66 | Helping farmers maximise productivity With nitrogen restrictions tightening, particularly for dairy farms limited to 190 units of nitrogen per hectare annually, Hamish says his clients are learning and adjusting to applying less more often. Kelly Deeks When Selwyn-based contractor Hamish Pauling gets behind the wheel of his fertiliser spreader truck, he’s doing a lot more than putting product on paddocks. He’s supporting farmers to meet their compliance obligations, helping them maximise productivity, and building the kind of long-term relationships that keep his one-man business thriving. Hamish owns and operates Hawkins River Spreading, based out of Springfield. He launched the business in 2014 with a business partner and six years ago bought his partner out. Hamish still does some relief driving for his former partner whenever he’s not busy spreading fertiliser. Hamish grew up on a sheep and arable farm in Sheffield, and after finishing school he worked a variety of local farming, truck driving and contracting jobs. A stint in Australia for a harvest season gave him some machinery experience, and after returning home he spotted an opportunity in the market for a local spreading contractor. Though demand has grown steadily, Hamish has deliberately kept his business small and nimble. “A few years back we thought about getting a second truck, but I’ve been around the industry long enough to know it’s hard to get and keep good staff. The hours are demanding at time, so I’m happy just being me and my truck, and building strong relationships with my customers.” With the seasonal nature of spreading, Hamish says it’s difficult to guarantee year-round work for employees, so he keeps things lean and flexible. He’s also a father of a five-year-old daughter who keeps him on his toes at home. His clients appreciate the personal service, even during the spring rush when everyone wants fertiliser on at once. “They know I’m usually only three or four days away even in the busy times. We’ve built up good relationships, and they know I’ll get there as soon as possible.” Spring and Autumn are the busiest periods for spreading, with dairy farmers applying nitrogen and lime, and sheep and beef operators putting on lime and maintenance fertiliser with a bit of nitrogen to boost crops already in the ground. To boost his efficiency and accuracy, Hamish invested in a new Iveco truck last season, equipped with the state-of-the-art V3plus Spreader Control System. Integrated with TracMap, the system RURAL SERVICES » Hawkins River Spreading ensures precise application, real-time tracking, and complete proof of placement data which is critical for dairy farmers needing to comply with regional nitrogen caps. “The V3 does all the rate control and adjustment automatically,” Hamish says. “It talks to TracMap, logs everything, and if anything’s off, it will alert me. It takes a bit to get used to but once you trust it, it does all the worrying for you.” With nitrogen restrictions tightening, particularly for dairy farms limited to 190 units of nitrogen per hectare annually, Hamish says his clients are learning and adjusting to applying less more often. “The compliance side of things means a bit more admin for them, but our system helps. Every job is logged to their TracMap account, so they’ve got all the information they need.” Hawkins River Spreading services the greater Rolleston Service Centre 5 Railway Road, Rolleston, Tel: 03 347 4360 Ballance Agri-Nutrients ltd your local supplier of Ballance fer�liser Growing together, caring for people and the land. All in for the future of farming. NO cash sales/E�pos all purchases charged through our merchant partners For further informa�on contact the office on 03 347 4360 or visit us online for all the latest news, product informa�on, latest price list and services in your region www.ballance.co.nz Achieve faster growth rates for your lambs this season. Apply quality aglime for greater grass recovery and growth this spring. 0800 303 980 • www.palmerresources.co.nz Selwyn area, and Hamish’s roots run deep. “I’ve been around here a long time and I know a lot of people through school and sports. Now Hawkins River Spreading is sponsoring local schools and sports teams, and I’m proud to be part of this great community.”
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