General News
7 December, 2024
Local agribusiness wins national award
Warracknabeal business Robert Smith & Co P/L has been announced as Victorian and Australian CRT Business of the Year for 2024, at a gala dinner on the Gold Coast on November 19.
The national award was named The Greg O’Neil CRT National Business of the Year, in honour of Mr O'Neil's 40 years of service at CRT (Combined Rural Traders), managing the group of independent dealers until his recent retirement.
This was the first time it was awarded in his honour.
Owner of Robert Smith & Co P/L, Andrew Golder expressed his surprise and honour to win the inaugural award.
“Greg O’Neil has worked tirelessly for independent agribusinesses that are a part of CRT for a very long time, helping the group to remain a strength in rural Australia," he said.
Robert Smith & Co P/L has been servicing the local community for over 130 years.
The business first started out as Stock and Station Agents in the 1890's, with several branches throughout the Wimmera/Mallee selling sheep, cattle, horses and land before, moving onto machinery and then agricultural chemicals in the 1960's.
It was one of the first Victorian stores to join the CRT group in 1977.
CRT began in NSW in 1970, when a group of five independent stores got together to form a buying group.
CRT maintains a membership of about 300 stores, that are now combined with the buying power of Nutrien Ag Solutions.
In 1993, under the management of Bill Smith and Robin Hewitt, Robert Smith & Co P/L won these awards and now 30 years later Mr Golder said he was proud that the business has been one of very few to win these awards on multiple occasions.
Award criteria included business presentation, support of direction and initiatives, growth, payment of account and utilisation of online ordering and business platform (OPAS).
Victorian stores have dominated these awards in recent times with Colac, Brim and Yarrawonga all winning in the last seven years.
Mr Golder said it was humbling to win the award and thanked clients for their continued support.
“We have been in a good area of the country for a few years and while this year was dry, we are better off than some areas, it is most rewarding to talk to clients during this harvest, who are harvesting more than they expected in most paddocks," he said.
"The last five years have been 'trying' with various shortages of products, which we have managed to largely cover by purchasing more product and earlier and having good relationships with suppliers".
"Thanks to our staff, who have been part of the local farming community for a number of years, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience."
During the awards presentations Nutrien Ag Solutions managing director Kelly Freeman announced another 10 leading businesses, who were recognised for their outstanding performance and contribution to agriculture.
“These stores have achieved remarkable results over the past twelve months, despite the challenges faced by our industry throughout the year," he said.
"Our awards also celebrate the team members who go above and beyond each day to support and serve our customers and demonstrate our commitment to safety with a proactive and positive culture.
"Our success is driven by the diversity within our business, the strength of our strategy, and most importantly, the dedication of our people. I am incredibly proud of everyone across our business and their unwavering commitment to putting Australian farmers at the heart of all we do."