| 45 Fresh wave of varieties Keeping machinery working Eurogrow operates with a global outlook, sourcing proprietary lines from leading breeders in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Grant, Jesse, Lyndon, Sprocket (the dog) and Neroli. Karen Phelps Kelly Deeks Hamilton-based Eurogrow Potatoes is moving forward with a fresh wave of potato varieties aimed at meeting both consumer and grower demands. It is New Zealand’s leading supplier of seed potatoes and has recently introduced a new baby potato called Celebration, featuring yellow and red skins, which has undergone pre-commercial trials with select growers. Tony Hendrikse, one of Eurogrow’s owners, says the new variety is as pleasing to the palate as it is visually striking. “The thing that makes it really great is it also has outstanding taste to die for,” he explains. Eurogrow’s trial process is robust, encompassing regional trials around New Zealand for fresh market, specialty, crisping and French fry varieties. “The trials are usually on a grower’s property in the middle of a crop intended for the same destination. That way we can see how they perform under similar conditions,” explains Tony. The company collects data on yield, appearance and cooking characteristics to determine whether new varieties offer meaningful improvements over established lines. “The world is getting increasingly data driven. The New Zealand potato industry is mature, already full of good potatoes, so we are trying to identify potatoes that have significant points of difference and improvement over what is already out there.” Tony says that bringing a new potato to market involves more than genetics. Growers must adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of each variety, making the learning curve a critical factor. Eurogrow has responded to industry pressures by focusing on low-input varieties, which require less water, fertiliser and chemicals as well as offering For more than a decade, Otautau Tractor and Machinery has backed Southland farmers with practical service, trusted advice, and quality equipment built to handle tough country. Owner Grant Kennedy says the business has grown by focusing on what matters most to rural customers: keeping machinery working and helping farmers make sound long-term decisions. “We cater for most things you will find on a farm,” Grant says. “Tractors, farm machinery servicing and repairs, tyres, air conditioning, and hydraulic hoses to name a few.” Diesel mechanic Grant bought Otautau Tractor and Machinery in 2013 having decided he wanted to build a business of his own. He had completed his trade with John Deere and comes from a farming background, with his parents still farming at Drummond. Since then the business has built a strong reputation through workshop capability, honest advice, and dependable brands. “We don’t believe in selling for the sake of selling,” Grant says. “Our focus is on understanding the customer’s needs and providing the right solution. We want a good outcome for the farmer. Quality is more important than cheap gear when people rely on it every day.” That philosophy is reflected in partnerships with New Zealand suppliers where possible, including Rata Industries, whose loader attachments and implements are well known on farms throughout the country. Other quality New Zealand brands held by Otautau Tractor and Machinery include AgTrailer, James Engineering, Hustler, SAM Machinery, Kinghitter, and Hydraulink Hoses. Grant says supporting local businesses is important to him. He credits Janice Hughes Bookkeeping for helping the company since day one. “She has been with us right from the start and is still involved. RURAL SERVICES » Eurogrow Potatoes / Otautau Tractor & Machinery 2013 Ltd We have always had a great relationship.” He also acknowledges accountant Jamie Cross and other small business partners. “I like working with smaller companies. It is more genuine, more personal, and you are not just a number.” That family-style approach extends to staff. Long serving workshop foreman Lyndon remains one of the original team members with 26 years of service, and he brings extensive engineering and diesel experience. Neroli works in the office and parts department and is often the friendly face who greets customers when they walk through the door. Recently qualified diesel mechanic Harry and apprentice Jesse are part of the next generation coming through. Grant says investing in young people is important, with several students gaining experience through Gateway placements. Like many rural businesses, Otautau Tractor and Machinery has faced rising costs and uncertainty, but the focus remains on service and relationships. “We believe in giving customers honest, practical advice. If we can see repairs or maintenance may be needed in the future, we make sure they are aware early, so they can make the best decision for their farm and where it is heading.” The business has also evolved personally, with a stronger focus on balance, leadership, and family life. Working with a mentor has helped provide clearer goals and confidence to focus on what he can control. “Years ago, we often worked late nights and weekends to keep up. These days, while we still genuinely value and support our customers, we also believe life shouldn’t revolve only around work. Family, health, and time outside the business matter too — for me and for our whole team. A balanced team is a better team, and that helps us serve our customers better in the long run.” Mitchell Bros are proud to be quality Bins and Pallets suppliers to Eurogrow Potatoes Quality Manufacturers of Bins and Pallets for over 30 years strong growth and disease resistance. “There is increasingly pressure on land use in New Zealand and compliance requirements. It’s still a work in progress but we’ve got to the point where we have a number of customers who have asked for a pre-commercial level of seed for some of those lines,” says Tony. Long-term storage performance is another key area of development. For certain markets potatoes must retain cooking quality and stable sugars over extended storage periods. “There has been some really good progress made on these types of varieties and some that look really encouraging,” says Tony. Consumer preferences, however, remain a challenge. Many shoppers stick with familiar names such as Agria, and the potato industry currently lacks a coordinated strategy to introduce new varieties, he says. “Consumers are still very tied to names they know. So it can be challenging to get new varieties into supermarkets. How do we want consumers to enjoy what we produce and how do we go about introducing new varieties?” Tony questions. Eurogrow operates with a global outlook, sourcing proprietary lines from leading breeders in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Its programme includes identifying customer needs, importing promising genetics, producing high-quality seed and marketing varieties once they meet strict performance criteria. The company also hosts a variety exhibition every three years to showcase trial results, providing growers with the opportunity to assess potential new lines before commercial release. “People eating potatoes want a really good eating experience,” says Tony. “That’s what drives us in everything we do.” CALL Otautau Tractors & Machinery 03 225 8516 to get Your HANDS on a RATA ATTACHMENT *excuse the pun
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