Strengthening Ross customer support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
EDINBURGH, Scotland. – Ross® distributors from the Turkey, Middle East and Africa (TMEA) region came together via Zoom on Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3, for a series of interactive sessions at the 15th Distributor Customer Focus Team (DCFT) meeting. Led by the Ross international team of specialists, the 35 attendees explored management topics that are relevant to Ross 308 breeder and broiler management in the region, such as gut health, points for success in broiler nutrition, broiler ventilation and biosecurity. The meeting provided an effective education forum for the Ross distributor teams to sharpen their competitive edge and competencies in their respective markets by sharing their challenges and experiences in ensuring Ross is the brand of choice in the TMEA region.
The Ross Turkey, Middle East and Africa (TMEA) team has a close relationship with its distributors and views them as an extension of the Aviagen international team. The local DCFT represent the Ross brand and are ambassadors for the breed across the region. The Ross breed is the breed of choice due to a combination of excellent balanced breeder and broiler performance, and exceptional customer support from the Ross international and Ross distributor customer focus teams. This ensures Ross delivers the best economic package and value for our distributors across this very diverse region. It is very important that the distributor and Ross international customer support teams are aligned on knowledge and literature to provide the best-possible management support to Ross customers.
The motto for this year’s meeting was ‘Embracing the New Normal Together.’ This motto was very fitting due to this meeting being virtual as a result of the current pandemic. This pandemic has significantly impacted the way the team communicates and services local Ross customers. Over the past few months, the Ross International team and the DCFT teams have adopted the latest technologies available to engage and communicate with Ross customers across the TMEA region and to continue in providing our world-class customer service together.
Robert Haggarty, Senior Technical Manager for Ross TMEA, expressed his appreciation to TMEA distributors for their tireless effort and dedication to the Ross brand. “The annual DCFT meeting is an important date in their calendars, and gives the local distributor teams an opportunity to interact with the Ross International team and specialists. The meeting has shown its worth over the past 15 years, and this is being highlighted with excellent Ross 308 breeder and broiler performance being achieved across the region. It is very important that together, we understand the challenges in the TMEA region so the DCFT teams are prepared to manage these challenges head on, especially throughout these unprecedented times. We’ve designed this years’ agenda so the DCFT can provide the latest management techniques and best practice to further improve their day-to-day husbandry skills, so we can continue to enhance and deliver Ross 308 genetic potential, leading to performance in the top quartile of the world and recognition through our 400 and 140 Clubs.
Andrew Clarkson, General Manager of Ross Africa, Zambia, attended the event and added, “I would like to thank Aviagen and the Ross International team for an informative and worthwhile Ross DCFT. I thought the presentations were very detailed and well presented. It was nice to be reassured of the continuous improvements being made to the Ross 308 broiler.”
Likewise, Andre Human, Technical & Marketing Manager for Ross Poultry Breeders South Africa, commented, “As the world embraces the use of online meetings and training sessions, Aviagen’s first virtual DCFT can be categorized as world-class. The topics presented were relevant and the format allowed for participation from all delegates. At RPB, we will ensure we deliver the appropriate advice and best practices to highlight the Ross genetic potential to ensure Ross remains the breed of choice in South Africa.”