A team of fertiliser industry veterans has launched a new crop nutrition company in Norfolk. Focussing strongly on old school personal service and up to date advice, Payne Crop Nutrition is based at their new fertiliser blending and bagging plant at Fakenham, serving farms in the east of England including Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Payne Crop Nutrition (PCN) sells direct to farmers, as well as through buying groups and partner distributors. “The fertiliser needs of each farm can vary enormously – field by field, and crop by crop,” says David Harrod, PCN’s Commercial Director. “We are convinced that this cannot be serviced properly by ever-larger producers with ‘one size fits all’ solutions.”
“Our high quality, FIAS-registered on-farm advice and soil sampling service links straight through to sourcing, production and delivery. Our brand-new bagging and blending plant can handle up to 50,000 tonnes a year; it will produce special fertiliser mixes specifically for individual farmers, matching their crops and soils, but we will also offer the normal range of straight products, delivery bulk or bagged, and spreading. Reliable delivery is going to be a key priority for us,” he states, adding that there will be a formal opening event at their new facility on 9 June.
PCN is owned by Dale Payne, whose fertiliser business was acquired by J&H Bunn in 2007, and four other ex-Bunn executives: David Harrod, former Joint Managing Director at Bunns; Jeremy Hitcham, now PCN’s Technical Director and Matthew Tooley, Production Director. Between them, they have 121 years’ experience in the fertiliser business. Their FACTS qualified sales team includes former colleague Keith Parker, while Jim Holt will act as independent sales agent. Danny Blake and Miriam Waller will cover production, logistics and administration.
“It is great to bring back some familiar faces with all their knowledge and experience, especially in sugar beet, potatoes and vegetables,” says Dale Payne. “We will be putting this to good use, helping our customers add value to their businesses through efficient and correct crop nutrition.”
The picture shows – Front row (L-R): Miriam Waller, Richard Hammond, David Harrod, Matthew Tooley. Back row: Keith Parker, Dale Payne, Jeremy Hitcham
