We’re thrilled to announce that TRS Wholesale Ltd has been named the winner of the inaugural Electrification & Energy Efficiency Award at the 2025 Port Marlborough Marlborough Environment Awards. Sponsored by Marlborough Lines, this new category recognises businesses leading the way in reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and driving innovation for a lower-carbon future.
This recognition celebrates our world-first achievement in developing what we believe to be the first commercially available fully electric trailed sprayers, purpose-built for use in vineyards and orchards. Unlike traditional sprayers that rely on diesel-powered PTO or hydraulic systems, our electric sprayers are designed to integrate seamlessly with electric tractors, creating a 100% emission-free spraying solution.
“It’s very rewarding to work with customers directly and to achieve the goal of producing a sprayer that literally just plugs into the back of the tractor,” says Tim Curr, Business Development & Product Support Manager at TRS Wholesale. “This innovation builds on our commitment to efficiency and sustainable agricultural solutions.”
The first prototype was developed in collaboration with Weber, our German-based fan partner, and Trinder Engineers of Nelson, who supported structural engineering and assembly. The project began with Forest Lodge Orchard in Central Otago — New Zealand’s first fully electric orchard — where the electric sprayer now operates alongside their Monarch electric tractor. Additional units are now in operation in the United States, in partnership with Monarch Tractors.
The judges highlighted the real-world performance of the TRS electric sprayer during trials in Cromwell, noting its impressive 10-hour working capacity, energy efficiency, quiet operation, and minimal spray wastage. They also praised our commitment to environmental stewardship, including recyclability and a strong pathway for commercial expansion.
Forest Lodge Orchard owners Euan White and Mike Casey share their excitement:
“We are proud to have TRS’s electric sprayer in our fleet. It’s efficient, effective, and easy to operate — a critical part of our goal to achieve total electrification of our orchard operations.”
This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the horticultural sector. With strategic partnerships now in place with Monarch and NZ Fendt, we are ready to continue driving the electrification of agriculture both in New Zealand and globally.
Thank you to the Marlborough Environment Awards and Marlborough Lines for recognising our work and for supporting advancements that pave the way toward a cleaner, smarter future in agriculture.
