Page 44 - 2021 Virtual Field Day

44 SPECIAL PUBLICATION Thursday March 18, 2021 .
VIRTUAL FIELD DAY

For AW Vater and
Co, offering an
honest, reliable,
third-generation
family-owned
and independent
option for SA

farmers is
something to be
proud of.

BY JULIA WYTHES

ARMING is a really
tough job. And that's
why AW Vater and Co
Fis dedicated to pro-
viding everything a farmer
needs, from seed to a silo.
And it knows farming.
With its base in Saddleworth
in the mid north, and Kadina
on the Yorke Peninsula,
it has been helping South
Australian farmers for
more than 60 years. And
the business has a lot to
celebrate. Last month it was
the 20th anniversary of the
store in Kadina. NEXT GENERATION: Jack Vater, Rachel Oehme and Tom Vater, AW Vater and Co, with photos of their grandparents Allen and Doris.
Helping farmers is a pas-
sion for their third-genera- working relationships from "Pop was proof to us that
tion family-owned business, management throughout if anything is worth doing,
and for manager Jill Vater. the entire sta . It also it's worth doing properly;
"At AW Vater and Co, we helps as we don't have to success only comes through
know that farmers can strug- push speci c products, but hard work and perseverance.
gle to get the returns they rather we provide genuine He made sure we always
deserve and the support advice and support with the have a strong handshake,
they need. at's why we products we sell." always be honest, and be
prioritise supply, pricing and Tania Nicholls, Allen's fair in every deal. Loyalty
service, so they can grow a daughter and manager, is more than making a few
prosperous farm for genera- said family was the core of extra bucks," Tom said.
tions to come," she said. the business. Customer Elden Oster
"We're not just celebrating "One of the most reward- said he loved the old
20 years, we're celebrating HELPING HAND: AW Vater and Co stocks a full range EXPERTS IN THEIR ing things we get to see in fashioned family integrity
our independence and of agricultural chemicals, fertiliser and soil nutrition FIELD: AW Vater and Co our business is the farming had been passed on from
position in the agricultural products and agronomy services. agronomists hard at work. families where the grand- Allen to his children, and to
industry, and over 61 years parents used to deal with the sta .
as a family owned and being family operated makes had dealt with for years. She experts from independent Dad or he would cart their "AW Vater's probably
operated business." all the di erence. said he was an unmistakable bodies such as the GRDC, grain, and not only are we saved me a lot of money.
For Ms Vater, farmers are "Here our clients get the character, with a handshake SARDI and PIRSA. ey are still doing business with the ey always have product
their priority. word right from the horse's like a steel-vice, and always a kept at the forefront of new next generation, but we are there when I need it.
"When it seems like the mouth," she said. "We smoke in hand or mouth. information and technolo- seeing the third generation Because of that, I have more
whole world is merging into understand the frustration AW Vater and Co stocks gies through accreditation come through to us as well," exibility when making
giant corporate companies, of waiting for product or a full range of agricultural programs, continuous she said. decisions, and can spray in
technology keeps changing having to change your plan chemicals, fertiliser and training and updates with Jill Vater's daughter a timely manner," he said.
and the market supply is because you couldn't get soil nutrition products and suppliers and independent Rachel works at Saddle- "Jill's market knowledge, and
volatile, it leaves farmers what you wanted. We know agronomy services that bodies. With access to their worth and helps coordinate the ability to read market
feeling frustrated, vulnerable how important supply and are vital for farmers. It also own trial site at Kadina, they ag chem supply as well as trends, buy in early, and
and overwhelmed. We're prices are, which is why carries a full range of fencing can test the latest products marketing. "Having worked obtain stock from all over
here to remind them that we're so proactive to ensure supplies, animal health and varieties in the local with Pop, Nan, Mum (Jill), Australia when it is unob-
we are real people who have we get it right. At the same and nutrition products, climate and conditions. Kim and Tania, makes tainable, is second to none."
their backs and can give time, it's more than just tanks and water supplies, Matthew Cadd, agron- this more than just a job. e Daymans also share
them the solutions they business. Our clients know everything right down to omist at Kadina, said the e values Pop lived by the experience of a third and
need," she said. we always have time for a boots and socks and mum's AW Vater and Co agronomy personally are bred into the fourth generation legacy.
"Our company goals aren't co ee and a chat, and we try washing powder. model was di erent to most. business, and they de ne Barry Dayman said the
based upon sales targets or our best to ensure they feel Its grain and transport di- "Rather than a prescrip- how we operate - they're the service his father Doug re-
the interests of shareholders, a part of something bigger. vision, started by Allen, buys tive method, we provide bones on which the business ceived still continues today.
our goals are based upon the ey're not just a number. and sells all types of cereals, growers with a range of is built. e most important "We love the good supply of
wellbeing of our SA farmers, Our growers know we've got pulses and oilseeds, giving options for their individ- thing Pop instilled in us is chemicals, and love the great
their families, and their busi- their backs." growers great market access ual situation, guiding and to treat others the same way service with the personal
nesses. We know our success And AW Vater and Co's and price competitiveness. assisting them to make their you wish to be treated. And approach of the sta and
is tied to their success. character and integrity Its agronomists have own decisions," he said. "At I think it's a great indication hierarchy. Dealing with
We're in it for the long haul comes from one place - its extensive knowledge and AW Vater and Co, you're a of just how good of a man he AW Vater and Co is more
with them." founder Allen Vater. Ms Har- experience in the local person, not just a name or was," she said. personal, they prefer to deal
Leah Harvey, who is the vey remembers Allen often agricultural areas. ey're number. It's a family owned Kim Vater manages the one on one, and not just be a
founding branch manager visited the Kadina store, backed up by a large support and orientated business, and grain division, working with number. ey're a good mob
at Kadina, says a business catching up with clients he network of suppliers, and by that shows with the strong his sons Tom and Jack. to deal with."