A MAN ONCE TOLD ME you can go broke on good deals. I try to learn and remember from the older generations in the agricultural community. I often reflect on this statement when a price that is appealing tempts me.
In the citrus community, we are getting very near to harvesting crops. In recent years, we have seen situations where growers went with a higher price, but unfortunately they didn’t perform their due diligence by checking out the buyer/harvester, and they never got paid.
The same holds true with contract services. Ralph White Company provides various services to the ag community. I encourage customers to check us out. Get copies of insurances such as workers comp, general liability, and auto. Also, get copies of fruit licenses, bonds, and insurance for harvesters. More importantly, call the company/agency that issued the certificate. Just because someone shows you a certificate for a policy they purchased last week, doesn’t mean they didn’t cancel it yesterday.
Due to the current economy, most industries are getting involved with individuals who are not entirely credible. They are trying to make a quick dollar by taking yours. Be sure you take time to verify the companies you hire to work for you. The cheap contractor or the buyer who offers an overly high price may not be the person you want. Credible companies always will be glad to provide documentation for the grower’s security.
CREDIT
column by BRAD WEIHRAUCH
BIO: Brad Weihrauch is a Polk County native. He grew up around a family business of agriculture and customer service. After Winter Haven High School, he went on to complete his education at Polk Community College and Warner Southern College. After serving 17 years in customer service for a large retailer, Weihrauch returned to his agriculture roots and founded RWC, an agri-service and management company, in 2002.
