NZGFA NEWS New leadership elected
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The official magazine of the NZGFA - Volume 206
205 Spring 2021
NZGFA NEWS AWARDS HEALTH & SAFETY
New leadership elected And the winners are ... Time to change the mindset
CONFERENCE 2021
Resilience conference - a resounding success
INSIDE: BRANCH REPORTS | SPREADMARK| SPREADER TESTING | SAFE DRIVING
MADE FOR NEW ZEALAND scania.co.nz
Inside this issue From the President
FRONT COVER: Photos taken at 2021 As this is my first editorial as the
NZGFA Conference, Aoraki Mt Cook President of the NZGFA, I would like
to thank members for the nomination
3 From the President and opportunity to represent you. As
I have just returned from the annual
4,5 NZGFA News NZGFA conference and am getting
down to business I now have a good
6,7 Branch Reports
sense of how big this job will be. A
9,10 Awards special thank you to John Schultz for
all his work over the past two years.
12,13 Conference 2021
My initial thoughts on the role is to
15,16 Spreadmark build on the strategic direction we
set in place two years ago, and to
17 Spreader Testers
look at activities that will add value to
18,19 Health & Safety members. The actions required will be
focused on the new challenges of the
21, 22 From the Stakeholders industry around the impact of nutrient
applications and the environment.
Our strategic value statement is President Graeme Martin
clear – “Lead, Promote and enhance Email: graemem@wealleans.co.nz
nutrient placement” and our focus
is to “positively influence nutrient Council business so whatever gets
outcomes”. done is relevant to members on the
“front line”.
I believe the industry has the tool kit
to achieve the strategic objectives The conference was a huge success
through best practice such as with the theme of Resilience being
Spreadmark and we should all be very appropriate for today’s business
lining up to gain this accreditation. world. The Canterbury team staged
a special event in difficult times at
The new NZGFA Council has been
a very special place. I hope all who
formed with member representatives
attended took something home with
and we have assigned roles within –
them such as a pledge to work on
such as Health & Safety, Transport,
something specific - be it Health &
FQC, Fertiliser & Lime and Training.
Safety, Spreadmark, business goals or
For these roles to be successful we
personal achievements.
need input to the Council of the real
issues that you as members face. This In closing, it will be my privilege
will ensure that steps can be made to to represent the groundspreading
The publishers cannot accept responsibility
for opinions expressed by contributors improve and rectify the issues that are industry. I look forward to your
and/or any inadvertent mistakes or in play in your every day operations. questions and/or challenges and wish
omissions that may occur in this issue.
So – branches must be active in the you well for the new season.
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 3
NZGFA News
Mainland Spreading, announced his procedures. Melanie said she enjoyed
decision not to continue in the role. her time with the association working
with a wonderful group of people but
John’s commitment to the position needed to move into a full time role.
over his two year term has been Melanie has now taken a position
applauded by NZGFA members. He at New Zealand Good Agricultural
was recognised for his stalwart and Practice (NZGAP).
common sense approach and his
unwavering leadership - particularly, The NZGFA is currently looking for
at a time when he was experiencing its next Executive Officer. Details of
personal loss and tragedy. this part-time role can be found on
SEEK and on the NZGFA website:-
John said he enjoyed his tenure and
www.nzgfa.co.nz
that he sees the fact that everyone
is prepared to listen to each other
as a key strength of the association, Thousands raised for trust
and one that will carry it forward. He The NZGFA has donated nearly $4,000
congratulated Graeme on his election, to the Limbs4All Trust. The charitable
Outgoing NZGFA President, John Schultz,
with wife Nivonne commending him as astute and organisation, created by Mark and
business-focused. Anne Inglis in 2007, after Mark’s climb
New leadership for NZGFA of Everest as the first and only double
Search is on for new EO amputee to reach the summit, aims
The NZGFA has elected Graeme to help support some of the 400
Martin, General Manager of Wealleans NZGFA Executive Officer, Melanie million disabled people worldwide
Groundspreading, as its new national Dingle, also stepped down recently. with mobility aids and wheelchairs.
President. The nomination came at Melanie has been in the role for 18 The money was collected via fines
the association’s recent AGM, after months and has been instrumental in for humorous misdemeanours at
outgoing President, John Schultz of implementing a range of new robust the association’s June conference.
Traction in the Field, HIGH
SPEED
Performance on the Road. MAXIMUM
TRACTION
NO
COMPROMISE
0800 336 334
or visit our website: www.trstyreandwheel.co.nz
Page 4 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021
NZGFA News
are now in place. NZGFA President, Life membership for Dean
Graeme Martin, says the new Dean Brooks of Nelson-based Brooks
legislation has signification implication Spreading has been presented with
for groundspreading customers and, an NZGFA Life Membership Award
as such, it is up to members to ensure in recognition of many years of his
they are aware of what the new rules services and dedication to the industry.
mean. “We are the service providers, Dean was honoured to receive the
plus we have the technology that will award and accepted it with gratitude.
help farmers and growers record the
data they need for their FEPs (Farm
Environment Plans). It is, therefore,
part of our job to assist our customers
in every way we can.”
