Grounded in Growth: The Molloy Agriculture Story

In 1985, David and Sonia Molloy took a quiet but determined step toward independence when they fitted their first spray unit to a J1 Bedford truck. There was no grand marketing plan or long-term corporate strategy. It was a practical decision made by two people who knew their land, their region and the needs of the farmers around them.

Bateman self-propelled sprayers in action, showcasing the advanced GPS and application technology behind every pass.

That decision grew into a business that now sprays over 130,000 hectares annually across Mid and Central Canterbury, employing more than thirty people and offering a seamless combination of agronomy, chemical supply, liquid fertiliser and recycling services alongside a fleet of sixteen highly specialised spray units.

David remains at the helm as managing director, focusing on strategy and growth opportunities. Sonia too continues to play an active role as a shareholder. Both remain deeply invested in the company’s culture of quality and customer care. Many of their clients have been with them since those early days. Now some are second or even third generation. It is not just a business, but a legacy built on reputation and reliability.

When general manager Henry Ross joined the business in 2022, he brought with him more than two decades of agricultural experience and a leadership role from Farmlands, where he had overseen teams across dairy, arable, fuel, and nutrition. For Henry, the opportunity to lead Molloy Agriculture wasn’t just a career move. It was a return to the practical, grounded work that makes a real difference to growers.

“David and Sonia built something really special here,” he says. “From a single truck to a fleet of sixteen, it’s been consistent steady growth built on doing the job properly.”

In 2023, both Henry and his wife Emma became shareholders in Molloy Agriculture. Their involvement is not only a sign of commitment to the company’s future but also a deliberate step in the Molloys’ succession planning. By sharing equity and responsibility with trusted leadership, David and Sonia are ensuring the business they built continues with the same values and direction for years to come.

The business has always been anchored in spraying and that remains its engine room. Seven fully computerised 4WD spray trucks, a mix of Isuzu and Mercedes operate with 24-metre booms, GPS guidance, auto section control and tanks ranging from 2,850 to 4,000 litres. The Bateman fleet, first introduced in 1997 now includes eight self-propelled sprayers fitted with Ag Leader GPS, 24 and 32-metre booms, induction hoppers, adjustable row crop axles and multi-nozzle bodies. Variable rate application is available across the board, and each machine is maintained on a preventative schedule to ensure minimal downtime during the tight spraying windows of Canterbury’s windy seasons.

“From October to January, we’re racing the nor’westers,” says Henry. “The scale and reliability of the fleet are what allow us to get the job done.”

The team behind the machines is just as impressive. Tim Morgan, one of the longest-serving members, began in 1991 and remains a key figure on the team today.

“We’re lucky,” Henry says. “Our people know the machines, know the land and take pride in what they do. That shows in the quality of work we deliver.”

While spraying remains the core, the company is now structured across five distinct but connected divisions: spraying, agronomy, chemical and seed supply, liquid fertiliser and recycling. This full-service approach allows Molloy Ag to meet a wide range of client needs, whether that means providing complete seasonal support or stepping in with targeted services as required.

Agronomy has become a cornerstone of the business. Formally established in 2007, the division now includes a team of four agronomists. The Grow Pro package is the company’s most comprehensive service and includes everything from soil and foliage testing, fertiliser recommendations and pesticide planning to weekly in-season visits and cost analysis after harvest.

The Grow Supply and Grow Comply packages offer reduced but targeted services, including spray diaries, crop care programmes and access to Agworld software for real-time recordkeeping. Grow Custom allows farmers to select only the services they need.

“Some farms want the whole package,” Henry says. “Others just want input advice or help with compliance. We let them build the right fit.”

Agworld is the backbone of the agronomy division, enabling digital crop recording, proof of placement and nutrient budgeting. Recommendations are fully traceable and easily shared.

“It’s an essential part of meeting farm environment plans and nutrient regulations,” Henry explains. “It’s also about giving growers the confidence of knowing exactly what was done, when and why.”

Chemical and seed supply follows the same logic. The company offers two options: full container supply or Chemical Supply & Apply, where only the exact quantity needed for the job is provided, applied and the containers taken away.

“It’s our most popular service,” Henry says. “No leftovers, no compliance worries and no wasted money. We buy in bulk, so our pricing is competitive and the zero-hassle model is a big win for clients.”

Seed is supplied from all major seed houses, with options for on-farm delivery or collection from the Methven yard. Stephen Mealings, who joined in 2022 oversees the chemical division and brings with him a mix of business and agricultural knowledge. His approach has helped streamline supply while keeping compliance front of mind.

