ATS Newsbrief June 2014
Neal Shaw, Group CEO
ATS’s vision is to lower input costs for farmers. We are always looking at our business to ensure we continue to deliver on this promise and it is for this reason we have recently restructured the way we serve our dairy farming members.
We have discontinued our on-the-road dairy rep service, and have shifted this facet of our business to the ATS Customer Service Centre. The Customer Service Centre is now the touch point for dairy farmers, and each member of the team has a dedicated list of farmers they will communicate with to advise them about promotions, pricing and relevant events. Generally, dairy reps are responsible for supplying commodity type items, which can easily be ordered over the phone. The cost of having reps on the road all day, every day is relatively high when compared to the business generated. Our aim is to lower costs to farmers and it is more efficient and effective to provide a high level of service through our Customer Service Centre than having dairy reps driving around the countryside. The other benefit is that it should enable us to put pressure on pricing now that our overheads have been reduced. This change does not affect our two arable and pastoral reps who deliver a different kind of service and have been able to demonstrate clear value to ATS Members. Commodity items such as dairy detergents, magnesium and milk powder can be dealt with through the Customer Service Centre, but if you want technical advice on how to control pests and disease and information regarding your brassica and maize crops, then you can talk to our arable reps. These reps provide an overall service to the ATS Members rather than being specifically aligned to Dairying. Customer service means different things to different people, but at the end of the day most agree it is about delivering on the promise of pricing and service. Our Customer Service Centre will continue to deliver a personalised, efficient and cost effective service via a phone call instead of driving out to the property. The value of field reps is not a unique issue, this issue is currently being faced by others in our sector who I understand are also reviewing rep servicing. Regardless of the outcomes of any such reviews, to continue doing the same thing just because everyone else is isn’t a good enough reason. As a co-operative we are here for the members—you own us. We have to enhance the service we offer you.
Upcoming Events
Farm Safety Training for Members 17 June 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
Primary ITO Train the Trainer Workshops 11 June, Timaru 17 June, Glenavy For more information on this free workshop, please contact your local Primary ITO adviser on 0800 20 20 20 or email info@agservices.co.nz.
11–14 June National Field Days Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. For more information visit www.fieldays.co.nz
17 June Rakaia Pasture Plus It is aimed at people who are currently controlling pasture management decisions on farm. If you are interested in joining, please contact Natalia Benquet on 021 2877 059 or email natalia.benquet@dairynz.co.nz.
26 June Ballance Farm Environment Awards: National Sustainability Showcase Location: Rydges Hotel, 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch
10 July
Have you got free grain for sale? ATS Seed is always looking for all types of grain to supply a wide range of end users. If you have free/ uncontracted grain that you would like to sell please contact ATS Seed. Drop in your sample at any ATS Store, with an ATS Rep or contact the ATS Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to arrange sample bags or pick up.
Lincoln University Dairy Farm Focus Day For more information phone 03 423 0022 or email office @siddc.org.nz.