| 115 Taking your soil to the next level The company’s factory is based in Mosgiel and Lawrence leads a team of twelve. Sue Russell Dunedin-based Superior Fertiliser was set up in 2001 to provide farmers with custom solid fertiliser blends to get the best out of their soils. Company Managing Director Lawrence Alloo understands the benefits that come to clients when fertiliser is tailor-made to suit their unique conditions. “Every farm is different and within the farm there can also be a lot of variation between areas of their farms. We’re about providing solid fertiliser solutions tailored for each farm and their budget, not just generic blends, which by their very nature can be wasteful, as they may miss key nutrient deficiencies” Lawrence explains. The process begins with a comprehensive soil test which allows farmers to understand the existing state of their soil; its nutrient holding capacity (measuring both the CEC and ASC levels), key nutrient deficiencies and excesses, and what’s influencing the pH. A custom solid fertiliser recommendation is then prepared to supply the most limiting nutrients to improve production. Lawrence very much views nutritionally balanced soil as an essential element to any agricultural pursuit, be it growing fine wool, beef, lamb, milk, or crops to name a few. The company’s factory is based in Mosgiel and Lawrence leads a team of twelve, including four field-based advisors along with a Hong Kong based procurement manager, who helps secure fertiliser inputs from around the world. Fertiliser supplies have been challenging, the Ukraine and Russia conflict has had serious implications for world-supply of the input and improving s that go into fertiliser’s made here and unfortunately, we’re all seeing the resulting increases in price. “Russia and Belarus collectively produce 30-40% of the world’s supply of potash and China is being cautious about exporting fertiliser, so supply is very tight. With such tight supply and high prices, it has never been more important to ensure farmers get just what they need to meet their individual soil RURAL SERVICES » Superior Fertiliser Specialist situation, so soil testing is so critical.” Superior Fertiliser has a long list of established clients dating back to when we started. Lawrence says that a degree of patience needs to be applied to improving soil health in a sustainable way. “It’s taken decades for the soil to evolve into its current state, so you can’t just change things over night. It’s about setting out a plan that’s going to bring long-term gain in an affordable and sustainable manner; that’s what farmers need.” As such, the soil test is a guide, not a set prescription. It’s part of an ongoing process of testing, applying fertiliser and observation. “We want to understand what the farmers goals are and how we are going to achieve them. Soil testing information helps with our decisionmaking.” The field advisors have been trained in all aspects of soil fertility and our testing is conducted through Eurofins. Although soil chemistry is very important, it one part of achieving a healthy soil and thriving crops, as there are also the physical and biological aspects to consider as well. All field advisors have carried out extensive training in all three of these areas and all have completed certified nutrient management courses. Lawrence’s key responsibilities are to take care of the financials, procurement, and the strategic direction of the business. Growth in demand for our services and products has been extremely satisfying, Lawrence says. The company is now six times bigger than it was in 2013 and that’s come about through establishing long-term trust-based relationships with clients. “We’re all really pleased with how we’ve grown in such a competitive market and our clients are our best advertisers of our services and products, as it should be. Better advice and service is what it’s all about.” “We’re all really pleased with how we’ve grown in such a competitive market and our clients are our best advertisers of our services and products, as it should be.” OFS Insurance Brokers Proud to support Superior Fertiliser Specialists and looking after their insurance needs. OFS Insurance Brokers – your locally owned & operated Insurance Specialists 0508 637 637 www.ofs.nz enquiries@ofs.nz www.ruraltransport.co.nz Ashburton (03) 308 4079 Waimate (03) 689 6100 Kurow (03) 436 0849 Fairlie (03) 685 8911 T R A N S P O R T L T D • Stock Cartage • General Freight • Fertiliser Spreading •Bulk Cartage • Hiab Hire • Cool Storage Proudly supports Superior Fertiliser Specialists! Hyslop Rural Transport Ltd Locally Owned and Operated Outram | hysloprural@xtra.co.nz | (03) 4861-777
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