STARTING with stores in Crystal Brook, Kimba, Clare and Loxton, the business quickly grew across the state and now operates in 11 locations across South Australia and Mildura, including Murray Bridge, Meningie, Strathalbyn, Renmark, Virginia and Balaklava.
The business offers advice and products to clients across all aspects of agribusiness – livestock, real estate, finance, insurance and rural merchandise. In 2013 Wayne Hall joined Platinum Ag to develop the livestock business and it is an area that has continued to grow. The team now services livestock clients who trade in sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, pigs and stud stock.
As a Ruralco business, Platinum Ag is part of a network of stores across the country all striving to achieve Ruralco’s purpose of being ‘here for Australian farmers’. Believing in the value of local stores run by local people, Platinum Ag Services provides the connections of a national business to support local businesses.
Fellow Ruralco business, Southern Australian Livestock (SAL), is one of the most successful stock agencies in SA. Established in 1984 and acquired by Ruralco about 10 years ago, SAL has dedicated its business to serving local communities across SA. Also providing real estate services through SAL Real Estate, the business has a team of experienced residential and rural specialists in the south east and southern Mallee.
A new chapter has just begun for both Ruralco businesses, as they come together under the direction of Platinum’s Peter Cook and Wayne Hall. With SAL joining the existing Platinum network, the business is able to provide quality service right across SA.
This will allow consistent and seamless service for clients and open new markets creating more options and marketing choices. With common suppliers, processors and feedlots, the two businesses will now have a complete supply chain across SA. SAL complements the existing association Platinum has with SAL Northwest, CIAA and Eyre Peninsula Livestock and Real Estate.
Platinum has always had strong growth expectations and has successfully branched out into a number of new locations and businesses. The merger with SAL has now seen them become one of SA’s largest independent agencies with 30 livestock agents spread across the state. This expansion has enabled Platinum to build a larger network of local people, serving local people, with experience and expertise that will add value across the business.
Both Platinum and SAL are underpinned and driven by the Ruralco values and culture, encouraging accountability, integrity and loyalty. Over the past eight years Platinum has not only grown, but has become a trusted and valued member of the regional communities serviced SA and Mildura.
Platinum network managing director Peter Cook welcomed SAL to the Platinum business.
“SAL is a long-standing and successful business in a high production market in SA, and western Victoria,” Mr Cook said.
”The hard work and dedication of both the current and previous staff in the business has ensured it is a trusted brand in this area. For Platinum, SAL and Ruralco, the merger creates several synergies and gives us a state wide platform to increase our ability to create value and opportunities for both our clients and our people in livestock and real Estate.
“It is early days and we want it to be business as usual for all concerned, particularly our customer base. With Ruralco wanting to continue to invest in the agriculture space, we look forward to exploring further growth opportunities for the combined business and integrating the existing Platinum network and associates with the SAL team.”
In late 2017, in seeking to offer their livestock clients further sale opportunities, Platinum established a new saleyard complex at Crystal Brook, through sister company Combined Independent Agents Association (CIAA). Demonstrating their community mindset, Platinum reached out to Ruralco’s charity partner Lifeline to see how they could involve them in the opening sale. The community responded, with sellers donating proceeds from the sale of the first pens at the new yards to Lifeline.
Whether it be in the saleyards or in one of their rural merchandise stores, Platinum is committed to providing the best service and expert advice to their clients. The business prides itself on the expertise of its strong team of agronomists, agents and experienced staff who operate across their network of stores and businesses, coupling quality advice with quality products to help their clients succeed,
Platinum’s Real Estate offering has also been given a real boost by joining forces with SAL. Platinum founder Rob Calaby runs Ruralco Property Clare and has built the business with top quality service and professional presentation. Bronte Kenchington manages the SAL Northwest Real Estate business based in Kimba, and specialises in rural property.
The addition of SAL Real Estate, under the management of Malcolm Hautop, will see Platinum now also operate in Naracoorte, Bordertown, Keith, Robe and Mount Gambier, expanding its presence across the state. Being a part of the Ruralco network enables national exposure to both buyers and sellers, particularly with rural property. All businesses value every referral, buyer and enquiry they receive and ensure they deliver on their promises to offer an exceptional customer experience.
Contact Platinum Ag Services to learn more about what Platinum and SAL can do for you across livestock, real estate, finance, insurance and rural merchandise.
