FOCUS ON FERTILISER BUSINESS PROFILE
CANTERBURY FARMING
July 2016
27
BUSINESS PROFILE
Legendary on the farm Healthy soil, healthy crops In 1966, Versatile was the first company to mass produce articulated four-wheel drive tractors. Five decades later Versatile tractors are known around the world for reliability, durability and ease of service and maintenance. The modern era of Versatile tractors upholds the reputation of longevity while maximising functionality and operator convenience. Pairing the industryrenowned engine and transmission combination with the proven outboard planetary system and largest cab in the segment, has created one of the best tractors in the field today. The Ve r s a t i l e Legendar y Limited Edition features historic red and yellow paint, special decals, and pays tribute to 50 years of continuous four-wheel drive tractor production. R e c e n t l y, Po we r Far ming Ashbur ton proudly delivered one of these 50th Anniversary coloured tractors to Peter Butterick at Butterick family farms in Wakanui. Peter also owns the first NZ New Versatile Pivot steer tractor, an 895 which sold in 1981 in mid-Canterbury. This Versatile 520 will be put to work on cultivation jobs on Peter’s farm. It was
an honour to have the old and the new lined up together for a photo shot at Power Farming Ashburton before delivery. Versatile also build front wheel assist tractors up to 360 horsepower, pivot steer tractors up to 620 horsepower on both wheels, and the industry leading Delta
track option. All come GPS ready, with and without PTO and rear linkage. For more information call Simon or Blair at Power Farming Ashburton on 03 307 7153 or visit their website or facebook page to see the anniversary tractor being delivered.
Amuri Transport (1989) Ltd Livestock • Bulk Grain • Shingle • Fertiliser Application • Daily Freight Service
Many farmers are enthusiastic about learning what goes on, in and with their soil. Fertiliser is often treated only as a sale, rather than being part of a plan managed by someone who is focussed on helping achieve better results for the longer term for both crops and animals. “Very little of what we grow and remove from our land can be produced without soil yet so many take it for granted. Many people don’t seem to care or are given terrible advice,” says Calvin Bracken of Canterbury based Sustainable Soils. Calvin is an ex-dairy farmer who understands situations from both sides of the fence. Sustainable Soils can provide you with a programme to help produce good benefits from your soil. These include: more total and even spread of feed throughout the seasons, increased per animal production, lower animal ill-health costs, reduced reliance on fertiliser N
Calvin Bracken with clients Ashley and Warrick Seaton standing in a paddock of swedes grown with Sustainable Soils programme
inputs, and less pest and disease pressure. The team pass on knowledge and provide guidance about soil management and studious fertiliser application. “It is critical soil analysis looks at more than just Ph and NPK. Considering the base saturation percentage for calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium is imperative. These elements and hydrogen is what make up the Ph factor and they need to be at the correct ratio to each other. Trace minerals are also important,” said Calvin. Clients confirm old pastures perform like new,
often better, pasture colour is superior with better balanced soil and stock are more content and healthy. Where possible the team use natural fertilisers, like Viafos Guano phosphate which mitigates phosphate nutrient runoff and has very low cadmium. “Natural options encourage and enhance soil biology which promote soil health, humus development, root growth, nutrient management and importantly plant and stock health. These factors can only be good for consumers.“ For more information, contact the team at Sustainable Soils on 03 312 6865 or 0800 65 65 88.
Supplier’s of: DoloZest | CalciZest | Organibor Traces
Biological Agriculture Proven Results with Proven Products Soil Testing & Advice Fertiliser’s | Custom Blending Call us, I’ll prove we can make a difference
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
0800 65 65 88 www.sustainablesoils.co.nz
LEGENDARY TRACTORS LEGENDARY PRICES Check out the Legendary Versatile range and more at Power Farming Ashburton!
Simon Jackson
T: 027 512 7205 E: sjackson@powerfarming.co.nz
Power Farming Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 03 307 7153 www.powerfarmingashburton.co.nz
Blair Jackson
T: 027 706 4147 E: blair.jackson@powerfarming.co.nz