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Quality Seed
Direct from Breeder
to Farmer
July 24th 2009
NICKERSON DIRECT APPOINTS SEED SPECIALIST IN SCOTLAND
Douglas, who has an account management/marketing background and been connected with the agricultural sector throughout his career, has been an agent for Nickerson Direct in West Fife for the last 18 months. During that time he has been very successful in raising the brand’s profile in the region, but now able to devote all his attention to the business. Douglas is relishing the prospect of further developing its presence in the cereals, grass and forage sectors.
While other companies increasingly rely on selling to farmers over the ‘phone or via the internet, Nickerson Direct Seed Specialists advise farmers face-to-face on all aspects of the range, which includes Original cereal seeds, Circle Ley grass mixtures, oilseeds, LG maize, pulses and Foundation potatoes, together with a number of complimentary products. Like other Seed Specialists in the Nickerson Direct team, Douglas is trained in all aspects of agriculture and seed production.
Commenting on his appointment, Douglas said: “Farming profitably in any sector of the industry increasingly demands the very best inputs to achieve high outputs and farmers who consistently achieve good results recognise the value of investing in quality seeds”.
Nickerson Direct is part of Nickerson, which is owned by Group Limagrain, the largest seed company in the European Union. Nickerson Direct is therefore uniquely positioned to offer farmers the full benefit of the company’s huge resources and its investment in research and development.
“Nickerson Direct specialises in supplying seeds, so customers can be assured that the products which they purchase from us are of the highest quality, with the purity and vigour to deliver consistent, high performance. In the 1970s, Nickerson pioneered the development of vigour testing, which is particularly important because vigorous seed is better equipped to deal with poor, cold or wet seedbed conditions. This is important for quick, even crop establishment, allows the crop to grow away from soil-borne pests and diseases, ensures the development of more, stronger plants and ultimately produces higher yields.
“Nickerson are in complete control of seed quality and constantly monitor production to ensure that what they produce is significantly better than the official standard. Seed is produced by selected growers and processed to very demanding standards, while stocks are selected for their high germination and purity to maximise genetic potential. Germination and vigour are further enhanced by the application of a Seed Film Coating developed by Nickerson to ensure the even application of seed treatment products. It also incorporates a Growth Promoting Agent to assist rapid establishment and good germination, which help to further enhance crop performance and yields. By dealing with Nickerson Direct, customers can therefore be assured that they are purchasing products which will deliver consistently high performance.
“The other key part of the service which we offer is to help farmers select the best varieties for their particular situation and ensure that they maximise crop performance and financial returns from them. Within the company we have tremendous depth of experience and knowledge. Being part of Europe’s largest seed breeder, we can speak directly to the people behind any Nickerson variety, so customers can be assured of obtaining the very best advice and results.”
Douglas reports to Nick Wallace, Nickerson Direct’s Scottish Manager, who has been with the company for more than 30 years. They will both attend Nickerson Direct’s Grass Open Day at Auchterarder in Perthshire on Tuesday 14th July and the company’s Cereals Evening on Wednesday 22nd July, which will feature a presentation by Nickerson wheat breeder Ron Granger. Further details of both events are available from Douglas Bonn on 07933 736212.
