Environmentally friendly fertiliser comes to the King Country

New Zealand agricultural lime and magnesium producer Rorisons RMD Ltd has teamed up with Hawke’s Bay-based fertiliser and lime company Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate to manufacture the latter’s fertiliser in the King Country.

Hatuma Marketing and Sales Manager Aaron Topp said there’s been huge demand from King Country and Waikato farmers for the company’s fertiliser but it’s always been a challenge to transport, “so it’s really exciting that we will be able to manufacture it at their back door. They can save on freight and overcome the geographical mindset.”

Rorisons Managing Director Mike Rorison says it’s a cost-effective opportunity for King Country and Waikato farmers to buy locally and he feels privileged to be able to help expand an already successful family business. He noted that the relationship between the businesses is mutually beneficial, with Hatuma having worked well with Rorisons RMD “to help us grow local infrastructure and provide more farmers with a proven sustainable product”, thus growing the family business.

“We already manufacture lime and serpentine, so providing farmers with another attractive option is great,” said Rorison.

Mike Rorison (right) and Hatuma Field Representative Willie Barnett at the Aria Quarry.

Topp says there’s a drive in the King Country by farmers to be more environmentally conscious, which has seen more farmers using Hatuma’s non-water soluble fertiliser. Farmers Todd and Donna Oliver, for example, began using Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate four years ago on their 2500 ha property near Aria and Donna says they’ve never looked back.

“We’re more productive and we’re now spending less on fertiliser and animal health. It’s reassuring to know we’ve taken a proactive measure to look after the environment by using a non-water-soluble product.”

She said they aren’t running the risk of losing nutrients into waterways, which is important since they have a large boundary along the Mokau River.

Todd added that they only have to travel a few kilometres to collect their fertiliser now. With this new joint venture, he said, “other farmers can now take advantage of a quality, environmentally friendly fertiliser being produced in their region, plus gain the benefits of buying a locally produced product”.

Topp said the decision to move the manufacturing of Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate to the King Country wasn’t made lightly, given that there are “dozens of intricacies” which go into the making of a product said to be “at the leading edge of innovation, productivity and environmental sustainability for 50 years”.

“We decided to share these with strategic, like-minded lime companies around the country and Rorisons RMD Ltd is the perfect fit,” he said.

First load of Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate arrives in Aria.

Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate will start manufacturing at Rorisons RMD early next year. In order to meet current demand, Hatuma has transported tonnes of its fertiliser to the Aria quarry for spring applications.