24
NOVEMBER 2012
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
Agricultural
Spreadmark makes financial and environmental sense “Spreadmark provides an independent audit that a fertiliser spreader meets the standards set by the Spreadmark code,” says New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser`s
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Association President Stuart Barwood. “Spreadmark is the fertiliser placement quality assurance programme,” says Stuart. “The independent Spreadmark test verifies the actual capability of the fertiliser spreader and ensures that trucks meet the Spreadmark standard set by the Fertiliser Quality Council.” The Spreadmark scheme accredits fertiliser spreading companies, when they have certified spreading machinery, trained operators and an appropriate quality management system to ensure that farmer/grower fertiliser application outcomes are met and environmental sustainability is protected. Precision placement of fertiliser requires many things to be well done. It depends on skilled trained operators, tested spreading equipment and fertilisers with known particle sizes. It is the integration of these factors that is at the heart of the Spreadmark scheme. Registration is voluntary but all groundspread operators are encouraged to become involved. Spreadmark is promoted to farmers and regulators as an independent
audit which ensures that both farmers/ growers and Regional Councils have confidence in the programme. New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser`s Association President Stuart Barwood says “farmers need to be convinced that using Spreadmark accredited companies makes good financial and environmental sense in their farming business.” “Independent research by the Centre for Precision Agriculture at Massey University has shown that poor quality spreading on dairy farms can cost a farmer $60 a hectare,” Stuart Barwood said. “The figure for sheep and beef farms is less but still considerable. In addition we have some Regional Councils insisting Spreadmark operators are used to spread fertiliser in sensitive environmental areas.” Environment Canterbury has recognised the Spreadmark quality standard in their existing water quality chapter. In the Environment Canterbury rule WQL 19, Spreadmark accredited spreading companies may apply fertiliser closer
to sensitive areas, such as waterways and wetlands. “The message for farmers is that the benefits of Spreadmark can be measured in dollar and environmental terms.” There are currently 88 Spreadmark accredited spreading companies and nine approved Spreadmark testers. The Spreadmark scheme is governed by the Fertiliser Quality Council consisting of representatives from fertiliser user groups, NZGFA and fertiliser manufacturers. The Spreadmark scheme operates closely with its sister scheme, Fertmark. The two schemes operate to ensure that quality fertiliser is produced to Fertmark standards, and mixed and spread to Spreadmark standards. This assures the best agronomic outcomes while at the same time environmental protection is assured.
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