| 65 Celebrating NZ’s groundspreading stars Kim Newth With nominations now closed for the 2023 Groundspread NZ Awards, operators up and down the country will be counting down the days to awards’ night at the 65th Annual Groundspread Conference in New Plymouth (July 2-4). In their fifth year, the four groundspread awards are the only such agricultural accolades specifically designed for this industry and provide a unique opportunity to honour the people behind the spreader trucks and the invaluable contribution they make. All awards’ finalists will be invited to attend Conference 2023 – Navigating Change, where a panel of judges will reveal the two finalists in each of the award categories. Winners will then be announced at a glamorous gala event on the last night of the conference. Conference 2023 has a packed programme that includes engaging speakers, panel presentations and three workshop sessions across two days, with the gala awards evening sure to be a highlight as it brings industry members together to celebrate their best. Traditionally, award nominations have come from within the industry, but Groundspread NZ opened them up this year to rural clients using their services. Many have responded positively to nominate operators for excellent service. All award categories have attracted multiple nominations to ensure a strong field of contenders for this year’s industry awards. The four awards are: •Ballance Agri-Nutrients President’s Award: to recognise operators who go above and beyond to share their knowledge with others in the industry. Previous winners: Gordon Dobbs (2019), Grant Anderson (2020), John Whitehead (2021), Tina Powell (2022). •Ravensdown Young Achiever’s Award: to recognise up and coming operators under the age of 35 who show vision and passion and are contributing positively to the industry. Previous winners: Adam White (2019), Matthew Blomfield (2020), Toby Evans (2021), Nigel Nunn (2022). •Graymont Health & Safety Awards: to recognise groundspread companies going the extra mile on SPREADING » 2023 NZGS Awards staff health and safety and making a significant contribution in this area. Previous winners: Nicola Goodwin (2019), Phil Johnson (2020), Nick Hyslop (2021), Kylie Stenton (2022). •Keith Andrews Trucks Innovation Award: to recognise ingenious operators with a commitment to exploring technology and innovation in the industry. Previous winners: Ted Usmar (2019), Ron Smith (2020), John Whitehead (2021), Jon Jackson (2022). Groundspread NZ President Graeme Martin says the awards provide a rare opportunity for the industry to come together and to consider and applaud the industry’s hard workers, high achievers and critical thinkers. “These awards also promote awareness and understanding of the importance of the groundspreading profession within the wider agricultural industry. After all, food production in New Zealand starts with ensuring that the right nutrients are spread accurately, evenly, and only in the right places. It is a highly skilled job and we are proud to do it.” To ensure the best services are provided to producers, spreader truck operators undergo significant training. Tools of the trade include finely calibrated machines, sophisticated equipment and GPS tracking software to generate accurate data showing proof of placement. Where groundspreaders are certified to the industry standard – Spreadmark – farmers, growers and regional councils can be assured that all environmental responsibilities around nutrient spreading will be taken care of. For General Inquiries, please contact 027 214 1790 or email eo@groundspreadnz.com TO THE FINALISTS IN THIS YEAR’S GROUNDSPREAD NZ AWARDS - CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK! Excellence in Nutrient Placement or visit our website:www.trstyreandwheel.co.nz 0800 336 334 Come see our site at the NZGFA Conference For all your lime & limestone requirements • Agricultural Lime • Hydrated Lime • QuickLime • Calcimate® • Aggregates • Landscape Chip • AeroLime® GRAYMONT Call us today 0800 245 463 | www.graymont.com Ant Boyles of Ravensdown with Nigel Nunn receiving his Ravensdown Young Achiever’s Award, alongside Nick Hyslop and Grant Anderson of Groundspread NZ.
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