Winter 2019
High Performance Magazine
Meet Spray Drift Girl
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TOPGUN 2019: Meet the newbies p4
High Performance Magazine Edition 20 Winter 2019
Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hutcheonandpearce
Contents
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TOPGUN 2019: Meet the newbies
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Still fresh after 40 years
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For all editorial and advertising enquiries, contact:
Michael Casey Group Marketing Manager michael.casey@hutcheonandpearce.com.au
Welcome to the 2019 Winter edition
Meet Spray Drift Girl
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Latest Tech on display at Grower Expo Day
Condo Branch: Small team, big on service
Timely reminder for on-farm safety
5090EN: Versatility and Performance
Welcome
Welcome to the 2019 Winter edition of High Performance Magazine.
W
ith the cool months ahead of us I hope you all get a moment to catch your breath. We’ll all be looking to the skies for a few drops of rain for the winter crops while planning for the season ahead.
Like many of you, the last quarter has been busy for us and is holding steady, with a few notable happenings such as the Grower Expo Day held in Temora in April and our Demo Days in June. We have had a great few months settling in our TOPGUN recruits. After hitting the ground running earlier this year, it’s great to see everyone has found their feet here at Hutcheon & Pearce. What a great crop of apprentices we have again this year! Once again, it makes me incredibly proud of the fantastic team that has formed around this program and I know that every last member of TOPGUN is well on their way to becoming a great technician in the hands of our mentor Matt Duffy. To find out about the new stars at your local branch, Matt put our newbies on the spot for an article on page 4. At the other end of the spectrum, on page 8 we recognise some of the H&P team that have been on the job for more than 40 years. Griffith Branch Manger, Tony Glennon shares a little about what has kept him in the job all this time and pays great credit to some of his other colleagues and members of our ‘Forty Club’ – John Russell, Dennis Duvey and Ray Scott. The commitment these guys demonstrate to their work, their company, their colours and their customers is truly humbling and the fact that we have such a wealth of experience on our side is something we can all take pride in. Not to mention, we also have quite a lot of other members of the team who have been with us for 20 or 30 years – it’s a very reassuring thing for me as CEO to know that so many of our staff are in it with us for the long-haul.
If there’s one thing I know I for sure, it’s that our people are our greatest asset at H&P. Thats why our Annual Employee Meeting (AEM) is such an important date on our calendar and we’ve been full steam with preparations ahead of the big event in August. The AEM is the one day a year where every member of our H&P team meets in Wagga Wagga to prioritise the team and our shared vision. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us all to reflect as a team on the year that was and, more importantly, to focus on the year ahead. It’s the one opportunity many of our staff have to meet face-to-face with their colleagues based in other branches – some of which they speak with daily. It’s also a chance for newbies like our TOPGUN recruits, to see just what the company looks like as a whole. And it’s a chance for all of us to learn how we, as a company, can pull together in one direction to support our customers better. As always, our customer is at the centre of everything we do, with this year’s theme focussing on exceeding their expectations. So, let’s hope they can be as supportive as ever of our branch closures on this day! I hope you enjoy this edition of the High Performance Magazine. Be sure to take note of some of the specials on offer – if you’re in the market for a smaller tractor like the 5090EN featured on page 18, now is the time to talk to your local branch. And of course, if you’re looking for a wallet-conscious option to get you through another couple of seasons, I encourage you to talk to our crew about one of our used machines as we have some absolute beauties with plenty of life left in them yet. Whatever your farming plans, we hope the Winter season treats you well, with a good crop and full dam.
Arron
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TOPGUN 2019: Meet the newbies N
CALLUM CAMPBELL
ow in its fifth year, the TOPGUN recruitment program seeks out the best of the best apprentices and trainees to work at Hutcheon & Pearce.
Hometown: Blighty
The calibre of our TOPGUNS never ceases to impress us, and we’re looking forward to seeing the difference this new crop of apprentices brings to the Hutcheon & Pearce table.
The passion I have for John Deere machinery. I had done a short stint here a few years ago and wanted to re-join the team.
Here we meet the newest kids on the block and find out a little of what makes them tick.
ALEX NICHOLAS Hometown: Corryong
H&P branch: Finley Branch Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce?
What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? Coming from a farming background, it has always appealed to me. I just love helping people achieve what they set out to do on the farm. On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program? 8 – Bringing the experience I have had from being off the farm and working on farms in the past has really helped me settle in and given me a little knowledge of what farmers expect from me.
