Farms & Farm Machinery #447

Detailed look Protected cropping to be explored

HARMONY Perfect

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20 National Farmers Federation appoints new CEO

21 Parliamentary inquiry finds huge ag opportunities in Southeast Asia

21 New rules allow NSW farmers to freely access water during fires

22 Further investments in On Farm Connectivity Program

22 SafeWork SA calls for ATV safety following deaths in 2024

23 Responses sought for farm succession experience survey

24 Hay donated to farmers affected by SA drought

24 Drought coordinator appointed in southwest Victoria

25 Victorian highway works to boost grain transportation

25 Positive results from natural cattle feed supplement trial

26 I nterest rate discounts for low emissions machinery purchases

27 R ice breeding facilities to accelerate genetic gains

Event news

46 BarbeCure campaign still raising money for cancer research

Opinion

49 The new Trump presidency could accelerate a right to repair outcome, WAFarmers CEO Trevor Whittington believes, which could impact the issue in Australia

Regular items

4 Editor’s note

52 Calendar of upcoming events

68 List your item for sale!

73 Safe Practices

HiReach Training offers several high-risk and nationally recognised safety courses.

Image: John Berends Implements

Welcome

to the latest edition of Farms & Farm Machinery

As summer winds down, the hustle and bustle of another year begins to ramp up.

In farming, this means the beginning of field day season in some areas of Australia.

Farms & Farm Machinery will be travelling the country again this year bringing you the latest in machinery releases from these events along with a snapshot of what is on offer for farmers.

Beyond just a selection of machinery, these events often provide a space for agtech innovations to be showcased.

This was apparent last year at events like AgQuip, where the ‘Agtech Alley’ was set up as part of the New South Wales government’s Farms of the Future program.

T his has been a significant program that attempts to modernise the state’s farming landscape by initially providing grants and then ongoing education towards increasing the uptake of agtech products.

We discover what has taken place so far and why organisers are thrilled, along with discussing what comes next.

Agtech is changing the industry at an on-farm level with programs like this, while major research projects are looking to the long term with concepts that could impact the wider landscape.

One of these is taking place at La Trobe University’s AgriBio facility in Melbourne.

We headed there to learn about their plans for protected cropping, hearing from the research lead about the potentially huge impacts this could have on horticul tural yields and Australia’s food security.

L ong-term thinking has also been a theme at Rabobank, which has looked ahead and predicted trends that will influ ence Australian agriculture over the next five years.

The magazine’s title is Farms & Farm Machinery, and we have not lost sight of machinery in this edition among the bigger picture thinking.

One company whose long-term outlook is a continuation of what they have done well for decades is John Berends Implements.

A good example of knowing what customers need, John Berends keeps manufacturing quality, value for money implements from its Melbourne factory which have stood the test of time.

A new product on the scene from a wellknown brand is Bobcat’s zero-turn mowers.

Available through distributor Clark Equipment, this edition takes a detailed look at how these will fit into the Australian market.

Our cover story this month from Claas distributor Landpower is about how its suite of products work together to create perfect silage, while encouraging early ordering.

Pump manufacturer Veldonas is also encouraging early ordering, sharing tips for each type of pump available and the lead-in time required.

We also profile a Victorian farmer whose addition of an excavator to his fleet has him encouraging other farmers to strongly consider doing the same.

Right to repair laws have been a hot topic, with WAFarmers CEO Trevor Whittington taking a look at how the Trump presidency may impact this issue in the United States and eventually Australia.

Our industry news section includes important updates about a new dealer in the Case IH network along with a new CEO the National Farmers Federation.

Lincoln Bertelli Editor

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Future outlook

Increased use of autonomous machinery, artificial intelligence and on-farm biologicals are among key global trends set to impact Australian agriculture over the next five years, Rabobank says

Leading specialist food and agribusiness bank Rabobank has provided Australian farmers with a five-year outlook on some of the top global agricultural trends set to be felt in Australia to 2030.

Some of these key trends include the increased use of autonomous machinery, artificial intelligence and on-farm biologicals, as well as a higher demand for dairy products tailored to older consumers.

Potential changes in trade dynamics are also expected to be increasingly felt across the global food and agribusiness supply chain in the next five years, according

to Rabobank, as the United States could implement import tariffs.

Other top trends in global food and agriculture that Rabobank have observed include a growing popularity in smaller fruit and vegetables, including berries and cocktail tomatoes, and more convenient options such as pre-cut vegetables and easy-peel fruit.

With 2030 being a key deadline for several corporate climate targets and policies, Rabobank says there is set to be a continued focus on sustainability and sustainable packaging, such as recycled-moulded fibre.

Sustainability measures can also be achieved through technological advancements, including on-farm electrical machinery.

Artificial intelligence

AI is another form of technology that is increasingly gaining prevenance across the globe, helping transform farming practices using autonomous machinery.

Farming operations around the world have already and will continue to adopt AI and autonomous machinery, leading to improved efficiency and precision.

This trend is expected to continue at speed to the end of the decade, RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand general manager Stefan Vogel says.

“The food and agriculture sector are expected to continue to adopt various innovations, especially those that improve efficiency and deliver positive economic results,” he says.

Autonomous machinery aided by AI can include everything from large drones for crop spraying and camera-based weed killers, to driverless tractors, and some of these technologies have already been adopted in Australia.

“Labour-intense sectors like fresh produce are already using these technologies and are expected to further adopt them for

Autonomous machinery can improve efficiency and reduce labour costs. Image: snapshotfreddy/ stock.adobe.com

Farming operations around the world have already and will continue to be transformed by AI. Image: Es sarawuth/stock.adobe.com

tasks that can reduce manual labour like spraying, planting, harvesting, processing and packaging,” Vogel says.

“Other farming sectors are also expected to increasingly adopt these technologies where they can improve efficiency, reduce labour costs and enhance precision.”

Biologicals

The on-farm usage of biologicals is expected to significantly rise in the coming years, Rabobank says, as these natural products offer enhanced plant health and growth by improving nutrient uptake, pest resistance and soil health.