Conference 2022
It has been announced that the 2022
Mark Inglis, founder of the Limbs4All Trust
NZGFA Conference - the association’s
65th event - will take place in Taranaki
For more information about Mark next year. The Taranaki branch says it
and Anne’s work visit - www. is excited to host the conference and
markinglisunlimited.co.nz/about will build on the energy of the past two
events to create another successful
New N rules now in place get-together. Dates will be announced
The NZGFA is reminding all members soon, however they are likely to fall
that the two new rules around the within the first week of the July school
use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser (N) NZGFA Life Membership for Dean Brooks
holidays.
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 5
Branch reports Northland
Taranaki Waikato
By Alistair MacGregor By Kylie Owen
Hello from the Naki. It’s been a pretty I have just returned from the annual Waikato
typical three months up here, a fairly NZGFA conference that was held
strong June leading into the slower at Aoraki Mt Cook – staying at the Taranaki
winter months. Hermitage Hotel. Firstly, what a
venue to host an amazing conference,
The weather has mostly worked in our there were a lot of ‘take aways’ from
favour with ground temps holding up this event. The conference was well Central
well. All in all a good season had by all planned and executed with the theme Districts
with a good payout and lots of reports Nelson/
of “resilience” being appropriate. Marlborough
of record production. Operators are Consciously or unconsciously
looking forward to a big spring season. resilience is now first and foremost
The Taranaki branch has put 25 drivers within our daily routines having
and office staff through a Spreadmark endured (and continue to endure) a Canterbury
and Health and Safety course with Jim global pandemic and as we
Laird, which was well received by all look forward towards the
who attended. new challenges of changing
environmental rules.
The Canterbury branch can definitely
give themselves a massive pat on the At this time of the Otago/ Operator training, vehicle
year (winter) we Southland
back with the way they ran this year’s maintenance and planning whilst it is
conference! are getting ready seemingly quiet.
for the spring season Branch Chairman
It’s sure put the pressure on our – taking the opportunity whilst off Regardless of the recent weather
branch for next year. paddock to engage in Spreadmark bombs, operators are reporting early
THE
Integrated scales with automatic density
calculations
Cellular modem capable
Four trace element hopper controls in addition
to main hopper
Seat switch
Individual, dual floor and spinner control
Three dimensional gyro enabling
variable displacement
Left and right rate/bout adjustment
Operator interface via a new
capacitive daylight readable
full colour touchscreen
Interfaces with all common GPS
systems
For further queries, please phone +64 7 843 1446 or +64 274 776 375
Email: info@jwe.net.nz
Page 6 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021
Branch reports
interest in nitrogen applications of dinner and a night out on the Otago/Southland
including sulphur as it is relatively town was a success and enjoyed by
By Nigel Powell (Verge)
warm – air and soil temperatures. This attendants, members and partners
bodes well for a good season and the alike. Howdy all from the farrrr South. I’d
indicators are positive for continued like to kick it off with thanking our out-
strong farm gate returns. going EO, Melanie Dingle & National
Nelson/Marlborough President John Schultz for all their
Calving around the Waikato is in hard work, dedication & time they
By Tracy Rose-Russell
full swing and the canopy crop have put into our association and
programmes for the kiwifruit industry The weather in Nelson and congratulations to our new National
is getting underway. Early reports are Marlborough the last few weeks President Graeme Martin.
that everything is off to a good start - has been wet wet wet. Although
long may that continue. stop banks held up remarkably well A big thank you to the Canterbury
with the initial event two weeks ago Branch Crew for running such an
There is a bit of new gear going on the awesome conference in a really
with the huge volumes in the river,
road, great for some operators. Truck majestic part of the country, a great
unfortunately there still was a lot
suppliers are reporting strong interest, time had by all I’m sure.
of flooding around the district. The
however the challenge of the global
water was receding fast, however
supply chain will make deliveries in We’ve had a fairly mild winter down
subsequent rains have the water table
the short term difficult. Resilience here so far, allowing a bit of lime to still
very high now and ground conditions
and/or patience will be required. be spread about the place after the
are wet and taking their time to dry
frosts have gone off and the bulkies
Looking forward, the predictions are out. Spreading has ground to a halt
are finished their morning gritting
for a good spring season, potentially and with spring approaching there
runs.
an increase in crops being established. is likely to be a large bottle-neck
Hopefully key product supply has been of vineyard spreading jobs prior to With the last couple of months being
planned by our main suppliers. budburst, especially as development quieter, it’s given the drivers a chance
vineyard blocks have been too wet to to have a break and for the gear to get
A special thank you to the Canterbury get onto, so will need to be done later some maintenance done as it won’t
team for hosting the annual conference in the midst of the other spreading be long before they are back out of
– well done, showcasing a piece of NZ jobs. Owners of jobs done prior to the the starting gates and into the spring
paradise. It was great to be amongst so rains are now worried whether the season.
many positive, friendly and welcoming fertiliser is well washed in or washed
people. Finally - Congratulations to away. We are in the process of sorting out
Graeme Martin as he accepted the some driver training for the branch
role of President - NZGFA. On a brighter note the sun is shining
members so they can start the season
today – so hopefully the fertiliser
off all fresh and raring to go. These
stores will be well stocked up when
training days are always well attended
the time comes for us all to get back
Central Districts into it at full noise. Conference was
and a date is still to be confirmed.