H&P branch: Wagga Branch What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Being away from home and being in a new town. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? I’d heard a lot of good things from people I knew, that the training was quality and that they look after you. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? It’s something I can relate to since I’m off the farm. I just love farm machinery. On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program? (Where 10 feels like: I haven’t got a worry in the world because I was born ready and 1 feels like: This is a massive fail - I’m terrified and regretting my decision already) 8. Feeling a bit guilty leaving the old man behind, but it had to happen one day.
TRAV WILSON Hometown: Talgarno H&P branch: Griffith Branch What are you most looking forward to in your new job? Working on green machinery in a proactive team environment. Learning new things like electrics and hydraulics. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? I’d heard on the grapevine that this was a great family company. The apprenticeship program is the best I’d heard of with the support we get. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? Keeping the farmer running and to help them get the best results possible. On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program? 8. Feeling very happy to be where I am. I have always loved pulling things apart at home, the most memorable being an old Sun Dial steam stationary engine. Just love it.
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HARRY PILLOW
I’d heard on the grapevine
Hometown: Wagga Wagga
that this was a great family
H&P branch: Wagga Branch What are you most looking forward to in your new job? Becoming qualified and being able to do my job properly. That and the responsibilities that come with it.
company. The apprenticeship program is the best I’d heard of with the support we get.
Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? My good mate recommended it. He has done a stint at the Wagga shed and knows the mechanical industry well. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry?
RICHARD PATTINSON Hometown: Molong
Helping farmers during the tough times.
H&P branch: Temora Branch
On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program?
What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?
7. Due to the support from H&P and the learning provided, I am feeling good.
JACOB ZIELTJES Hometown: Forbes H&P branch: Forbes Branch What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Taking on bigger jobs by yourself as you go through.
Living in a new town and learning in a different working environment. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? Growing up on the farm, I have always had a strong interest in how things work. I always wanted a career in the industry since being at school. On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program? 7. Having the experience I have from growing up on the farm as well as doing a couple of USA harvests, I am feeling comfortable about it all.
Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? I did a work experience program through school and loved it. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry?
JACK PEKIN Hometown: Deniliquin
I’ve always just had a passion for it.
H&P branch: Finley Branch
On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program?
What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?
10 – Really enjoying it so far. I like that H&P have lots of career options.
ZAC LILEY Hometown: Jerilderie H&P branch: Finley Branch What are you most looking forward to in your new job? Becoming an expert qualified mechanic. What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Beating off the girls when I’m in my uniform in public.
Making sure I can take in all the information I get taught. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? The TOPGUN program sounded really good. And I just love John Deere. What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? I am off the farm and just love being involved. I’ve always loved John Deere and ag machinery in general. On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you feeling about what is ahead of you in the TOPGUN program? 4 – Little bit intimidated by the jobs ahead of me. I see the techs pull apart and put things back together and I hope I can one day.
Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? Love the green machines. Heard they were top Aussie blokes at H&P.
Article continues on page 6...
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MANDEEP KANG Hometown: Stanbridge H&P branch: Griffith Branch What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Controlling myself around all the green machines! Putting what you learn at TAFE into practice and adapting to the bigger equipment.
LUKE FRUIN Hometown: Durbanville, South Africa H&P branch: Orange Branch What are you most looking forward to in your new job? The scenery around Orange is amazing. Being able to make a difference in the farming community. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce?
Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce?
Nothing runs like a Deere.
I grew up with green on the farm.
What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry?
What appeals to you about working in the agricultural machinery industry? The variety I get. I love working from a small tractor to a cotton picker. No boredom at all. What do you think it means to be a TOPGUN? Becoming a Diagnostic Tech.
The places you get to go to, the variety of work and that no day is boring.
OLIVER DEAN Hometown: Cudal H&P branch: Cowra Branch
WILL CARTWRIGHT Hometown: Coolamon H&P branch: Temora Branch What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Getting my head around all the different systems like hydraulics. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? Great local company and great people.
What do you think will be the most challenging part of your apprenticeship? Living away from home for the first time on first year wages but I am surviving so far. Why did you want to work at Hutcheon & Pearce? Well known company. Well respected in the community. What do you think it means to be a TOPGUN? To become the best of the best. To be the best means I can get paid the most.
