Groundspread NZ opens up award nominations to clients

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Groundspread NZ Awards, the only agricultural awards specifically designed for the groundspreading industry.

Supplied by Groundspread NZ

In their fifth year, the four awards recognise and celebrate the people behind the spreader trucks and the hard work they put in.

The awards are run by Groundspread NZ, formerly known as the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association.

Traditionally, nominations have come from within the industry for these awards, but Groundspread NZ have opened them up this year to the valued clients using their groundspreading services and are encouraging the rural community to step forward and nominate their groundspread operator when they notice a job well done President Graeme Martin said in what can often be a solitary profession, these industry awards help bring people together.

“They encourage us all to consider and applaud the efforts that others make – the innovations, the achievements and all the critical thinking that goes on in our industry,” Martin said.

“These awards also promote awareness and understanding of the importance of the groundspreading profession within the wider agricultural industry. After all, food production in New Zealand starts with ensuring that the right nutrients are spread accurately, evenly, and only in the right places. It’s a highly skilled job and we are proud to do it.”

Martin said spreader truck operators undergo significant training. They use finely calibrated machines, sophisticated equipment, and GPS tracking software so customers can receive accurate data that shows proof of placement.

“Where groundspreaders are certified to the industry standard, Spreadmark, farmers, growers and regional councils can be assured that all environmental responsibilities around nutrient spreading will be taken care of.”

The four awards are:

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients President’s Award:

Seeking nominees who have been a positive ambassador for the groundspreading industry. They will have shared their knowledge with others in the industry (and beyond) in one of the following areas – business, economic, environmental, or social.

• Ravensdown Young Achiever’s Award:

Looking for nominees who are under the age of 35 and are passionate about the groundspread industry(that they currently work in. They will show vision and passion and contribute positively to the industry.

• Graymont Health & Safety Award:

Nominees who demonstrate a commitment to health and safety in the industry and has made a significant contribution in this area during the past three years. This contribution will have benefited and improved health and safety outcomes for individual groundspreaders and/or the industry in general.

• Keith Andrews Trucks Innovation Award:

Seeking nominees who demonstrate a commitment to the exploration of technology and innovation in the groundspread industry. They will have encountered a problem or issue and have been able to solve it with their innovation.

Martin said being nominated for an award and being recognised by your peers is a huge honour and an achievement that finalists each year are extremely proud of. The awards will be presented at an awards gala, hosted by the Taranaki Branch, which closes the Association’s 65th Annual Conference in New Plymouth on July 4.

Rewarding: Nominations for the Groundspread NZ Awards have opened and for the first time clients will be able to nominate groundspreaders for an award.

To nominate someone either call or email the Groundspread NZ Executive Officer on 027 214 1790 or eo@ groundspreadnz.com to enter your groundspreader. Nominations for the 2023 Groundspread NZ Awards close on 12th May 2023. More information is available on the Groundspread NZ website, www.groundspreadnz.com.

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