RX Plastics Supports Innovative Farming Practices

In New Zealand, agriculture makes up the single largest sector of the tradable economy. As with any industry, to keep the competitive edge on our agriculture, innovation and entrepreneurship is crucial. It is therefore important to encourage and reward those in New Zealand’s agricultural industries who put forth the effort to develop progressive techniques and practices that improve the efficiency and profitability of farming in New Zealand.

It is this philosophy that inspired the Lincoln University Foundation to make the 2010 South Island Farmer of the Year 2010 award the first to reward ‘Innovation in Farming’. This theme will stand for all future South Island Farmer of the Year awards, marking a departure from the old system of changing the theme every year.

When the new theme was announced last June, Lincoln University Foundation chairman Neil Taylor explained that the change was to reward those who contribute the most to New Zealand’s farming practices. “Innovation enables South Island farmer to keep ahead of the rest of the world. We want to encourage farmers to continue to innovate and ensure we are able to meet the world’s growing demand for food, to ensure we remain cost competitive while at the same time improving the health of our natural environment,” said Taylor.

The new theme appealed to new sponsors, and RX Plastics pledged their support to the awards. A leading manufacturer of septic tanks and irrigation systems, RX Plastics is known to be a progressive and innovative company. Their unique K-Line irrigation system, in particular, has become well-known both in New Zealand and abroad.

“History is full of companies and organisations that have died because they ignored innovation and they failed to adapt to changing circumstances and demands,” explains RX Plastics national sales and marketing manager Phil Gatehouse. “Every business, whether it is a farm, an agri-manufacturer or a university, needs to foster innovation if it is to survive. History is full of great companies that die because they do not adapt.”

RX Plastics has won its share of awards for its innovative approach to irrigation systems, including the Champion Canterbury Award 2007 and a gold medal at the New Zealand Plastics Industry 2004 Design Awards. As a company that values creative and progressive thinking and also works with agriculturists across New Zealand, RX Plastics was an enthusiastic sponsor of the awards.

The winner of South Island Farmer of the Year 2010 was the Avery family of Marlborough. By developing techniques involving planting lucerne, creating wetlands and planting native trees, the Avery family has drought-proofed their farm, thereby increasing profitability. This is a great instance of the innovative thinking that can give New Zealand farmers a competitive advantage in the international agricultural industry.

The Averys will host an open day on their farm for community members and farmers—the details of the event will be publicised later this year. Entries for the next South Island Farmer of the Year Awards open in August.