What do you think it means to be a TOPGUN? Try your hardest, do the best you can and if you don’t know, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Applications for TOPGUN 2020 are now open, so if you or someone you know are interested in joining us at Hutcheon & Pearce, please visit our website www.hutcheonandpearce.com.au and complete the application form.
Congratulations! A huge congratulations goes to Luke Baker who was very successful at the NSW TAFE Excellence Awards, held in Penrith on June 5 2019. Luke is a third year apprentice at the Forbes Branch and won the NSW Supply Chain & E-commerce (all types of automotive) Apprentice of the Year Award.
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Emerging leaders: Growing the next crop of managers A
Emerging Leaders participant Mitchell Lang, who is the Complete Goods and Inventory Manager, and his mentor Arron Hutcheon, CEO. t Hutcheon & Pearce, committing to our people means providing the best possible environment in which each team member, whatever their level or department, can learn and grow.
Offering training opportunities to develop skills and open pathways to career progression are a big part of that commitment. The payoffs are staff with greater expertise and job satisfaction and a company that maintains a competitive edge and is well-prepared for growth and change. One such program is the MANAGE: Emerging Leaders Program, which is running for the third time. A four-month course, the program aims to build the skills of the next generation of H&P leaders so they can go on to provide exceptional management across our teams. As HR Manager Sarah Johnson explains, the 12 participants this year were identified by their managers or peers and nominated and then asked to apply. They will commence the program in July. “Held every other year, the program is specifically developed with the Hutcheon & Pearce business needs in mind and tailored to suit each individual’s career journey. “Our emerging leaders are coached through four key areas of leadership and management: Managing Myself; Managing Effective Teams; Managing Business and Strategy; and Managing Change. These modules are further reinforced by an individual project where participants are required to use what they have learned to develop an idea or strategy that ultimately benefits our business.
“The program requires a huge investment from the participants but the benefits they gain are substantial.” CEO Arron Hutcheon said one of the key elements of the program is pairing emerging leaders with a mentor to assist, nurture and guide them throughout the training. “We do that to not only further challenge our emerging leaders in their thinking but to help establish a network of likeminded people who will be on-hand in an ongoing capacity to help further grow their careers at Hutcheon & Pearce. “The people taking part in this program show natural ability or the desire for career progression and we want to provide them with pathways to fulfilling careers. This benefits our team and, as we continue to change and grow, it also makes good business sense to have a fresh crop of leaders coming through the business.” A participant in this year’s program, Marketing Manager Michael Casey says he wanted to take part, build his skills and help strengthen his relationships within the company. “The program will give me the time to work on improving my communication skills and build a network to better understand my peers. I hope to learn more about how my role can benefit others and how we can all work together to meet the challenges that lie ahead for our industry.”
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Still fresh after 40 years
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M
ore than 66 years strong, Hutcheon & Pearce is a company with a proud history.
Our people are what makes this company great and we are lucky to have some of the best in the industry working under the H&P flag. Across our branches, we have four members of the team who have been on the job for more than 40 years and many others who have been with us for 20 or 30 years. It is pretty hard to believe in this age of rapid change but it’s a commitment we don’t take for granted. We are both grateful and humbled by their dedication and service and think it’s time we gave them a nod here in our magazine.
“Technology like GPS has made a huge difference to the way people farm and to the machines, but farmers haven’t really changed. They deserve the respect and Among those to have hit the ‘Forty Club’ is Griffith Branch Manager, Tony Glennon. Starting as an apprentice mechanic in 1979, Tony has worked his way through the ranks to be in the position he describes as, “The best job in the best branch in the best company with the best product in the best industry.” It’s fair to say that Tony loves his job! “I’ve never thought about working in any other industry, or company or product. It’s still fresh to me even after 40 years. It never gets stale. “I grew up on a wheat and sheep farm so was always interested in farm machinery. Working with the big machines was always my passion. And while I still love the machines, since becoming Branch Manager, the machines are secondary. I’ve found that running the business is a new passion for me now. I love it.” When asked about the changes he’s seen throughout his career, Tony says that surprisingly, some things stay the same. “Technology like GPS has made a huge difference to the way people farm and the machines, but farmers haven’t really changed. They deserve the respect and service they are given. “Yes, a lot has changed in technology and the way they market produce and what not, so some of the corporate farmers have become more selective. But farmers still have high expectations for their machinery because they are still working the land and trying to move with the changes in the industry.” Perhaps the biggest change Tony has witnessed was the transition to Hutcheon & Pearce from predecessor company A&G in 2014.
service they are given.
