| 91 nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Wairuna Agri-Services Wairuna-Agri: farmers working for farmers Karen Phelps Wairuna Agri-Services is all about farmers working for farmers. Company owner Angus and Gemma McKenzie work on the family farm and many of their staff also hail from either a farming or rural background. This gives the a great understanding of what farmers require when it comes to their agricultural spraying, fert application and direct drilling work. In fact Angus says they often trial new techniques and technology on their own farm rst to ensure what they are offering their clients is only the best and will deliver real results. Angus and Gemma have just set up a new website (www.wairunaag.nz) to let farmers know about what they can offer them. Angus has a Bachelor of Agriculture degree and a Masters in Management of Agricultural Systems from Lincoln University. He spent a number of years doing agrimony research work for the Foundation for Arable Research before returning to the family farm in 2015. When it came to spraying, the decision was made to invest in some good technology but this also meant it was only feasible if some contracting work for others was undertaken as well. In 2018 Wairuna AgriServices was started and has since grown, mainly by word of mouth. Wairuna Agri-Services works mainly between the Ashburton and Rangitata rivers from the hills to the seas. It also works outside of this area as required. The business employs four full time staff including a manager, all Growsafe trained and hold certi ed handler quali cations. Angus works over both business – farm and Wairuna Agri-Services - and Gemma takes on the important administration aspect. “We have a really good team that are farmers at heart,” says Angus. A family affair: Gemma McKenzie, holding Bella and Angus McKenzie with Sam. “We’re farmers working for farmers and we care about the end result.” Wairuna Agri-Services applies crop protection products, herbicide etc. It also completes biological protection, fungicide and liquid fertiliser application both through the sprayers and also through a tow and fert sprayer. Other services include direct drilling with a crosslot drill. Signi cant investment has been made in plant including two Mitsubishi spray trucks with spray packs on them that can spray to 24m and a self propelled Amazone Panterra 4503 with individual nozzle control etc. It has a 1.7m clearance adjustable wheel track for different seed work and clearing tall crops such as sun owers, brassica seed, blackcurrants etc and 30m boom width. An Amazone Panterra 4504 has just been added to the eet, which can auto change nozzles for the right application rate every time and offers boom width to 36m. Another recent purchase due to arrive shortly is an Amazone UF 2002 so that Wairuna Agri-Services can undertake jobs even in the wetter season. Angus says that Wairuna Agri-Services is big on sustainability and is seeing a real increase in demand for liquid fert and direct drilling services. TracMap is used for proof of placement. Topcon is used for accurate guidance and application control. “We believe in it and also use it on our own farm and enjoy delivering this technology and service to other farmers to help them be more sustainable.” “We have a really good team that are farmers at heart.” Wairuna Agri-Services works mainly between the Ashburton and Rangitata rivers applying crop protection products. Other services include direct drilling with a crosslot drill. MAKE THE MOST FROM YOUR LAND. Our team of agronomists combine proven science, business thinking and an understanding of the nuances of South Island soil and conditions to help you achieve higher yields and enhanced livestock performance. Our solutions focus on your commercial objectives and consider your unique land and environmental circumstances. We grow extraordinary outcomes. Get in touch to find out how we could help you make the most from your land. catalystag.co.nz Proudly in support of Rogan Borrie. i rt f Wairuna-Agri Services Ltd
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