According to Nutrien’s Greg O’Neil, the evolution of Australian agriculture over the past four decades has been largely influenced by the adoption of new farming systems and technology, and access to data.
Mr O’Neil has extensive experience in the rural retail sector, having worked for CRT and legacy businesses for 40 years since 1983 across various customer service, marketing, category, and region management functions. He is currently the general manager members, franchises, affiliates and independents with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Reflecting on his forty years with the business, Mr O’Neil says a lot has changed since he first started with CRT in 1983.
“I commenced my career as a customer service officer, and I remember using the old Telex machine every morning to confirm orders. It was a huge and noisy machine so when we progressed to a fax machine it was amazing.
“Fast forward to 2023 and we have recently launched a scalable self-serve platform that streamlines, customises and digitises all our business processes, information and communications for our Nutrien Independents. As its name suggests, OPAS is one place for all solutions.
“With better data at our fingertips, the business model has changed significantly over the years to ensure our customers and members are provided with relevant and timely information to allow them to be more proactive and responsive in their decision making.”
Mr O’Neil grew up on a wheat, cattle and sheep property in northern NSW and is passionate about providing a world class value proposition to the independent channel under the Nutrien Ag Solutions umbrella.
“Our Independent members are self-motivated and entrepreneurial, so our main job is to provide the support they need to be successful. I know it’s cliché to say but it’s more than a business relationship, we operate like we have 300 close friends so it’s a more personal working relationship,” he said.
“We have come a long way since CRT was first formed more than fifty years ago. It was originally a small group of independent rural retailers who got together at the Canobolas Hotel in Orange to determine a new approach to working with national suppliers to get the best deal for them and their customers.
Flash forward and we now have a 300-plus store network of independent members, franchises and affiliates supported by the global Nutrien business. The new model offers stronger buying power and a more robust balance sheet which allows us to invest back into the business, OPAS is a great example, to make their local business even better.
I know I’m biased, but if I was an independent, I’d join CRT or Nutrien. As a business partner there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s the best offer, with a network of more than 300 like-minded businesses that contribute to one another’s success.”
Mr O’Neil said he is constantly inspired and motivated by the people around him.
“I’ve always loved the industry and love working with our independent network. I have always enjoyed how genuine this environment is to work in. Country people have a culture about them that’s more caring, genuine, and hardworking. No matter where you go in the industry, that culture exists. To work in an environment with such good people has always been rewarding.
Mr O’Neil had this advice for early career starters considering employment in the ag sector.
“If you’re going to invest years in a career, it’s best to invest it in a career or industry that has a noble cause and where you find yourself surrounded by good people, and for many that’s a rewarding career in agriculture.
“It’s difficult to predict what the next forty years will bring because so much progress has been made since the days of the old Telex machine.
“One thing I know for certain is that digital and sustainability will rapidly become business as usual, so it’s our job to make sure our independent stores can participate, contribute to and maximise on these ongoing developments.”