Vogel expects that biologicals will become more readily accepted in traditional farming practices and be used in conjunc-

tion with other conventional farm inputs to enhance their effectiveness.

“As an example, biologicals are being used alongside nitrogen fertiliser to help take nitrogen out of the soil and fix it to the plant,” he says.

Biopesticides derived from natural sources – such as bacteria and fungi – also have the potential to control pests and diseases, with reduced impact on beneficial organisms and the environment, Vogel adds.

Dairy demographics

An ageing global population is expected to drive demand for dairy products tailored to older consumers, according to Rabobank.

“As people age, they often seek out products that support their health and wellbeing, such as protein shakes and medical nutrition,” Vogel says.

“This trend presents opportunities for the dairy industry to develop new products that cater to the needs of older consumers.

“This group of the population represents a growing category, such as China, which

Demand for dairy products is expected to increase in older consumers. Image: pressmaster/ stock.adobe.com

by 2030 is expected to have 100 million more people over the age of 55 than it did in 2020.”

The largest demand of dairy growth is seen in South East Asia, Africa and other developing countries, Vogel adds, creating opportunities for dairy-exporting nations who potentially may struggle to keep up with this pace of demand growth through to 2035.

Trade dynamics

Many exporters dealing with the United

States, as well as China to face a potential trade war due to US import tariffs, Vogel says.

“Companies around the globe that are exporting to the US may need to consider strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs, including options like lowering prices to maintain competitiveness in the US market or investing in local production facilities in the United States to avoid tariffs altogether,” he says.

“However, the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs and trade policies makes it

challenging for companies to make longterm business decisions.”

On a positive note, Vogel says a strong US dollar may mitigate some of the tariff impacts.

Australia’s food and agriculture sector is expected to closely watch these developments, especially the beef industry.

Vogel says this is because the US has been importing more beef than Australia’s traditional major markets, such as Japan, South Korea or China, in recent months.

Australia’s Most Useful Attachment

HARMONY Perfect

A combination of Claas machinery will have farmers and contractors equipped to tackle silage season

Just as a jigsaw puzzle requires every piece to slot in neatly to attain the end result, getting the right combination of machinery can be the difference in achieving a perfect outcome on farm.

During the silage making process, which is a delicate procedure that can come undone during one of many required steps, the best chance of producing high-quality

silage is by using high-quality machinery.

Claas has this combination of machinery thanks to its Disco mower, Liner rake, Jaguar forage harvester and Torion wheel loader.

Working together to handle every step of the silage making process, customers with all four machines can be confident they have the best tools available.

It is due to the collective benefits provided by using all four machines that Claas is encouraging customers to plan ahead and lock in their orders ahead of the next silage season.

Not only will this early ordering ensure customers can avoid any in-season disruptions due to waiting for delivery, the company says it will also provide budget

Images: Landpower

certainty for farmers and contractors looking to plan ahead.

One mission

Achieving success firstly requires harvesting silage at the right time and is followed by many other steps.

The process requires timing and precision – both of which are aided endlessly

Claas machinery is designed to work together seamlessly

The Claas Liner rake

by having the best quality equipment available exactly when it is needed.

The end result will be high quality silage that brings health and welfare benefits to the livestock, along with economic benefits to the farm.

Having top quality silage will be more digestible and palatable to livestock, leading to both reduced waste and reduced costs without the need to add expensive feed supplements.

One key component in making this happen is the Claas Jaguar forage harvester.

Part of the manufacturer’s stable for more than 50 years, the Jaguar has undergone systematic development throughout its life, based on both customer feedback and practical experience.

Providing efficiency, precision and com-

fort, it features leading assistance systems and a CEBIS touch control hub to make operation simple.

Optimal cutting cylinders and crop processing, plus fuel-saving technology, add to this forage harvester’s desirability.

Processes which occur during fermentation are crucial to an effective silage system, with inoculants able to speed up and enhance fermentation and reduce dry matter losses.

The Jaguar’s Actisiler 37 additive applicator technology can control flow rates and application, providing on-thefly response to varying throughput and harvest conditions.

While the Jaguar is arguably the most important piece of the machinery puzzle, it is not the only necessary one.

Claas provides the Disco mower, which offers clean cuts at high speeds to ensure optimal forage quality.

The Max Cut mower bar helps to provide a perfect cut, and there is also an innovative bolt concept to provide maximum deflection and impact resistance.

Using a Claas Disco mower that has been correctly set and height adjusted will help to avoid soil contamination.

As the mower features the Active Float hydraulic system, it will help to ensure a consistent height of cut and unparalleled ground contour following therefore reducing the risk of unwanted soil contamination which can contribute to poorer quality silage.

Adding in a Claas Volto tedder after mowing can significantly increase the

Producing high quality silage is made easier with Claas machinery

The Claas Disco mower

The Claas Torion wheel loader

The silage making process requires multiple pieces of machinery

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

ADELAIDE

TOWNSVILLE

Stand and deliver

The well-known Bobcat brand has expanded to a new product type, with local distributor Clark Equipment excited about its potential

Australian customers now have access to a Bobcat stand-on zero-turn mower after Clark Equipment expanded its product range.

The ZS4000 is the first of the brand’s stand-on mowers available in Australia and complements a number of ride-on mowers in the Clark offering, along with other Bobcat products such as telehandlers and tractors.

It was added to the Australian product range last year having been offered previously to customers in the United States.

“The people that have jumped on board

have absolutely loved them,” Clark Equipment salesman Ian Knoke says.

“Where they have done really well is in the cities, specifically in the commercial market, because there’s a 36-inch (91cm) deck which is compact for a mower.

“We can get into tighter spaces; you can fit two onto a trailer quite comfortably and it’s still a zero-turn.”

Much of the commercial market which it has been popular with has been drawn to its comparatively small deck size and ability to fit into tight spaces in urban environments.

While this may seem in contrast to what appeals to farmers with wide open spaces, it is still a unit which has appeal for the likes of hobby farmers and those needing to maintain areas around the house with corners and tight spaces which can be trickier with ride-on mowers.

