$10 million upgrade to deliver feed when needed

$10 million upgrade to deliver feed when needed

Farmers purchasing animal nutrients from SealesWinslow will have better access to feed at times of peak demand, with a $10 million upgrade underway to increase production at its manufacturing facilities.

One year on from becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of farm nutrient co-operative Ballance Agri-Nutrients, SealesWinslow is making significant investments in its service and manufacturing capabilities to better meet the needs of its customers.

“Feed plays a key role in farm profitability and animal health at key times of the year, particularly around calving and in summer when pasture growth slows right down, so continuity of supply is critical,” says Ballance General Manager of Animal Nutrition, Graeme Smith

“It can be a challenge to deliver on orders fast enough during peak seasons, and we are really looking to up our game to make sure we have product for all of our customers where and when they need it.”

Mr Smith said that in the feed market it is important to get the balance right between fresh, quality feed, and building enough inventory to cater for spikes in demand.

“We need to make more, make it better, and make it faster, as well as make provisions for smarter storage and distribution solutions.

“A key part of this strategy will be to leverage the company’s place within Ballance and utilise select Ballance service centres as distribution hubs to provide greater access for customers to pick up bagged product.”

In addition farmers already have access to product through more than 200 rural merchant stores throughout the country including PGG Wrightsons, RD1 and Ashburton Trading Society.

Mr Smith said that the project – flagged for completion before the coming spring season – will have a significant impact on SealesWinslow’s ability to manufacture and deliver a comprehensive range of stock feeds, with a strong focus on product quality and manufacturing capacity to ensure best product, best delivery.

While the company is focusing on getting the back end of the business in order, they are also giving just as much attention to the front end to increase the availability of on farm services which are supported with specialist animal nutrition and complete farm nutrient management advice.

Two new field consultants in Northland and North Otago will join the current team of twelve, and the specialist animal nutrition science extension arm of the business will be aligned with the core Ballance science extension team, adding additional science extension officers in both the North and South Islands. An animal nutrition science manager role has been added, which will focus on working with the market to demonstrate the economic benefits of the strategic use of animal feed.

As Ballance looks to deliver a fully integrated complete nutrient management service to its customers the wider Ballance field team will also be available to provide support for its animal nutrition division.

ENDS

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