By Mike Hammond attended by 2 local firms and was Wishing everyone a great start to the
thoroughly enjoyed. season and keep safe out there.
Winter has had a dry start, with more
regular rain events only just starting
to come through. The dry ground
conditions have allowed operators
to continue to spread through the
normal quiet time. Looking forward to
spring, many are optimistic for an early
start to the new season. However, the Groundspread is now taking advertising bookings for the
increased spreading application has Summer 2021 issue
stopped planned winter maintenance
occurring across the region.
Book now by emailing
The first aid course was well attended communications@nzgfa.co.nz
by members and had positive reviews
by all. Our latest branch meeting in
Napier had a smaller than expected
turnout. Although the social gathering
Find out more at www.nzgfa.co.nz
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 7
WIN!
THIS KAB GSX
PROUDLY NZ
OWNED & OPERATED TRUCK/BUS SEAT
To go into the draw to win send us a photo of your seat
that needs replacing via email or our Facebook page.
Email: Facebook:
ingear@trt.co.nz @trtltd
or your local rep!
One entry per person. Entries close at 11.59pm 30th September 2021. Winner will be drawn and contacted by
8th October 2021. The winner will be announced on the TRT Facebook page. To enter this draw you must be over 18 years or
older and located in New Zealand. Prize includes shipping within New Zealand, adapter plates are not included. Prize can not
be exchanged for cash or equivalent value in products or services. Tidd Ross Todd Limited reserves the right to publish winners
first names and company online and in print media. See our website for full terms and conditions.
Forestry, harvesting, spreading,
tankers, stock trucks, access
equipment and ag work - if
your fleet travels off-highway
for any reason, Traction Air CTI
can improve your performance.
Improve traction
Reduce tyre wear
Reduce damage to road
surfaces
Greater fuel efficiency
Improve vehicle and driver
safety
MANAGING TYRE PRESSURE
Match tyre pressure to load
and road surfaces, all from the
HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER,
comfort of the cab! MORE ACCURATE OR SMARTER!
CALL US TODAY to talk with our parts team!
Ham: 07 849 4839 Akl: 09 262 0683 Chch: 03 741 2261 www.trt.co.nz
Awards 2021
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
The winners and runners up of the 2021 New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA) awards
were congratulated by newly elected association president, Graeme Martin, on their contributions to the ground
spreading industry at the association’s recent conference at Aoraki, Mt Cook.
The awards programme, now in its third year, saw John Whitehead of JWE Ltd scoop two of the four awards –
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Keith Andrews Ltd and The President’s Award, sponsored by Ballance Agri-
Nutrients.
John has been manufacturing, Nick, an owner-operator, was
repairing and supplying New Zealand acknowledged for his commitment
with leading edge GPS technology and to ensuring health, safety and mental
equipment for agriculture for nearly wellbeing is a priority for everyone
30 years. Of particular note is JWE’s involved in groundspreading and
industry-acclaimed V3 spreading his input into the delivery of regular
computer with variable rate capability. driver-training sessions for NZGFA
members.
John is well recognised as an innovator
of technology and builder of quality
solutions for the industry.
The runners up for those categories
(respectively), were Travis Churchill of
Spread Test NZ – one of the country’s
most respected spreader testers
and Matthew Blomfield of Transport
Services Southland Ltd – winner of last
year’s Young Achiever’s Award.
Toby Evans, winner of the
Nick Hyslop of of Hyslop Young Achiever’s Award
Groundspreading Ltd was awarded
the Health & Safety Award, sponsored The award ceremony took place at
by Graymont. a Gala Dinner at the association’s
64th annual conference. Chaired by
mountaineering legend, Mark Inglis,
the event also applauded the out-
going NZGFA president, John Schultz
Nick Hyslop, winner of the
Health & Safety Award of Mainland Groundspreading, and
welcomed Graeme Martin of Waikato-
The runner up for this category was based Wealleans Ltd as the new
spreader operator, Anne-Marie President of the NZGFA.
Davison, of Wealleans Bay of Plenty.
Commenting on the awards,
Finally, Toby Evans, of Brooks Spreading Mr Martin said, “I am in
Ltd, was awarded the Ravensdown-
sponsored Young Achiever’s
awe of the amount of talent
Award. Toby was recognised for his within this industry and the
exceptional organisational skills, time commitment that industry
management capability, positive members are making on
influence on others and outstanding professional and personal
work ethic.
levels. Congratulations to
Spreadmark-certified spreader all our award winners and
John Whitehead’s double award win operator, Georgia Voice of Philip runners up. This industry is in
is accepted by Ted Miller of JWE Ltd Wareing Ltd was the runner up for this safe hands.”
on his behalf
category.
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 9
Together,
putting
safety first
At Ballance, we are proud of the strong, trusting partnerships
we have built. We work closely with our partners to move our
product safely from overseas destinations, through NZ ports, into
our manufacturing sites and to our customers - while ensuring
the safety and health of our people in everything we do.
ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090
Actions speak
louder than words.
Graymont is committed to NZ We perform quality testing daily.
Groundspreading, and when we Ensure product consistency and spreadability.
Provide covered product storage to eliminate moisture problems.
talk about quality, consistency
Fertmark certified and organically certified with BioGro.
and service, we make sure our A dedicated sales and technical support team
actions speak louder than words. that never settles for second best.
