‘Bad spread job can cost $60 a ha’
The Fertiliser Quality Council, (FQC), has released an on-line video clip (www.fertqual.co.nz) on the benefits of precise spreading of ethical fertilisers.
FCQ chairman Neil Barton says the 88 qualified operators work in all parts of rural New Zealand.
“Using a Spreadmark operator is a no-brainer” Barton says. “Massey University research has shown in great detail the huge cost to farmers of irregular spreading.
“The accuracy of Spreadmark spreaders ensures farmers get what they pay for – fertiliser on the paddock, at the rate required and not on the neighbour’s farm, in rivers or on the road.”
To become Spreadmark accredited, a company must have their machines regularly tested by qualified, independent auditors. The drivers are trained to a high level in classroom and on paddock.
The spreading patterns are tracked by GPS and a printout provided showing where the fertiliser has been spread. In addition to this, the company must have robust business systems also independently audited.
Spreadmark is accurate; in conjunction with Fertmark it utilises quality product and it is environmentally friendly, Barton says.