“Hutcheon & Pearce meant adopting a completely different mindset but honestly, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened here. The size of the company and the Functional Management Group overseeing each branch means that there’s always at least one person that can answer any question or solve any problem you may have. The relationship with John Deere is very strong and you have so many resources at your fingertips. You’re so well supported and you’re never on your own.” According to Tony, working with the JD product might be a key to keeping long-serving staff like fellow ‘Forty Club’ members, John Russell, Dennis Duvey and Ray Scott. “I really believe that when you’re working with products like John Deere and the dealer network, to do something better you almost have to leave the industry altogether. Those three guys are arguably the best spare parts guys in the ag business. They have a huge amount of experience. They do their job every day and just continue to learn new products. There are other options for work, but they just don’t compare.” So, with feet firmly planted in H&P, what gets Tony excited about work? “There’s lots of great stuff happening. Here in Griffith, we’re moving to a new location and also moving into some new territory as we bring in more of the lifestyle/small Ag product. We are still getting new customers and we have a great team here that is really customer-focused. “We have a really strong mix of experienced staff. We have two of the most productive techs in the company, two of the most experienced spare parts staff, three of the most respected sales staff and the support of a great administration team blending all together to make us as professional as we are. “We’re trading in possibly the best agricultural area in Australia and working for the best company in the ag industry. It ticks all the boxes. “Working here is a privilege. I appreciate it and don’t take it for granted for even one minute.” We can tell Tony! Tony and the Forty Club are well respected in the H&P community and CEO Arron Hutcheon has high praise for their efforts.
Tony Glennon, Branch Manager at Griffith is celebraing 40 Years with the company.
“For an individual to be in an organisation for that long is demonstration of passion for what they do and the business they work for. It also reflects a real open-mindedness to stay current and move with the customer and their changing needs, as well as the evolving business and industry. Congratulations to Tony on his 40 years and my sincere gratitude to all our long-serving staff for their ongoing commitment.”
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Timely reminder for on-farm safety A
t Hutcheon & Pearce, we strive to put safety first.
So, when we hear about accidents happening on Aussie farms, we issue safety reminders to both our customers and staff. Sadly, one such incident occurred in March 2019, when a worker on a rural property was fatally crushed by the wheels of a planting machine being towed by a tractor. As our WH&S Manager Peter Goodsell explained, the worker was operating the tractor and got off while it was moving forward. “The operator got out of the tractor cab while it was still creeping along in very low gear. In doing so, he became trapped under the wheel of the planting machine. “While farm accidents involving tractors are very common, deaths are not so common. It’s a timely reminder to us all that safety needs to be a priority as accidents can easily happen.” Peter emphasised the need for all operators to be trained in the safe use of their equipment. “Everybody must be trained in the safe use of any piece of plant, no matter whether it’s a tractor, a harvester, mower or whatever. The health and safety laws say that if you introduce new equipment into your workplace, you have to be trained on how to safely use it and if you have any staff who use that machine, they must also be trained in the correct and safe procedures of its operation. “Machinery suppliers should provide safe instructions when the machine is delivered to the farmer. The farmer then should accept and acknowledge that he’s been trained in its correct procedures. “At the same time, each operator has a responsibility to operate the machine in a safe manner, so the operator has got as much responsibility for safety as the owner.” As a matter of procedure, Hutcheon & Pearce offers safe operations training when machines are delivered on-farm. In addition to this training, Peter recommends owners conduct regular risk assessments.
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“If you are following the letter of the law and have employees, you must do a risk assessment on every facet of your business. As the situation changes from day-to-day on farms, and there may be different hazards in each field, you should be doing a risk assessment before you start each operation. “This applies to our workplace at Hutcheon & Pearce as well. When our guys go out to do a job, they do a risk assessment before they start, especially on-farm because farms are not our regular place of employment and you don’t know what hazards may be present. “We ask all our guys to do what we call a Take Five Risk Assessment before they start, which is just five minutes to answer a few questions, have a look about and identify any hazards. This may be overhead power lines or a hole in the paddock they’re driving through. It’s not always easy to find but at least it gives our staff something to think about before they dive in.
“At the end of the day, we want to see our team and all our customers get home safely. “We encourage everyone to use this tragic incident as a reminder that we all need to think about safety. Don’t assume that because you’re doing the job all the time that something won’t happen. You just never know.”