The fertiliser division is a major part of the business. Since 2008, Molloy Ag has operated as a manufacturing site for Ravensdown’s Flowfert products, with a daily production capacity of 75,000 litres and 210,000 litres of on-site storage. The company is also a consignment store for Ballance, maintaining 120,000 litres of product.

Flowfert N and Flowfert N + S (the liquid equivalent of Ammo 31) are the most commonly requested products, but custom blends are increasingly popular. These include combinations with magnesium sulphate, bio fish fertiliser, broadleaf herbicides, gibberellic acid and insecticides for integrated pest management.

“If a client wants nitrogen, a growth stimulator and porina control in one pass we can deliver it,” Henry says.

Products are dispatched via a 26,500-litre truck and trailer unit or a smaller 4,000-litre unit depending on delivery requirements. Calibrated flow meters ensure accurate loading into sprayers, tankers or IBC shuttles.

“It’s about efficiency and accuracy,” says Henry. “We’re not just moving product. We’re delivering results.”

Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Molloy Agriculture. It is operational reality. As a main AgRecovery hub, the company accepts all chemical containers bearing the AgRecovery logo, up to 60 litres and either processes them onsite or arranges pickup under contract. Containers must be triple rinsed, free of residue and labelled. The company also partners with Plasback to provide on-farm recycling of balewrap, pit covers, shrink wrap, HDPE drums and bulk bags.

The process is simple: farmers purchase a bin and liners, place their waste plastics in as they go and once full, use Plasback’s online form to request collection. The Molloy team handles the rest.

“It’s all about reducing legacy chemical and plastic waste,” says Henry. “We had to build a solution for ourselves, so we extended it to help our clients too. Zero waste isn’t just a target it’s our way of working.”

Davin Mangin, who began with the company in 2002, now manages both fertiliser logistics and recycling. His role spans production, delivery and coordination of AgRecovery and Plasback collections.

“It’s not a sideline,” Henry says. “It’s a core part of what we offer. And our clients appreciate that it’s both effective and compliant.”

HR, health and safety and immigration compliance are handled by Emily Molloy, who joined the business in 2015. With a background in law, Emily ensures the business remains compliant with NZ employment and immigration standards and also manages the health and safety system. Her work has been key in supporting the company’s seasonal and international staff programme, ensuring that recruitment is both ethical and efficient. In recognition of her contribution and to further support the Molloys’ succession plans, Emily has also become a shareholder in the business. Her involvement ensures that the next generation of leadership remains closely tied to the company’s founding family and its long-term vision.

During peak season, staff numbers climb to around 33, including a mix of full-time and seasonal workers. The workforce includes spray operators, agronomists, truck drivers, mechanics and administrative support.

“It’s a big operation,” says Henry. “But we’ve got good systems and great people. And that makes a real difference.”

Customer loyalty is something the company doesn’t take for granted.

“We’ve got clients who’ve been with David from the very beginning,” Henry says. “That loyalty isn’t built on price. It’s built on showing up, doing the job right and standing behind the work.”

That pride is shared by the staff. Whether they are agronomists helping growers make better decisions, or spray operators out in the paddock applying product on the Canterbury plains or hill country, the sense of purpose is clear.

“Our people want to make a difference,” says Henry. “They know that if we do the job well, the crop thrives, the farm performs and everyone wins.”

Machinery is another area where Molloy Agriculture sets itself apart. The Bateman sprayers are central to the company’s performance. Built in Devon, UK, and tailored for high-efficiency performance in demanding conditions, Bateman machines are renowned for their reliability and simplicity. Features include pulse-width modulation spraylines, individual nozzle control and turn compensation all contributing to accuracy, efficiency and reduced chemical use.

“They’re a serious bit of kit,” Henry says. “And we maintain them to the highest standard.”

Molloy Ag also serves as a Bateman dealer, providing sales and servicing support to other operators. Their close relationship with Ag Leader ensures their equipment remains at the forefront of GPS guidance and application technology.

“We know our machinery inside out,” Henry says. “It’s part of our DNA.”

Despite market volatility, Henry says the work remains steady.

“Returns might go up or down on farm, but crops still need to be sprayed. We’re not doing extra passes just because payouts are up. Our role is to deliver quality crop support regardless of the season.”

The autumn season has been kind this year, with mild temperatures and good pasture growth. But Henry knows how quickly things can change.

“Weather’s always a factor, especially in Canterbury. That’s why we build in scale and flexibility. When the window opens we move fast.”

