ATS Newsbrief July 2014
It has been interesting to reflect on the feedback I have received following our announcement to discontinue our dairy representative service and to adjust the threshold for freight free deliveries. Generally, those who contacted me regarding freight free were in favour of the decision, in regards to the removal of the dairy reps, 70 percent were supportive of the move, and 30 percent opposed. To put this into perspective, Neal Shaw, Group CEO I received nine emails and one phone call. Not a huge response but probably fairly indicative of the world we live in where people are too busy to make time to have their say. Many businesses and organisations will recognise and have experienced this. It may also be because many realise the disestablishment of the dairy rep service won’t mean a loss of service for our members. We already have a huge variety of support and expertise within our own business, and the agricultural sector is well served by industry groups such as FAR and DairyNZ, independent consultants and individual manufacturing companies who have their own reps. ATS already has a dedicated electricity specialist, fuel has a dedicated representative within Ruralco, and the fertiliser supply companies have representatives with nutrient and budgeting advice. ATS also retains two dedicated arable and pasture representatives that can provide technical advice on maize, fodder beet and pasture renewal and we have a Customer Services team who can assist with the ordering all of your commodity products. The services we provide support all kinds of farming, because that’s what our membership is made up of—a variety of farming practices and operations. By streamlining our services in this way, we are able to meet all of our members needs and we can offer the best price by keeping control of our costs. There is already a lot of duplication in the market place, so why would we want to add to that within our own business? If we need outside expertise, we can draw on it, and if members want on-farm visits, we can come out when required. It just means our assistance will be more targeted rather than cold-calling. Just because we are a co-operative operating in your best interests doesn’t entitle us any special treatment from you, we must be relevant and competitive. Make use of your ATS team, they are there to help and support all sectors of our farming community. ATS’s presence in the market place holds prices down, by all means take advantage of that but remember who creates that environment. Regional co-ops like ATS are almost a thing of the past and yet the benefits of large scale are yet to be realised by farmers. If we are creating an environment that drives costs out of your business then it would make sense to strengthen that position by supporting ATS.
Better Genesis discount negotiated ATS Energy has negotiated a new contract with Genesis and this became affective as from 18 May 2014. The changes include an increase in the prompt payment discount and having fixed rates no matter your usage. While you are paying your electricity accounts through ATS Energy they will be on a fixed term contract until the 18 May 2016, only the energy portion will be fixed for this term and any increases by the Networks pricing will be passed on to you. Talk to Tracey at ATS Energy on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) today if you are a customer of Genesis and have further questions on the changes or if you are not paying through ATS Energy as we have a very competitive offer for you.
Upcoming Events
10–11 July ATS Instore days
16 July ATS Bell-Booth Calf Development Discussion Discussion on how the first 12 weeks of a dairy heifer’s life can have a significant effect on developing udder tissue. Held at Hotel Ashburton 11am–1pm. Contact Mark Gilmour, Bell-Booth Consultant Vet. Seats are limited so please RSVP by visiting www.ats.co.nz/calfdevelopmentdiscussion.
Farm Safety Training for Members 22 July 19 August 16 September 21 October 18 November For more information or to RSVP, call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or go to www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety Upcoming Industry Events
21 July Tectra learner shearing course Learner shearing courses are designed to give trainees a general understanding of woolshed operations, from hazards and terminology, to the roles and responsibilities of each team member. For more information or to secure a space, please contact Mark Herlihy on 03 310 3024 or 027 292 4767.
23 July Famers flick night Three short videos on innovative farmer approaches to intensive livestock systems: Stimulating grazing behaviour, multi-fodder cropping and improving soil water holding capacity. Held at St Johns room, Tancred Street, Ashburton 7.00pm-8.30pm. For more information, email John King john@succession.co.nz or call him on 027 6737 885.
6 August Beef+LambNZ Industry Awards The third annual Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Industry Awards will be presented in the War Memorial Conference Centre, Napier. For more information contact mark.harris@beeflambnz.co.nz or phone him on 027 577 9991.