The 36-inch (91cm) deck is a selling point for some customers – also due to its ability to fit two onto a trailer – however the ZS4000 is also available with a wider 48-inch (122cm) deck for those requiring additional size.

The smaller decked mower has a 19hp

engine, stepping up to 20.5hp for the larger unit.

“It’s quite a large engine, so you’ve got a lot of horsepower in a small machine that can get into compact and hard to reach areas.

“It’s a Kawasaki engine, and our dealer network is extensive, so parts and servicing is never an issue.”

The ZS4000 is also loaded with features designed to increase productivity, safety and operator comfort.

It boasts the innovative AirFX cutting deck on the 48-inch version, which Clark

The ZS4000 is ideal in a variety of settings

Images: Clark Equipment

Bobcat’s ZS4000 mower

The standing deck can be folded away if needed

says optimises air flow and increases vacuum force, lifting the grass to the cutting blade for a clean and uniform cut.

The 36-inch mower has the tough and adjustable DuraDeck cutting system.

The maximum speed ranges between 14.4kmh on the smaller decked version up to 16.8kmh on the larger mower, with the mower in both sizes capable of going 5.6kmh in reverse.

The fuel capacity is 19.3L and 24.6L respectively, allowing those in commercial settings to keep going for longer.

The in-frame fuel tank and operator station design provide excellent stability and assist with the mower’s manoeuvrability, even on uneven terrain.

A vibration-dampening platform reduces fatigue and increases the ride smoothness, while this platform can also be flipped up to allow operators to use the ZS4000 as a walk-behind mower if required.

“It’s a compact mower but the tyres are quite large for the size of it so it also means if you’re going over rocky or bumpy terrain, then it’s actually still very solid and stable,” Knoke says.

Another benefit of a stand-on mower,

Knoke adds, is the ability to hop on and off quickly to move obstructions such as hoses and sticks, enabling users to minimise downtime and maximise overall efficiency.

As with all farm machinery, safety is another crucial element.

Knoke says the concept of a stand-on mower has led to customers asking the question about its safety capabilities –something which he says the ZS4000 excels in.

“There are a lot of safety features on it, for example if you release your hand then there is an assisted stop feature,” Knoke says.

“It also has safety features for the blades to stop when exiting the machine as a standard, whereas on other commercial mowers, that’s not the case.”

In addition to these safety features, there has been plenty added to the design by Bobcat to maximise its ease of use and versatility.

The cutting height can be adjusted between 38mm and 114mm, something whch Knoke says is easy to do, and this is not the only feature which enhances ease of use.

“It’s easy to raise and lower the deck for a higher or shorter cut, and it’s super easy to transport the mower from property to property,” he says.

“There is also easy accessibility for maintenance.

“You can actually get to the engine and clean it all out more than you can on any other mower.

“This is because it’s all open and the seat is not covering things up, which is incredibly handy.”

The ZS4000, along with other Bobcat mowers and machines, are available through Clark Equipment.

The full range can be viewed online at www.bobcatofaustralia.com.au

New dealer

Case IH has welcomed a new Victorian dealer to serve Melbourne’s southwest region

Victorian-based RP Motors will now offer Case IH machinery in the Werribee South region after being appointed an official dealer.

The machinery dealership was established by the Piovesan family in 1970 as a modest mechanical repair shop and now is a partner of both Case IH and New Holland.

“We approached CNH early last year about becoming the representative for Case IH in the local area, and after a comprehensive submission process, we were given the green light,” RP Motors’ Josh

Piovesan says.

“Our decision to apply to become a Case IH dealer came after some thorough research on the west Melbourne region, through which we saw a clear gap in the market for representation of the Case IH brand.

“Case IH joins our long representation of New Holland, and as a long-standing partner of CNH, we are proud to expand our relationship and bring another world-class brand to our family-owned and operated dealership.”

Fresh leader

Australia’s peak farming advocacy body – the National Farmers Federation – has appointed its new chief executive officer

Williams was announced as the NFF’s new CEO and brings “extensive experience leading prominent industry associations at the state and national levels”.

He most recently spent six years as CEO of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia and spent eight years prior to that as CEO of the Australian Dental Industry Association.

Williams says it is an “honour” to be appointed as CEO and is looking forward to strengthening ties with NFF members to advocate their priorities, particularly with a

agriculture is not only heard but prioritised in the national policy debate,” he says.

“This year will be pivotal in shaping policies that secure the future of Australian farming and rural communities.

“Whether it is advancing trade opportunities, addressing labour shortages, or advocating for sustainable farming practices, our activity must build upon the great work that’s already been undertaken to deliver practical results that empower farmers.”

Williams replaces Tony Mahar in the position, who announced his departure in

The Piovesan Family in front of the new Service Department facility at RP Motors. Image: Case IH

RP Motors will offer the full range of Case IH equipment ensuring that it can meet the diverse needs of its customers.

This includes everything from the versatile Case IH Farmall compact tractors, ideal for lifestyle properties and smaller farming operations, to the powerful Steiger series suited for large-scale farming and earthmoving applications.

“Our customers run a diverse range of businesses. Locally, in the Werribee South area, many are vegetable growers, reflecting the region’s strong market gardening heritage,” Piovesan says.

“More broadly in the Melbourne region, we are proud to serve a diverse customer base, including lifestyle customers, councils, contractors, and earthmoving firms.”

The addition of the Case IH brand at RP Motors will be supported by new facilities within the business, 55 years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry, and a strong partnership with CNH, Piovesan adds.

September and officially stepped away in December after more than a decade with the NFF.

NFF president David Jochinke says Williams brings a range of skills which will help the federation towards its stated target of $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.

“Troy is recognised for his exceptional ability to bring stakeholders together, negotiating with senior government officials, politicians, and industry leaders,” Jochinke says.

“This will allow him to work with the NFF board and member organisations to create an environment in which agriculture can thrive sustainably.

