Agricultural supplies firm celebrates its centenary
A MAJOR agricultural supplies company is celebrating 100 years after it was founded as a farmers’ co-operative.
Powys-based Wynnstay plans to mark the centenary with a year of celebrations for the company and its customers throughout 2018.
“Having been established as a farmer co-operative on January 17, 1918, we’re extremely proud that, a century on, the business remains true to its roots and farmerfocused,” said Wynnstay’s chief executive Ken Greetham.
“The firm foundations established in Llansantffraid by the founding farmer members have enabled Wynnstay to grow into a national business that now spans from Scotland through to Lancashire and Yorkshire, into the Midlands, Wales, and down as far as the south-west coast.”
He explained that an important part of the business’ success has been its ability to adapt to changes in farming over the past 100 years.
“From a post-war Britain, through the agricultural policy changes in the 1970s to the focus on technology that we are now seeing in the 21st century, we’ve always observed the needs of farmers.”
To mark the occasion, Wynnstay has planned a full year of celebrations.
“As it’s such a big milestone for the business, we’ll be celebrating in a variety of ways with staff and customers across all Wynnstay divisions,” said Mr Greetham.
“Celebrations will include staff charity challenges, local fundraisers and the production of a limited-edition centenary grassland mix.
“We’re also excited to announce the launch of the Wynnstay Innovation and Excellence Awards,” he added.
Open to all UK farmers, the awards will celebrate success and innovation in all sectors of the industry, from arable through to dairy, beef, sheep and poultry.
“We’re part of an exciting and forward-thinking industry, and in our daily work we’ve come across some outstanding farm enterprises. The awards offer the perfect opportunity for Wynnstay to recognise and celebrate these business with the wider farming industry,” said Mr Greetham.