Tips for safe operations: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland recommends that tractor operators should: R Only climb on or off a tractor that is stopped. Do not dismount from a tractor while the engine is running unless the transmission is in the neutral, or park position and the parking brake is effectively engaged. R Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and be trained in the tractor’s safe operating procedures. R Drive tractors at speeds slow enough to keep control over unexpected hazards. R Be cautious in wet conditions. R Reduce speed before turning or applying turning brakes. R Descend slopes cautiously with the tractor in low gear. Extra care needs to be taken if towing trailers or implements down slopes, as often the trailers will not have brakes. R When an attachment becomes blocked, the tractor should be stopped, the drive to the attachment disconnected and the moving parts of the implement stopped before the obstruction is cleared. R Exercise extreme caution when operating a tractor or any attached equipment around children or animals. R If a job requires frequent mounting/dismounting, consider using another piece of equipment such as a motorbike or small utility vehicle.
DIGITAL LICENCE TRIAL
Did you know that the NSW Government is trialling a new Digital Driver Licence ahead of the statewide roll-out later in 2019? The Digital Driver Licence is the electronic version of the NSW Driver Licence. It is presently being trialled in selected suburbs in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches and the greater Dubbo area. You can read more about the new trial here: www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/ digital-driver-licence
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Meet Spray Drift Girl A drawcard at our recent Grower Expo Day in Temora, Mary O’Brien is a passionate advocate for good spraying practices.
B
orn and raised on a sheep and cattle property in Southwest Queensland, Mary completed a plant science degree before working in chemical use and best practice across most regions of Queensland and New South Wales. In this time, she worked with a range of agricultural industries across everything from row cropping to horticulture, intensive animals, grazing, apiaries, viticulture, and aquaculture, before deciding to establish her own consultancy in 2013. “I worked for the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries, or Biosecurity Queensland as they are these days, for about eight years and I learned a lot about farming and farming systems. “My job was to enforce the legislation around spraying, but the biggest problem was trying to communicate with the farmers, to build that trust and get the point across, because you obviously meet with a lot of resistance when you want to talk about spray drift. It’s a fairly intense issue and people get angry. You get yelled at a lot. “I was seeing the specific areas where farmers were getting it wrong and I saw products being taken off them. So, I felt my skillset would be better spent helping them avoid stuff-ups.” After leaving the Department, Mary worked with Bill Gordon Consulting and assisted Bill with the delivery of workshops in spray application technology and drift management. “Bill is very well known in the spray world. It was a very big learning curve to be on the road with Bill, seeing the challenges and hearing the questions. When Bill stopped doing the spray stuff, there was this gap that I sort of stepped into in my consultancy. “Now, I conduct spray application and drift management workshops around Australia and I’m also a myBMP (Cotton Best Management Practices) accredited advisor.
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“Depending on the time of the year and the season, I can be on the road a fair bit. Last December, I had three weeks on the road, so my Christmas shopping was done at service stations and drive-through bottle shops. Who doesn’t need a can of WD40?!”
Becoming Spray Drift Girl In 2015, Mary joined the Twitterverse and finds social media a great way of spreading her message. “Twitter has been the best thing I ever did for my business. It can be a tough crowd, but in relation to practice change, I find that is where the early adopters are and if you are going to get real practice change, you have got to get the early adopters on-board first and it filters down from there. “The following I have is mostly farmers but there’s also machinery dealers and manufacturers, chemical companies, nozzle companies, scientists who do the research, and the contractors and agronomists, so it really does reach a farming audience. “I put a fair bit of thought in researching my Twitter handle. We have the ‘Spray Guy’ and ‘Nozzle Guy’ and somebody else was called ‘Spray Drift’ so I added the ‘girl’ and made my handle @ SprayDriftGirl, which is a bit of a stretch at my age, but people have embraced it. I’ve certainly been introduced as ‘Spray Drift Girl’ at conferences.” Attending the Hutcheon & Pearce Grower Expo Day in Temora in April, Mary talked through the nuts and bolts of changing practice as well as best-practice spraying advice. “The biggest thing farmers want to talk about is the nozzles and how to improve their practices to avoid spray drift, particularly those guys who are in mixed-cropping areas.
