We make it count by spreading smarter

Chris, Louise & Ollie Kay
Sheep & Beef Farmers

Chris and Louise Kay have spent decades building their farming business in Waitomo. Today, with son Ollie returning to the farm and developing his own caving business on the property, they're seeing the next generation put their own stamp on the operation while continuing the values of hard work, innovation and community that have shaped the farm over the years.

What does a good day on the farm look like?

For Chris, a good day on the farm is when everything comes together.

‘You know, like, just when you've got beautiful grass around, beautiful days, you’re so proud of the farm looks so good. Everything's going well, it's good when when everything aligns.’

A mix of problem-solving and hands-on work keeps farming rewarding.

‘A bit of brain work, a bit of physical work, a bit of both. A mix of both is good.’

Building trusted relationships

For Chris, relationships are one of the most important parts of business.

Working with Ballance and Nutrient Specialist Kim over many years has helped build trust and understanding, creating a partnership that goes beyond products and services.

‘Personal contact and business. To me, it's really, really important. Like it means a lot.’

Those long-standing relationships make it easier to make decisions and navigate challenges.

‘You just build up those long standing relationships and I think they put you in good stead.’

More than anything, Chris values feeling like his advisors are part of the wider farm team.

‘She feels like she's our team and your team.’

Using technology to improve performance

Chris believes technology has played an important role in helping improve efficiency and performance across the farm.

From water management systems to drones and SpreadSmart technology, innovation has helped make day-to-day management easier and more accurate.

The improvements in aerial application technology have been particularly valuable.

‘Going back to how the fertiliser was put on to what it is now, that, (SpreadSmart,) was a game changer.’

Having greater accuracy gives Chris confidence that fertiliser is being applied where it's needed while avoiding sensitive areas.

‘With all that technology on the plane now. That's helped a lot. As far as fertiliser goes, that's been a big change.’

Looking to the future

Seeing the next generation return to the farm has been a rewarding part of the journey for Chris and Louise. With son Ollie now working on the farm and operating a caving business on the property, he's bringing fresh ideas while building on the knowledge passed down through the family.

For Chris, it's important that the next generation follows a path they're passionate about and continues to learn along the way.

"The biggest advice is you've got to be passionate and happy about what you're doing. Because I don't think you'd be successful without those two things."

What got you into farming?
“I came here when I was three and have been farming here the last 40-odd years. I always had a general love for farming, always wanted to be out on the farm as a kid, so I just followed through on that.”

Why did you start using SpreadSmart?
"In the last couple of years, it has become an important tool to maximise our fertiliser budget."

"In the past, whether it was a plane, truck, or helicopter, the process was much more manual. On tricky areas like slopes or near waterways, operators had to be cautious about where they applied fertiliser. As a result, it often didn’t reach the edges of the paddocks, and the land wasn’t fertilised efficiently."

What difference has SpreadSmart made to your farm’s efficiency?
“You’re keeping fertiliser on productive land and away from unproductive areas. You’re no longer applying it to retired bushland or waterways. That means you could be using less fertiliser overall, or if you're using the same amount, you're applying it only to the hectares that actually produce. Either way, it’s a more efficient use of your resources.”

“We’re always looking for ways to improve those small margins. SpreadSmart adds another layer of efficiency to our farming, and over time, that really adds up—it’s meant about 7% savings for us.”

Why is that important on your farm?
“Our farm in Waitomo has adventure tourism woven into the business, so protecting retired areas, waterways and native bush is hugely important to the long-term future to the property.”