84 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Watson Farm Solutions Scott says the business has been built around custom equipment developed over decades. Karen Phelps For more than 60 years, Watson Farm Solutions has been keeping the wheels turning for Southland’s farmers with a spray rig in the paddock, a trusted voice on the phone, and quality gear that’s built for New Zealand conditions. Owner Scott Watson, based in Otautau, says while spraying is the core of the business, the mindset has always been one of adaptability and service. “We predominantly do one thing - spraying - but the name ‘Watson Farm Solutions’ reflects the thinking that we could do anything if needed,” he says. “That flexibility and the relationships we’ve built over the years are a big part of why we’re still going after all this time.” Spraying fertiliser, insecticide, and herbicide for dairy, beef, and sheep clients within a 50km radius of Otautau, Watson Farm Solutions also runs a dipping programme during the off-season and fills in the quieter periods with council work and gear maintenance. Scott says the business has been built around custom equipment developed over decades of practical experience. “Off-the-shelf gear isn’t always made for the conditions we work in here. What we’ve done is built a fleet that suits the ground and the scale of the work,” he says. That fleet includes a line-up of 4WD Canters, each carrying a 2000-litre tank and purpose-built for the demands of Southland terrain, from steep hills to soft paddocks and tight gateways. “A shorter wheelbase helps us get around more easily, and fully loaded the trucks carry around 2.3T,” Scott says. “We’ve got everything from small to large rigs, so we can match the job with the right machine.” All trucks are fitted with GPS and Auto-Section Control technology, improving placement accuracy and reducing waste. Scott says this digital approach has taken a lot of admin out of the job, for both the business and its clients. “Farmers are really starting to see the benefits of proof-of-placement technology. Some even jump online themselves and can see all the detail about the job we’ve just done. It saves time, cuts down the paperwork, and gives everyone confidence,” he says. “But at the same time, our personal touch hasn’t gone away. Farmers still like to have a yarn, know who’s coming up their drive, and know their job will be done on time.” Six decades supporting Southland farmers With a team of four on the ground and Scott’s wife Carolyn running the office, Watson Farm Solutions continues to operate as a tight-knit, family-run business. Staff range from younger operators to seasoned hands, all of them wellversed in the expectations of Southland farmers. Scott says it’s been a seasonally challenging job, with weather and payout fluctuations always influencing demand. But 60 plus years in business have brought experience and perspective. “Every farm and every season is different. You’ve got to be flexible and stay positive,” he says. Southland Helicopters delivers precision aerial services across the Southland region - from spraying, fertiliser, bucket lifts, gravelling, fire-lighting and surveying - all operated with agile, ultra-quiet MD600NNOTAR helicopters Contact us today for all your aerial agricultural needs office@southlandheli.nz Email 027 432 2227 Hayden Cherry “Farmers are really starting to see the benefits of proof-of-placement technology. Some even jump online themselves and can see all the detail about the job we’ve just done.” “Right now, things are steady, which means I get to spend more time doing the hands-on work I enjoy, out in the paddock, getting the job done.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=