“I like that I can be hands off, but still involved. We work together really well, Prospa listens to what the grower thinks and wants, and I know my orchard is in good hands.”
What influenced you to choose Prospa for your management service provider?
I had some health issues and was looking for someone to run the orchard for a year while concentrating on this. We were happy to have Prospa look after our operation during that year, and decided to stick with management.
We like that Prospa deals with the contractors, as we really don’t want to spend time chasing and training contractors and making sure they do a good job. Prospa does a very good job of managing them. Our Orchard Manager has a wonderful way of talking and training and showing workers and contractors what he wants, and they listen to him and respond well. He fights for the outcome he expects and doesn’t take a lower standard.
How well do you feel your orchard has performed under Prospa management?
We are happy in the way that our Manager has run our orchard, and it has performed as good as it can. We had failure with our frost system, and our orchard is on a comeback at present. We are happy with effort going in to fix the problem.
How would you describe the relationship you have with your Orchard Manager?
We have a very good relationship – our Orchard Manager is on to it.
I am not hands off, I like to interfere, but we work together really well and get to the outcome we want together. Prospa listens to what the grower thinks and wants, and we work together.
I haven’t always been a scientific grower; I have not had the time to do the science of the operation. Prospa fills this gap, they know the trends and what is happening in the area. They have access to a lot of knowledge throughout the BOP for kiwifruit growing and I see it as very good.
How much do you value the orchard performance reporting you receive from Prospa?
The reporting provided is a good idea, I like to hear it from my Orchard Manager, and know it hands on, and look at it from under the vine. The reports complement my interaction with my Orchard Manager.
How effective do you feel your Orchard Manager is at producing the crop as cost efficiently as possible?
I have confidence that the costs are being managed, I don’t look at the budget often, I trust Prospa to look after this part for me. I know the cost of using Prospa offsets the money I save compared to doing it myself, Prospa is below industry average on costs, they buy to scale and pass their savings directly on to growers. I have trust in Prospa and my Orchard Manager that it is under control.
How well do you feel Prospa manages the Health & Safety and compliance requirements for your orchard?
I am sure my Orchard Manager has been trained well in this area, and I am confident Prospa is taking care of my Health and Safety and compliance requirements as needed.
What do you like most about having Prospa manage your orchard?
I like that I don’t have to get involved in things I don’t want to, like negotiating, which in the past took up time and effort and was a hassle for me. I can leave everything to Prospa, which gives me more time to do things I want to do, and I don’t even have to think about all that other stuff. I like that I can be hands off, but still involved. I have a good relationship with my Orchard Manager, he is a better grower than me, and I know my orchard is in good hands. I am very pleased with Prospa.
What advice would you have for anyone considering partnering with Prospa?
My experience with Prospa is a very good one, I would encourage anyone considering Prospa to talk to someone using Prospa if you have questions or doubts. Prospa Orchard Management works well and is working for me.