PLANNING INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE STRATEGIES ASSISTING FARMERS WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS Bayer Crop Science New Zealand has a long history of contributing to the New Zealand agriculture industry through the innovative products it has brought to market. The company remains committed to supporting the industry’s growth, helping farmers thrive while promoting productivity, sustainability, and practical on-farm outcomes. Bayer’s approach centres on partnering with companies like Advance Agriculture to take our products to market, providing them with support, technical backing, and insight into products well ahead of any commercial launch. This collaboration ensures that farmers, contractors, and growers across New Zealand receive the guidance and technical assistance they need to make informed decisions. “We have our people on the ground walking crops side by side with our customers and offering technical support for our products to farmers. It's a talented, highly skilled team,” explains Daniel Suddaby, Regional Business Manager for Otago and Southland. A standout example of Bayer’s innovation is SIVANTO prime, a groundbreaking insecticide developed for fodder beet and forage brassicas at establishment timing, protecting against major establishment pests including Nysius, aphids and springtails. SIVANTO prime helps farmers safeguard crops destined for animal feed while supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable farming practices. “SIVANTO prime is a world-first in its category, showing how Bayer combines advanced science with practical, environmentally responsible solutions for farmers,” explains Suddaby. Bayer’s ability to bring products like SIVANTO prime to market is closely tied to its partnership with companies like Advance Agriculture Ltd. The two companies share aligned values around solution-based agronomy and doing what is best for the farmer. “Our relationship with Advance Agriculture is built on trust and shared purpose,” says Suddaby. “Their support and collaboration have allowed Bayer to bring many innovative products to market, ensuring farmers receive the best advice and outcomes possible.” Bayer recognises that New Zealand's temperate climate and fertile soils create unique growing conditions requiring tailored solutions. This understanding drives the company’s commitment to working closely with companies, distributors, and partners like Advance Agriculture, who play a critical role in connecting innovation to practical, on-farm results. Through a combination of innovative products, trusted partnerships, and technical expertise, Bayer continues to cement its position as a reliable partner for New Zealand's agricultural community, delivering solutions that enhance both productivity and profitability for farmers nationwide. Callum says the specialist machinery and precision agriculture team draws on extensive practical experience to ensure customers receive appropriate equipment and technology for their specific operations. The southern regions of New Zealand present unique challenges regarding topography, limited access to fresh water facilities and capacity requirements that existing offerings couldn’t always address, he says. Over the past three years this has seen the team engaged with trusted manufacturer Hardi to bring a Southern Hemisphere first to market: the European-designed Mega range. “The Mega comes loaded out of the box with all the features and tech to suit a large-scale pastoral, arable farmer or contractor,” explains Callum Dickson, Gore Store Manager. With tank sizes ranging from 1,200-2,200 litres (the largest available in the linkage market), booms from 15-30 metres, ISOBUS compatibility, and proven European fit and finish, he says the Mega range offers extensive customisation options to suit diverse requirements. Seed sourcing demonstrates the company’s independent approach, working with all major plant breeding and seed merchant companies to create unique mixes tailored to individual farmer needs. Strong supplier relationships enable rapid introduction of new products to market, providing farmers and growers with access to high-quality, proven seed varieties that deliver performance, persistence and reliability. In addition to sourcing various cereals it holds a sublicense to produce new high-yielding cereal cultivars specifically suited to regional conditions. These varieties, bred by Syngenta in Europe and evaluated in New Zealand by Cropmark, exemplify the global reach of agricultural innovation adapted to local conditions. SY Defiant, a high-yielding feed winter wheat with excellent disease resistance, demonstrates this approach’s success. “SY Defiant wheat has not only topped various CPT trials but has also exceeded yield expectations on farm, despite the challenges of a very variable spring in 2024,” says Advance Agriculture Arable Manager Martin Sloane. Side-by-side paddock trials consistently show SY Defiant outperforming leading feed wheats currently available, highlighting its potential and reliability in Southland and Otago regions. Janine says that at Advance Agriculture the commitment extends beyond individual transactions to supporting informed decision-making across the agricultural sector. “By backing knowledgeable people, proven products and companies investing in innovation, Advance Agriculture contributes to growing not just crops and pastures, but the entire agricultural industry. This comprehensive approach recognises that every farming decision, from the smallest input choice to major equipment investments, contributes to outcomes that extend far beyond individual seasons. In an era of increasing complexity and challenge the comprehensive support offered by Advance Agriculture becomes not just valuable but essential for agricultural success.”

