The Fleming family, fourth-generation dairy and beef producers near Culverden in North Canterbury, have reclaimed valuable time and increased efficiency thanks to their upgrade to an AgriSpread AS65 spreader.
Sandy Fleming and his father, Mark, milk approximately 1050 Friesian cows on a 400-hectare dairy platform and manage an additional 230-hectare support block for young stock and beef finishing. With a strong focus on growing their own feed, their farm requires consistent fertiliser spreading from September to April.
Their previous twin axle spreader was replaced by a single axle AgriSpread AS65, which Sandy discovered at the South Island Agricultural Field Days. Since making the switch, the Flemings have increased their spreading width from 15m to 24m, saving Sandy countless hours in the field.
Enterprise
400 hectares of dairy + 230 hectares of support block
1050 cows milked, beef finishing, and homegrown silage and cereal crops.
Features:
Spread width increased from 15m to 24m (capable up to 36m)
Hydraulic spinner control and drop point adjustment
Load cells for high-accuracy rate control
ISOBUS-compatible for GPS and in-cab rate monitoring
Ready for variable rate and section control
Durable build, ideal for pivot ruts and hill country
4T nitrogen / 9T lime capacity
Time-saving and precision-focused for busy dairy operations
We used to spread at 15 metres, now we’re doing 24 metres. It’s a huge time-saver, and I can actually get onto other jobs.
The AS65 features a hydraulic drive system, drop point adjustment, and load cells for precise rate control. It holds up to 4 tonnes of nitrogen or 9 tonnes of lime, and integrates seamlessly with GPS systems for ISOBUS-based control and monitoring, enabling variable rate spreading and, potentially, section control.
Sandy appreciates the build quality, performance over pivot ruts, and accurate spread patterns, all of which have contributed to better results and less manual checking.
The machine still looks like new. We’ve always been fans of load cells and the accuracy is brilliant. I record weights and areas each time, it’s all there and repeatable.
With plans to potentially add “hungry boards” and upgrade to variable rate spreading and section control, the Flemings are investing for both efficiency and future adaptability.
South Australian grower Josh Nuske shares his experience with the Equalizer 12m min-till tine seeder, including its strength, precision and performance across some of the region’s toughest rocky country.
Eyre Peninsula grower Tyson Tree shares his experience with the AgriSpread AS2150 SCS, including increased capacity, improved spreading accuracy and a 15pc saving on urea in its first season.
A collection of moments from Dowerin Machinery Field Days 2026, capturing the Waringa team, visitors and machinery across two big days at the field days.
