Farming co-op’s collaboration with leading agronomy company

Two leading farming enterprises have entered into a partnership to help farmers remain profitable in difficult times for the agricultural industry.

The Cumbria-based farmer-owned co-operative Aspatria Farmers has branches in Appleby, Wigton and Longtown. For a number of years, it has been working with Agrovista – one of the leading suppliers of crop protection products and precision farming services across the UK.

Now they have cemented the relationship with a partnership to ensure that Agrovista supplies all the products to Aspatria Farmers.

The service covers Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland, and Dumfries and Galloway, for a range of farming types – from arable to dairy, beef or sheep. They provide feed and fertiliser and well as general support to farmers.

Aspatria Farmers’ arable manager Stephen Hemingway said: “As a non-profit making agricultural co-operative, this collaboration is very much in the interest of our farmer members in delivering a specialist agronomy service, backed by ongoing technological developments and training that a company like Agrovista can give.

“Both companies’ priorities are to advise producers on the most cost-effective use of seeds and agrochemicals to help them maintain profitability in challenging times.”

He added: “There is also the extra benefit that any profits we make from sales will be paid back to our members.”

Aspatria’s team of agronomists are working with Agrovista’s northern agronomists, Steven Gate and Simon Nelson – also based in Cumbria – to offer a cost-effective service with the latest technology and information. Together they help farmers make as much profit as possible and source low-priced materials.

Mr Gate said: “We have our own customers in the region but we have established a very good relationship with the agronomy team at Aspatria Farmers.

“Between us, we have many years of experience and we know the majority of farmers throughout the North of England and South West Scotland.”