“Over more than two decades, Troy has been a champion for businesses in highly regulated and trade-exposed industries, addressing issues ranging from product regulation and international trade agreements to workforce planning and skills development.

“These are exactly the challenges faced by the businesses our members represent, and Troy’s experience will be invaluable in addressing them.”

Williams – who also describes himself as “not a city person” - will officially begin his role at the NFF on March 3.

Troy Williams is the new National Farmers Federation CEO. Image: NFF

Trading north

Expanding business relationships with Southeast Asia presents huge opportunities for Australian agriculture, a parliamentary inquiry has found

The federal parliament’s agriculture committee has made 13 recommendations around the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asian markets.

The committee was tasked with answering how the federal government could support agriculture to leverage opportunities, build and strengthen partnerships and support food security in Southeast Asia.

Its recommendations fell broadly under three themes: opportunities and challenges, building relationships and enhancing food security.

A federal government report – the Moore report – was released in 2023 and this inquiry has supported its recommendations while taking the research further.

Bushfire ready

New South Wales regulations have been changed to help farmers fight fires on their own property without worrying about if they can access water

The NSW government is reducing official rules that have in practice hindered farmers’ ability fight fires on their own property.

During a fire emergency, landholders will now be able to take water from surface water and groundwater sources on their land, without needing to have a water licence and water use approval.

This includes streams, creeks and rivers abutting the boundary.

The state government says this common-sense exemption has been made v ia amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.

Water can be used by landholders on their property and adjacent land to fight fires, while it can also be used for training and controlled burning when it is carried out by or under the authority of a firefighting agency such as the NSW

“The Moore report emphasised the significance of Australia’s relationship with Southeast Asia at an economic level, but urged us to look beyond trade to a broader and more closely integrated relationship with the region,” federal member for Paterson and committee chairwoman Meryl Swanson says.

“Australia has an important role to play in the food security of Southeast Asia through food exports and by building agriculture and food production capability in the region.

“Australian technology and production systems also have much to offer the region.

“Long-term investment in regional relationships will be vital to progressing both trade and regional collaboration.”

A specific opportunity which Swanson highlighted during a speech to parliament was around the Indonesian government’s commitment to provide free school lunches and milk to its students.

Australia’s agricultural industries are well placed to contribute to this program, she says, if government and industry can engage successfully with Indonesian counterparts.

One of the inquiry’s recommendations is that the federal government provides its agencies with resources needed to maintain Australia’s agriculture trade to the region, revise trade agreements and address non-tariff barriers.

It also recommended a long-term government commitment to the Southeast Asia Business Exchange program with a particular emphasis on agriculture.

The reinstatement and resourcing of agri-business and trade programs including the Agri-Business Expansion Initiative was another recommendation, as was increasing resources available for regional

Landholders who wish to prepare for the threat of bushfires can now also lawfully take water and store it in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes.

The maximum volume for each property is 100,000 litres (0.1 ML) per year.

“When it comes to emergencies, landholders can play an important role in bushfire response, and this change further empowers them to act when their properties are u nder threat,” emergency services minister Jihad Dib says.

Acting water minister Jodie Harrison says no-one should need to stop and think if they are allowed to access water to keep themselves and their property safe from fire.

“ This is a common-sense decision, and it is great to see these amendments now in place,” Harrison says.

Landholders can now access water easier during bushfires. Image: Brastock Images/stock.adobe.com

cess to water to protect their properties a nd themselves.”

The NSW government will carry out targeted periodic surveys of landholders to understand how the exemption i s being used and to identify the extent and scale of water use.

While landholders are not required to submit reports, they are encouraged to log the volume of water they take under the exemption, for their own records

For more information on the exemptions, visit https://water.dpie. nsw.gov.au/our-work/allocationsavailability/drought-and-floods/ water-for-bushfire-preparedness-andfirefighting

Supporting trade between Australia and Southeast Asia was a key part of the parliamentary inquiry. Image: Ymgerman / stock.adobe.com

Adopting agtech

The On Farm Connectivity Program is returning, helping farmers with cost-of-living relief and improving productivity

The federal government is investing a further $20 million into round three of the successful On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).

“The On Farm Connectivity Program is already supporting thousands of farmers around the country to adopt agtech solutions to boost productivity and efficiency,”

Safe practices

Farmers using all-terrain vehicles are encouraged to always wear seat belts, following several fatalities in 2024

Farmers are being urged to follow safety precautions when using all-terrain vehicles, including quad bikes and sideby-side vehicles, after a record number of deaths in South Australia over the past 12 months.

The five fatalities in 2024 were the first in South Australia since 2021, with another life taken in early January this year.

There were 19 quad bike fatalities across the nation in 2024.

SafeWork SA is reiterating that these deaths and serious injuries can easily be avoided if operators always wear seatbelts when operating the vehicle.

This information is in the vehicle manual and on stickers on the vehicle.

Vehicle operators should also not tamper or disable safety features, SafeWork SA adds, saying some operators bypass the speed limiter by clipping the seatbelt in behind them.

Rebates are provided for eligible equipment and technology. Image: Ruslan Ivantsov/stock.adobe.com

purchases across Australia.

Thousands of farmers have taken advantage of this program to date, enhancing onfarm connectivity to monitor activity with real-time data, improve safety and increase productivity on their farms.

Agtech solutions like these are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, automate tank systems and safeguard farming equipment and supplies.

Round three will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.

A head of round three opening for applications, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will review the grant g uidelines and processes to ensure the program is optimising opportunities for farmers and best addressing connectivity gaps.

This includes consultation with the agriculture industry and local communities on how the program can be further improved, including discussions already underway with the National Farmers Federation.

Quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles are among the leading cause of death on Australian farming properties. Image: ChrisChips/stock.adobe.com

When this is done, the operator overrides a known safety control and increases the risk of injury or death, SafeWork SA adds.

“Although they’re marketed as ‘go-anywhere vehicles’, they cannot be used safely on all types of terrain and are susceptible to rolling over,” SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell says.

