ATS Newsbrief May 2015
Farmers know all about having to be specialists in many aspects of their operations. They need to have a wealth of knowledge in a multitude of tasks from business and staff management, to animal health, crop and pasture management, chemical knowledge, accountancy, Neal Shaw, Group CEO through to compliance issues while still having the time to drive the tractor or shift an electric fence. The trick is to balance all of these to ensure all tasks get the attention and energy they need to continue running an efficient and successful operation. Our GM of Operations role has been a bit the same. The General Manager of Operations has been responsible for every aspect of running ATS. This includes the three stores (Ashburton, Methven and Rakaia) and inventory along with the other various streams of the ATS business including Fuel, Energy, Fertiliser, Pro-Active, Seed and components of HR. Procurement is an important part of the business and is not only confined to securing the best
prices for our members. Looking to the future, a well-managed pricing strategy is another important component, and we recognise there are significant benefits from ensuring we run that inventory process as well as possible. One of the most obvious when dealing with a multi-million dollar level of inventory is to free up cash to minimise debt when purchasing stock. To achieve this, the old GM of Operations has been split into two roles: Procurement Manager and General Manager of ATS. Jono Pavey is now Procurement Manager and Robert Sharkie has just joined the team on 4 May as the new GM of ATS. Robert has an extensive background in the livestock and rural supplies market, coming most recently from HRL (Hazlett Rural Ltd), and has also worked for CRT, Wrightson and PPG Wrightson in a variety of roles. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which has touched all parts of the rural supplies business and will add valuable depth to the senior leadership team of ATS. He is well known and respected throughout the industry and we are looking forward to working having him on the team and creating greater value for ATS members.
UPCOMING EVENTS
19 May, 23 June, 18 August Farm Health & Safety training
For more information or to RSVP, call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or go to www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety.
21 May, 22 May
High Country Conference Where: Heritage, Hanmer Springs For more information contact Chas Todhunter chastodhunter@xtra.co.nz.
Farm Systems Group
13 May, Dorie/Seafield 14 May, Selwyn 14 May, Mayfield/Carew/Westerfield 14 May, Upper Waitaki Open forum on farm systems and related issues. For more information please email erin.sinclair@dairynz.co.nz.
Resilient Farmer Road Show 11 May, Darfield 12 May, Methven 13 May, Ashburton 14 July, Cheviot 15 July, Rangiora 16 July, Christchurch
Created to ensure farmers and their communities are ready for tomorrow’s challenges. For more information or to sign up visit www.resilientfarmer.co.nz
30 May–1 June Queen’s Birthday
Keeping safe with ATS The next round of Farm Safety Training Courses is set to take place on 19 May, 23 June and 18 August. These courses, in conjunction with Unique Solutions, have been designed 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 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
Fuel up at Mobil and be in to win one of thirty trips to Dreamworld! Spend $40 or more on fuel at Mobil with your Ruralco Card or Ruralco Mobilcard and you could win a trip for two adults and two children to the Gold Coast with flights, accommodation and 3-day passes to Dreamworld. Competition opens 5 May 2015. Terms and conditions apply.
ATS will be closed over Queen’s Birthday Weekend. If members have any urgent requirements call the Duty Manager on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
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.