AtlasFram Group’s grain pools maximise returns to farmer Members
Farmers who marketed wheat through the AtlasFram Group’s 2011 October to December feed wheat pool enjoyed industry-leading returns which were up to £7 per tonne higher than its competitors, while oilseed rape achieved up to £18 per tonne more. Final net ex-farm values averaged £159.09 per tonne for feed wheat, while oilseed rape returned £374.62 per tonne plus individual quality bonuses.
Commenting on the results Richard Anscombe, Chief Executive of the AtlasFram Group, stated:
“Members who used our pools to market their grain generated substantial additional profits compared with farmers who sold through some competitors’ pools. Our calculations show that these could be worth an additional £15,000 to a typical 500-ha arable farm in East Anglia.
“Whilst there is a great deal of inertia amongst farmers to change the way in which they market their grain, differences of this magnitude provide a very powerful incentive for them to reconsider. Farmers invest a great deal of time, effort and money in growing their crops, so it makes sense to maximise the returns they achieve by marketing them more effectively.
“The success of AtlasFram’s pools is reflected in the fact that commitments for 2012 are at their highest level for 10 years as Members increasingly appreciate the advantages. Those who operate contract arrangements find it particularly beneficial to delegate crop marketing to an impartial third-party working entirely on their behalf.
“AtlasFram pools provide a very simple, safe method of marketing grain and over the years have generated consistently above-average returns, but without the considerable risks of selling on the ‘spot’ market. Our latest pool results continue that exceptional track record. Managed by a team of grain market professionals who take care of day-to-day marketing decisions, they provide the opportunity to add value with premiums where applicable, a choice of payment dates, access to advance payments at favourable rates, credit insurance on sales, a storage option and flexible haulage arrangements.
“All of our pools are supervised by a committee of representatives from AtlasFram and ADM Direct, who collectively have tremendous knowledge of grain marketing, farming and agronomy. The committee sets the sales strategy and monitors pool performance to ensure that Members derive maximum benefits from adopting this approach.”
AtlasFram currently offers four pool periods for cereals and oilseed rape - a ‘harvest’ pool covering crop movement in August and September, 1 October to 31 December, 1January to 31March and 1April to 30 June – together with pools for break crops.
Further details about AtlasFram pools are available from Barry Howard on 01728 727700.
Further press information is available from:
Julian Cooksley, Kendalls Communications
T: 01394 610022
E: julian.cooksley@kendallscom.co.uk
Digital images are available from:
Kerry-Anne Rookyard, Kendalls Communications
T: 01394 610022
E: kerrry-anne.rookyard@kendallscom.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
AtlasFram Group is a highly-successful farmer-owned cooperative with an annual turnover of £168 million. Based at Framlingham in Suffolk, it purchases all types of farm inputs and markets combinable crops on behalf of its 1250 Members, who collectively farm more than 300,000 hectares throughout the UK. The Group attracts professional arable and livestock farmers who recognise the value of belonging to a large, expertly-managed input purchasing and crop marketing business operated entirely on their behalf.
In addition to financial savings on a wide range of inputs, from fuel, fertiliser and ag-chem to workshop equipment, tyres, electricity, building materials, feed, animal health products and mobile ‘phones, AtlasFram Members benefit from access to a team of product specialists. Working solely in the best interests of Members, they provide expert advice on a wide range of farming-related issues, advise when to place orders to obtain the best discounts and ensure that products are delivered on time, to the right location. Members receive just one monthly invoice that shows all purchases, which further reduces the time and cost of administration.
Further details are available at www.atlasfram.co.uk
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