The Land

Global agriculture leader focused on delivering support and innovative solutions to Australian growers

The Nutrien Ag Solutions team: (From left) Maddison Baulch, Nick Maddison, Norm McCosker, Kieran Johnstone, Adam Mountjoy and Justin Nowell at the Warrnambool, Victoria saleyards earlier this year.
The Nutrien Ag Solutions team: (From left) Maddison Baulch, Nick Maddison, Norm McCosker, Kieran Johnstone, Adam Mountjoy and Justin Nowell at the Warrnambool, Victoria saleyards earlier this year.

This is sponsored content for Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Global farm services business Nutrien Ag Solutions is unashamedly ambitious, promising to be the ag retailer of the future.

And its plan for growth and innovation is focused on supporting and working with the Australian agriculture industry and growers to fulfil their potential.

The Canadian-owned Nutrien Ag Solutions brand is being rolled out in Australia following the late 2019 merger of respected local agricultural retailers Landmark and Ruralco, which are now in the process of being rebadged.

The combined Australian business leverages more than 170 years of experience in local agriculture and a national network of more than 4000 staff.

More than just a name, the Nutrien Ag Solutions brand reflects the unique offering that will make the combined business the retailer of choice for Australian farmers, according to Brent Smith, Vice President, Marketing & Innovation for Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Mr Smith said the Nutrien name firmly positions the Australian business as part of the global agricultural powerhouse, the world's largest provider of crop inputs, services and solutions which works to help growers across the planet increase food production, in a sustainable manner.

"Nutrien sees great benefit in increasing the international mobility of its people. Nutrien Ag Solutions' 4000 Australian staff are now in a position to tap into the global knowledge and network like never before, through the cross pollination of skills and expertise among regions," Mr Smith said.

"The business wants to do all it can to see Australian agriculture grow and flourish."

The big picture: Nutrien Ag Solution is focused on identifying opportunities for innovation that are specific to Australian growers
The big picture: Nutrien Ag Solution is focused on identifying opportunities for innovation that are specific to Australian growers

Mr Smith said the last part of the name, "solutions", highlights the brands' commitment to research and development to bring to market innovative solutions to complex problems to help farmers throughout Australia and the world address challenges and reach their potential.

"The company invests a significant amount in innovation. It's key to Nutrien achieving long-term shared success with customers, investors and other stakeholders," he said.

"We want to give our customers across the world unparalleled access to solutions through innovative technologies, value-driven offerings, and a local team of trusted experts.

"And we are uniquely positioned because of our scale and resources to consolidate and professionalise ag retail. We are the only retailer able to deliver an integrated customer experience, and we have the broadest and deepest portfolio of products, services, and digital capabilities in our industry."

Nutrien has commercialised 144 products globally into its Loveland and seed businesses over the last eight years.

"This clearly demonstrates the business has the capabilities, facilities, and employees around the world to bring to market new and exciting technologies and products that solve grower challenges in a unique way," Mr Smith said.

"There is significant opportunity to leverage our innovation into Australian agriculture, and in doing that, drive growth. We're really keen to focus on how we can work together to identify opportunities for innovation that are specific to Australian growers."

For Nutrien Ag Solutions that includes growers of broadacre crops, horticulture, livestock, wool, real estate, water, insurance and more.

Trusted partners: Nutrien Ag Solutions wants to help Australian agriculture grow and flourish.
Trusted partners: Nutrien Ag Solutions wants to help Australian agriculture grow and flourish.

The Australian network now includes more than 700 corporate-owned stores, and 300 independent rural supplies retailers, as well as a stable of joint ventures in partnership with local management, and a suite of other businesses.

Some local stores have already changed their signage and uniforms to the new brand, with remaining stores making the change throughout February and early March.

Nutrien Ag Solutions managing director, Rob Clayton, who was formerly managing director of Landmark, said the merged business will be a "game changer" for Australian ag retail.

"Nutrien Ag Solutions offers customers access to the best products, innovative technology and trusted expertise from a team that understands Australian agriculture and the challenges and opportunities farmers face. There has never been a more important time for Australian farmers to have a partner they can rely on," he said.

Mr Clayton said that supporting customers would continue to be the company's number one priority as the new brand was rolled out.

"Most customers will continue to deal with the same staff and we're ensuring our service and support to growers remains seamless. We will build on the trust and relationships that growers already have with our team members across the country," he said.

"As Nutrien Ag Solutions, we will support our customers to be sustainable and profitable businesses."

Nutrien Ltd, operating in Australia through its wholly owned subsidiary Landmark Operations Limited (Landmark), officially acquired Ruralco Holdings Limited (Ruralco) on 1 October 2019.

Mr Clayton said work on integrating the two legacy businesses would continue throughout 2020.

"We're focused on creating a consistent brand experience that addresses the changing needs of our grower customers and builds the retail brand of the future, focusing on digital solutions and ecommerce that will support both the network and growers."

This is sponsored content for Nutrien Ag Solutions.