Hill Labs’ Agriculture Sample Reception Team: A Vital Force in Hill Labs’ Agricultural Sector

New Zealand’s farming industry relies heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of agricultural soil and plant testing. At Hill Labs, a key part of delivering this service to clients is our Agriculture Sample Reception team, which plays a crucial role in ensuring farmers receive reliable data that drives key decisions on fertiliser use, crop management, and sustainability. 

Handling a High-Volume, Demanding Workload 

The Agriculture Sample Reception team at Hill Labs is used to high pressure. During peak seasons, the team expands to include up to 26 dedicated staff members, who are tasked with managing large volumes of agricultural samples—sometimes exceeding 1,200 samples per day. These samples, coming from farmers and growers across New Zealand, need to be registered, prepared, and processed with precision and efficiency. 

Once received, a lot of work goes into making sure the process runs smoothly. The team ensures samples are prepped on the day of arrival and that all associated information is correct. Accuracy at this stage is critical for timely and reliable processing, helping to maintain high standards. 

"A considerable part of our role involves identifying potential issues or missing information early. We work closely with client services to resolve discrepancies, guaranteeing the correct testing gets assigned for all samples and the process runs seamlessly,” says Team Leader Sharleen Naidu 

This demanding work requires both physical and mental endurance, as team members must stay focused and flexible, adapting to changing workloads while sticking to tight turnaround times (TAT). 

Adaptability and Operational Excellence 

For the team, meeting customer expectations is paramount. "Fast turnaround times are a priority, but the team also focuses on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities," Sharleen says. "We continuously improve methods, processes, and quality to ensure we meet these demands.” This mindset of continuous operational improvement has been a driving force behind the team’s success. 

The team’s adaptability is also critical. As the department grows to manage peak workloads, the staff remain committed to refining processes and finding innovative solutions. "Our team thrives on the flexibility needed to handle the high volumes of work during peak seasons," Sharleen adds. 

Fostering Team Spirit and Recognition 

While the work is challenging, Hill Labs' team leaders understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and supportive work culture. “It’s rewarding to see people succeed and bring forward ideas for improvement, becoming part of the change-making process,” says Team Leader Kiri Davis, who has advanced from team member to one of the team leaders. This emphasis on staff recognition helps maintain a high-performing team, and Kiri believes that recognition plays a key role in ensuring employee satisfaction.  

To sustain morale, the team engages in regular bonding activities such as shared lunches, team-building events, and monthly awards. These initiatives not only strengthen relationships within the team but also ensure that everyone feels appreciated and motivated to perform at their best. 

A Vital Contribution to New Zealand’s Agricultural Success 

The team’s contributions go far beyond the processing of samples. Agricultural testing is critical to New Zealand’s economy, providing farmers with the data they need to make informed decisions that affect everything from fertiliser application to crop management. "Our results provide farmers with the essential information they need for optimal yields and sustainable farming practices," says Sharleen. 

The Agriculture Sample Reception team’s commitment to excellence in processing and testing supports the success of New Zealand’s farmers and growers. As the demand for more sustainable practices grows, Hill Labs remains at the forefront of agricultural testing, ensuring that farmers can make data-driven decisions with confidence. 

By continuing to improve their processes and maintaining a healthy, high-performing team, Hill Labs is helping to shape the future of New Zealand’s agricultural industry—one sample at a time.