Service expanded to hill country farmers

1 June 2011

Ravensdown has expanded its aerial sowing business to ensure hill farmers continue to have access to a local service backed with technology.

Taumarunui Aerial Co-operative invited a number of New Zealand aerial business to make an offer for the business. Members voted overwhelmingly (99%) to accept the Wanganui Aero Work offer.

“The majority of fertiliser is spread aerially in the King Country so it’s important to retain this local service,” says Ravensdown GM Andrew Grundy. “Wanganui Aero Work (owned by Ravensdown) is already operating in the region but this gives us more flexibility and ensures farmers will have continued access to the important aerial service.”

Mr Grundy says the purchase fits well with the Co-operative’s strategy. “The move is about providing economies of scale with a view to passing these benefits on to farmers. We want to ensure farmers have easy access to a local accurate service, staffed by locals and backed with technology.

“Efficient spreading is a critical part of the nutrient process and can make a significant difference to farmers’ returns. It is becoming increasingly important to get the product on the ground, in the correct place, and at the correct application rate. All our aircraft are fitted with GPS, so we ensure there is a very efficient spread pattern. We offer fair application pricing, and at the end of the day the spreading is a small part of the overall cost and a quality spread is worth the return you can get from the additional spend,” he says.

Key Taumarunui operations staff will continue to service the region and we are committed to continuing to base aircraft in Taumarunui and as well as investing in new technology.

“Aerial spreading is an important part of the sustainability of New Zealand hill country and we want farmers to have access to a quality aerial spreading job. To achieve this we require a modern capable fleet of Crescos to ensure we can continue to provide this service to farmers in the future,” says Mr Grundy.

“Crescos are the ideal aircraft for hill country application however they aren’t being made any more. At Wanganui Aero Work we have a specialist workshop that maintains these stalwarts of the industry.”

With the addition of Taumarunui’s two crescos Ravensdown’s aerial businesses now comprise 14 planes and 35 loaders operating throughout New Zealand.

The business transfer takes place today (1 June 2011).

ENDS

© Scoop Media