A REID Review: 2023

As we bid farewell to another year of growth and shared success, I am filled with immense gratitude for our collective role in providing a valuable source of protein to Australians and those further afield.  Reflecting on 2023, it’s astonishing how we’ve seamlessly transitioned from the Victorian restrictions of October 2022 into the vibrant, unrestricted life of today. We now cherish the liberty to travel and connect, embracing the simple joys that were once an agonising memory rather than a “normal”, Australian way of life. I thought of this often on recent travels to Tasmania, it’s important to occasionally reflect on where we’ve come from to appreciate the now.

Our dedication to safety has never been stronger. This year, we deployed our largest-ever maintenance team, enhancing our operational safety measures to ensure smoother functionality of our mills and delivery trucks. We believe that the well-being of our employees and the reliability of our service are tightly connected.

Honesty and community remain core values of Reid’s. A thorough review of our customer base has provided for 2024 a roadmap to improve our services and event hosting, deepening relationships across Victoria and beyond. Our partnership with Foodbank Victoria and support for local sporting clubs and agricultural events underscore our commitment to both community and land.

Significant team energy has been invested in streamlining our operational capacity. Our ERP and accountancy systems are now unified, bolstering efficiency. This robust foundation has set the stage for a future where customer portals will offer unparalleled transparency in ordering and payments.

Reliability and consistency are our priority, which is why we’ve introduced silo level radars to enhance the stocking and unloading process, with plans to extend this technology across the Reid group. Based on your survey feedback Reid’s invested heavily to the reliability and functionality of our truck delivery program. By means of delivery flexibility, and significantly strengthening driver capability through improved recruitment, training, auditing and departmental communications. Most importantly these investments have been observed in direct feedback from customers as I’ve had the time and privilege to make visits.

Looking ahead to 2024, excitement builds as we approach our 40th Anniversary of Reid Stockfeeds. We eagerly anticipate celebrating this landmark with activities that honor our shared history and bright future together in the food supply chain. An extremely satisfying industry to be a part of but one with plenty of challenge when climate plays such a significant role to financial outcomes.

On a professional note, we’ve achieved record results in our packaged product division, setting new standards of excellence driven through strong sales in our layer, calf and beef product lines.

As we turn the page and begin to stack the birthday cake with forty candles, we look forward to a year of opportunity, innovation, and plenty of celebration. Cheers to that!

To increase your livestock farming gains & expert nutritional feeding advice please call 1300 REID FEED or enquire here >

Author

Nick Reid
CEO