88 | RURAL SERVICES » Toko Spraying RURAL SERVICES » Topflite Ltd Well-earned reputation Growing quality seed Kelly Deeks Karen Phelps Toko Spraying is continuing to expand its footprint across South Otago, building a reputation for reliable boom spraying, gorse control, and cultivation services while remaining firmly focused on family values and practical solutions for local farmers. Based in Milton, the business has specialised in boom and gorse spraying since 2015, with owner Rod Murdoch steadily growing the operation to service clients throughout the Clutha and wider South Otago region. Today the fleet includes an Isuzu D Max fitted with a 16 metre boom, a Valtra tractor with a 12 metre sprayer, and a Ford Ranger equipped with a gun spraying setup and electric return hose reel. The gun spraying work is operated by Rod’s father in law, Richard, helping the family business tackle everything from small blocks to large scale gorse and broom control projects. “We cover all of South Otago with the Clutha and Taieri rivers often being our boundaries, however we have spent plenty of time around Clinton and even as far west as Middlemarch,” Rod says. “We maintain a number of commercial and industrial properties around the Milton and Clutha areas as well, keeping them weed free year round.” A recent milestone for Toko Spraying was the purchase of part of a larger spraying operation from Precision Spraying in Clinton. The move has expanded Toko Spraying’s reach into the Lawrence and Tuapeka districts, while also increasing workloads closer to home around Milton. As a result of the growth, the business has taken Being named a finalist in the Food, Beverage and Fibre Product Award category at the 2026 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards was recognition of Topflite’s long-standing commitment to New Zealand-grown ingredients, value-added agriculture and connecting consumers with the country’s natural environment, says company owner and managing director Greg Webster. The Topflite pet food range was recognised for transforming locally grown arable crops into a nationally recognised consumer product helping to support rural communities, environmental stewardship and biodiversity awareness. “From the beginning our focus has been on growing quality seed here in New Zealand and creating products that support the health of birds and animals,” he says. “Becoming a finalist reflects the dedication of generations of farming families who have worked to create a product that adds value within New Zealand’s primary sector.” The brand’s story began more than 50 years ago at Rosedale Farm near Oamaru, where the Mitchell and Webster families looked for ways to diversify their farming operation and respond to changing markets. In 1975 they planted their first sunflower crop after identifying an opportunity to produce bird seed locally rather than relying on imported products. “At the time much of the bird seed available in New Zealand was imported and required heat treatment for biosecurity reasons, a process that reduced some of the seed’s natural nutritional value. We believed locally grown seed could provide a better alternative,” says Greg. Today the farming operation behind Topflite spans more than 1,300 hectares of arable land, producing the seed used across the product range. The business produces more than 1,600 tonnes of bird seed and small animal feed products each year supplying retailers throughout New Zealand. on an additional seasonal staff member to help maintain efficiency during busy periods. Alongside spraying, Toko Spraying has quietly developed a growing cultivation division over the past seven seasons. What began with a roto spike has expanded into a broader range of services including direct drilling, ploughing, and ground preparation. The diversified approach allows the company to provide a full service solution for clients, from initial spraying through to cultivation, crop establishment, and follow up weed control. Rod says adapting to the changing agricultural sector has become increasingly important for contractors operating in rural districts. “One of the biggest challenges facing contractors in South Otago is the shift from agriculture to forestry. Some of our biggest clients have sold their land to trees and it has had a massive impact on our business.” The operation also works closely with local suppliers and businesses that help keep the wheels turning. Rod says Advance Agriculture provides ongoing support with chemical supply, seed, and technical advice, while PGG Wrightson Milton has also played an important role. He says strong local relationships are essential to keeping a small contracting business operating smoothly. “Tiffs Engineering in Milton does most of our repairs and fabrication work, and Dave at Milton Motors is amazing and keeps our fleet safe and moving forward.” Rod also acknowledges the support of Target Accounting Otago as valued local suppliers helping support the business as it continues to grow. Away from contracting, Rod and his family also operate a 50 acre support block where they winter around 90 dairy cows on fodder beet and baleage. In recent years they have invested in a stand-off pad to improve animal welfare and protect pasture conditions during wet weather. For Rod, the focus remains on building a sustainable business that can continue serving local farmers while maintaining balance for family life. “Keeping things efficient, adaptable, and local is what matters most to us.” Greg says the company’s fully integrated approach means its products are grown, harvested, processed and distributed within New Zealand. This provides traceability from paddock to packet and allows the business to retain more value locally rather than exporting crops as raw commodities. He says the business has continued to evolve alongside changing consumer interests. While Topflite originally supplied aviary bird breeders, its range has expanded to include products for wild birds, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. The brand is now available through pet stores, garden centres and rural retailers nationwide. “We have seen more New Zealanders wanting to reconnect with nature and support the wildlife around them. Our products give people a simple way to encourage birdlife in their own backyards knowing the seed has been grown locally.” Topflite has also invested in education and conservation initiatives. Through resources such as its guide to attracting wild birds to backyards it helps New Zealanders understand native species including Tui, bellbirds and silvereyes, encouraging responsible feeding practices and habitat planting. The company also supports conservation through its SOAR Initiative, which contributes to habitat restoration, conservation education and programmes including the Forest and Bird Kiwi Conservation Club. Environmental responsibility remains central to the wider farming operation, which was recognised in 2013 when the Mitchell Webster Group received the Supreme Award at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards for sustainable farm management and long-term care of land and resources. Greg says the finalist recognition at the Primary Industries Awards is a celebration of the people behind the brand. “Our success comes from generations of knowledge, a respect for the land and a commitment to producing natural, New Zealand-grown feed. We are proud to share that story with customers across the country.” • Warrant of Fitness • Services • Tyres • Batteries • Vehicle repairs • Wheel Alignments Phone (03) 417-8645 39 Union Street, Milton STONE TIMBER LTD & SOUTHERN Suppliers of Unique Decorative Aggregates. We supply in bulk from either bagged or loose. 267 Awarua Bay Rd, Invercargill www.southernstone.co.nz Call Us Now 03 214 2070 ◉ 029 201 2881 Proud to be associated with Topflite Ltd Business support for every stage. Start-up, growth, success, and beyond. Locals backing locals - proud to support the team at Toko Spraying Ltd 03 489 0790 | info@targ.co.nz | www.targ.co.nz
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