| 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.
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