Two Queensland rural merchandise businesses, Springsure Rural and Northside Produce Agency, Bundaberg, were awarded gold at the national Nutrien Ag Solutions and CRT Awards on Tuesday, 19 November.
Twelve leading agricultural retail businesses from across Australia were recognised for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the agricultural sector in the past 12 months.
Kelly Freeman, managing director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, announced the winners at a gala dinner in Queensland, celebrating excellence across the network.
“Congratulations to our 2024 award recipients. 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.”
Springsure Rural
Springsure Rural, one of Central Queensland’s many rural merchandise stores, has been recognised for its contributions to the agricultural sector and was awarded the CRT Queensland Business of the Year.
The small local business of four staff, went up against five other rural merchandise stores from across the state, leaving business manager Krystie Smith shocked following the announcement.
“I was very surprised when we were announced as the winners,” she said.
“This isn’t something I was expecting because we were up against great businesses doing marvellous things for their customers and in their communities as well.
“We are so proud of the business we have built over the last 10 years. There’s been highs and lows like any venture and to get the recognition from our industry that we are achieving great things is very rewarding.”
Although this is the group’s first time being nominated for an award at the Nutrien Ag Solutions and CRT Awards, this is the second time their hard efforts have been recognised for their hard efforts.
At the 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards, Springsure Rural received its first major Agribusiness award.
Being only a small business, Krystie said it was an absolute honour to be recognised for both awards.
“We are very customer and community-focused. Without their support, we wouldn’t be here, so we thank everyone who has supported us along the way,” she said.
Northside Produce Agency
Bundaberg’s pristine rural produce agency was acknowledged for its workplace health and safety measures after receiving the Independent MD’s Safety Excellence Award.
In the finals, Northside Produce Agency was up against two other competitors from Farmarama, Western Australia and Yenda Producers in New South Wales.
Despite implementing strong safety measures, business owner Brian Gordon said because there were many outstanding competitors, he and his team didn’t assume to win.
“It certainly was a pleasant and proud surprise. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, especially for my daughter, Haley, who couldn’t be present at the awards,” he said.
“She has been instrumental in helping me push boundaries with new technology and embrace different ways of doing things.
“I was also incredibly proud of the entire team, as this achievement reflects their hard work and dedication to improving safety and continually pushing for excellence.
“It affirms our efforts to prioritise safety and motivates us to continue improving.”
While Brian and his team of 15 staff have won other local business awards in the past, the business was also recognised as a state finalist for this year’s Telstra Business Awards.
When asked what sets Northside Produce Agency apart from its competitors, Brian expressed their commitment to safety and the use of innovation.
“Technology is often underutilised in our industry, and that is something we push on to differentiate ourselves,” he said.
“In a world where technology is becoming increasingly commonplace, we recognise the importance of staying ahead and refusing to be left behind in the stone ages.
“We use technology through our electronic toolbox talks and conducting monthly competency assessments, by doing this, we have embraced modern solutions to proactively improve safety and reduce risks, ensuring a safer environment for both staff and customers.”
Congratulations to the 2024 award recipients:
CRT New South Wales Business of the Year
Bowral Co-operative, Bowral NSW
CRT Queensland Business of the Year
Springsure Rural, Springsure QLD
CRT Victoria Business of the Year
Robert Smith and Co, Warracknabeal VIC
CRT South Australia Business of the Year
Walter Agencies, Lameroo SA
CRT Western Australia Business of the Year
Frankland Rural, Frankland River WA
Greg O’Neil CRT National Business of the Year
Robert Smith and Co, Warracknabeal VIC
Nutrien Ag Solutions Independent Business of the Year
Nutrien Cummins and Cleve Ag Services – Cummins and Cleve SA
Independent MD’s Safety Excellence Award
Northside Produce Agency, Bundaberg QLD
Nutrien Ag Solutions MD’s Safety Excellence Award
Nutrien Ag Solutions Gunnedah, Gunnedah NSW
Nutrien Ag Solutions Profit Share of the Year
Foreman Rural, Jerrumungup WA
Nutrien Ag Solutions Joint Venture of the Year
QFH Multiparts Pty Ltd, Katanning WA
Nutrien Ag Solutions Branch of the Year
Nutrien Ag Solutions Merredin, Merredin WA
