It can certainly be said that from the beginning of the global Covid 19 pandemic it was a difficult period, full of new challenges. Challenges to which we had to adapt quickly and effectively. The introduction of new work routines, the intensification of training, and contacts with dealers through online meetings were just the tip of the iceberg of new behaviors.

Introducing a series of training sessions for sellers and dairy farmers, maintaining constant contact, and support in these difficult situations, contributed a significant increase in the level of sales and the number of offers, especially in Poland and Czech Republic. Change from personal meetings to virtual ones, reassured farmers that they can rely on Afimilk and our sales network in every situation.

The gradual increase in milk prices, for the fourth time since October 2019, increased the investment courage of farmers. The average price of the raw material was EUR 0.38 in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans to more than EUR 0.44 in Sweden and Denmark. This is almost 4% more than August of the previous year in the whole region. The commencement of new investment subsidy programs resulted in increased interest in new livestock buildings. This impacted the number of new large investment projects, especially in Czech Republic and Poland. Subsidy programs are also in progress in Hungary, Romania, and Croatia from which we can expect growth in renovations and upgrades including Afilabs. The Danish market is still mainly focused on large and high level installations that are connected to EU funds. We actively participated in all tenders in the hope to receive positive answers from farmers soon.

It is very important to remember that there is a significant increase in interest in professional herd management, heat and health detection systems in East Europe. Combined with cooperation of semen suppliers (Czech) and new dealers in Romania, we can positively influence sales results and Afimilk’s position in the Eastern European market. We are actively looking for new sales channels in Denmark and Sweden, where we see big potential for full installations and heat detection systems.

That is where we have to increase Afimilk sales results and market position.

We are excited to see how much can still be accomplished with the existing installation base. An emphasis on participation in numerous online training and identifying new possibilities of professional herd management positively affected the number of new offers and Afifarm upgrade sales.

We all expected the restrictions to end and the possibility of returning to normal daily tasks with everyday personal, friendly farm visits. From the perspective of almost 18 months of restrictions, we can congratulate ourselves and our dealers on a job well-done from home. Remember, together we can do more, even Covid will not stop us.

Mateusz Bernasiński, Sales Manager, East Europe