Anglia farmers recoup ?1 million for members
As the Anglia Farmers
The 17% increase in turnover equates to ’166.6 million and represents increased volumes across all areas of the business. This is a significant rise with growth currently running at around 30% up for the first quarter of this financial year.
Anglia Farmers Limited had a surplus for the year of ’149,072 and overall AF Group, which includes AF Affinity ’ a discount group for businesses, employee benefit schemes and private individuals - showed a consolidated surplus of ’78,534. Net assets increased to ’1.6 million (up from ’1.51 million). Shareholding members increased by 9.7% over the past year.
Launched at the beginning of 2010, AF Affinity Limited had a turnover just under ’200,000 with a budgeted loss in its first year of ’70,538. This financial year, AF Affinity Limited has a target turnover of ’2 million for a breakeven position. This includes the performance of FarmBuyer - a strategic alliance between the National Fallen Stock Scheme and AF Affinity, which sources products and services for livestock farmers throughout the UK.
Overall performance for Anglia Farmers climbs further, however, when all associated groups are accounted for with purchasing power, rather than turnover, now exceeding ’200 million. The group’s statistics show that 2,380 members farm 520,000 hectares and as the gap narrows between cost of production and farm gate price, AF says more farmers are joining to help maintain their profits.
’The first few months of last year were very challenging for AF,’ said chairman George Bell. ’Some of the markets in which we buy for members were in disarray and many members deferred purchasing decisions because of the resulting uncertainties. This made it difficult to hit the demanding targets we set for ourselves. I was really pleased with the way in which the whole team at all levels responded to the difficult climate, working with suppliers to deliver joint business plans and approaching members proactively to help with their buying decisions. Within a few months we were back where we wanted to be and the growth achieved continues into the current year.
Group chief executive Clarke Willis added: ’While UK arable looks set to prosper better than the livestock sector, anyone in a farming business needs to be professional about purchasing. AF is proving that it has the leading edge when it comes to negotiating best prices for its members.
’With average input savings in excess of ’75 per hectare, being a member of AF though is not just about getting the best price. It is also about market information, product knowledge, trust and a tremendous time saving element.’