“Most people would describe my communication style as brutal, but it is very direct, it is very simple. There is a lot of technical detail others like to cover but I think that is one of the blockages in understanding. So, I just try and keep it as simple as possible and give people quick grabs that they can take away and we stop half-way through and go out and actually have a look at these nozzles in action.” After presenting, Mary often fields questions by phone or email. “I strongly encourage people to ask me any questions about things they are not sure about and a lot of guys will actually call or email me after a workshop because they are not comfortable asking questions in that public forum. I am always happy to help in any way I can, and if I don’t know the answer, I will find someone who can help. It’s about changing practice so products aren’t taken away. Because when that happens, I can no longer help them.” For more information or to contact Mary, visit maryobrienrural. com.au. You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – just search for @spraydriftgirl.
MARY’S TOP THREE TIPS WHEN SPRAYING: 1. Know the difference between day and night wind. Thinking that it’s all about wind speed is probably the single biggest mistake out there. 2. Use the best nozzle you can and understand that everything that you put in that tank impacts on the spray quality. 3. Slow down, because speeding can cause huge problems in terms of efficacy and drift, particularly in broad acre farming.
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It’s easy for people to just go along with the same old way of doing things. They can get a little bit scared of the new technologies so we want to build awareness of just how easy it is now...
The Trefle Shed at Farmlink in Temora made for the perfect venue. Our thanks go out to the team there for helping to make events like this possible. (www.farmlink.com.au) 14
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Latest tech on display at Grower Expo Day F armers from as far afield as Narromine, Hillston, Tongala and Finley headed to Temora on April 4, 2019 to join our team for the Hutcheon & Pearce Grower Expo Day.
Held at the FarmLink Temora Agricultural Innovation Centre, the event showcased John Deere technology offerings across all stages of dryland crop production. The event included ‘Ride and Drive’ Stations where growers could get their hands on the latest and greatest in John Deere machinery. As TECSight Field Specialist Manager Glen Montgomery explains, the Expo piggybacked on in-depth training being held for John Deere dealers. “John Deere had some training that ran over a whole month, and dealers from all over Australia came to Temora to see all the latest technology and the new equipment to be released. Having all this on our doorstep gave us the opportunity to host a Grower Day and give our customers first-hand exposure. “The day started with a meet and greet in the morning from Hutcheon & Pearce Sales Manager Andrew Sands, then we got everyone on the minibus and took them to the different stations located around the farm. These stations were broken down into five topics: Manage, Land Prep, Seeding, Spraying and Harvest. The Manage station covered software to help the farmers manage their farming operations, like MyJohnDeere.com and Operations Centre. “We had the bus continuously shuttling back and forwards so people could go at their own pace and spend time in the areas they’re most interested in.” As well as showcasing R4060 sprayers with Exact Apply nozzle technology and the all-new 8380RT seeder with AutoTrac Turn Automation, the day also included a number of presentations from experts in seeding technology, T3RRACUTTA land forming software and the S700 automated harvester. “We had Ginny Stevens from Active Farmers talk about physical and mental health and Mary O’Brien talk about spray regulations and best practice. I know a lot of people came to the day specifically to hear Mary’s presentation. She is really down-toearth and explained thinks like wind drift and inversions in basic terms, which people relate to.” [Note: read more about Mary O’Brien on page 12.] Glen said the Temora Agricultural Innovation Centre was the perfect venue for the Grower Expo. “Having the Centre in our footprint is really beneficial to both our business and our customers. John Deere has really got on board with the centre and it’s great to have their farm data to demonstrate how the machinery and software all work together.
“And the venue itself is second-to-none, with brand new, nice and tidy sheds. Its location is pretty central for our area, making it easy for our customers and staff to get to for expos like this one. Anyone who has never been there before is sort of blown away as soon as they drive in, especially by the Trefle Shed, which was the venue for all our presentations. It’s unbelievable.” Glen is hopeful that everyone in attendance walked away with greater knowledge of the resources available to them to help run their farm operations. “The way that tractors, combines and sprayers all integrate with John Deere software management systems now is seamless. You can basically run your farm remotely from your iPad or smart phone. “It’s easy for people to just go along with the same old way of doing things. They can get a little bit scared of the new technologies so we want to build awareness of just how easy it is now and how you can work in with your agronomist knowing that all your records and your yield maps are sent up to the cloud every time a machine finishes a paddock. “Armed with that knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your farm. We see it as our role at Hutcheon & Pearce to keep building that awareness and helping people access the tools they need to get the job done.”
