114 | One of New Zealand’s young achievers Spread test day (top). Kane Freeman with the new Mercedes that arrived in September (below). Richard Loader Kane Freeman is a young man who thrives on being busy, and he is one of New Zealand’s young achievers. A part owner in Mid-Canterbury business, Midland Spreaders, Kane’s energy, passion and drive was recognised by his nomination for the for the Ravensdown Young Achiever award at this year’s New Zealand Groundspread awards. In their fourth year, the industry awards were celebrated in style at the intercontinental Hotel in Wellington. While selected as a Finalist along with two others, Kane was unsuccessful this year, but says he was very pleased for the winner, Nigel Nunn. “It does make me feel proud to have been nominated and to have been recognised for what I do, but to be honest I don’t get too caught up in that kind of thing. I just carry on with doing what I do.” Growing up in an urban environment, when Kane left school he went dairy farming for a while, before heading across the Tasman and working for a meat processing company. It was there that he received a phone call from a friend, Graeme Blair, asking if he would be interested in driving a spreader truck for Midland Spreaders. “That was about six years ago now, I was just turning 20 and, at that stage didn’t have my truck driving license. I decided to take the plunge, and I think I really landed on my feet with that decision.” A little over two years ago, the opportunity arose for Graeme, who was already a shareholder, and Kane to buy the other remaining shareholder out of Midland Spreaders and become business partners. “I run the company on a day-to-day basis, look after three staff, despatch the work to them and maintain communication between the farm managers and drivers. I also drive a fert truck as well. I like to get the jobs done and keep the clients happy. I like to get the trucks going, get the fertiliser on the paddocks and hear back that everyone is happy and the grass is growing. You get to the end of the season, the farmers are having a good year and you know you have played a part in that.” Midland Spreaders was established 21 years ago by Graeme Blair and two other directors, for the sole purpose of spreading fertiliser on farms around RURAL SERVICES » Midland Spreaders Ltd Mid-Canterbury that were owned by Dairy Holdings. As Dairy Holdings’ portfolio of farms in the region has grown, so too has Rakaia based Midland Spreaders, and the company now has four late model truck and trailer units delivering fertiliser to farms between the Waimakariri Gorge and the Rangitata River.“At this time of year we are flat out getting the base fertiliser on for the crops to go in and there is a bit involved to get that happening, getting between the plough and the drill and the weather windows. We get busy in June and it doesn’t stop being busy until the end of the season in April, when I might take a wee break, and vehicle servicing and maintenance takes place. It will be interesting to ‘watch this space’, as Kane’s future and his business career progresses in the years to come. NEED TYRES? SEE US FIRST. Bridgestone Tyre Centre Ashburton. Cnr Cox & East St. Book now on 03 307 8438. Car tyres • 4x4 tyres • Ag tyres • Puncture repairs Commercial & implement tyres • Wheel alignment Wheel balancing • Batteries • Wheels and more PROUDLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Peter McPherson, Chris Heath, Peter Cockburn, Wayne Morgan, SandraWiggins & Supporting Sta Proud to support Midland Spreaders Ltd Hose and Fittings AGENTS FOR LINCOLN LUBRICATION SYSTEMS MID CANTERBURY | 17 JB Cullen Drive, ASHBURTON | Ph 03 308 8848 SOUTH CANTERBURY | 114 Hilton Highway, TIMARU | Ph 03 934 7173 PROUD TO SUPPORT MIDLAND SPREADERS LTD FOR ALL YOUR HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS 24 hours 7 days service
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=