What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Job Done won an idea pitch last week at GridAKL, in Auckland’s innovation precinct. Seven teams representing Icehouse, Spark Ventures and BBDO spent a month developing prototypes at their own cost in the hope of supplying the co-op.
The seven ideas were pitched to a judging panel of Fonterra farmers and staff. Pitch winner Job Done, founded by Manawatu farmer Nigel Taylor, was mentored by Icehouse.
They presented a new workforce management and productivity app that allows farmers to track their workers’ location in real time using GPS. This helps with compliance and replaces timesheets.
Each company worked with a co-op farmer who gave practical and honest feedback to guide and shape the ideas and concepts.
Fonterra farmer Olin Greenan says the winning app has great promise.
“Having more instant information and data available for my farm will help me run a more efficient operation.
“Some important things such as compliance, environmental and employment regulations take a lot of time to track and manage.”
Fonterra director cooperative affairs Miles Hurrell, one of the judges, says they gave a simple brief: “look for new ways to help farmers with their businesses by reducing input costs, improve profitability and save time”.
“Job Done has a strong idea that looks promising for helping our farmers save time and money.”
All attendees were also invited to vote in a People’s Choice Award, won by Proximity with its Dairy 360 smartphone app. This connects with Fonterra’s existing app Fencepost to help farmers manage workflow and paperwork.
Fonterra is hoping the initiative will become a regular event, bringing continuous innovation to the farm.
“I [want] anything which provides more assurance that dairy products made from my milk are made to highest industry practices,” says Greenan.