Some of the machines demonstrated at the Grower Expo Day: R 2 x R4060 sprayers, demonstrating Exact Apply modes, set up prescriptions, mobile connect R S780, demonstrating machine sync including remote adjust feature with 7310R on Coolamon Chaser Bin R 8370RT with 40Ft 1890 and 1910 with section command, demonstrating new cab suspension, turn automation and section command R 7290R with 1910 cart only connected with section command R 8345R connected to JNR scraper, including T3RRACUTTER demo R 6250R with Command Pro joystick R 9470RX pulling a Kuhn DMR ripper
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High Performance Magazine Winter 2019
Condo Branch: Small team, big on service “I love the team that we have here too. It’s a really great team we have at the Condo Branch.”
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or close to 20 years, Hutcheon & Pearce has serviced the Condobolin community, not only providing John Deere machinery and parts but also an intrinsic understanding of what being part of a small farming community really means. That is what Spare Parts Interpreter Megan Henley likes best about the role. Her early childhood spent on a farm in Condo, Megan travelled north after high school to work on a cattle station in Queensland. “I then moved over to Canada and worked on a mixed farming operation there for a year or so and then came back and worked in Tullibigeal as a farm assistant. I then went into a completely different role, in sales outside the ag industry. But when this job came up, I jumped at it.” That was five years ago, and Megan is loving her decision to join the Hutcheon & Pearce team. “I like the diversity. It’s constantly changing, and I get to talk to different people every day. Our customers are grateful when you find solutions to their problems. We’re in the middle of New South Wales, and sometimes we have to drive all over to other branches to collect things and get the workshop orders out. Basically, we get going to get the customer going.
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Megan said the team – consisting of Manager Barry Reidy, Sales Representative Darren Keane, Workshop Foreman Darcy Munro, third year apprentice James Staniforth and Administration Officer Debbie Thornton – work well together to get the job done. “We are only a small team and we all get along and help each other. In this branch, we really work together to make sure that the branch is successful, and the customers are happy and enjoy their experience. “Our customer base is largely broadacre and summer crops, and then we have feed lots and livestock. Condo farmers have been greatly affected the last three years with dry conditions and below average broadacre cropping, but most of our customers still have a positive attitude when they come in the door, which is fantastic.” Megan said the Hutcheon & Pearce team is acutely aware of the customer, their needs, and putting them number one. “Part of our service is being fully aware of what’s going on. Our team is all based in the community, we know personally what they are going through and we try and find the best ways to service them. That doesn’t always mean a new machine or genuine parts. We have other quality options available through our aftermarket parts business. So we can always find suitable items for their requirements in the time they need it.
“In the workshop, Darcy works hard to make sure that if something goes wrong, he can get the customer up and going as soon as possible, servicing the older machines to keep them running. “For us, it’s not about trying to push the latest machines. It’s about finding the right solution for the customer, because in the long run, what benefits the customer is going to be most beneficial to our business and the community broadly.” Megan says Hutcheon & Pearce is a company that understands better than most the importance of putting people first – and not just the customer. “Hutcheon & Pearce is focused on their employees, not to just get the best from them but to make them the best that they can be. They are huge on training, and they are huge on the Hutcheon & Pearce community and everyone is exceptionally helpful and help each other out where possible “It’s a very friendly community that is focussed on the best benefits for their customers and I come to work being happy to be here. No matter who you are along the chain, everyone is made to feel like they are worthwhile, and they are a worthwhile part of the team. I think that’s a really good thing.”
HUTCHEON & PEARCE CONDOBOLIN
ACT
NSW VIC
Winter 2019
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High Performance Magazine WInter 2019
Versatility and performance There’s little doubt owners of the 5090EN tractor can claim bragging rights to operating the most dependable engine on the market.
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ohn Deere’s highperformance diesel engine provides excellent torque and durability for the 5090EN, while the narrow design means it can perform in even the tightest spots. As Finley branch salesman Andrew Barber explains, versatility is one of the key selling points of the 5090EN. “This machine is the complete package. The cabin and the width of the tractor is ideally suited to orchards and vineyards, with resounding horsepower and 12F/12R PowrReverser™ transmission providing 12 forward speeds and 12 reverse speeds for operators requiring additional operating ranges. “There’s a wide range of jobs this transmission allows you to complete, from towing sprayers through to mulching, pruning, mowing, slashing, and pulling bins in viticulture. The hydraulic wet forward and reverse clutches maximise durability and will outlast the life of any dry clutch. When tractors are run by multiple operators with a variety of experience levels, a wet clutch is the best way to maintain transmission integrity and performance while decreasing clutch replacement costs.”
