102 | Seed harvesting boost very welcome Kelly Deeks Continued growth in the seed harvesting sector has kept Sam Forrester Contracting moving at full pace this season, with demand strong across Canterbury as arable farmers adapt to changing market conditions and rising farm machinery costs. Based near Sheffield and Springfield, Sam Forrester runs a diversified operation combining contracting, grain and seed harvesting and a sheep and cropping farm at Russell’s Flat. He says the business is now hiring additional staff as harvesting demand increases throughout Central Canterbury and beyond. “We have probably doubled what we did last season on the radish side of things,” he says. “We are working for the same farmers but we are getting more productivity. The seed companies are also doing a really good job and recommending us.” Sam works closely with several local seed companies, harvesting specialist seed crops throughout Canterbury. The operation covers a wide area including Sheffield, Springfield, Southbridge, and Cust. “The seed companies will often suggest farmers use us because we have built good relationships and they know we will do a good job.” While the harvesting side of the business continues to grow, Sam says the wider arable sector has faced significant pressure over recent seasons due to wet weather, increases in input and machinery costs and lower grain prices. “Crops have not been great the past couple of years because it has been very wet and the grain price is not where it needs to be. Arable farming is definitely a struggle at the moment.” At the same time, Sam says eight or nine cropping farms in his area have recently converted to dairy, creating further pressure on cropping land. Despite the challenges, Sam says strong communication and reliability have helped build trust with both farmers and transport operators. Alongside harvesting, the business now also operates its own truck to help move small lines harvested crops to seed stores and silos, as labour shortages across the transport sector have created ongoing logistical challenges during harvest. “The biggest issue is late notice. Farmers ring up and say the crop is ready and the header is coming, but transport companies need notice to organise trucks and drivers.” RURAL SERVICES » Sam Forrester Contracting “The biggest issue is late notice. Farmers ring up and say the crop is ready and the header is coming, but transport companies need notice to organise trucks and drivers.” To help keep harvest moving smoothly, Sam works directly with transport companies to coordinate timing and reduce delays. “I try to iron out the kinks between the farmer and the transporter. It works both ways and they appreciate that.” Harvesting is deeply rooted in the family. Sam says this season marks the business’s 12th harvest under his ownership after taking over from his cousin, whose family had operated the harvesting business for decades before him. He also completed harvest seasons in Australia and the United Kingdom and says international experience remains valuable for young operators entering the industry. “Australia is a really good place to learn because of the scale. I encourage young guys to go over there and learn.” Sam Forrester Contracting says has developed a strong reputation for harvesting radish seed crops, with specialised New Holland machinery proving highly effective for the work. Sam says building that reputation has come down to consistency, communication, and earning the trust of both farmers and seed companies over many years. FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz Supporters of Sam Forrester Contracting Vegetable Seed Specialist providing honest returns to growers. jen.buter@arikiseed.com | 1055 Weedons Ross Rd, West Melton Interested? 022 1846438 Your trusted agribusiness growth partner. We leverage specialist accounting and taxation expertise to drive your farm’s success. 03 365 8400 admin@alexanders.net.nz www.alexanders.net.nz Based near Sheffield and Springfield, Sam Forrester runs a diversified operation.
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