78 | Leaders in specialised stock transport The majority of the work is still transporting deer between breeders and works, running alongside this work is the transport of stud animals. Geraldine-based Downland’s Deer and Stud Stock has established itself as a nationwide leader of specialised stock transport services. Keith and Ruth Orange started the business back in 1984 as a local deer transporter, and in 2000 Kris Orange and Kevin Hurst bought into the company as the major shareholders - with Kris managing all aspects of the business. The company has expanded over the years adding a depot in Feilding after purchasing Geoff Yule Transport in 2017. In July 2023 Otago Deer Transport was added which meant the addition of a base in Milton, and the two southern drivers were retained to give clients continuity of service. With these additions it now gives the business close to complete New Zealand-wide coverage. The majority of the work is still transporting deer between breeders and works, running alongside this work is the transport of stud animals. Stud bulls, heifers, rams and trophy stags are transported around the country from stud sales and private sales. “Some of these animals can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 each,” Kris said. The company has worked hard to put processes in place to ensure the vendors and purchasers knows their prized animal has arrived safe at its destination for the new buyer – emailing of consignment notes including a photograph for both accountability and insurance purposes. Being able to track where the trucks are at all times is also a major benefit. “We’ve made it so much more of a personalised service from door to door.” Drivers have been hand-selected for their stockmanship, and can read stock movements and act accordingly, with the animals’ welfare being paramount at all times. Regular health and safety meetings and training forms a large part of animal and staff welfare, which is certainly a large part of business in today’s world. All 13 trucks in the fleet are equipped with purpose-built crates including rubber matting and certified to New Zealand quality standards, and designed with animal welfare in mind. Specialist crates with custom-made pens and door openings, are able to accommodate the larger animals, especially those with antlers. RURAL SERVICES » Downlands Deer Ltd “Bringing in more later model gear brings in more efficiencies and we’re pretty excited about doing that.” It’s about having the synergy of trucks and now being able to run bigger loads with our permitted vehicles, they are also 10% more fuel efficient than our previous models,” Kris said. While the company was doing its bit to curb the rising operating costs, they were always looking for new ways to achieve that without having to pass that onto clients, but it was challenging. Business has never been so strong, and its large range of DAF trucks means while the company might be a nationwide specialised transport business, it also now has the capacity to back up other trucks locally as well. Downlands Deer will celebrate 40 years in business in 2024 and Kris said it is an achievement to be proud of. Aimee Wilson Proudly supporting Downlands Deer Ltd
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