During the potato planting season, Reuben Carter, crop manager for Oakley's Premium Fresh Vegetables in Canterbury, encountered a mechanical issue with the planter. With the company's mechanic on leave, Carter, a trained mechanical engineer, took on the repair himself, addressing a faulty wire that was disrupting operations. His intervention allowed the planting process to continue without significant delay.
Carter, who joined Oakley's in 2023, has transitioned through various roles in the agricultural sector, enhancing his skill set with each new position. He currently manages a range of crops including broccoli, onions, and cover crops, overseeing a production team of six. The team, which expands seasonally, benefits from the diverse backgrounds of its members, including backpackers and workers from the Pacific Islands or Vanuatu.
Oakley's cultivates a variety of fresh vegetables on both owned and leased land, employing crop rotations to maintain soil health. The company's operations are supported by fertile soil and irrigation, contributing to high yields. Carter finds satisfaction in overseeing the journey of crops from planting to harvest and is impressed by the volume and quality of produce generated on the farm.
Vegetables grown by Oakley's are distributed beyond Christchurch, with broccoli and potatoes reaching supermarkets across both the South and North Islands. Carter values the impact of his work on feeding New Zealanders and aims to inspire his team with his passion for agriculture.
Before his current role, Carter's career included an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, roles in farm machinery servicing, and agricultural education at Lincoln University. His experiences have equipped him with a broad range of skills, from practical farming techniques to leadership in the agricultural sector. Carter has recently completed a Horticulture New Zealand Leadership scholarship, further developing his leadership abilities and understanding of industry challenges.
Source: Rural Life