So talk to us today about
your AgLime Requirements.
GRA 0817-03
Page 10 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021NZGFA 64th Annual Conference THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Conference 2021
We are pleased to advise that the hotel
has since been very busy with the local
event market after our conference there.
We wish Sir John, the Carnahans and
all of the wonderful staff the very best
moving forward in this new direction
and thank them so much for being such
remarkable and welcoming hosts - they
absolutely helped make the conference
the success that it was!
We woke up to snow falling outside on
Monday morning and could see kids
out playing in fresh snow - it was quite
magical. Not one to be outshone by
snow, our morning speakers included
outgoing EO Melanie Dingle with our
2020 award winners; industry updates
from Mel, President John Schultz and
NZAAA President Toby Michelle; a
thought-provoking Spreadmark session
with James McCloy and Graeme
Martin; passionate local farmer/
environmentalist Jane Smith called upon
Resilience conference - a resounding success all of us to challenge the status quo
By Rose Hyslop, Canterbury Branch and then there was a very enlightening
survival team challenge run by the
Wow, did Aoraki Mount Cook turn it on it could not have been a more fitting dynamic MC Mark Inglis which very few
for our 64th annual NZGFA conference theme. Especially considering we were of you survived!
or what? We had snow, we had sun, still dealing with covid restrictions
we saw Aoraki in all its glory, it was thrust upon us at the last minute before
awesome! The Canterbury branch the conference! We have all had to be
welcomed 133 NZGFA members, 30 resilient over the past 18 months, as
invited guests, speakers and businesses people and as an industry.
and 77 sponsor representatives to the
stunning Hermitage Hotel on Sunday Having all 240 of us fill a hotel that was
27th June 2021 for a two and a half shut down due to the pandemic last
day conference all about Resilience. year, as its overseas market has been
As a branch, who had to prepare for unable to return, was another testament
a conference twice after having the to resilience and the ability of Kiwis to
2020 event cancelled due to Covid-19, adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
The afternoon kicked off with an
excellent Health and Safety session from
our Health & Safety representative Grant
Anderson and SBS’s Rob Thomson. David
Downs ended the day in the theatre
with a rousing call for us to take from
challenges the ability to innovate, adapt
and be better than we were before.
Robert Bruce kicked off Tuesday with his
tales of resilience and how he is helping
others to become more resilient too with
his Got to Get Out initiative encouraging
mental and physical wellbeing.
Tina Powell from Southland filled in at
the top table for the AGM when Mel
was taken ill, she will probably never
come to a conference breakfast again
after being spied across the breakfast
table by John and roped into this job -
thank you Tina!
Page 12 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021Conference 2021
AGM minutes are supplied elsewhere so
I will not go into depth here except to say
a huge congratulations to Dean Brooks
on receiving his Life Membership, very
well deserved.
Also, we farewelled outgoing president
John Schultz after two years in the
hot seat, these have not been an easy
two years for John personally after
the heartbreaking loss of his boy and
business partner, Cam, in a spreader
truck, and yet he continued to serve
us all with the strength, steadfastness
and straight-shooting character that we
know and love, thank you John! We then
welcomed the astute and passionate
Graeme Martin into this role and know
it is in good hands to continue to keep
us moving forward and being industry
leaders in our field.
During the day, there were a number of
areas that members wished to see the
council investigate this year - a name The Family programme of fun to be had - yoga, star-gazing,
playing in snow, walking the Kea Point
change away from NZGFA to include
the word ‘spreaders’ or ‘groundspread’ This year the family programme looked Track, visiting a Salmon Farm, playing
for marketing reasons such as to allow more choice for partners and mini-golf, blockbuster movies at night
google searches; more discussion/ enable them to attend more parts of the for the kids in their very own theatre
direction around Spreadmark; a vote main conference rather than being away after their own private buffets, hot
back to the branch reports featuring the whole time. This was in recognition pools, ice-skating, spa treatments!!
in Groundspread magazine; and that partners are largely involved in these
good debate with the Ballance and family businesses and that conference If you haven’t brought your family along
Ravensdown over how best to solve is no longer male-dominated, isn’t this to a conference before then you should
supply issues and driver shortages. great! This year we had 27 children and think about it for next time. There were
35 partners sign up for some/all of the so many happy kids running around in
Business was wrapped up early on family programme. Unfortunately, the their cool conference hoodies like they
Tuesday to allow attendees to explore skiing option was thwarted by the slow owned the place having a blast and
the venue, take in a big sky experience start to winter but there was still plenty making buddies!
in the theatre, head outdoors for a walk,
or sit in pockets about the venue in
smaller groups with a drink in hand and
enjoy the camaraderie and banter.
There was a lot of laughter everywhere
you turned.
Gala night was an absolute ripper -
the food, the speakers, the awards,
the band, the open bar - it was a real
celebration of our industry - one we had
to wait two long hard covid years for -
but hey, that is celebrating resilience
right there!
Thank you to everyone that attended,
to all 33 sponsors of our event, to The
Hermitage, to Mark Inglis and all of
our speakers, we hope you all enjoyed
yourselves just as much as we did!!
See you all in Taranaki for conference
number 65 in 2022!!
