ATS Newsbrief 2015

ATS Newsbrief April 2015

It’s been a busy time for ATS over recent weeks, with the weather often being the dominant topic of conversation.

The effects of the dry summer will continue to be felt for some time, despite recent rain and certainly the climatic conditions have had an impact on the ATS business, as have the Neal Shaw, Group CEO market conditions, especially around the projected dairy pay-out and its flow-on effect.

As a result there has been a different emphasis on where members’ ATS spend has gone compared to previous years, with the rural supply stores seeing a decrease in sales, while understandably the electricity spend has been up as farmers have maximised their irrigation opportunities.

Fuel sales have increased while the fertiliser and the card business continue to perform well.

Overall, ATS sales are at the same levels as last year but in different segments of the business.

The effects of the Canterbury earthquakes continue to impact on our business. Members will have noticed the demolition of part of the Burnett Street building as a result of structural damage. The plan is to rebuild, with a view to bringing all of the business back to one site following the completion of the work.

ATS is in the process of extending its lease of the Kermode Street building, which is currently home to a large number of office staff. This will allow the rebuild at Burnett Street to occur with minimal disruption to our day-to-day business.

Our very able Customer Service Centre team and Arable and Pastoral reps, James Gunson and Steve Lawson have all been working hard to deliver excellent levels of communication and service to all of our members. Their dedication has shown that our decision last year to remove dairy representatives from the ATS business has proved to be the correct one, despite controversy at the time.

ATS is currently in the throes of business planning and budgeting for the coming financial year, and like many of you, we are trying to anticipate what that may bring for the farming sector and how it will impact on our business.

It is always a busy time setting budgets and anticipating market and climatic trends going forward, but despite the demands at this time of the year, we always have time to listen to your feedback and answer your questions. To that end, I am also available and welcome your thoughts. I can be contacted by email at neal.shaw@ats.co.nz.

Click, Order, Deliver Ordering your farm and home supplies is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

To start shopping simply click the section of the ATS Online Shop you would like to browse. These include agricultural chemical, animal health and equipment, dairy, fencing, footwear, lubricants and oils, pet care, stock feeds, trough valves, and now gifts and homeware.

Place your order online and then either collect the items from any of our three stores (Ashburton, Methven or Rakaia) or arrange delivery to you on farm.* Check out www.ats.co.nz/shop today. *The ATS freight free service is complimentary to ATS members with orders over $1000. Freight delivery is available for orders of a lesser value however chargers apply. The freight service does not include gift & homeware or groceries.

UPCOMING EVENTS

21 April, 19 May, 23 June, 18 August Farm Health & Safety training dates 2015

For more information or to RSVP, call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or go to www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety

14 April

Rakaia Pasture Plus Group Discussion Seasonal pasture management topics.

For more information contact Caleb Strowger on 0275 934 124 or email caleb.strowger@dairynz.co.nz

24 April

Winchmore Farm Systems Group

On-farm discussion including seasonal matters. For more information contact Erin Sinclair on 021 243 7337 or email erin.sinclair@dairynz.co.nz

25 April & 27 April observed ANZAC Day

ATS will be closed Saturday 25 April– Monday 27 April. For emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.

2 May

ATS Ashburton closed for stock take

21 May & 22 May

High Country Conference

Heritage, Hanmer Springs (1 Conical Hill Road). For more information contact Chas Todhunter chastodhunter@xtra.co.nz

STORE HOURS

Ashburton Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm Saturday, 9am–12pm

Methven Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm

Rakaia Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm If you have any urgent requirements during closed hours and public holidays, the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.

Keeping safe with ATS

Simplifying your accounts

Staying safe around chemicals is one way we can help you keep safe and compliant.

Approved Handler Certificates are necessary to purchase and apply many chemicals, and we can assist with this process—especially with the renewing of certificates.

This year we are also continuing our Farm Safety Training Courses, in conjunction with Unique Solutions, to ensure you have access to up-to-date health and safety requirements.

This is especially important as work place health and safety legislative changes are expected to come into effect later this year.

Courses cost $550 (GST and member discount inclusive) and seating is strictly limited, with training expected to take place every month throughout the year.

If you would like to know more about either of these services, please call Peter Jacob on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287), or to book a spot on our training courses email book@ats.co.nz or visit www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety.

Do you have an incorrect charge or invoice on your ATS account? Let ATS Finance know by the 15th of the month so the correct deduction in payment to the necessary suppliers can be arranged.

We can also email statements and invoices on the 5th working day of each month. If you have an unreliable postal service or simply prefer your statements to arrive earlier in the month electronically please contact ATS Finance on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to arrange. (Hard copies will still be posted.)

RURALCO SUPPLIER UPDATES Please visit www.ruralco.co.nz for more new suppliers and information on locations and contact details.

Real discounts for real farmers

NEW SUPPLIERS

Weather forecasting when you need it

Ashburton

Need weather information on the go?

Be sure to visit the ATS website www.ats.co.nz using your mobile device via the login called My ATS.

Christchurch

WARMUP ASHBURTON LTD Nett - 12% discount HARRINGTONS SHOWCASE JEWELLERS Nett -12.5% discount CALDER ELECTRONICS Nett - 5% discount

Rangiora

Understanding energy Are you paying too much for your electricity? Do you want to know about LPG? Need help understanding your energy bills? ATS Energy is a specialist service which can provide you with the answers you need for your farming operation.

For more information, contact ATS Energy Account Manager, Tracey Gordon on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

In town and looking for a quiet spot to sit down, read the paper, make a hot drink or access the internet? Then you need go no further than the ATS Customer Lounge.

Each of ATS’s three (Ashburton, Methven or Rakaia) has an area dedicated to meeting these needs for members.

It’s a place for members to make themselves at home when they are in town, or to pass the time while waiting to meet up with others. Next time you visit one of our stores, take the time to experience the facilities on offer.

ATS Seed can supply you with a full range of seed cereals this autumn. Talk to us about your seed wheat, barley and other cereal seed requirements. Order yours now to secure the new varieties available this year.

A full range of treatments across all seed is also available. Contact the ATS Seed Team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

Is your end of financial year looming?

ATS can help by providing relevant information to your accountant if necessary.

Please email your accountants contact details to finance@ats.co.nz for ease of information transfer or contact ATS Finance on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

Tel 03 307 5100 Fax 03 307 6723 ats@ats.co.nz

Waimate ROLLINSON ENGINEERING Nett - 10% discount URACAST Nett - 10% discount

Woodend

You now need your Ruralco card when shopping at Mitre10

Securing your new season’s seed cereals

Ashburton Trading Society Ltd 97 Burnett Street, PO Box 131 Ashburton

Members’ lounges just for you

BEAUREPAIRES Nett - BDO (Best Deal on the Day) PAPER PLUS Net -7.5% discount RANGIORA SHOWCASE JEWELLERS Nett - 10% discount STANS 7 DAY PHARMACY Nett - 5% discount

Mitre10 Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru will be introducing new security software measures around the Ruralco card in April 2015. This will mean that you need to produce your Ruralco card when you purchase any items at Mitre10 and Mite10 Mega.

CANTERBURY ATV’S Nett - 3% discount Don Clarke Canvas & Saddlery Nett - 10% discount

RESIGNED SUPPLIERS

Timaru PAPER PLUS

Ashburton LASER PLUMBING

Entries open for United Wheat Growers Don’t forget to get your samples in for the 2015 United Wheat Growers wheat competition.

Entry details are on the ATS website at www.ats. co.nz/2015UWGEntryform or for more information email George Walker at george.walker@ats.co.nz entries close 31 May 2015.

www.ats.co.nz