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Operating Format |
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Loudham employs long-term, independent and fully-indemnified
Agronomic Advice.
This focuses on the most cost effective purchase terms for all
crop inputs i.e. seed, fertiliser and agrochemicals. Good
budgetary control is seen as essential for each farm, whilst
recognising the individual variances that will arise due to
elevation, soil types or previous history. Likewise, fixed costs
are fine tuned through an active machinery replacement policy
using a combination of purchased and contract hired equipment
all of which allows for tight £/Ha fixed cost control in a way
that will not disadvantage an Owner should Loudham's overall
farmed area rise or fall.
The Format outlined above shows how real savings can be
achieved both through economies of scale & the use of
incentivised independent professional advice. Expenditure must
always be targeted on cost effective results, rather than
cosmetic issues. By implication, in commercial conventional
agriculture, this is the most environmentally friendly and
profitable route forward.
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Sales and Marketing |
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Loudham manages a small but defined grain/commodities pool in
which each Owner's wishes in terms of the agreed cash flow
budget & level of risk they wish to take is accommodated in a
secure manner. If required, an Owner can also have their sales
contracts insured against bad debt. Loudham has built long term
trade relationships with buyers & is active in both Forward &
Spot Markets in line with each Owner's wishes.
Budget Sales figures are fully researched & this combined with
access to constantly-updated market information enables us to
repeatedly achieve highly competitive 'On Day' trading results.
Where possible, contracts are more customised than might
normally be the case, with earliest possible settlement dates to
the benefit of contract accounts routinely prioritised.
Typically 75% of the annual sales from our ACCS registered
stores are sold upon a 'delivered' basis rather than 'ex-farm'
thus providing extended control to the point of delivery into
first users.
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Equipment |
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Loudham's machinery policy can be seen in concept as a fixed
cost protection policy aimed at fulfilling its responsibilities
to each Owner. This concept is important because it demonstrates
Loudham's concern for each individual farm in the light of any
situation which could create a sudden upsurge in fixed costs or
contract charges, i.e. the possible loss of land through, for
example, increased set-aside / green schemes or actual land
sales or purchases.
Investment has been made into state-of-the-art spraying,
cultivation, drilling and harvesting equipment. Such investment
is very much an ongoing policy. Loudham is fortunate in having
access to national discount terms for tractor and combine
purchases and, as such, can source equipment most competitively
to the benefit of all parties. This situation extends where
appropriate into Crop/Buildings insurance and Inputs Finance.
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