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 13Prompt backup service
Drawbeams
Custom built bins
Roll bars and trailers and all
associated truck and
Bumpers trailer work
Chassis alterations Made in NZ with NZ components for NZ conditions
Peter Harrison | 06 278 3054 | 027 448 0802
Regent Street Hawera
Page 14 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021Spreadmark
Forget the cost, focus on best practice and environmental the companies who had to play catch
the benefit regulations, the company decided to up in the future. Instead, it wanted to
push on with creating a business plan be a front-runner and embrace the
NZGFA President, Graeme Martin is for Spreadmark certification. inevitable - allowing enough time to
encouraging all groundspreaders not fully integrate Spreadmark across
“The biggest thing for us was that as
to fixate on the cost of Spreadmark its business and embed it within the
we continued to debate Spreadmark,
certification but to consider the Wealleans work culture.
it became increasingly clear that
benefit instead. He tells the story of
Spreadmark would, in the not too “The time and effort we spent on
Wealleans’ journey into Spreadmark
distant future, be the key to what gaining Spreadmark accreditation was
accreditation and is honest when
happens next for the groundspreading significant. We had piles of papers
he says that it was a huge cost with,
industry. documenting our ‘Quality Spread’
initially, very little evidence of any
tangible or financial gain. Wealleans isn’t the only company that programme and it was a challenge
is predicting that groundspreaders for us to integrate the work we have
“For many companies, the cost of without Spreadmark accreditation already done within the Spreadmark
gaining Spreadmark accreditation will be marginalised in about five framework. In addition, we have a
could be perceived as simply too great years time. It bases this on recent very large fleet and that took a fair
to pursue,” Graeme explains.”We changes being implemented by bit of dedication to get every vehicle
at Wealleans certainly had to have government - including the new rules through.”
a discussion around this before we around nitrogen application, farm
decided to go ahead, especially as we Graeme says that Wealleans is now
environment plans and the Healthy
knew that the competitive advantage immensely proud that they took the
Waters legislation.
of being Spreadmark certified is leap into Spreadmark accreditation.
currently limited. We know this “We fully anticipate that regional “We changed our mindset. Instead of
because only a few of our customers councils will start to insist upon cost we saw investment. And in terms
have started to ask whether we Spreadmark certification. Spreadmark of benefit, we saw this as the right to
are Spreadmark accredited; the already covers everything they want continue operating. When you put
Spreadmark conversation simply isn’t us to do. It is already a well-established Spreadmark in those terms, I don’t
going on out there that much...yet.” and recognised industry standard. It believe you can argue against it. It is
makes sense that regional councils will coming, so why not see Spreadmark
Despite this, and the fact that harness Spreadmark and make it part as an opportunity to get organised,
Wealleans already had in place it’s of their own codes of compliance.” strengthen your businesses with
own ‘Quality Spread’ programme - robust, quality systems, invest in your
comprising operator training, truck With that realisation, Wealleans people and, ultimately, grow your
testing, health & safety, on-farm decided that it didn’t want to be one of companies.”
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 15Spreadmark
Spreadmark testing at Sollys
By Jim Laird
Towards the end of last year, we quite steep slope, and the retardation has been operating Sollys spreaders
headed out to do some Spreadmark when descending. for many years, was apprehensive re
testing at Sollys Contracting in Takaka. an auto at the start, but now is most
When he returned home he discussed
The driver of the Scania is “Kelvin” and happy with it and finds it a great asset
with Scania the viability of this
“Jarred” was behind the wheel of the to have.
transmission being put in a 4wd
Mercedes. The Scania was just new on
spreader, as he believed the extra This 410hp truck tested quite well
the road, and is based in Collingwood
driveability, combined with the super over the trays, and is equipped with
where operator Kelvin lives. They
comfortable cab should be a great a very well finished bin from ERL in
mainly work in the area over the
combination and make for a great Ashburton.
Takaka Hill but frequently travel over
working environment.
to the Motueka side when required. Merv and Kelvin are more than happy
This Auto is believed to be the first with this truck, and the fuel economy
A couple of years ago, when Merv one in a Scania 4wd in NZ. Kelvin, who of it.
Solly was considering putting on a new
truck, he was in Australia and drove a
Scania 500hp semi loaded to 89tonne
at the Anglesea truck testing facility
near Melbourne.
Merv was most impressed with the
automatic transmission fitted in this
truck, especially when taking off on a
Page 16 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021Spreadmark
Approved spreading equipment testers for groundspreaders
Recognised by the Fertiliser Quality Council as being able to carry out
fertiliser groundspreading machinery testing and certification for the Spreadmark programme.
