68 | “Farmers are now looking for a greater variety of product options that will provide the best results for the least environmental impact. “Also, as costs have risen significantly, it is even more important for producers and operators to be as efficient as possible.” RURAL SERVICES » Benalyn Ltd Thinking outside the square a key to With over 30 years experience in the fertiliser industry, and having been with Ellesmere Transport for 27 years, Carl Breading and his wife started Benalyn Spreading six years ago, encouraged by clients in the Selwyn District. Rosa Watson Thinking outside the box and finding a range of solutions has helped Darfield-based Benalyn Spreading save crops and money for clients. With over 30 years experience in the fertiliser industry, and having been with Ellesmere Transport for 27 years, Carl Breading and his wife started Benalyn Spreading six years ago, encouraged by a small number of clients in the Selwyn District. “People kept knocking on my door,” Carl explains. He then bit the bullet and purchased two spreaders, with one as a spare, and a spray truck for liquid fertiliser. “We started off with two old girls and worked from there to having a reasonably modern fleet now.” The company, which covers around 30 kilomteres of the district, now operates three MAN 4x4 Spreadmark certified spreaders, a spray truck and a SAM self-propelled sprayer, and employs three staff – his brothers Richard and Dean and his partner Margs. His son also works for the company part time. “It’s really a family affair,” Carl said. Carl sees the company as offering alternative solutions such as trialing fish and other liquid fertilisers, alongside the traditional paths. “I’m an alternative, you could say. I give (clients) some information they may not have. “I just give them a different idea and a different thought process of how to get their production up. “There is a lot of innovation in products happening now.” He has built strong relationships with suppliers, from whom he is able to gain advice and information. Carl learnt a lot about agronomy when his son would bring information back from his studies at Lincoln University, which he was able to put into practice. “I passed that information on to people … you need this product on to make it grow.” Over time he had gained the trust of clients, who were happy to take a risk and try something different. A good example was a neighbour looking to boost grass growth. “I did a liquid trial with YTB-N on his place … and didn’t tell him where I sprayed.” He then got the client to point out the spots that he thought had been sprayed. “He stopped exactly where I sprayed. “Every customer is different. If you can help them out, that’s a highlight. “It’s thinking outside the box and thinking, how can we best deal with that?” Carl has seen significant changes over time including land use change to dairy, the introduction of irrigation, and subsequent utilisation of fertilisers and water. His plans for the future are to continue fostere. Patrick Mills 027 564 8202 Brent Rodger 021 242 1985 AEL are proud suppliers of Phosta K, Guano and other essential fertiliser products for the lower South Island. We can help you! Talk to one of our Independent Biological Soil and Fertiliser Consultants today. AEL. SUPPLIERS OF YBTN A unique biological mix that enhances nitrogen fertiliser programmes to drive productivity ing great relationships with clients and accommodating farmer-led initiatives to look at fertiliser options - both solid and liquid - to maximise productivity. “Farmers are now looking for a greater variety of product options that will provide the best results for the least environmental impact. “Also, as costs have risen significantly, it is even more important for producers and operators to be as efficient as possible.”
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