CEO Comment 3
VALUE YOUR COOPERATIVES’ CONTRIBUTION Without farmer-owned cooperatives which operate solely to benefit their members’ businesses, you would pay much more for vital inputs, perhaps a double-digit percentage. That has become evident where Fram Farmers have expanded into new areas such as Cornwall, where our presence has made a big difference to what members pay for inputs. Our headline story highlights the value for money which Fram Farmers provides, but we must look beyond direct financial savings. Part of the value calculation when considering whether to join a cooperative should be to think about what you would pay for inputs if we were not in the market. To get the best value for money farm businesses must be part of a true cooperative, adopt their ethos and be committed, a sentiment reflected by Neil Blackburn of Kite Consulting on Page 13. MEETING MEMBERS A key objective which I and my team have is to ensure that we meet 50% of members face-to-face each year, and that requires huge commitment from my team, which I appreciate. The popular Pie & Pint meetings are essential to involve you in the strategic direction of your cooperative. Feedback has been very positive, particularly regarding the appointment of Laura Buckingham (Arable Inputs Manager) and Mark Vice (General Agricultural Inputs Manager). For example, many members have commented on how much Mark and his team have improved the pricing and delivery of fuel. The Livestock Team, a major constituent of Fram Farmers’ offering, have done a first-rate job and achieved double-digit turnover growth this year. Members who require feed, animal health products, consumables and other inputs appreciate the value of access to industry professionals who provide independent market information, and secure inputs at the best prices. Fundamental to us being able to do that is our area-based fee structure,
We took 28 Members and some partners to visit Aspall’s Cyder near Debenham, Suffolk in November.
which is liberating. It means we have no commercial incentive to encourage members to place an order at a specific time to meet monthly targets, unlike organisations which charge a levy on product sales. Instead, we wait until the time is right for you. This purity of purpose and freedom from commercial conflicts allows us to always act in your best interests. By ensuring that members buy and sell at the right time we make a huge contribution to the financial bottom line of their businesses. FARMING’S FUTURE While the outcome of the referendum is known, the exact form and impact of Brexit is very unclear. Whatever happens, I believe we will see a significant reduction in farm support and more focus on the environment, so farming businesses should plan how to operate without ‘subsidies’. Farmers must become even more business-like. Some might decide to leave the job to others with the inclination and ability to move with the times and invest in technology - the approach which Fram Farmers is taking, and why we have recruited highly-talented individuals during the past 12 months. This is vital to give you access to professionals who are at the top of their game, provide completely impartial advice and have the resources to help you run your business. Automation, combined with precision operations, will clearly play an increasing
Fram Farmers, Station Road, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9EE Tel 01728 727700 Every precaution has been taken to ensure that the material published in Farmers First is accurate at the time of printing. For further details about any of the information featured in this edition please call Ashley Gilman at Fram Farmers on 01728 727700, or Charles Macdowell at Land Communication on 01473 353613.
role in farming’s future. We are already seeing the impact that drones, remote analysis, robotic milking and sensors in animals are having on how we farm. This will only increase with the advent of new technologies, including driverless machines, which are no longer science fiction. This technology will become necessary because, in many parts of the world, finding skilled labour at key times of the year is a challenge. And with increasing pressure on ag-chem products we will see, for example, automated weeding used in situations where once we would have sprayed. Case IH recently unveiled an autonomous concept vehicle which builds on the auto-steering and telematics already offered for remote management of farm machinery and employees. This will offer greater operational efficiencies for tasks such as tillage, planting, spraying and harvesting, so farmers will spend more time managing automated processes than doing manual tasks. Increasingly, money will be made from behind a computer rather than in the field, which is why Fram Farmers will be investing in providing near- and realtime data. If you are interested in this technology, we will be forming a Special Interest Group (SIG) to focus on this area. Let me know if you would like to take part. Richard Anscombe, Chief Executive, Fram Farmers
Is your IT Network Safe? Is your hardware up to date? Limited offer for Fram Farmers Members: on a remote IT Network Audit We will check all your current systems/state, and recommend upgrades for your company needs. Full report within 48hrs. Tel: 01473 550793 M: 07920 775495 E: mark@Exec-IT.co.uk 264 Ravenswood Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9TQ
£100 £50 +VAT