On The Road with Ryan MacArthur
Ryan MacArthur – Agribusiness and Programmes Manager
‘It's a privilege to be part of family's livelihoods; ultimately the decisions that we're making have a real impact on their farms.’
As Agribusiness and Programmes Manager at Silver Fern Farms, Ryan MacArthur works across five livestock regions, leading and supporting the livestock programmes that connect our farmers with our customers and ever-evolving market opportunities.
‘Essentially, understanding what our customers want, what they value, only succeeds if we can then translate that into something that also works for our farmers. So, my role is bridging that gap between the two.’
Ryan works closely with our Livestock Reps, manages the on-farm sustainability advisors, and works with sales, marketing, operations, and production planning teams, to make sure our programmes deliver to customer needs. Our 100% Beef, Lamb and Venison programmes, NZFAP Plus - initiatives like these are increasingly important to our global customers.
Customers and consumers are asking more questions about their food, where it comes from, how animals are cared for, and how farms are managed. Rather than seeing those expectations as a challenge, Ryan sees them as an opportunity for our farmers to differentiate themselves in our global markets.
‘If we can help farmers access programmes that recognise the great work they're already doing, we can create value right through that supply chain from farm gate to the consumer on the other side of the world.’
‘At Silver Fern Farms I see our role as making sure we've got the right tools, the right programmes and the right support behind farmers so that they can continue delivering value, so you are really an integral part of their livelihood.’
For Ryan, a real highlight of his role is introducing new programs to farmers that are aligned to their specific farm system.
‘For some farmers that ran predominantly Hereford cattle, the GAP programme was a programme that worked really well for them. One supplier had a large breeding blocks run alongside two finishing blocks, and they were just fizzed to be a part of it and chomping at the bit to join. That's always pretty exciting when you can bring up new opportunities to farmers that suits their system and helps improve their bottom line.’
Ryan chairs the technical advisory group for NZFAI, New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated, ensuring that farmers' voices are heard in terms of what the standards are and what they need to achieve to be able to be export ready.
‘I think as a business, Silver Fern Farms being actively involved in industry and rural communities is really important. I'm frequently at discussion groups and field days.’
Tapping into the challenges farmers are facing and listening to their concerns around increasing input costs, regulation and market volatility helps Ryan and his team identify where they can help and support farmers.
‘More recently I’ve heard a real sense of optimism about the future of farming now, which is really exciting. Innovation is moving quickly in the sector, changing the way that a lot of our farmers are running their businesses. It's helping to increase productivity and it's giving them more flexibility. The fun is coming back in to farming.
‘Farmers are looking for those practical solutions to create value, not just compliance; they're keen to be recognised for the good work they're doing and connect that back to customers who value it. I think New Zealand farmers have always been innovative and adaptable and that's probably what gives me confidence in the future of our industry.’
Asked what a great day at work looked like:
A great day at work is one that starts with a drive out to a farm as the sun rises, spending the day connecting with farmers, solving challenges, and supporting positive outcomes for the sector.