14 | DAIRY PEOPLE » Helen Cummings Valden Cow of the Year award a joint effort Helen’s journey into Holstein Friesians began 25 years ago. Karen Phelps Wyndham stud breeder and dairy farmer Helen Cummings is celebrating winning the coveted Valden Cow of the Year award with Holstein Friesian Rivendell Sham Beatric-ET EX3 4*ET SP. She is quick though to credit breeders Owen and Cathy Copinga who she purchased the cow from before they left dairy farming. “It’s very, very special for the cow to win this award. There were some good cows in the running,” says Helen. The Valden Cow of the Year is awarded to any cow that has completed at least four lactations and is deemed to have, or have the potential to, contribute to the breed on a continual basis. The cow represents a strategic acquisition for Helen that has already begun paying dividends in her Mayalan Holstein Friesian stud, which she has operated for the past 25 years. “Rivendell Sham Beatric has achieved fantastic production levels and been classified ‘excellent’ three times by the New Zealand Holstein Friesian Association. We flushed her and have embryos to implant this spring. We have an in-calf heifer out of her this year so that’s very exciting,” says Helen. Helen and husband Jock operates their 106-hectare farm near Wyndham having moved to the property in 2008. They run 230 cows, with 80% comprising the stud, each producing between 480kgMS to 500kgMS annually. Helen’s journey into Holstein Friesians began 25 years ago when she transitioned from an Ayrshire stud she had established before marriage. The farm still maintains Ayrshires as a reminder of this heritage. “Holstein Friesians are just beautiful cows, you get a return for your bull calves and they produce a lot of milk solids and last a long time. There’s a lot to like,” explains Helen. The Holstein Friesian breed has deep roots in New Zealand’s agricultural history, dating back to 1884 when Canterbury breeder Mr JCH Grigg first imported Dutch Friesian cattle. Four years later, the breed was introduced to the North Island via a herd established in the Wairarapa, with further importations from America following in 1902/03. The black and white cow quickly gained popularity in the North Island, but serious breeding and importation efforts didn’t begin until 1910, the same year the New Zealand Holstein Friesian Association was established to maintain accurate pedigrees. The organisation now trades as Holstein Friesian New Zealand. Helen has been heavily involved serving on the board in the past and this year was very privileged to receive the Holstein Friesian Distinguished service award. Helen’s passion for Holstein Friesians runs deep throughout the family, with each generation contributing to the farm’s success in different ways. Son Clint and wife Ashleigh have their own small stud on the farm called Mayoak with Ashleigh, who has her own hair dressing business in Gore, helping when she can. Clint has been managing the home farm for three years and has distinguished himself by winning Fonterra’s lowest somatic cell count award for Eastern Southland, Southland and the South Island, achieving sixth place nationally for 2024/25. He secured the same regional accolades the previous season, finishing third in New Zealand. Daughter Kate has some stud cows on the family farm as well under the stud name Maylea. For all your Beet, Swede and Maize Drilling requirements. • Strip till Beet and Swedes • Precision planter available • Full cultivation options • Loader wagon for Silage & Baleage • Experienced staff • Late model, full GPS auto steered tractors • Drilled right on time Covering South Otago & Southland Contact Erik (027) 204-8019 betterbeetltd@gmail.com Check us out on Facebook Proud to supply veterinary services & Animal Remedies for Helen Cummings Kate and her partner contract milk on a farm in Western Southland. Other son Darren and wife Melissa contract milks on another farm in northern Southland. Jock works off farm for Roof Craft Industries in Gore as contracts manager. The family enjoys entering their cows in the annual A & P Show at Wyndham and Gore but this year plans to potentially also compete at the South Island Championships because they are being held nearby in Balclutha this November.

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