“In addition to reading the safety instructions, I urge users to visit the SafeWork SA website where we have comprehensive information about quad bike safety.”

Quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles are among the leading cause of death on Australian farming properties.

Smooth futures

Farmers are invited to participate in a national survey which hopes to put quantify how effective farm business succession works

More than 700 responses are sought for a farm business succession survey, with the aim of putting data behind anecdotes.

The survey is led by a team from University of New England, which describes it as t he first national survey of farm business succession in 20 years.

It aims to achieve a big enough sample size to put data behind why some families effectively manage farm succession and others do not.

“We hope that the survey will provide contemporary insights into how families succeed at this process, and why they fail,” senior lecturer and survey co-creator Lucie Newsome says.

“We’re hoping for a coast-to-coast

geographical spread of respondents; representation from across all the mainstream a griculture sectors; and importantly, reporting of succession experiences from awful to excellent.”

When succession is not managed effectively, it can lead to disastrous consequences for the business and family relationships, plus the rural communities which rely on intergenerational farming families to support its physical and social infrastructure.

Newsome says while families which have experienced an unsuccessful transition may still be recovering from their experience, she hopes that telling their story t hrough the anonymous and confidential survey can help prevent others from going through similar things.

“Just as successful succession means that families can continue farming the same land for generations, failed succession can damage relationships in ways that persist for generations,” she says.

“No-one wants to live with that stress and sadness.

“We know it will be particularly hard for those who have been through a really terrible experience, one that might have torn

“But by doing so, they may help other families avoid the problems that the survey respondent faced.”

More broadly, it is hoped that collating both positive and negative experiences from families will provide a clearer picture of how farm succession should work.

“The information will support farm groups and consultants who are working to improve the farm succession process,” Newsome says.

“Even if it just provokes some reflection on when the process should start, it might contribute to more successful outcomes.

“At the very least, it may be a way of starting that most difficult of conversations.”

Survey co-creator and UNE senior lecturer Lucie Newsome. Image: UNE

Generous support

Over $400,000 worth of donated hay will help South Australian farmers affected by drought

More than 100 truckloads of donated hay have been delivered to farming communities across South Australia to assist the state’s primary producers through some of the driest conditions on record.

The convoy of trucks travelled a total of 218,770km in late January, loaded with 3,630 bales of donated hay valued at over $400,000.

With hay prices continuing to increase and good quality fodder becoming harder to find, the South Australian government says the donations will help over 130 farmers, their families, and their communities.

Drought coordinator

A dedicated Drought Coordinator has been appointed for the South West Victorian community to access financial, technical and wellbeing support

Eleven local government areas received deliveries of the donated hay, which were Adelaide Plains, Ceduna, Elliston, Goyder, Mid Murray, Mount

Donated hay will help over 130 South Australian farmers and their communities. Image: Dusan Kostic/ stock.adobe.com

North, Murraylands, and all the way to the Eyre Peninsula.

“We really appreciate these organisations helping South Australian farmers and are pleased to be able to support the delivery of much needed fodder to drought affected farming communities

The Victorian government has appointed Ralph Cotter as the Regional D rought Coordinator for south west Victoria.

As the Regional Drought Coordinator, Cotter will meet regularly with i ndustry and local governments to understand the challenges specific to the region and coordinate tailored support and advice to impacted communities.

The state government says this will provide the south west Victorian community and farmers from this region w ith financial, technical and wellbeing support.

Based in the state’s south west, Cotter has strong connections with industry and government and local service providers and has had a long involvement in the agriculture sector.

“I’ve been meeting with industry

Cotter’s role involves drought support coordination. Image: magann/stock.adobe.com

and councils across the south west and hearing about the challenges farmers in the region are facing,” Cotter says.

“Farmers experiencing drought conditions are urged to reach out, we are here to help.

“Whether it’s through connecting you with the financial grants, technical advice or wellbeing support, we can connect you with the resources you need to navigate this difficult time.”

Since announcing the $13.53 million Drought Support Package last September, 969 on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5,000 have been approved and paid to farmers.

These grants are enabling south west Victorian farmers to complete infrastructure improvements that respond to the current drought and build their resilience for future droughts.

Ralph Cotter will meet regularly with industry and local governments to understand the challenges specific to the region and coordinate tailored support. Image: Agriculture Victoria

Grain route

Victorian grain transportation is set to be boosted thanks to road maintenance works on a busy section of the Western Highway

Restoration works have begun on a 1km stretch of Victoria’s Western Highway in Lawloit, between Kaniva and Nhill.

This section of the highway helps move thousands of tonnes of grain from farms across the region to storage facilities at Nhill each year, according to the state government.

Works to strengthen and rebuild the road will support Victoria’s $4.4 billion grain industry and are expected to take around two months to complete.

“We’re rebuilding this stretch of the Western Highway to ensure the road is more resilient to handle the trucks that are getting goods to market - supporting the farmers, freight operators, and families

Feed findings

roads minister Melissa Horne says.

As a major link between South Australia and western Victoria, the highway also helps to keep hundreds of thousands of drivers and millions of tonnes of freight on the move between Melbourne and

An all-natural cattle feed supplement trial in New South Wales has produced promising results

With bigger and heavier trucks on the roads, the Victorian government says these works are vital to improving the resilience of the road network and ensuring goods can travel to the state’s ports and markets.

Charles Sturt University’s feedlot has hosted a trial of a new cattle feed supplement, with the results potentially being significant for cattle farming’s future.

The trial was conducted in Wagga Wagga by the university’s agriculture research institute alongside Australian Livestock Production Services.

It involved more than 260 Angus cattle from six breeders across southern NSW, which were fed for 106 days and supple-

mented with the Terragen Dry Ruminant Probiotic feed supplement at different dosage rates.

“Angus cattle supplied a ration supplemented with the ruminant probiotic gained 4.6 per cent more weight per day compared to a control group that were not,” Charles Sturt veterinary physiology professor Jane Quinn says.

“Also of note from the trial was that this group of cattle had a marble score seven

per cent higher than the control.”

