| 61 Smart engineering and practical experience After a difficult season two years ago, the past year has been the best the business has had. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Precision Direct Drilling Limited Ten years after transforming an old maize planter into a high performance precision drilling machine, Southland contractor Spencer Marshall says Precision Direct Drilling continues to grow through smart engineering, practical experience, and a focus on getting the basics right. The owner operator business has built a reputation across Southland for specialist no till, precision planting, and engineering solutions. Spencer says farmers value contractors who do one job exceptionally well. “There was a time when bigger operators were becoming one stop shops for everything, but it has started to swing back again,” Spencer says. “Farmers like dealing with an owner operator. They like dealing directly with the person on the machine.” While that can make rapid expansion more difficult, Spencer says it has also created a sustainable business model. “We have actually been more profitable just running by myself. It keeps things simpler and more efficient, although that does mean a few nights away.” After a difficult season two years ago, the past year has been the best the business has had, even with a delayed start when planned October work shifted into November. “It has been a real relief. The 2024 season was very tough on man and machine. You work hard through the season, do your maintenance, and actually have something to show for it.” That stronger season was timely, with Spencer travelling to the United States to study planting technology. After spending time with Needham Ag, Ag Leader, Precision Planting, and Harvest International, the trip confirmed many systems already in use remain highly competitive. “One of the biggest things I came home with was reassurance that this machine we built six years ago is still right where we want it. We work all over Southland, so need a machine that does a solid job anywhere.” Spencer says hydraulic downforce remains one of the most important technologies for accurate planting depth and even emergence. “If you can maintain even depth and even emergence, that is where the gains come from. It keeps the seed in the hard ground.” Precision Direct Drilling’s current planter has completed about 4500 hectares and continues to perform strongly through regular maintenance and upgrades. “It might not look new anymore, but with good maintenance it is still right up there with the best.” Variable rate fertiliser capability is another area Spencer believes could grow locally as input prices continue to rise. “I could do single product variable rates now, but it has never been requested. Going forward there is scope to do two or three different products at once.” Although he does not run a sprayer, he also saw advances in spray technology in the US, particularly camera guided systems that identify weeds and target only those plants. “That can reduce chemical use and help prevent resistance issues.” While autonomous machinery is developing quickly overseas, Spencer says New Zealand’s terrain and changing soil types present challenges for full automation. COMPLETE CROP SOLUTIONS FROM START TO FINISH 027 347 3008 Southland John Curran Contracting At McCulloch + Partners we are a local business run by local people. We pride ourselves on being friendly, accessible and experienced accounting specialists no matter the industry you’re in. Proudly supporting Precision Direct Drilling p: 03 218 6179 e: Mark.Jordan@mcp.co.nz w: www.mcp.co.nz Mark Jordan Partner For now, he believes skilled operators remain essential. “There is real satisfaction in doing a good planting job, then driving past in summer and seeing what has worked.” Precision Direct Drilling continues to offer both direct drilling and cultivated planting. “Different farms need different systems.” He says the business will keep improving one season at a time. “We cannot make decisions for this year based on last year. We have to play the cards in front of us.”
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