NZ Dairy Winter 2021

| 121 nz dairy DAIRY SERVICES » NZGFA Building resilience theme for conference Kelly Deeks N ew Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers As- sociation (NZGFA) is proud to have delivered its 64 th annual conference this year, bringing a sold-out crowd the opportunity to increase their networking, their business knowledge, and their motivation for the business year ahead. NZGFA president and Mainland Spreading man- aging director John Schultz says with the excep- tion of last year, the NZGFA has hosted an annual conference every year since its inception in 1956. “It’s very well supported,” John says. “All of our members have an opportunity to catch up, and our sponsors have access to a huge amount of people.” This year the conference was organised by the Canterbury branch of the NZGFA, and for the first time since 1978, the conference was back at the Hermitage Hotel at Aoraki Mount Cook. “If there’s one thing that came out of Covid, it’s these places we used to go to a long long time ago are now looking closer to home for sources of income and it’s opened them up for the likes of us, and that’s just bloody marvellous.” The intended theme from last year’s cancelled conference was reprised for this year, and what bet- ter location to talk about Resilience - Staying Strong for Tomorrow’s Challenges. “We talked about building resilience into our businesses and what that might look like, and what individual members can get help with from NZGFA.” Along with health and safety, which John says is always a hot topic, the Government’s 190kg N/ha/ year cap on the amount of synthetic nitrogen ferti- liser applied to land in pastoral land use was also a big issue for the conference, since the new limit will be in place from July 1 2021. “This not only relates to farmers but also to the support industries,” John says. “Suddenly farmers have to rework how they are going to feed their cows and continue their current production level, or if they are even going to be able to do that. We work for the farmer, and we rely on them being able to do well and perform to their best ability.” With some top quality key speakers, this year’s conference took a slightly different approach to partners, who are increasingly wanting to be more involved. Rather than being consigned to the Part- ners Programme, this year partners were invited to listen to key speakers. “Suddenly farmers have to rework how they are going to feed their cows and continue their current production level, or if they are even going to be able to do that.” NORTHLAND Spreading Northland The precise way to grow Call us today: Jason Williamson 027 499 2530 • We apply what you need, where you need it • Ravtrak advanced guidance • Proof of placement maps • Application history stored online • Experienced local operator • Options for all terrain Ravensdown Customer Centre 0800 100 123 Amuri Transport (1989) Ltd Livestock • Bulk Grain • Shingle • Coal • Fertiliser • Daily Freight Service Livestock - stock@amuritransport.co.nz Fertiliser - fert@amuritransport.co.nz Freight - freight@amuritransport.co.nz 56 St Leonards Rd, Culverden Ph: 03 315 3033 – F: 03 315 8413 Peter Callander Spreadmark Accredited Address: 141 Gillard Road, RD10, HAMILTON 3290 Truck Peter: 027 491 5726 Truck Nathan: 027 473 7961 Ph: 07 825 2659 Email: p.rcallander@farmside.co.nz Comedian and cancer survivor David Downs shared his story and how to ask for and accept help, while mountaineer and entrepreneur Robert Bruce spoke on the importance of being active and outdoors for mental and physical health. MC for the conference is New Zealand mountain- eer, cyclist, biochemist, researcher, winemaker, and motivational speaker Mark Inglis. Mark lost both his legs below the knee to frostbite after getting stuck in a snow cave on Aoraki Mount Cook for 13 days in 1982. 20 years later, he made it to the summit, then in 2006, made it to the top of the world when he became the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Photos: The NZGFA held its 64th annual conference at Aoraki Mt Cook in June with 240 attendees over the three days. The conference committee (below) busy making up welcome packs for attendees. Smarter Spreading for your Fertiliser Spend Contact the team on Ph: 03 324 2082 • Mob: 027 487 5639 Or phone 0800 100 123 • Accurate variable rate • Specialised crop truck • Liquid fert applicator • Spreadmark certified • Experienced operators • Proof of placement • Collect and apply from any fertiliser provider throughout Canterbury