The Cream Continues to Rise

Sixteen years ago Dalby Rural Supplies opened for business in a small tin shed with just three staff. With John Cullen remaining at the helm, the ensuing years have resulted in much growth and prosperity.
Dalby Rural Supplies is about to embark on the next exciting phase of its journey with its two business locations in Dalby (Loudoun Road and Warrego Highway) soon to be amalgamated and relocated to the “Butter Factory” on Warrego Highway.  New life has been breathed into the historic building which has received an impressive makeover.
A steadfast commitment to providing exceptional customer service has resulted in a strong and loyal customer base with many clients remaining with the business since its inception.   Today Dalby Rural Supplies employs 20 people and is owned by partners John Cullen, Jeff Elder and Andrew Johnston, each bringing a diverse set of skills and knowledge to the business. A long standing affiliation with the CRT Group has resulted in access to a wide range of product lines at competitive prices. Dalby Rural Supplies also has satellite stores in the communities of Warra and Moonie.
“We treat both our staff and our customers with respect and have gone out of our way to provide only the best service. By providing access to training and professional development staff remain at the cutting edge,” says Managing Director, John Cullen.
“Our philosophy is to remain committed to
the community we live in. We strive to support charities, sporting bodies and not-for-profit organisations and where possible we employ locals.”
The staff are the first to acknowledge that working in a team with a strong sense of mateship creates an enjoyable workplace.
“I have worked in places where coming to work was a chore, but working here is great. There’s friendship, trust and commitment and that only makes the job more satisfying,” says Dan Cobden, recently employed in the new irrigation department.

On the Move
In the early 1900s dairying served as an important industry for Dalby and surrounds. Mr James Clarke invested in this burgeoning industry by establishing a butter factory in approximately 1906. It served as a central processing point for cream produced in the area. To this day the “Butter Factory” building still remains and has housed different business ventures in its long history.
Dalby Rural Supplies recently embarked on a massive project to convert the building into a custom designed facility that will see all facets of the business under one roof and allow for growth and expansion well into the future.
Whilst undergoing a complete makeover to suit the modern day needs of the business, some of the original features and equipment will remain as a feature to compliment the new design. Using mostly local tradespeople and contractors, the new location will improve customer service and allow for a greater product range to be stocked.

Agronomy, Fertiliser, Seed & Chemical
A specialist team of seven agronomists are on hand to provide advice and guidance during the crop growing seasons.
“We offer ‘whole of farm’ agronomy services, working together with the grower to achieve higher yields through effective fertiliser plans, weed and insect management and crop rotations,” said Andrew Johnston, Partner and Senior Agronomist.
The new facilities at the Butter Factory will allow for 300 tonnes of bulk fertiliser to be stored on site.  The use of weights and measured scales will be incorporated into the silos to ensure that farmers can collect the exact amount of fertiliser to suit their needs, saving time and money.   Additionally a six tonne blending facility will give growers more choice with an extensive range of fertilisers available to suit individual cropping requirements.
“Our team remain up-to-date with regular training ensuring we transfer the latest technological advancements on to the farmer.”

Water
The irrigation division commenced at the end of 2009, employing Sam Beck and Dan Cobden who have over 10 years experience between them.  A holistic approach provides for design, installation and on-going maintenance for household, stock watering and cropping water systems, including on-farm lateral and centre pivot irrigators. Water management plans are adapted to suit specific project needs which can also range from landscaping solutions to options for schools, football ovals and cricket grounds.
“We listen first, then we develop efficient and cost effective options that have low-level maintenance and make the best use of water available to the client,” said Sam Beck, Irrigation Manager.
The supply and service of lateral and central pivot irrigators is a speciality area and recently a centre pivot irrigator with a 170 acre coverage was installed at Oakey Abattoir on the Warrego Highway.

Animal Health and Rural Merchandise
Dalby Rural Supplies carries an extensive range of animal health products, rural merchandise and household merchandise, with five highly experienced staff available to give customers expert advice.
“We cater for a large rural base, but we also stock a large range for the everyday householder - at very competitive prices,” said Jeff Elder, Partner and Rural Merchandise Manager, referring to items such as bulk washing powder, garden fertiliser, mulch and pest control options for the home.
The produce section has extensive product lines for animals such as chickens, dogs, horses and cattle, and includes bagged feed, blocks and pre-mixes. The service will be greatly improved at the new location with loading times dramatically reduced due to the new design.
“Advising customers on ways to improve the safety, nutrition and productivity of livestock, pets and working animals is all part of what we do.”

Experience Spring Sensations
Dalby’s new festival – “Spring Sensations” has fantastic events planned with something exciting for everyone.

• The festival will begin with the talents of the Dalby Quilting & Appliqué Club on display (and up for silent auction) in Anthony’s store window in Cunningham Street.  2. For those who are interested in the rich history of Dalby, the Dalby Family History Society is hosting a Cemetery Walk.   3. The Dalby Spring Art Show is a fabulous showcase of artwork for the duration of September and is set to provoke more emotion with an inspiring art collection that introduces Dalby’s very own ‘Portrait Prize’ featuring local community identities.  4. A Touch Football Carnival is aimed at those who enjoy fun and fitness.   5. The Bell Race Club is producing its annual theatre restaurant called “Jest at the West” encompassing a delicious dinner and entertaining show set to be a hilarious send-up of the Wild West at the Silver Slipper Saloon (Bell Memorial Hall).   6. The Creekside Markets are a well-known Spring feature with quality market stalls and activities for all the family.   7. The Plough Inn Cup race day promises a fantastic field of horses and a great day trackside.  
• 8. The Dalby Singers are hosting their Spring Concert featuring the magnificent members of the Dalby Singers Community Choir along with guest artists including the Silver Band, the U3A Choir and several solo performances. Proceeds are donated to the Girl Guides.  9. Dunavants, Ag Pro Services and Louis Dreyfus are hosting a Golf Day with a three-person ambrose and proceeds going to charity.  10. Dalby Relay for Life is a wonderful event to raise funds to fight the battle against cancer.  11. Dalby gardens come alive with the Dalby Beautification Association Open Gardens Week and Awards Night.  12. The Delicious and DeLIGHTful event and lantern parade will celebrate the diversity of culture.  13. There’s more for art lovers with the opening of the Graz Art Gallery above Golders. 14. The Dalby Markets are the ideal place to see and purchase local produce and plants. 15. Witness and experience the unique Australian horse sport of Campdrafting at the Showgrounds. For the full program, visit www.dalbyspringsensations.com.au