PGW is committed to its Sustainability Strategic Priority which addresses sustainability across the three pillars of environment, social and governance. As one of the largest and oldest agricultural supplies businesses in New Zealand we have an important role to play to influence our suppliers and to assist our clients to address their sustainability objectives and reduce their environmental impacts.

A unique collaboration between PGW and Nufarm saw more than 100,000 mānuka trees planted along 150 kilometres of waterways for protection last year. "Doing Wright by Waterways" was so well-received, it was expanded from Rural Supplies clients to include Fruitfed Supplies clients this season. Clients who purchased Nufarm products received mānuka seedlings which help increase water filtration, reduce erosion, and significantly reduce pathogens and nitrates leaching into waterways. 

The Te Kuiti store Rural Supplies clients Tiroa E and Te Hape B Trusts (the "Trusts"), which comprises four sheep and beef breeding and finishing unit farms in the King Country, took part in the programme. The Trusts are ultimately under the ownership of more than 900 shareholders affiliated to the Rereahu Iwi. What makes these farms unique are the waterways travelling through them which feed into the Mōkau, Whanganui and Waikato rivers. With 150 kilometres of waterways across the farms, the iwi’s decade-long goal is to riparian plant along them. 

Mānuka seedlings provided by the PGW and Nufarm programme and seedlings from the Trusts own native nursery were planted along the farms’ waterways. Last year planting occurred over three of the farms covering 11 kilometres. The seedlings were collected from the farms along with a portion being donated by PGW and Nufarm. On one of the planting days at Waiatara Station PGW Store Manager Carlos Cressy, Technical Field Representative Russell Smith, and Iwi Relationship Manager Mike Pritchard were part of the crew.

Mike says, “As the Iwi Relationship Manager servicing the King Country, it’s been great to support the Trusts to balance the aspirations of the whenua. The "Doing Wright by Waterways" initiative assists the Trusts’ riparian programme which balances economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of its people.” 

Tiroa Station Farm Manager Wayne Fraser manages Tiroa Station comprising 3,150 hectares of productive land with 36,000 stock units (70/30 sheep to cattle) which is mainly a breeding block with predominantly Angus cows and Romney sheep. Wayne works alongside PGW Technical Field Representative, Russell Smith to implement the farm’s cropping and grassing programme, which has delivered pleasing results and improved efficiencies on-farm. 

PGW has been working with the Trusts’ farms over many years across their farming business but with a particular emphasis on agronomy and animal health with a view to growing quality feed and quality animals. Russell says, “PGW has a strong understanding of the shareholders ethos of leaving the land in better shape for future generations and we work with the Trusts to help them achieve their sustainability objectives. When the Trusts started looking at doing quite large areas of riparian planting, we made contact with some experts in pest control, and we linked them up with the Trusts to put a plan in place, so when the trees were planted, they weren’t going to get taken out by pests.”

Wayne appreciates Russell’s technical knowledge and advice on-farm. “With Russell’s help, we’ve implemented a targeted approach to our cropping programme. He’s a great sounding board. I might have lots of ideas, but having a yarn with him helps me see what will work. The farm needs to be a viable income source for whānau. Russell gives us options, so when we choose a crop, it matches our stock class and growing conditions, so we make a financial return,” says Wayne.

The Trusts also engage PGW’s Livestock team and local Livestock Rep Bill Harrison has a long and trusted relationship with the Trustees having worked alongside them for over 15 years. “I appreciate the size and scale of the Trusts’ farms and I enjoy working alongside the farm managers on the day-to-day management with them. Whether it’s ensuring they buy in the best quality stock or they get the best price on sale. It’s rewarding working with the Trustees on the Trusts’ long-term strategy to achieve their multiple goals.” 

PGW’s Livestock Genetics team is utilised when selecting bulls and rams. Ian Valler manages Te Hape station and he values the technical expertise he receives from Callum Stewart, PGW Livestock Genetics National Manager. Callum introduced Ian to bidr®, a PGW subsidiary that delivers real-time live auctions online as well as integrated online bidding at saleyard and on-farm auctions. With over 100 two-year old bull auctions available to access via the bidr platform, Ian was able to gain easier access to more genetic sales throughout the country. Callum says, “Through regular sales, on-farm transactions and

bidr, we work with Ian to identify bulls that will enhance the genetic quality of his commercial beef herd. An effective breeding programme focuses on addressing flaws in the herd and identifying what needs improving, so the programme best addresses the needs of the farm’s topography, climate and farming system. We have helped Ian to establish the specific criteria in the bulls he needs to improve his herd, and we assist him to find and purchase those bulls, thereby helping to optimise productivity on Te Hape Station."

Ian says, “Callum has worked alongside us for more than 15 years. He has a clear understanding of what we need our breeding programmes to deliver. Our relationship operates on openness and trust. We communicate frequently and the PGW team has a bit of scope, whatever we ask for, they will find someone who can provide it for us. We support them, and they definitely support us. 

“What we have done on the genetics side of the farm has developed because of the relationship we have with Callum and PGW and continues to develop as time goes on. Relationships take time and effort from both parties, though in farming the good ones can help to create substantial value in your business. This is certainly one of those relationships. 

“We make decisions about our breeding programme together, after detailed discussions on farm. We all try to look at the situation objectively and PGW provides us with a trusted relationship we can rely on."