City firm set to pioneer growth

"It's a win for us, it's a win for the farmers." John Palamountain, managing director (pictured)

A Wanganui company has jumped out of the blocks early in the region's quest for agri-business growth.

Palamountains Animal Nutrition has teamed with Massey University to provide targeted supplement programmes for farm animals.

Under the programme, farmers can take blood samples from their stock to Massey for analysis.

The scientific data can then be passed on to Palamountains to come up with tailored supplements to meet the stock's base element needs.

Having the correct, scientifically prescribed supplements would increase "production and return to the farmer", managing director John Palamountain said.

"It's a win-win situation. It's a win for us, it's a win for the farmers," he said.

It ties in with the findings of the Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Growth Study released last month and an event in Palmerston North, which identified eight industries to focus on to meet the Government target of doubling regional agri-business exports by 2025. Those industries included sheep and beef, dairy and bees, and Mr Palamountain saw it as a prime opportunity for his company to get on board.

He felt the export target was realistic and his company's programme would contribute to achieving it, and in a sustainable way.

"We can do it chemical free, which is a major plus for New Zealand exporters.

"If the team works together, it will be successful."

Palamountains Animal Nutrition, which has been operating in Wanganui for 12 years, is planning to take the programme on a roadshow through the region, fronted by champion shearer David Fagan.

"We're ready to go because we are already selling the stuff."

The company had a 98 per cent repeat order rate.

The Putiki Drive business had a visit from Deputy Prime Minister Bill English when he was in Wanganui yesterday. Mr Palamountain said Mr English was impressed.

"He was gobsmacked, I think, to put it bluntly. He asked all the right questions."