98 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » PGG Wrightson Seeds - Christchurch Agronomy expertise key for PGG Wrightson Grain Generally speaking locally produced grain is higher quality than what’s produced in other parts of the world. Richard Loader PGG Wrightson Grain procure grain and supply the dairy, poultry, pork and human consumption industries across New Zealand. For reasons mostly to do with the higher temperatures and growing conditions, the North Island produces predominantly maize, while the South Island is predominantly barley and wheat. PGG Wrightson Grain supply a range of clients with much of the grain being used to manufacture stock feeds. They pride themselves on providing New Zealand grown grain, with none being imported from overseas. “Generally speaking locally produced grain is higher quality than what’s produced in other parts of the world, and all of our grain is grown in New Zealand’s GMO free environment,” says North Island Manager, Kevin Flaxman.“ PGG Wrightson Grain have skilled and experienced people throughout both islands offering services to growers and end-users. The business has Field Representatives who often come from farming backgrounds with an Agricultural degree based on agronomy. They work with growers throughout the season offering specialist knowledge and advice on crop production from planning and establishment through the stages of crop development to harvest time. “We support growers with advice and technical information on how to get the best yields while maintaining grain quality. “We want growers to be successful and stay growing grain long term,” explains Kevin, ”Grower support has always been part and parcel of PGG Wrightson Grain’s offering, and the level of service has become more technical over the years as the industry has developed. Whereas wheat and barley generally dries down in the field, the North Island maize crop has to be brought to a central point to be dried and stored. “Maize has to be mechanically dried,” explains Kevin, ‘it won’t dry down to a level where we can store it. We bring it off the field at around 20% moisture, put it through one of the grain driers placed throughout the North Island and dry the grain down to 14 to 14.5%.” PGG Wrightson Grain staff co-ordinate the harvest and drying schedules to ensure that the harvest runs smoothly maximising good weather conditions with minimum hold ups in the field. A key product, as New Zealand’s cow numbers have increased is kibbled grain, which PGG Wrightson Grain can supply through times when pasture might be running short such as spring or autumn. “The kibbled grain supplies an energy base mixed with the protein from pasture offering a good all round feed for the dairy cow, with good nutrient values,” says Kevin. The nutrient values of our grains are an important part of PGG Wrightson’s grain trade. While NZ grown grain may on the surface seem more expensive than what’s being imported, the guaranteed nutrient values mean you know exactly what value you’re getting for your money. “With all the grain we purchase, we specify a minimum standard which we monitor at harvest time before we accept it. If you buy it from overseas you might have seen a sample but samples can be different to the feed you receive. The animals need those nutrients to produce, whether they’re a cow or a chicken.” “We want growers to be successful and stay growing grain long term. Grower support has always been part and parcel of PGG Wrightson Grain’s offering.” - Bulk Grain, Silo & Cool Storage - Firewood & Shingle Supplies - Agricultural Spraying - Lime & Super Spreading - Precision Nitrogen Sowing - Swing-Lifting - Log, Hay & Straw, Grain, Stock & Container Cartage PROUD TO SUPPORT PGG WRIGHTSON LTD PO Box 28, Line Road, Methven • Ph: 03 302 8616 E: philipwareingltd@xtra.co.nz • www.philipwareing.co.nz • Design, Build & Installation Services • Grain Storage Silos • Grain Handling Equipment • Grain Dryers • Feed Milling Equipment
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