Wednesday, 27 July 2022 10:55

Beating logistical roadblocks

Written by  Staff Reporters
Keith Arnold, Graincorp Feeds' national operations manager, says he's seen quick fixes to supply chain problem have major ramifications. Keith Arnold, Graincorp Feeds' national operations manager, says he's seen quick fixes to supply chain problem have major ramifications.

Over the last three years almost every industry has faced upheaval.

As Covid disrupted lives, a succession of dominos toppled, starting with the global workforce. With workers down, every link of every supply chain was affected.

Keith Arnold, national operations manager at GrainCorp Feeds, coordinates the importing and distribution of a range of supplementary feed to New Zealand dairy farmers.

Upon arrival, these products must then be transported to liquid and dry storage facilities dotted around New Zealand, located to service each region.

From these storage facilities, Arnold must ensure that some products are dispatched as they are, while others are blended to the requirements of individual farmers. Once blended, these customised feeds must then be transported to farmers.

That’s a lot of moving parts.

To say that Arnold’s job is now more difficult is an understatement. Far from perplexed, he’s loving the challenge.

“I’m a natural problem-solver, so I’m like a pig in mud when there’s a puzzle to be solved. Not everyone likes handling lots of moving parts, but I actually need it.”

Because the company sells products from both locally and around the globe, synchronising the arrival of these ingredients is a supply-chain challenge. There are bulk liquid tankers to manage, bulk dry ships carrying dry feed, and container ships carrying bulk feeds and additives.

With so many links, it is inevitable that there will be challenges. With production deadlines here in New Zealand, it is tempting to reach for whatever quick fix will get the job done.

But even when a rapid intervention is required, Arnold is always mindful of the future consequences.

“I always ask this question: If we take this logistical action now, how will it affect our ability to supply farmers in the future? I’ve seen quick fixes lead to bad ramifications down the track, and those consequences are often relational.

“If you manage to get products supplied today, but do it by burning the relationships you’ll need tomorrow, what have you gained?”

 “That’s why I tell my team to let me know if there are any issues putting strain on our key supply chains.”

More like this

Don't reduce supplementary feed

As the new dairy season gets underway and farmers tackle ongoing financial challenges, they are being urged not to make hasty decisions about selling cows and cutting back on supplementary feed.

More rain, less sun bring feed woes

Slow pasture growth over the last couple of months, combined with a wet October and lack of sunshine, could see cows short on crucial energy, fibre and protein as mating gets into full swing across the country.

Balance protein, energy to boost BCS

As dairy farmers head into mating with lower cow body condition scores than last season, feeding quality pasture and supplements will be crucial for getting cows in calf and putting milk in the vat.

Plan ahead to beat feed woes

With calving underway, dairy farmers are being urged to plan ahead, as feed availability is affected by global shortages along with slow and intermittent international shipping.

Supplements filling pasture protein deficit

A deficit in pasture protein levels last summer, combined with a good payout, has seen dairy farmer demand for quality, cost-effective protein-rich supplements soar. according to a feed importer.

Featured

Massey Research Field Day attracts huge interest

More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.

National

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of…

Machinery & Products

BA Pumps expand

Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the…

Entries open for innovation award

Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter