Graeme and Diane Spittle farm sheep and beef on 1400 hectares at The Key, half way between Mossburn and Te Anau in Northern Southland.
About half of the farm is cultivated paddocks with the balance oversown hill country ranging from 300m to 1000m above sea level situated at the base of the Takitimu Mountains.
Graeme’s business has involved Spreading Southland since its inception.
"Their spreading technology at the time I started with them was well ahead of anything else available from other companies. In fairness, other operators are using similar technology now. However, I am well satisfied with the personnel I am dealing with and pleased with the results they produce. I have no reason to change from Spreading Southland.”
Proof-of-placement maps have always been part of the structure - they’re accurate and a good means of following up other information on the product placement, he says.
“It hasn’t changed the tonnage of fertiliser put on an area but now I know it’s even and not wasted into creeks, tree lanes or overlaps and double sowed corners.”
Graeme says continual improvements to GPS and computer technology has allowed aspects of his business to move on alongside Spreading Southland.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Gavan (Hamilton) for both his organisational skills and interest in new and improved technology, which allows Spreading Southland to continually upgrade and improve their systems."
Spreading Southland sow all of Graeme’s fertiliser, grass seed and brassica crops on the paddock country.