Our History
Smith Seeds Ltd was established in 1990 by the late Ross Smith and eldest son Grant after early research identified a market specializing in contract seed production. Smith Seeds decided to travel abroad, but particularly to Asia to obtain orders and request clients to forward their stock seeds to New Zealand where they could be produced in ideal conditions and the resultant crop shipped back to them. Now Smith Seeds multiply and export to all corners of the world.
Close relationships have been formed over the years and repeat business continues year after year. Travel is important to continue the almost family like relationship that has been built up over the years. A few years later they were joined by another family member, second son Michael. Alas cancer finally took Michael’s life.
The exporting of seeds is 96% of Smith Seeds total sales. Service and information sharing has been important with an extensive software computer program that assists in providing regular crop reports at regular intervals along with digital photographs. Smith Seeds aim is to ensure that their customers are as informed as they are about the progress of their crops.
Grant Smith – Managing Director
Ross Smith – 08.04.1933 to 25.07.2022
Dayle Jemmett – General Manager
Dayle manages our subsidiary company Premium Peas Ltd, along with the seed production for both companies and as the account manager for our European customers.
Our Agronomist Team
Our professional agronomists are the life blood of our seed production unit. Their practical experience and a determination to ensure the best possible results provides our clients with real confidence.The reports our Agronomists provide mean that you know at all stages of the growing cycle, what is happening with your crops. Their relationship with Farmers is built on expertise, trust and respect. By working as a team, we can ensure you get the best results possible.
Steve Forrester – Seed Production Manager
Gary Compton – Seed Production Agronomist / Premium Peas Sales Manager / North Island
Wayne McDowell – Seed Production Agronomist / South Island
Brad Quinlan – Seed Production Agronomist / South Island
Jo Copland – Seed Production Agronomist / South Island
Charlie Blair – Logistics Manager
Charlie is responsible for the companies logistics ensuring all parts of your seeds journey is fully managed. As part of the team working for you Charlie is communicating with the Agronomists, cleaning facilities and customers to ensure that the seed you receive are of excellent quality and arrive accordingly.
Cynthia Fulton – Office Manager
The team work continues with Cynthia supporting the Agronomists to get all the information they collate on your crops transferred to you along with samples of production. Cynthia also ensures the all the appropriate documentation is completed to get your seed to you in a correct and timely manner.
Tania Smith – Financial Administrator
Tania looks after the accounts side of the business, ensuring that all our farmers and other contracts are paid and invoiced accordingly, along with managing the companies daily finances.
Hanneke Ferreira-Blair – Office Assistant