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Operator comfort top-of-mind Andrew said that dual rear-mount select control valves (SCVs) with lever controls come as standard on 5090EN tractors, with a maximum of three SCVs that can be factory-installed or field-installed to add versatility. “SCVs mean operators can couple and uncouple under pressure with the International Standards for Organisation push-pull couplers, which reduces the muscle required to switch implements. This allows the operator to effortlessly couple and uncouple hydraulic hoses from one implement to another. “The SCV and rockshaft valve can be adapted to provide live hydraulic power to implements with an independent control valve, which suits operations like pruning vineyards, running sprayers, and lifting up mowers. The good hydraulic flow out of those SCVs allows guys to continue doing operations without losing any horsepower up front.” Andrew added that operator comfort is something John Deere has top-of-mind when designing all machines, and the 5090EN is no different.
“The cab and the chassis of the tractor is narrow enough to fit up a vineyard row, and the height and the cab shape allows it to go into orchards without hitting trees and damaging the fruit, yet it is still roomy enough within the cab to have a big guy sitting in there. “Operator comfort is a huge decision, because guys are sitting on these tractors for long hours. With the narrow cab, you can understand that there’s less room, but John Deere has hit the nail on the head with the layout of the cabin to maximise space and operator comfort. “Two platform-mounted levers offer easy and comfortable shifting for a good operator experience. The gear-shift lever is easy to reach, and the less-used range lever is now shorter. Unique knobs make it easier to distinguish between the two. “Excellent modulation allows the operator to shift the direction lever from neutral to forward or reverse, forward to reverse, reverse to forward, or to neutral from forward or reverse, with operators able to accomplish all these directional changes without sacrificing comfort or having to press the clutch pedal.
“The speed of directional changes can also be adjusted to the operator’s preference or application demands. These are simple machines and this simplicity allows owners to put any type of operator in there whether they’re skilled or unskilled. The feedback I’ve received is that this is what our customers are looking for.”
Contact your local Hutcheon & Pearce sales representative for further information about the 5090EN.
Getting in quick Andrew said demand for the 5090EN has been high. In the first week of having a demonstration model inbranch, he did six on-farm demos and sold two machines. “We are really happy to go out on-farm to demonstrate the versatility of these machines. “We find that if a farmer can hook his own implements up to it and actually see it running, it makes all the difference. I’ve had guys hook sprayers up, saying ‘the John Deere won’t do the job’, and they’ve been pleasantly surprised that the 5090EN was up to the task. Every horticultural piece of equipment you can think of – sprayers, mowers, mulchers – hooked up to this tractor and all demonstrations have been very successful.”
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APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR
TOPGUN 2020 If you are interested in joining us at Hutcheon & Pearce, please visit our website at www.hutcheonandpearce.com.au and complete the application form.
Hutcheon & Pearce whatever the job, get it done. ALBURY PO Box 823 Hume Highway Lavington NSW 2641 Phone: (02) 6058 6800
COWRA PO Box 160 64-68 Young Road Cowra NSW 2794 Phone: (02) 6341 4800
COLEAMBALLY 32 Bencubbin Way Coleambally NSW 2707 Phone: (02) 6954 4280
FINLEY 16 Riverina Highway Finley NSW 2713 Phone: (03) 5883 1655
CONDOBOLIN 1a May Street Condobolin NSW 287t7 Phone: (02) 6891 2222
GRIFFITH 98 Oakes Rd Griffith NSW 2680 Phone: (02) 69695300
www.hutcheonandpearce.com.au
LAKE CARGELLIGO PO Box 2013 Lake Cargelligo NSW 2672 Phone: (02) 6898 1305
TEMORA 101 Kitchener Road Temora NSW 2666 Phone: (02) 6977 1100
ORANGE 26 Scott Place Orange NSW 2800 Phone: (02) 6362 9988
WAGGA WAGGA PO Box 5485 57 Moorong Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone: (02) 6933 7900
FORBES PO Box 17 56 Angus Clarke Drive Forbes NSW 2871 Phone: (02) 6862 1666
TECSight® Support Centre (02) 5924 5111