The Terragen probiotic supplement was tested against groups of liquid MYLO, Dry Ruminant Probiotic one dose, Dry Ruminant Probiotic two dose and a control group fed no supplement, researchers say.

As consumers seek alternatives to synthetic growth stimulants, Quinn says the results of this trial will prove valuable.

“By doing this, we were able to measure if the supplement improved production and carcass characteristics,” she says.

“The Terragen probiotic is all natural and developed in Australia, so it provides a commercially viable alternative to beef producers both nationally and internationally.

“Probiotics present the opportunity for enhancing growth and performance in feedlot steers without recourse to other chemical additives.

“Our trial produced viable results in terms of return on investment of the supplement too.”.

Works to strengthen and rebuild the road will support Victoria’s $4.4 billion grain industry. Image: Dusan Petkovic/stock.adobe.com

More than 260 Angus cattle were used in the trial. Image: nickalbi/ stock.adobe.com

Commitment placed

A new government initiative will allow farmers to receive interest rate discounts when buying zero and low emissions trucks, along with on-farm products

The federal government has announced that farmers, agri-businesses and equipment purchasers are now eligible for discounted loans for buying emissions reducing technology such as low emissions machinery.

Courtesy of a $300 million commitment from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) that is supported by the government, farmers can receive discounts on interest rates of up to 1.15 per cent through NAB under the new green asset finance investment program.

The program is designed to support people buying electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen trucks, heavy equipment and vehicles, along with on-farm activities such as enhanced fertilisers.

Loans from the program are set to range between $1 million and $5 million, allowing farmers to save more than $57,000 a year in borrowing costs.

“Reducing emissions and making a profit are not mutually exclusive. Increasingly, we’re seeing international supply chains demanding cleaner, greener products and practices, with buyers either paying

a premium for green goods, or penalising higher emissions products,” federal climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen says.

“We want Australian farmers, business and manufacturers to be as competitive as possible in global markets and be supported to get there as cheaply and efficiently as possible.”

Part of the investment is specifically designed for agribusiness, with the interest rate discount available for the likes of enhanced fertilisers, methane inhibitors and changed land-use methodologies.

Federal agriculture minister Julie Collins says it will help the nation maintain its reputation for sustainability.

“Australian agriculture has a reputation internationally for high standards of environmental sustainability,” she says.

“It’s a track record we can be proud of, but we can’t rest on our laurels. Working together will help everyone continue to do better.

“There is no one way to reduce emissions on a farm, but these loans mean our farmers can access the capital they need

The funding can be used to help farmers invest in low emissions trucks. Image: Thomas/stock.adobe.com

to make changes that are good for their businesses.”

The news has also been welcomed to Farmers for Climate Action, with CEO Natalie Collard saying this is exactly the type of scheme its members have been calling for.

“Farmers want to know how to reduce emissions whilst remaining profitable, and this program gives them a way to do that, if they choose. That’s how you keep farmers farming,” she says.

“We warmly welcome this scheme because it gives farmers choice. If a farmer wants to choose a hydrogen, hybrid or electric powered machinery, the farmer can choose to take a low-interest loan to get it. As the technology proves itself, other farmers can also choose low-emissions machinery if they wish.

“Australia’s farmers have a tradition of clean, green farming, and we want to continue that tradition so our kids can farm forever.”

Farmers can choose to either keep the saving or have it reinvested in on-farm practices.

In the lab

State-of-the-art NSW rice breeding facilities will help accelerate genetic gains and provide growers with faster access to new water-efficient varieties

Rice Breeding Australia Ltd. (RBA), a joint venture between AgriFutures Australia, SunRice Group and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia has announced plans to construct state-of-the-art breeding facilities in the New South Wales Riverina region.

Established in 2022, RBA’s investment will include a glasshouse and a bird-proof field nursery spanning three hectares, with these purpose-built facilities designed to accelerate genetic gains in rice breeding.

This will provide growers with faster access to new water-efficient rice varieties, AgriFutures Australia says.

AgriFutures Rice Program’s target of 1.5 tonnes of rice per megalitre of water by 2026.

“The facilities will double our program’s capacity to breed and test new rice varieties, significantly reducing the time it takes to deliver high-yielding water-efficient varieties to growers,” Pengilley says.

“By combining innovative breeding strategies with state-of-the-art infrastructure, we’re building a more sustainable and resilient rice industry equipped to thrive under variable climate conditions.”

Rice grower and Rice Management Committee representative Rob Massina says greater methods and flexibility of

Breeding facilities will include a glasshouse and a bird-proof field nursery spanning three hectares. Image: AgriFutures Australia

growers can continue to produce the high-quality rice we are globally known for while adapting to changing market and environmental demands,” Massina says.

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey adds that improved varieties delivered to growers faster will mean levy payers can produce higher yields as well as save on water and potentially utilise it for other high value crops, ultimately enhancing overall profitability.

Construction of the breeding facilities are expected to begin shortly, with the location carefully selected to ensure long-term viability and operational efficiency.

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Water management

When planning irrigation and pumping, expert advice from Veldonas will help you choose the right equipment for your needs

Planning and managing irrigation is an essential farm practice that offers many benefits, including growing more high-quality pastures and crops.

There are many information hubs available to assist in this process, including state agricultural department websites, however for specific inquiries, it may be more helpful to lean on the advice of pump suppliers and water management equipment businesses such as Melbourne-based Veldonas.

More than capable of assisting in the development and creation of irrigation plans, Veldonas’ director Gatis Gregors says knowing when you need equipment is essential, and end supply planning is also extremely important.

“Most pieces of irrigation or water management equipment need to be manufactured or assembled, as most are specific to individual requirements,” he says.

“For that reason, it is recommended that planning takes place two to six months in advance and contingencies are in place to protect existing and future assets.”

Veldonas can build to specific customer requirements

Images: Veldonas

The business is based in Sunshine, Melbourne

As a supplier, Veldonas knows that specific pieces of equipment are needed at different times of the year.

