Cutting-edge expertise adds value

Increased feed levels and better feed conversion efficiency (FCE) mean the average New Zealand dairy cow produces more litres of milk containing more kilograms of milk solids than ever. According to the South Island Dairying Development Centre, the South Island has larger farms, larger herds, higher production per cow and per hectare. And Southland cows are particularly generative, producing 407 kilograms of milk solids per cow compared with a national average of 371 kilograms per cow. The region’s climate and good soils mean Southland sees higher crop yields than in other areas of New Zealand. Recognising the need to help farmers maximise those yields responsibly, this year Farm Source invested in a new role to provide another layer of technical agronomy know-how for farmers in Southland. In July, Russell Hamilton joined the South Island Farm Source family in the newly-established position of Technical Agricultural Specialist. Russell came to Farm Source after 10 years with Ballance Agri-Nutrients, the last two of which he was the company’s Horticulture and Arable Specialist. He has a Farm Management qualification from Lincoln University and many years of “real-world soil and plant” experience. He lives on 10 hectares of land outside Lincoln where he grows crops such as peas and barley. As an expert agronomist, Russell provides on-farm advice and guidance to farmers and extra technical back-up for Farm Source TSRs. Although he’s based at the Leeston Farm Source store, Russell is on hand to support the 10 Farm Source Technical Sales Representatives (TSRs) throughout Southland as well as their colleagues in Canterbury. Russell says his first six months with Farm Source have been great and he’s been busy “getting out and about, learning the ropes, getting the lay of the land and seeing who’s who.” Connecting with Farm Source vendor reps has been a priority too. “Having the additional layer of technical knowledge which is backed up by solid, credible science benefits everyone,” says Russell, who is keen to help improve the visibility of the Farm Source team among rural professionals. “We’re very farmer-focused, which is great, but I’d like to see more visibility for Farm Source among the wider rural professional community.” Russell spends a couple of days each week in Southland, where the reasonably good winter has been followed by a “sluggish spring” and, consequently, farmers running about a month behind their counterparts further north. “In Southland we’re still getting crops in the ground and getting the winter feed in. So the focus has been on soil prep, nutrient management and reducing phosphate run-off.” Farm Source Technical Sales Manager Otago Southland Matt Green says Russell’s technical experience, particularly about fertiliser, is a valuable tool in the TSR toolbox of expertise. “The role was created to ensure Farm Source continues delivering cutting-edge expertise and value that helps farmers achieve their goals. We saw Russell’s appointment as a great opportunity to add value for our farmers,” says Matt. Farm Source has a dedicated team of over 60 Technical Sales Reps nationwide, committed to helping farmers make informed decisions.

Contact your local Farm Source TSR today to arrange an on-farm visit.