AG Warehouse has it all, with manager Denise Jones, general 'all-rounder' Craig Enders and equine specialist Michael Manning on hand at Elmore this year.
For the community of Rochester, AG Warehouse has been more than just a well-trusted stalwart in supplying agricultural supplies to the local farming community.
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In the wake of the 2022 floods, it became a major and much-welcomed contributor to the town’s recovery.
As one of 27 retail stores (and 10 fertiliser depots) spread across Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, the dedicated Rochester team of eight brings with it more than 100 years of experience and access to a huge range of products and knowledge.
Not limited to the big producers, AG Warehouse also takes pride in supporting those with small acreage and even townsfolk with garden supplies, pet and produce, clothing and dairy products.
Marketing coordinator Narelle Taylor said such basic supplies were crucial to the district’s post-flood recovery.
“We assisted with fencing supplies for farmers but also helped those in town with something as basic cleaning products, pet food and long-life milk,” Narelle said.
“At the same time, we have the staff with the knowledge and the stock on hand to help a farmer sow 200 hectares.
“It’s all about the resilience of the town and community and for 30 long years we have seen how the town always recovers.”
Key to AG Warehouse’s support for growers is the role of Ian Pearse, the business’s resident agronomist who brings more than four decades of experience to the farming community.
“He’s a very experienced senior technical agronomist,” Narelle said.
Equine specialist Michael Manning is also on hand for any horse enthusiasts needing that bit more expertise.
The ‘well-rounded’ Jack-of-all-trades Craig Enders is also available to give advice.
“On anything, really,” Narelle said. “He knows a lot about lots of things.”
The store recently had extensive refurbishing, which has made room for a lot more stock, and takes pride in supporting the town’s many community initiatives and clubs.
In July, AG Warehouse donated money to Rochester Primary School to purchase musical instruments and is a supporter of the Northern Shears Shearing & Wool Handling Competition, along with being long-time supporters of local football and netball clubs, the local show society and many other community organisations.
Narelle said this year visitors to the Elmore Field Days can meet the team at their usual location at site 979, where they will have products from more than a dozen of their suppliers on display — from fencing and animal health, to workwear and feed.
“We have something for everyone.”
Narelle Taylor says Ian Pearse brings to AG Warehouse more than 40 years of experience as a senior technical agronomist.
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