| 89 Hill-country development is lifting demand The Gore-based business specialises in aerial fertiliser spreading and seeding. Russell Fredric A renewed appetite for hill-country development is lifting demand for aerial topdressing, with stronger farm returns flowing through to investment in fertiliser, seeding and pasture improvement. After several challenging seasons, Mackenzie Aviation chief pilot Kent Mackenzie says improving commodity prices have restored confidence among Southland farmers, particularly those managing hill country properties. The Gore-based business specialises in aerial fertiliser spreading and seeding, helping farmers improve productivity on land that is difficult to access with ground equipment. The turnaround began around February last year as livestock returns strengthened, Kent says. “Things have improved massively in the rural sector with higher commodity prices. Farmers are keen to get back to getting the hill country back underway again. We’ve seen a good upturn and good positivity out there with farmers.” That renewed confidence is translating into greater investment in soil fertility and pasture renewal, with increased demand for fertiliser, lime and aerial seeding. “There’s been a bit of both really, just getting some depleted levels back up of fertiliser and then following it up with lime. We’re doing a lot more seeding now too; hill-country seeding and crop seeding.” Many farmers are taking a longer-term approach to improving pasture performance, using crop rotations before establishing improved grass species to increase the carrying capacity of hill blocks. Virtual fencing technology is also creating new opportunities. Kent believes systems such as Halter will allow farmers to make better use of hill country that was previously difficult to graze. “Hill-country farmers are going to be able to graze their blocks better, so they’ll be better utilised, requiring more fertiliser input. That’s going to definitely help things. It’s going to help the farmers a lot. “It is a little bit unknown, but there are more clients adopting it and some of our bigger clients already have. That’s really only one season in, so we’ll probably see more of the benefits in the future.” The business has invested in expanding its own capability. Mackenzie Aviation has operated an Air Tractor AT-402 for the past three seasons after mothballing its long-serving Fletcher aircraft, and is RURAL SERVICES » MacKenzie Aviation Ltd now planning to introduce a second aircraft while training another agricultural pilot. The trainee has previously worked as a loader driver with the company before gaining wider aviation experience and returning to the business. Introducing another aircraft and pilot will increase capacity, especially during busy weather windows, although developing a new agricultural pilot requires a significant commitment. “There is a syllabus that we have to follow for the New Zealand Agricultural Rating and it’s about 100 hours of flying with dual instruction and supervised 03 208 9240 emma.hewitson@ocr.co.nz www.ocr.co.nz O’Connor Richmond Chartered Accountancy Practice is proud of its long and rich history with business and agricultural commerce in the South. the full suite of Business Advisory and Taxation services. Emma Hewitson C.A, B.Com, DipGrad Director Pleased to support MacKenzie Aviation Ltd CHRISTCHURCH GORE | INVERCARGILL | CROMWELL | LUGGATE TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS SERVICING & REPAIRS FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS - SOUTH ISLAND WIDE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED www.transportrepairs.co.nz | 0800 875 747 Phoenix Aviation Maintenance 2021 Ltd based at 28 Jubilee Ave, Gore Airfield. office@phoenixaviation.co.nz • Workshop: 03 208 6651 • Cell Phone: 0274 339 828 Commercial Topdressing Aircraft and Private Aircraft Maintenance engineers. Peter Kempthorne CAA LAME 42536 solo flying. Finding the right candidate for an ag pilot in New Zealand is challenging, but with this person coming back to us, he was the right fit.” Alongside Mackenzie Aviation’s operation, New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association provides valuable support as operators navigate an increasingly regulated industry. “They’re playing a massive part with new legislation, liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority and then liaising with us. There are always things going on in the background with different rule changes, and they keep us informed about what’s coming and what’s happening.”
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