Garth McMaster Lance Healy Reed Gibbons
McMaster Engineering Ltd Healy Transport Ltd Ashburton 7700
169 Great North Road PO Box 34 reedogibbons@icloud.com
Winton Balfour 9730 Phone: (0275) 112-020
Phone: (03) 236 7275 or (0274) 334 486 Phone: (027) 200-7755
Sebastian Walker
Hamish Woolsey Zane Rich EuroAgri Ltd
Ellesmere Transport Ltd EuroAgri Ltd 239 Alford Forest Road
Station Street 239 Alford Forest Road Ashburton 7700
Dunsandel Ashburton 7700 Phone: (03) 307 7445
Phone: (0277) 889-944 or (03) 3254-039 Phone: (03) 307 7445
Trevor McDowall
Jim Laird Nigel Powell 52 McMurdo Street
Jim Laird Assessment Services Northern Southland Transport Ltd Ashburton 7700
PO Box 671 6 Pluto Street trevor.ashburton@gmail.com
Masterton Lumsden Phone (0276) 656-580
Phone: (0274) 412 659 Phone: (03) 248 9100
Scott McKenzie Terry Gordon Julie Churchill
Beck Engineering Ltd EuroAgri Ltd Spread Test NZ Ltd
Seaward Road 239 Alford Forest Road 222 Loburn – Kowai Road
Edendale Ashburton 7700 RD 2 Rangiora 7472
Phone: (03) 206 6651 or (027) 206 6650 Phone: (03) 307 7445 Phone (021) 215-4361
Kerry Deans Stephen Hurst Craig Wakelin
Beck Engineering Ltd Engineering Repairs Ltd EuroAgri Ltd
Seaward Road 14 Watson Street 239 Alford Forest Road
Edendale Ashburton Ashburton 7700
Phone: (03) 206 6650 Phone: (03) 308 1506 or (027) 828-0745 Phone: (03) 307 7445
Stuart Hill Glenn Ledingham
Cameron Smith
McMaster Engineering Ltd EuroAgri Ltd
PG Smith Topdressing Ltd
169 Great North Road 239 Alford Forest Road
Saleyards Road
Winton Ashburton 7700
Helensville
Phone (03) 236 7275 or (0276) 577 811 Phone: (03) 307 7445
Phone: (09) 420-7079 or (027) 493-6469
Dave Diack Ted Usmar Peter Harrison
McMaster Engineering Ltd NT Wealleans Ltd ACE Equipment Ltd
169 Great North Road PO Box 39 PO Box 692
Winton Hinuera Hawera
Phone: (03) 236 7275 Phone: (07) 888 1759 or (0275) 774 146 Phone: (06) 278-3054 or (0274) 480-802
Travis Churchill Barry Sadler Eliott Schofield
Spread Test NZ Ltd Transport Waimate Ltd EuroAgri Ltd
222 Loburn – Kowai Road PO Box 74 239 Alford Forest Road
RD 2 Rangiora 7472 Waimate Ashburton 7700
Phone (021) 215-4361 Phone (03) 689 8009 Phone: (03) 307 7445
Any person wishing to be considered for appointment as an Approved Spreading Equipment Tester should contact
the Fertiliser Quality Council Executive Director at director@fertqual.co.nz
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 17Health & Safety
Time to change the hurt. Sometimes, near misses involve “If this is happening in your workplace,
mindset ‘very lucky escapes’.” you need to change the culture to
one which encourages employees to
By Groundspread Reporter According to Rob Thomson of Safe report any near-misses and use the
Business Solutions, the reasons why information from incidents to review
A recent hard-hitting presentation by staff don’t report near misses can be
NZGFA Health & Safety representative, your risk assessments and control
numerous. methods. By doing this, you could
Grant Anderson, carried with it a stark
warning to all industry members that prevent accidents before they occur.”
it’s time to change the mindset around
health and safety reporting.
At the NZGFA Conference in June,
Grant said that, repeatedly, the
reports he receives regarding
accidents, incidents and near misses
do not match what he is hearing on the
ground. “This is a tight knit industry
and information travels fast. I hear
of so many accidents, incidents and
near misses through the grapevine,
yet these don’t appear in any official
reports. This is really concerning as it
How to encourage
implies that we aren’t taking incident INCIDENT REPORTING
reporting seriously enough.” • Employee participation is
essential. This demonstrates
that you, the employer, is
Rob Thomson,
Safe Business Solutions invested in their safety, and
will promote a positive safety
“There might not be good processes in culture.
place to encourage easy and efficient • Motivate employees to
incident reporting, or employees may contribute.
be embarrassed and, if no harm has • Recognise contributions and
been done, may think it’s quite alright reward participation rather
to say nothing. There could also be a than penalise or discipline
fear that if they’ve made a mistake, staff for making a mistake.
employees will be punished somehow. • Collect data for performance
There could be peer pressure too, to management – identify
not report an incident. Or, it could be success of your control
that there’s a lack of acknowledgment measures and identify any
when staff do report an incident. If that are failing.
there’s no thank you, feedback or
• Communicate any findings
follow-up, staff might be less inclined
and/or actions identified.
to say anything to management.”
Grant Anderson, • Include both the individuals
NZGFA Health & Safety representative that reported the incident,
Rob adds that there could also be a
work culture that, without realising it, accident or near miss, as well
Grant explained that every incident promotes complacency. “Staff might as any individuals that were
that causes you to catch your breath, be told unofficially by older or more involved or could have been
even for a second, is worth reporting. senior peers ‘don’t worry about it’, affected by what occurred.
“This means that near misses must so they buy into the culture of not • Demonstrate to staff how the
not be ignored. While near misses are reporting incidents without question. reporting of incidents can
incidents that don’t cause any harm, identify where safety controls
they could potentially have caused an Employees might also avoid reporting are lacking or are ineffective.
injury or damage. Don’t be tempted near-misses or minor slips because
to brush off near miss incidents as they are embarrassed and don’t want
Source: Safe Business Solutions
‘nothing’ just because no-one was to be a laughing stock at smoko.
