A message from Bill: When I’m evaluating a new purchase for the farm, I run through a critical checklist:
- Will it add to or just detract from the bottom line
- What’s the support like, and how quickly can I get an answer to a question or find support when I need it?
- If it’s tech-based, will the company be around to provide ongoing support?
- And will it improve my management skills (or, better put, the accuracy of my decisions)?
And if there’s one thing we all know about livestock farming, it’s that while there’s a never-ending list of things you can spend money on, the list of things you should spend money on is much shorter.
With my checklist in mind, and as founder, here’s my rule of thumb to judge if Optiweigh is providing value.
- We know it can add significant value to cattle, dairy, or sheep enterprises. We know that from personal experience, and we know it from the people who keep telling us it does (we have a collection of farmer insights here). It adds value because it improves sale weights and timing, helps identify productivity gaps and opportunities with pastures, and pinpoints nutrition and animal health issues – all in real-time.
- We’re focused on providing the best support we can possibly muster. If you call 1300 678 493 or email [email protected], Max, Saf, Alex, or Mick will work with you to get a problem solved ASAP. Our tech team members Sam, Vernon, Matt, Noah and Jake are in the same office, so if it’s a technical query, solutions are often just a few steps away as we can speak directly with the folks who program and build the electronics (no waiting for advice from a different time zone here).
- We’re in this for the long haul. We’ve been slowly and steadily growing for the past 7 years – through multiple workshops, facility expansions, and product iterations – and our pragmatic, farmer-influenced approach means we’re a steadfast partner for your business.
- Our users consistently tell us that Optiweigh is making them better decision-makers because they have data to back up their hunches. If your livestock stop gaining weight, you’ll know about it before you even set eyes on them.
So, if you’re evaluating priorities for your ag business, consider whether delaying purchases that make money and create opportunity is the right move. Should you wait for the next round of grant funding when there’s valuable information you’re missing out on right now – information that can add to your bottom line today?
Side note: If it is an issue of cash flow talk to us about our new payment plans that spread the cost out over a two year period. Also, Optiweigh units are eligible for the Instant Asset Write-off until June 30 (there’s been some talk it might be continued into the new financial year but nothing is confirmed yet).
Whether you are considering buying an Optiweigh or whether you already own one and are wondering how to get more out of it I want you to understand this: Our business only exists because Jacqui and I had the desire to see our livestock-producing peers get the same benefits out of in-paddock weighing that we found.
With the great support we have had for our product we have invested in our development and support teams to evolve the hardware and reporting and provide the best level of service possible. In most operations an Optiweigh unit should be paying for itself in months, not years, so get in touch with us to talk about how to make this happen.