86 | nzdairy Keeping farmers ready a round-the-clock job “Paying for the electricity doesn’t appear to get cheaper. Some of the water monitoring equipment people can think about will save a lot of water.” DAIRY SERVICES » Northland Farm Services Tracey Edwardes Fixing, replacing and supplying equipment, to keep dairy farms prepared, is a round-the-clock job for Northland Farm Services – whether for general upkeep or a wild weather rescue mission. “It was extraordinary moving around in the storm,” says owner Grant Shaw, who ensured his clients were equipped and operational during Cyclone Gabrielle. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Driving down a 5 or 10 km stretch of road, with every single power pole was on the ground.” It was all hands on deck for weeks installing petrol pumps in cowsheds, and replacing waterdamaged equipment. “What came out of this, is the importance of being prepared with generators and alternative systems when power is cut, and upgrading and servicing equipment where financially viable. Regular maintenance to keep everything in reasonable working order benefits everyone, rather than breaking down in these situations.” Grant and his wife Jennifer have owned Northland Farm Services since taking over from his parents, who started the business 20 years ago. The company services mainly dairy farms in the area, also some sheep, beef, lifestyle and industrial operations. It’s a 24/7 job for the skilled fabrication welding and engineering expert, and his five staff. Someone is always there to answer the phone from the Whangarei or Dargaville offices, or afterhours, to sell and service water filtration, water treatment, water saving, irrigation and full milking systems. “During the storm I had most staff on the ground. We worked very long hours, while some also volunteered for the Hikurangi fire brigade. Like many businesses, we are stretched and need two more trainee technicians. It would make a big difference to the roster! “All they need is a driver’s license, the right to work in New Zealand, and willingness to work and learn on the job. I put staff through The New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trade Association courses to become fully trained service technicians in two to five years. Experience goes a long way, as service engineering is taught via invaluable on-thejob training. Steve came to me with small-engine machinery experience and will take our Machine Testing Course in October - a qualification he can then use anywhere. I’m also currently investigating the new apprenticeships available for the role. An exciting career always in a different location, it’s very rare we do the same thing day after day. You get to see a lot of the countryside and meet interesting people.” Grant, also a Federated Farmers Northland executive, is aware of the financial issues most farmers are facing. “Paying for the electricity doesn’t appear to get cheaper. Some of the water monitoring equipment people can think about will save a lot of water. The beauty is you don’t have to invest in new equipment, but instead can adapt it to an existing system. It could be as simple as starting with a couple of water meters and a notebook, through to messages being sent to their cell phone.” Sharing his tricks of the trade and serving the farming community is the best part of the job. “If something needs doing on the farm, they just need to ask me. And if we don’t do it, we’ll know who does.” Maclon is pleased to support Northland Farm Services Ltd and proud to be a supplier of high quality water reticulation products. www.maclon.co.nz Providing Water System Solutions for over 60 years Talk to your agent for all repairs, spare parts, and servicing of existing pumps and the range of new pumps for your everyday pumping needs. Repairing and servicing existing pumps and selling the new Track range of pumps for your everyday pumping needs. Track B1 (300) & C1 (500) Wallace Power low A,B,C & AHR Anderson 253, 355/7,605/7,1105/7, Deepwell Windmills & windmill pumps Deepwell cylinders & Deepwell Gearings GRP & Hand pumps WH Price Renown 150,200,400 and more Track B1 (300) & C1 pumps (500) Wallace Power low A,B,C & AHR Andersons range Windmills & windmill pumps MacEwans H range WH Price Renown pumps The pumps and spares are factory original and proudly New Zealand made, see our New pump range and spare parts. www.trackindustries.co.nz New Pump Range: Have a look, you’ve probably got one of our pumps working well for you already, or maybe just sitting in your shed and you’re wondering what to do with it then feel free to contact your local agent for great advise and service. Other pumps spares: Proud to support our awesome local agents throughout New Zealand. Grant Shaw thrives on continuing the family line of knowledge and great customer service.
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