Gregors adds that different pieces of equipment can also have varying levels of priority.

It’s why he has devised a list of varying pumps that may be needed by farmers, in order from immediate priority to those that can be planned for later use.

Frost control pumps

Frost control pumps should be sourced immediately due to lead time for parts supplies and construction, he says.

Veldonas supplies medium (60 psi) to high pressure (140 psi) PTO, diesel and electric pump sets for this use, while other sizes can be supplied.

to supply times.

electric chopper pumps that can operate irrigators if required.

and high-pressure pump sets.

Irrigation pumps

There are many different types of irrigation systems that can be put in place to service agricultural assets.

pivot irrigators, lateral irrigators, fixed sprinklers, travelling irrigators and other equipment.

pumps that supply from 5L to 1,000L in PTO, diesel and electric configurations.

needs to be done soon due to potential supply delays, Gregors says.

Veldonas can assist in the development and creation of irrigation plans

Ever reliable

Quality, no-nonsense products manufactured in Australia is continuing to keep John Berends Implements ticking along

After nearly 60 years in business, John Berends Implements knows a thing or two about what Australian farmers need.

The company knows farmers are after solid, reliable equipment which represents value for money and will handle the nation’s demanding conditions with ease.

As a shining example of Australian manufacturing, all implements from John Berends are produced at the company’s factory in Melbourne and represent exactly what local farmers are seeking.

With such longevity in the business, the company knows the wheel does not need to be reinvented when its products have stood the test of time since John Berends’ founding in 1966.

“It’s probably a little bit different to cars and tractors and things like that where you’ve got to keep making changes because of technology,” general manager Derrick Berends says.

“For us, the product is very simple. It does a job and that’s all people really want.

“You might have some small changes, but as long as you can keep making and selling that product, there’s not always necessarily a need to redesign it.”

While there may not always be a glitzy new product for John Berends to showcase, this is testament to the ongoing endurance and quality which its workhorse implements have.

Its product range is varied, with

everything having been carefully devised over decades in business to ensure there are no weak links in the offering.

Even a snapshot at its slasher range –a ‘bread and butter’ product – reveals everything from light duty slashers designed for compact tractors through to extra heavy duty units designed for 130hp tractors.

A special contractor range suits those who will work the slasher continuously, while its twin rotor slashers are available in trailing and linkage models.

This variety shows John Berends does not expect customers to accept a ‘one size fits all’ product, although everything it offers has been based around customer demand.

John Berends manufactures linkage disc ploughs. Image: Prime Creative Media

“Most of those items that we build are things that we know we can sell reasonable quantities of to make it efficient,” Derrick says.

“Slashers have always traditionally been our biggest market, but they’re also the product we have the most competition in because there’s probably more of them sold in Australia compared to other implements.

“We’re very strong in grader blades and rakes – both stick rakes and landscape rakes – and we’ve managed to keep the cost of those down quite considerably and are very competitive against some of the cheap imported equipment.”

John Berends does not want to get into a price war with the cheapest of imported implements, but in addition to highlighting that the company’s products are “very competitive” on price against those, Derrick says there are several reasons why implements from John Berends excel.

five years ago and they can no longer get parts for it and they come to us hoping we can help.

The first of these is the company’s longevity and ability to supply spare parts for equipment of all ages, plus the trust which customers can have in the ongoing aftermarket support from an Australian company.

“A lot of people come in and they’ve got machines that are 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years old and they’re surprised they could still get parts for it because we still make them here,” Derrick says.

“That probably sets us apart from a lot of

“It’s a factor that really annoys people because they bought a machine and it might have been price based or whatever was in stock, then five years later they’ve got to do all the hard work trying to fix it or replace parts for it.”

In a time when many companies have moved away from Australian manufacturing due to either staff shortages or finding the overall cost too prohibitive, John Berends has found the middle ground.

Derrick – whose father John founded the

speed plasma cutter.

Priding itself on being a value for money option, these investments have enabled John Berends to refine what it does and maintain production efficiency to ultimately benefit the end user.

“We focus on building something strong to suit the conditions, but we don’t go overboard with making it look pretty, which keeps the cost down,” Derrick says.

“We’re very efficient at what we do because we build everything in bulk and you can keep your cost down doing that.

“Our objective and aim is to provide value for money for the end user – the farmer

All John Berends implements are built in Australia. Image: Prime Creative Media

John Berends’ Cyclomatic mulching mower. Image: Prime Creative Media

– and keeping the products strong.

“We build it to the specs we would like to have if we were buying it, so we want it to do certain things and be strong and not built to a price, whereas a lot of the cheaper imports that come in are built to a price,” Derrick says.

“We’ll build it to that strength but keep it simple enough that we’re not adding too much unnecessary cost to it.”

Buying an implement based purely on price is often a case of getting what you pay for, Derrick says, while adding that many of these imported products are not tailored to local conditions.

Even for farmers with small acreage, he believes it is still important to buy a product which can not only handle its intended work but also the bigger jobs which regularly come up.

“If you want to buy $1,000 slasher, you’ll get a slasher that’s only worth that much, whereas we want to make a slasher for the applications which Australian farmers are doing,” Derrick says says.

“A lot of what comes in is just built to their own local market specifications and if you’re an importer, you just basically buy

what they have, you don’t redesign it for Australian conditions and that’s where

“Farmers often say they’ve only got a small amount of work to do, or light work, but in reality that doesn’t happen. There’s always going to be an application where

“Sometimes we get customers who say ‘I’ve only got 10 acres. I can’t justify that’, but if your machine breaks down in those 10 acres, then you’re worse off.

“You still need the quality to match the conditions that are around.”

John Berends Implements’ warehouse and factory is located in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong and its products are sold through an extensive national dealer

The company will also be at the upcoming Wimmera, Farm World and Seymour field days in Victoria, while its full product range can be viewed online at www.johnberendsimplements.com.au

The Grow Master aerator is another Berends product. Image: John Berends Implements

Slashers are a core product. Image: John Berends Implements.

