88 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Pratt Milking Machines Ltd / Regenerative Vegetation Solutions Karen Phelps Alexia Johnston Building new milking sheds has very much been the order of the day of late for Zakk Pratt and the team at Te Awamutu-based Pratt Milking Ltd. Zakk is one of three directors in the business. “Along with me, there’s Brett McLeod and Jason Donnelly and we’re fortunate to have many long-term staff to give the company a really solid base. Both Brett and Jason oversee the stainless steel division,” Zakk explains. The business is a solid and substantial concern, home to skilled technicians across its milking, water and stainless fabrication activities. “Our industry becomes busier when the market conditions of our farmer clients is in a more positive state and that’s what we have now, with stronger dairy payouts, providing farmers with the means to look at major projects such as upgrades or new builds,” says Zakk. By the time Pratt Milking Ltd has completed its current regime of dairy shed builds or refurbishments, the company will have installed six, within a close proximity to home-base in the centre of the Waikato. As licensed De Laval agents, Pratt Milking Ltd, now install De Laval platforms throughout Australasia. “DeLaval offers superb innovation and technology so we were proud to become the brand’s agents here. P.M.L also designs and installs SmartCool, cow-shed misting systems that reduce animal stress by dropping the ambient air temperature and There is more to Auckland than its reputation as a bustling city hub, with its dairy sector also functioning as a cornerstone of the region’s economy. A range of local businesses are supporting the industry, working to help farmers balance productivity with sustainability. Among them is Regenerative Vegetation Solutions (RVS), founded by Dave Haycock and Chris Clark, who share a passion for restoring land health while backing the region’s farmers. Dave and Chris established the business in 2021, combining their shared knowledge and expertise in agricultural business, fencing and civil contracting management. Their intention was to provide clients with a wide range of services under one umbrella, a venture which evolved from their decade-long fencing business. Chris, who was born and raised on a dairy farm, established a background in farm management where he applied both conventional and regenerative practices. Dave, meanwhile, was immersed in horticulture from an early age, with his family running a commercial flower growing business from greenhouses. His career progressed into animal and land management, which was supported by agricultural study and practical experience in New Zealand and overseas. That experience included three years broadacre farming in Australia, working across both cereal and cotton, followed by a year working in dairy and cereal operations in the UK. Alongside their areas of expertise, they both developed a strong knowledge of equipment and a passion for big machinery, a skillset that complements their business and underpins much of RVS’ practical land restoration work. Bringing their combined skills together, Dave and Highly skilled technicians Restoring land health discouraging flies and other insects. Asked how busy they are moving forward Zakk says there’s plenty enough work on. “We’re booked up until this time next year which is great for planning so far in advance. We have a large honey processing factory in Taupo starting next February that will take a couple of months to complete.” Zakk says these days he pretty much slots into working on any specific part of the company as demand dictates. He’s also very proud of the company’s track record encouraging and engaging entry-level people into the trades. “We have six apprentices at the moment, across milking, stainless and water divisions. I find its best to train up the team, then you’re in the best position to ensure they produce the quality of work our reputation is based on. We’re fortunate to have an amazingly skilled team, who are great craftsmen and problem-solvers.” The company’s stainless steel division designs, fabricates and installs a wide array of products, servicing not only agriculture but commercial, construction and food processing industries. And P.M.L also engages in a wide range of water-infrastructure projects, from water intake and treatment, on-farm reticulation pumps, yard wash and submersible pumps to managing residential water services. Zakk says, with a team of 23 on board, he’s happy with the size and scale of the company. “And having a core of long-term highly experienced tradespeople on board means the P.M.L. can tackle the most complex projects with ease.” Chris established RVS to provide farmers with a one-stop service for land restoration and vegetation management. RVS provides their clients with a wide range of services, including land clearing and stump grinding, mulching and composting, returning nutrients to the soil and encouraging long-term fertility. They also provide fencing to protect waterways and restored areas, grassing and plantations to enhance pasture quality and biodiversity, silage and maize contracting to help manage feed efficiently, and project management and advice to ensure practical, cost-effective, and sustainable results for every farm. “Basically, we like to start at ground zero, assess soil health, mitigate problematic biological factors in soil and plant nutrition, remove all noxious weeds and pest species that can prevent profitable business, and work the land to be more sustainable and profitable for our clients,” Dave said. Dave and Chris prioritise mulching, composting, and careful plant selection, some of the key aspects that sets them apart. One of their standout projects involved a large riparian planting and stock-fencing initiative on a dairy farm in Karaka. By selecting plants suited to the local ecosystems, RVS improved soil stability, enhanced biodiversity, and created a healthier waterway. However, for Dave and Chris, their support of the Auckland dairy industry extends beyond each individual farm. “The dairy industry is vital to Auckland. It certainly helps that in the domestic market Auckland is one of the bigger users and being a main port it’s a gateway to the other users around the world,” Dave said. Nearby farms offer a great opportunity to educate people, while bridging the gap between urban and rural life, including the fact “milk comes from a cow, and in fact not the chilled section in the supermarket”. Contact us: office@pmimports.co.nz STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIERS WWW.PMIMPORTS.CO.NZ Stainless Steel Products PM Imports (2018) ltd is 100% New Zealand owned and operated. We offer a wide variety of quality stainless steel products, sourced from both local and international suppliers. Some of our products Ball Valves BSP 316 BSP Fittings 316 Butterfly Valves 304 Camlocks 316 BSP Centrifugal Pumps 304 Non Return Valves 316 LARGE SCALE TREE WORK SHELTERBELT TOPPING/REMOVAL WHOLE TREE CHIPPING LAND CLEARING MULCHING LOGGING STUMP GRINDING MULCH SUPPLY ANIMAL BEDDING 1121c Great South Road, Drury, Auckland | timberlinecontracting.co.nz Call Us Today 0800 FOR WOOD Specialising in: Business, Rural & Personal Insurance 8b Roulston St, Pukekohe www.mwinsurance.co.nz T 09 237 0790 E admin@mwinsurance.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=