The company’s relationship with the land is mirrored in its relationship with the community. Molloy Agriculture supports schools, sports clubs and community events throughout the region from Ashburton and Methven to Rakaia, Dunsandel and Leeston.

“These towns were built on the back of agriculture,” says Henry. “And rural businesses like ours play a role in keeping them going, whether it’s sponsoring a rugby team or helping with a local fundraiser.”

The company’s philosophy is to give back where it can and to support both its staff and its community in meaningful ways.

“We’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” Henry says. “The work we do matters not just to the farmer but to the wider rural economy.”

In many ways, Molloy Agriculture reflects the best of what rural New Zealand business can be. It’s independent, local, grounded in experience and ambitious for the future. It’s technical without being flashy, efficient without being impersonal and successful without losing sight of its roots.

David and Sonia’s legacy lives on not just in the machines or the hectares covered, but in the relationships that continue, the staff who stay, and the clients who return.

“We’ve built a business that works for our people, our clients and the land,” Henry says. “And that’s something we’re proud of.”

At a time when agriculture faces increasing pressure from regulation, climate and shifting expectations, Molloy Agriculture offers a model of how to do things right: not by cutting corners or chasing trends, but by showing up, doing the job well and standing behind your name.

“We believe farming is the backbone of this country,” says Henry. “Especially here in Canterbury. And we’re proud to play our part in keeping it strong.”

As the business has grown, so too has its commitment to developing the people within it. Internal progression is a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Spray operators have stepped into management. Long-serving staff are given the space to evolve. And newer recruits are mentored with the same attention that goes into machinery or agronomy plans. Henry is keen to emphasise this point.

“You can’t run a business like this on machines alone. You need good people, people who want to be here and want to do it well. That’s what we have.”

Staff training is continuous, covering everything from safe application methods to record-keeping, machinery maintenance and customer service. The company invests in licensing, accreditation and ongoing upskilling, knowing that capability in the field reduces risk and adds value.

“If you want consistency, you’ve got to support your team to reach a standard and stay there,” says Henry. “And that means investing in them.”

Many clients notice the difference. One long-term customer recently remarked that it wasn’t just the equipment that had improved over the years, it was the professionalism of the operators.

“They turn up knowing the land, knowing the job and knowing how to handle a conversation,” the farmer said. “That’s not something you get from the machine. That’s culture.”

Those long-term relationships are not rare. Many of the clients Molloy Agriculture works with have been with the business for decades. Henry often reflects on how significant that is.

“When you’ve got clients who started with David and are now handing the farm to their kids and still choosing us, that’s not something you take lightly. That’s trust built over years of doing the job right.”

These relationships are nurtured not just through service delivery, but through simple consistency. The same people return each season. The same contact picks up the phone. Advice is offered freely and product is recommended based on need, not margin.

“We don’t sell for the sake of selling,” Henry says. “If something isn’t right for a client, we’ll say so. That honesty is what keeps people coming back.”

The company’s integration of multiple service lines—spraying, agronomy, fertiliser and recycling - makes them more than just a contractor. They become part of the client’s decision-making loop. By offering everything from crop planning to chemical handling and waste management, Molloy Agriculture helps farmers simplify operations, reduce compliance risks and save time.

“It’s a huge weight off people’s shoulders,” Henry says. “And they appreciate that.”

The practical result of this approach is evident in how the business runs. There are fewer missed windows, fewer logistical hiccups and fewer surprises. Fertiliser turns up when it’s needed. Sprayers arrive with the right nozzles, on the right paddock, at the right time. Agworld records are filled out, accurate and ready when auditors call.

Future technology is always something that MAL is keeping an eye on.

“We don’t just chase the shiny new thing,” Henry says. “We bring it in when we know it works.”

In the broader picture, Molloy Agriculture remains a strong example of how rural businesses can grow in size and sophistication without losing their local character. Its values are steady: do the work properly, treat people well and stay flexible. Whether it’s a late-season spray pass or a complex crop plan, the company brings the same steady attitude.

“We’re here to help farmers grow good crops efficiently, safely and with as little waste as possible,” says Henry.

“Everything we do points back to that.”

He’s clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Labour remains tight. Compliance pressure isn’t going away. And as consumer and regulatory expectations shift, the company will need to continue adapting. But Molloy Agriculture has never been afraid of change - only of losing the values that made it strong in the first place.

“We’ve grown, sure. But we’re still grounded in the basics,” Henry says.

“Service, quality, reliability, that’s what we’re built on. And that’s what will carry us forward.”