Page 18 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021Health & Safety
Driving safely in adverse Spotting ice and snow: Accelerate smoothly and brake
weather Look out for shaded areas caused by gently and use your highest gear
high banks and tall trees where roads when travelling uphill and your
By Jason Shepherdson, freeze and ice may not thaw during lowest gear when travelling
Safe Business Solutions
the day. downhill.
New Zealand is renowned for its
• Bridges could stay slippery longer • As well as other drivers, there
changeable weather which means
than other road surfaces, so slow could be winter maintenance
you should plan and prepare before
down when crossing. vehicles on the highway helping to
you find yourself on an icy, wet or
keep the road open. If you come
snowbound road. Most of the time • Frost is more severe at daybreak
across any of these vehicles, stay
New Zealand has a temperate climate. so be prepared for this after it
a safe distance behind them and
However, storms can hit the country becomes light. While it may not
don’t pass unless you’re instructed
with little warning, delivering heavy be frosty at 6am, it could be an
to.
rain, ice and snow, especially during the hour or two later.
winter months (usually between July • Another way of detecting ice is to • When travelling in fog, rain or
and August but often into September). watch the other vehicles around snow, drive with your lights
This is the most hazardous time of year you. If you spot them sliding, or dipped for increased safety, and
for driving, with frost and ice occurring you notice vehicles have veered if severely reduced, turn on front
throughout the country and snow in off the road, you have probably and rear fog lights (where fitted).
areas like the central North Island and driven into an icy area.
across the South Island. Vehicle Lights:
• If you find yourself in a situation
The following winter driving tips will that makes you nervous, pull Seeing where you are going is a pretty
help you stay safe on the road. over and either wait for the vital part of driving, particularly in
temperatures to rise or find an winter when visibility can be reduced
Preparation and Planning: even further by adverse weather
alternative mode of transport.
• Always check the weather forecast conditions.
and road conditions before you • It’s always a good idea to carry a
charged mobile phone with you Problems with lighting contribute to
leave.
so you can notify people if you’ve around seven deaths and more than
• Think about where you’re going broken down. 80 injuries each year on New Zealand
and what route you should take – roads, according to the New Zealand
choose safety over convenience. If Driving Tips: Transport Authority (NZTA).
travel can’t be put off, allow extra
When driving in icy conditions, you • While it may seem initially to be a
time for your journey.
need to leave as much space as simple case of “it’s dark, turn on
• Plan to drive during daylight possible between you and the vehicle your lights”, there are laws around
hours when visibility is better and in front. In normal conditions follow how many lights your vehicle can
hazards such as ice and snow are the 2 second rule, but in wet, icy have fitted and how and when you
less likely. Avoid driving at night conditions double this reaction time can actually use them.
when hazards rapidly multiply. to 4 seconds.
• Fog lights give off a short, wide
• If travelling long distances, make • If you do hit a patch of ice, and
beam of light that is designed
sure you are well rested and plan find yourself skidding, steer in the
to penetrate the fog, lighting up
where to have a break. same direction as the rear of your
the area directly in front of the
• Dress for the conditions, carry vehicle is sliding.
vehicle, while also illuminating the
additional warm clothes and keep • Never take your hands off the sides of the road. They should only
a survival kit in your vehicle in steering wheel and don’t stamp be used when visibility is “severely
case you do get stuck. your foot on the brake as this reduced” - technically not just
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy could cause your wheels to lock by fog, but also snow and heavy
and keep at least half a tank of up. For vehicles without anti-skid rain - and it is against the law to
fuel in case you get diverted onto braking systems, pump the brake use them during clear conditions
another route or you are forced to pedal in short rapid bursts rather during either day or night, due to
turn back. than pressing long and hard to the risk of dazzling other drivers.
avoid skidding or sliding.
• Be prepared for snow and carry • Broadly the same rules apply to
tyre chains that you know how to • Avoid sudden braking or turning rear fog lights, except for the fact
fit and use. that could cause you to skid. that they must be red only.
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 19Page 20 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021
From the Stakeholders
All set for spring up the manufacturing plants in Napier
and Christchurch (Dunedin due to start
By Ant Boyles,
National Logistics Manager, Ravensdown in August), and started building stocks
and moving it into the stores network.
Kia ora. It’s hard to believe a month
has gone by since we caught up with After the disruptions to traditional
you at the annual conference. A big transport networks last autumn,
congratulations to the organising particularly in the North Island, we
committee for putting together such a have made some changes to how we
fantastic event. And well done to the distribute stock so as to maximise
award winners, and especially to Toby carrier availability.
Evans, winner of the Ravensdown Pre-season meetings are also well
sponsored Young Achiever’s Award. underway. It is going to be more
The Ravensdown contingent identified important than ever that we all
a number of potential opportunities collaborate closely with stakeholders
from various discussions over the to ensure positive outcomes for our
three days. We are working through respective businesses and shared
these so we can follow up and respond customers.
as appropriate. If there is additional Our minimum vehicle standards
information you would like to ask us initiative goes live on 1 August. There
about, please don’t hesitate to get in have been some minor changes as a
touch. result of feedback received. The full
Spring planning is well underway, minimum standards can be viewed
with fertiliser stocks starting to hit at ravensdown.co.nz/ravensdown/
our shores in earnest. We have fired vehicle-and-loading-standards
FOR ALL YOUR FERTILIZER HANDLING EQUIPMENT!
