NZ Dairy Winter 2020

C ovid-19 has highlighted the fact that the groundspread fertiliser industry in New Zea- land is on track, says New Zealand Ground- spread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA) president John Schultz. “As essential workers, our members were able to transition very easily to working under the lockdown restrictions. This was largely due to the fact the industry has embraced technology for some time so it wasn’t that difficult to work in a Covid-19 environment. “Thanks to new NZGFA executive officer Melanie Dingle, external communication with members as to what was required to operate under the various lockdown levels, was extremely robust,” says John. He says that the NZGFA has been particularly fo- cused on working with industry partners on various projects, facilitating industry relations and connec- tions amongst groundspreaders, manufacturers and distributors of fertiliser and lime to address issues and target improvement. One such project was working with the New Zea- land Agricultural Aviation Association to present a submission to the Ministry of Primary Industries on proposed changes to legislation regarding healthy water. The NZGFA has also just started working with Ravensdown and Ballance to achieve a more uniform product to improve spreadability. Spreadmark is another focus and John says that it is gaining traction in the industry. He hopes more primary producers will follow in the steps of Synlait, which has included Spreadmark as part of its Lead with Pride programme. The Spreakmark fertiliser quality placement pro- gramme was established by the NZ Groundspread Fertilisers Association in 1994. It ensures quality and accurate placement of fertiliser in locations where it can be of the most agricultural benefit and the least environmental harm. In order to be registered a spreading company must prove they have certified spreading machin- ery, trained operators and an appropriate quality Covid highlights robust NZGFA systems Karen Phelps management system to ensure that farmer/grower outcomes are met and environmental sustain- ability is protected. Overall systems are subject to an independent audit to ensure that both farmers/ growers and regional councils can have confidence in the programme. John says Spreadmark is increasingly recog- nised by industry and regional councils as the best management practise scheme in New Zealand. Last year, a survey conducted at the NZGFA, showed overwhelming support for the Spreadmark accreditation scheme with nearly 94% of survey participants agreeing that Spreadmark was a great industry initiative. John says over 60 companies are currently Spreadmark certified and this is some- thing that will continue to grow as companies such as Synlait start to demand farmers use Spreadmark certified spreaders in order to gain a premium for their milk. “Spreadmark gives credibile authenti- fication that a job has been done well. It is good for farmers, good for producers and good for the environment. It’s a no brainer really.” Due to Covid-19 the annual conference had to be cancelled this year but the awards scheme is still on track, enabling the industry to continue to celebrate its heroes and winners will be announced at the AGM. “The awards are uplifting, motivational and rec- ognise the personal and professional contributions made by individuals within the ground spreading industry. Throughout lockdown, ground spreaders were working flat out to ensure farmers were in a position to grow enough pasture for winter feed for their stock. This has highlighted the importance of the industry to New Zealand’s food production channels.” The Spreadmark fertiliser quality placement programme ensures accurate placement of fertiliser in locations where it can be of the most agricultural benefit and the least environmental harm. 80 | nz dairy DAIRY SERVICES » NZ Groundspread Fertilizers Association Driver Licenses, Endorsements & Assessment Services Wairarapa’s Course Provider for Driver Licenses ALL WORK PLACE TRAINING CATERED FOR - Courses may qualify towards NCEA • Heavy Tra c Class 2 5 V also Wheels, Tracks & Rolls • EWP • Gantry Telehander • HIAB • DG’s • Forklift and 4WD courses Registered byNZTA • COMPETENZ • MITO • CONNEXIS • NZITO • Skills .org.nz • NZGround Spreaders Assn. • NZAAA 0274 412 659 / AH06 377 1731 POBox 671, Masterton 5840 jim.laird@wise.net.nz “With over 30 years behind us, we’re the little company that’s big on experience” 2 Truck carrying up to 25 tonne loads - Nothing too small FERTILISER & AGRICULTURAL LIME SPREADING Phone Keith on 027 496 9150 AH 03 313 3937 Fax 03 313 3938 Email plaskettfert@xtra.co.nz PLASKETT NORTHLAND We apply what you need, where you need it Ravtrak advanced guidance Proof of placement maps Experienced local operator Call us today: Jason Williamson 027 499 2530 Ravensdown Customer Centre 0800 100 123 Spreading Northland The precise way to grow