Waikato farmer Josh Goodhew of Drumlea Farms knows when he needs good advice or experienced technical expertise on-farm, he can call up Farm Source’s Hamilton-based Technical Sales Representative Brett Wallace.

Josh, who runs 750 cows plus young stock on a 300-hectare dairy farm between Ngahinapouri and Whatawhata, says being able to trust Brett’s advice has paid off many times over the recent years.

While Josh grows maize and silage, he heavily relies on good pastures for his cows – and having Brett support him with sound advice on crops, maize and hybrids has been essential.

“I have been dealing with Brett for two and a half years now. He’s always available on the end of the phone. Comes out as required. He’s always got good advice and it’s just easy to ask any questions that I need answered – plus he is good to have a joke with,” Josh says.

“We face a few challenges on-farm. One of them being its quite wet country so I’m often bringing Brett in when I make decisions around where I’m planting my maize and which hybrids to use, what sort of cultivation method should be used. Last year we had a challenge where the maize wasn’t looking very good, I couldn’t put my finger on why, so I brought Brett in.” 

Brett visited the farm with a representative from Pioneer and discovered the problem was army worm, with a recommendation of what spray was required to fix the problem.

“Our goal with growing maize is trying to get the best yields out of the crop…it comes back to hybrid choices for the soil types we’re going in. Brett helps me make those decisions along with the reps he puts me in contact with,” Josh says.

Overall, it’s about building a strong relationship where you can trust the advice you receive and know you can call them whenever needed, he says.

“Brett’s taken the time to get to know the farm operation and myself, and how we operate. Brett’s there for a lot of things, not just cropping or grasses, but I utilise him for sprays, ordering on-farm, ordering my calf meal, discussions around stock feed and what to bring in. Sometimes I’ll drop a text if I need something brought out to the farm and he might be available driving past to drop it off.”

It’s all in the role – which Brett says he doesn’t see as just a job

“I like to see everything right through from the initial advice, or concept, to the outcome that we have created together for them – it’s great to play a part in that. That is what I am here for – to help and support our farmers,” Brett says.

What expertise can a TSR bring to your farm?

• Pre-and post-sowing checks
• Evaluation of the farm’s feed requirements
• Suggestions for treatments to improve pasture quality
• Selecting the best paddocks for regrassing or under-sowing
• Ways to optimise and track progress for your farm.