New look SealesWinslow committed to helping dairy farmers harness the science of animal nutrition

Recognising how nutrition can limit or optimise the productivity of our livestock is crucial to growing the future of our dairy industry, according to SealesWinslow General Manager Grant Jackson.

His message comes as the company reinforces its long-term commitment to New Zealand dairy farmers, including launching a new brand identity after it was acquired by Farmlands Co-operative from Ballance Agri-Nutrients in April.

Grant believes the dairy industry is at a pivotal point where nutrition will be crucial to how farmers manage their herds to drive efficiency, production, and look after the environment. He believes farmers need to shift the way they think about nutrition to remain competitive.

“Our dairy industry needs to approach herd nutrition much like we do the nutrition and health of our soils. We need to understand how improved nutritional strategies can markedly impact the productivity of our crops and pastures. Similarly, we must recognise the significant impact nutrition has on the productivity of our livestock.

“Farmers need to be able to bank on their herd’s performance and have confidence they’ll produce top-quality milk more efficiently, season after season. Nutrition is a key lever they can pull to achieve efficiency gains by optimising the rumen function of their animals, from replacement heifers to milkers.

“It’s not about replacing grass, but rather complementing it. Rearing the best calves requires a diet that is high in quality protein and starch. Keeping cows in the herd for longer means giving them a targeted nutrition boost at critical periods.

“SealesWinslow has been working on the science behind this for more than 50 years, and we will keep working with our farmers as their trusted partners to grow their knowledge and support them to make real gains.”

Affordability a priority

Delivering affordable, quality solutions remains a top priority for SealesWinslow, especially in light of current economic conditions.

“Despite some fluctuations in the prices of grains and minerals, overall feed prices have remained stable for about 12 months. We don’t expect too much volatility in feed prices in the short term, which is reassuring when farmers are trying to keep production costs down,” says Grant.

“But affordability is not necessarily about simply looking at the lowest cost. More important for farmers is being confident about return on investment and making sure their herd achieves the best production response from supplementary feed.

Robust science is crucial

“Achieving that requires some robust science. That’s why we developed our Ruminix³ decision-making tool – released earlier this year – which helps farmers predict the effects of different feed choices on milk production before purchasing. It’s been well received by farmers.

“These types of science-based solutions will help our industry reduce its carbon footprint, lower our emissions, and lift on-farm production efficiency. SealesWinslow is proud to be leading the way in that space, and we look forward to more exciting things to come in the near future.”

Growing Farmers’ Futures

Grant says SealesWinslow’s new branding symbolises evolution and growth and represents the next stage in the company’s journey under Farmlands ownership.

“The thinking behind our new brand is grounded in the future and the promise of things to come. We wanted to convey the feeling of progression, growth, and fulfilment and like guardians or kaitiaki, we like seeing the next generation off to a great start.

“That’s why as experts in ruminant animal nutrition, we partner with farmers to help them realise the full potential of their animals from day one and grow the future of their farm business. That’s what gets us out of bed in the morning.”

Grant reassures farmers that despite the new look, SealesWinslow is committed to delivering the same reliable service and high-quality products they have come to trust.

“While it’s still early days, we expect the acquisition to deliver improved operating efficiencies, reach, and capability over time, while delivering long-term value to Farmlands shareholders.

“In the meantime, it’s business as usual, and farmers can continue to buy SealesWinslow’s products through all existing merchant channels. We are proud to be here for the long haul.”