84 | Local, independent agricultural service Karen Phelps With many businesses heading in the direction of corporate consolidation and centralised operations, Turnbull Grain & Seed stands as a testament to the enduring value of local, independent agricultural service. The business traded as DC Turnbull until 10 years ago when the Grain and Seed business was spilt off and started trading as Turnbull Grain and Seed. With 130 years of continuous operation in South Canterbury, the family-owned business has built its reputation on knowledge of local conditions and steadfast commitment to the farming community. “We’re local and independent, we’ve been here for 130 years,” says Murray Duff, managing director of Turnbull Grain & Seed. “Because we’re local we know the area very well we can help farmers find the best product and give them the best advice for their situation.” The company’s deep-rooted presence in the region translates into exceptional personalised service. Operating from its original site established in 1894, it has cultivated relationships that span generations. “Turnbulls started in 1894 and some of the family names on the original ledger are still coming to Turnbulls,” says Murray. “We have some very long-term client relationships - some in their fourth generation of dealing with the Turnbull group. It’s pretty special.” This generational continuity reflects the company’s foundational philosophy, says Hamish Holland, manager of the Albury, Fairlie, and Mackenzie areas. “The business has always had a good name for being dedicated to farmers. We’ve always had a philosophy of doing the right thing by the farmers.” The commitment to local service has driven significant growth over the years. The company has doubled its field representation over the past decade, expanding from three to six representatives to better serve its expanding client base. This growth strategy maintains its core principle of treating every customer equally. “We’re focused purely on agronomy,” explains Hamish. “This means we have a high level of knowledge and service our customers really well. No matter whether they are a smaller farmer or a larger business one we give the same service. We value their support.” The business operates comprehensive facilities in both Timaru and Fairlie, with seed mixing, and treating capabilities at both locations and a seed dressing plant in Fairlie. Where other companies have centralised operations, it has invested in maintaining a strong local presence to ensure stock availability and excellent customer service. RURAL TRANSPORT » Turnbull Grain Seed Ltd Proudly Supporting Turnbull Grain & Seed Ltd ;OL )H`LY ÄLSK [LHT PZ WYV\K [V ^VYR HSVUNZPKL ;\YUI\SS .YHPU :LLK PU [OL ÄLSK [V LUZ\YL [OLPY J\Z[VTLYZ NL[ [OL ILZ[ YLZ\S[Z MYVT V\Y WYVK\J[Z )H`LY PZ M\SS` JVTTP[[LK [V IYPUNPUN HU PUUV]H[P]L YHUNL VM ^VYSK JSHZZ ZVS\[PVUZ [OH[ HYL M\SS` YLZLHYJOLK PU 5A ;OL )H`LY [LHT SP]LZ HUK IYLH[OLZ V\Y WSLKNL º>L»YL ^P[O `V\ PU [OL ÄLSK» ^OPJO YLWYLZLU[Z V\Y JVTTP[TLU[ [V V\Y YL[HPS WHY[ULYZ HUK MHYTLYZ Helping Turnbull Grain & Seed help farmers. BAYER CROP SCIENCE NZ BAC3465 We’re with you in the field cropscience.bayer.co.nz FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Bayer New Zealand Crop Science ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ The business is under pinned by strong leadership. Hamish has an Agricultural Science degree from Lincoln University and has been an agronomist since 2013. Murray has been in the grain and seed industry since the late 70’s and has been with Turnbulls since 2005. “Good staff also make the difference,” says Murray, highlighting the importance of experienced personnel in delivering great advice. The company’s comprehensive service portfolio spans agri-chemicals, seeds, fertiliser and stock feed. As an independent operation, it maintains access to all major chemical suppliers’ products and focuses on on-farm advice tailored to specific regional conditions. Hamish says these relationships exemplify the company’s approach of combining local knowledge with proven agricultural science. Its Central Stockfeed brand demonstrates commitment to local sourcing, utilising quality ingredients where possible for a comprehensive range including poultry feed, equine products, pig feed and various grains. The company manufactures many products in-house and also retails established third-party brands. The Turnbull family maintains majority shareholding with Murray and Hamish also holding stakes in the business. Murray and Hamish say this ownership structure ensures alignment between management and long-term local commitment. “We’ve been around 130 years and ‘reliable’ is a good word to describe us,” says Murray. “We’ve been there for farmers for over a century and will continue to be there for them.” Original DCT building. Photo: Image number 2779 , South Canterbury Museum.
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