FERTILIZER SPREADERS SELF-UNLOADING TRAILERS BELT ELEVATORS
169 Great North Road, Winton, Southland
Ph (03) 236 7275 A/H (027) 433 4486
mcmastereng@xtra.co.nz www.mcmasterengineering.co.nz
Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021 Page 21From the stakeholders
Alternatively, information is available internal capabilities in key parts of Philippa’s strong groundwork now
in store if you have yet to receive the network. The results of this work coupled with Jade’s skills and attention
this directly. If you want to provide should become evident as the season to detail means that the FQC is coming
feedback to us on any subject, please picks up pace in many parts of the up to speed very quickly.
contact our customer centre on country.
0800 100 123 or customer.centre@ We are delighted to finally make
If you have any concerns or queries
ravensdown.co.nz sieve boxes available. Sieve boxes
throughout the season please reach
can be ordered by contacting Jade
I hope you’ve managed to recharge out to your local store, Regional
at director@fertqual.co.nz and
the batteries over the winter months, Distribution Manager or send an email
completing an order form. Retailing at
and all the best for a bumper spring. through to spreading@ballance.co.nz
$245.00 ($281.75 inc GST) each, there
Take care and stay safe. .The sooner we hear about any issues,
is a shipping cost of $22.00 for up to
the sooner we can address them.
two boxes. Please enquire as to the
Improving our service Finally, a big thanks to Mel Dingle shipping cost if you require more than
By Jeremy Begg, for your work as Executive Officer at two boxes.
Regional Distribution Manager
NZGFA. We wish you well for what lies
Welcome to the start of the new ahead. Stay safe, take care and happy Some interesting work is being
season, I would like to start off by spreading. conducted by the Test Methods
congratulating the NZGFA Canterbury Group. This is around the possible
Branch for what was a very enjoyable Council coming up to deletion of the Watkinson Dissolution
conference. The organisation of the speed Test from the Fertmark Code. The
event supported by the location, the By Anders Crofoot, group looks to ensure accuracy across
speakers, the Master of Ceremonies, Chairman, Fertiliser Quality Council all testing methods and there is some
and the hospitality of the staff at The Fertiliser Quality Council’s focus debate around the effectiveness of the
the Hermitage Hotel all combined to over the last 12 months has been Watkinson test. A further meeting will
create a truly great event. on implementing processes to bring take place soon to discuss this further,
greater clarity of purpose, as well as before reporting back to the FQC with
On behalf of Ballance, I would like
to make itself more accountable to a recommendation.
to thank John Schultz for his time as
President of the NZGFA, John has making progress. We are currently on the search for a
always been very approachable in this We have our Executive Director, new communications manager who
role and happy to share his thoughts Philippa Rawlinson, to thank for can help Jade, and Philippa upon her
and opinions. Congratulations must much of this work, which includes return, bring the plans outlined above
also go to Graeme Martin and Howard a strategic plan, an operations plan, to life.
Pedersen, on being elected to their a communications plan, and a
new roles on the Executive and Grant stakeholder engagement plan. The aim If you know of someone who has
Anderson who remains as a Vice of this work is to raise the profile of excellent communication skills, an
President for another term. the Fertmark and Spreadmark brands, eye for detail and who can generate
while delivering surety and value authentic content for a range of
I am sure many of you will have heard
to farmers. Philippa is currently on media, please ask them to email
stories around disrupted supply chains
maternity leave and we are fortunate director@fertqual.co.nz for more
in the current international shipping
to have Jade McCormick overseeing information. While some knowledge
climate. We have not been totally
the Council until Philippa’s return in of the agricultural industry would be
immune to these but, thanks to some
2022. useful for this role, it is not essential.
great work by our procurement team,
we are currently looking in good shape
for the season ahead. Ballance has
been reviewing the past few months
while keeping one eye on what lies
ahead, to see where we can improve
our service offering.
As a result of this review, Ballance
has engaged its transport partners to
improve our ability to move products
across the country throughout the
season and has approved an extensive
infrastructure spend to increase our
Page 22 Groundspread Magazine Spring 2021Spread smarter
RAVAUG21-GM
HawkEye® by Ravensdown
Quick - Accurate - Easy to use.
• Automated ordering from customer, to store, to you
• Automated proof of placement map for compatible spreaders
• Accurate data for customer nutrient reports
Call the HawkEye team on 0800 73 73 73 to find out more.The AROCS 4x4 Robust, reliable, and efficient. The all-wheel variants in the Arocs range provide an especially robust, resilient vehicle that is optimally prepared for use in a wide range of applications. Available in 4x4, 6x4, 6x6 or 8x8 with engine options from 350 Hp to 460 Hp To find out more about what model best suits your application contact Theo Ferreira at CablePrice on 027 808 9697 or visit www.cableprice.co.nz Mercedes-Benz Trucks you can trust CablePrice (NZ) Ltd, | Christchurch | Nelson | Timaru | Greymouth | Dunedin | Invercargill. P. 0800 555 456, E. sales@cableprice.co.nz, W. cableprice.co.nz
You can also read
