Tensions Increase as Poaching Season Begins

Procurement Tensions Increase as Poaching Season Begins

Two livestock agents from Southland, Paul Cochran and Roger Stratford have resigned from Silver Fern Farms, close on the heels of CRT’s move into the 'clipping the ticket' end of the livestock trading market.

Keith Cooper, Chief Executive of Silver Fern Farms says that whilst their new employers are not yet known, any change in farmer supplier management will only serve to undermine integrated supply chain strategies by companies that had invested substantially in the industry on behalf of sheep and beef farmers.

"It is indeed unfortunate that competitors and newcomers to the livestock procurement scene are targeting our staff to merely acquire livestock which are already part of a sound procurement relationship direct to the global customer. In doing so these newcomers are simply taking an extra margin “off the sheep’s back” by way of commissions or headage fees."

Mr Cooper says Silver Fern Farms had a clear strategy of reducing any costs that do not add value, and the company was focused on optimising the returns from the market and investing in technology. "At the same time we are building strong enduring relationships with our farmer partners who own Silver Fern Farms.

“As an industry, our overall success can only be achieved by working collaboratively, on a partnership basis, and we are committed to having those farmer partners’ relationships managed with our own team of field staff - a team committed to service and success."

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