Future focus

monitoring of machinery, while others can be more unique solutions tailored to suit

In some cases, the solution may not

even be something a farmer would have necessarily known about without expert knowledge and guidance.

It is this desire to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and digital innovation that inspired the New South Wales government’s Farms of the Future program.

A key part of the program so far has been the distribution of grants to hundreds of

farmers across the state, enabling them to invest in an agtech product which will boost the productivity and sustainability of their own farm.

The program has been about so much more though, having progressively evolved into an ongoing education program which aims to bolster the long-term uptake of agtech across the state.

Sensors and weather stations were among the agtech products available with the grants. Image: lukaspuchrik / stock.adobe.com

From the beginning

Announced in February 2023, the Farms of the Future program provided a total of $7.5 million in grants to 365 farm businesses in New South Wales last year, supporting vast improvements in productivity and resource management by helping farmers to purchase connectivity and agtech equipment.

Since the grants were closed, the program has evolved to focus on education, demonstration and independent agtech advice, where farmers have the opportunity to complete a training program and develop an agtech plan to ensure their business can leverage new technology that improves farm connectivity and productivity.

Focusing on the grains, livestock, horticultural and cotton sectors, farmers can browse an extensive agtech catalogue on the program’s website, which include everything from water tank level sensors and remote irrigation systems through to animal movement trackers, along with connectivity solutions such as antennas and coverage boosters.

“The Farms of the Future program equips farmers with the technology and connectivity needed to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape,” NSW agriculture minister Tara Moriarty says.

“By addressing connectivity challenges and introducing advanced agtech, we’re enabling farmers to enhance productivity, improve resource management, and build resilience.

“This program is about ensuring that NSW’s agricultural sector remains competitive and sustainable for generations to come.”

More than money

While the grant proportion of the overall program has closed, demonstration and education sub programs will be ramped up and continued through to June 2028.

At its core now is education, aiming to continue driving the sustained adoption of agtech and connectivity solutions

throughout New South Wales farms. Its ongoing role has been divided into several sections.

The first of these is the education program, with training courses helping to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to identify, implement and utilise cost effective agtech options, while also analysing their business needs and developing a monitoring plan.

T hese free online courses are supplemented by the agtech toolbox website, which enables farmers to explore a variety of products and suppliers.

Acting as a hub for the program, it also details education opportunities, case studies and upcoming events.

Agtech demonstration hubs are also situated at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development ( NSW DPIRD) research stations and in partnership with universities and various farms.

These serve as real world showcases of agtech, and will host Agtech Open Days to allow farmers to see agtech in action, and how data from devices can benefit decision making.

Another crucial part of the program, and arguably the most public facing, has been through Agtech Alley.

Situated at various field days throughout the past year including Australian National Field Days, Primex and Henty, this is designed as a space for suppliers to exhibit their innovative products while also providing networking opportunities, hubs for k nowledge sharing and the opportunity to speak with program representatives such as the agtech specialists.

The program’s ongoing nature means farmers who may not have known about it during the grant phase can still benefit from the knowledge and resources available, while those already involved have access to continued support.

“The Farms of the Future program has been incredibly successful in driving meaningful change for NSW farmers,” Minister Moriarty says.

Farms of the Future will continue as an education program. Image: FOTF

FARMING

“The feedback from farmers who completed the training and implemented their Monitoring Agtech Plans shows that these tools are making a real difference, helping them overcome challenges and embrace a more sustainable future.”

Big benefits

In 2018, the NSW government committed $48 million towards the Farms of the Future program.

Reflecting on the program so far, three of the biggest benefits cited by NSW DPIRD have been farmer empowerment, industry collaboration and supplier engagement.

It has enabled farmers to have access to practical and tailored solutions through improved connectivity and cutting-edge agtech, Minister Moriarty says, while monitoring plans have enabled farmers to identify and rectify pain points.

Agtech Alley events have brought farmers, agtech suppliers and industry experts together, providing hands-on demonstrations and fostering partnerships that have directly addressed farmer ne eds.

Engagement with suppliers has also grown significantly, the department adds, with increased participation in show-

NSW DPIRD believes the program’s cess demonstrates that integrating agtech and connectivity into everyday farming is not only achievable but transformative and delivers long-term benefits for individual farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

Beyond just these outcomes, the program has also created benefits in addition to what NSW DPIRD had expected. he first of these is around the broader community impact, with farmers eporting that agtech has improved staff safety by automating hazardous tasks and providing real time alerts.

The visibility provided through Agtech Alley events at major field days has also highlighted NSW as a hub for innovation in agriculture, NSW DPIRD adds.

Agtech awareness has also come through interest being sparked in neighbouring farmers who have observed the success of their peers who have been involved, which encourages a ripple effect of technology adoption across rural communities.

This sustained interest is one major reason why NSW DPIRD has put so many resources into ensuring Farms of the Future remains an ongoing program designed to educate farmers and drive long-term agtech adoption across the state.

Further information about how to get involved with Farms of the Future is available at www.agtech.dpi.nsw. gov.au

Field day events allow agtech products to be showcased.

Image: FOTF

Agtech Alley has been a feature of various field days. Image: FOTF

Agtech Alley brings together industry decision makers. Image: FOTF

Haintz says excavators can be used in addition to other farm machinery

Endless possibilities

After being left hugely impressed with the on-farm capabilities of an excavator, a Victorian farmer is advocating for greater use of these machines on rural properties

While excavators are more commonly seen on construction sites, their potential to be used in farming and agricultural applications is largely untapped.

Given their attachment capabilities, there are endless possibilities for these machines to be used on-farm, and it’s for this reason that Victorian farmer Freddie Haintz has decided to invest in one.

Based in Ballarat, Haintz procured a nine-tonne excavator for general on-farm maintenance, including tidying up dams, cleaning trees, and building fence lines.

It’s safe to say he’s been thrilled with the results.

“I’ve been absolutely over the moon with the machine. It’s amazing what you can do with a little excavator,” he says.

“There are not many farmers that

With a large variety of attachments available for excavators – from hydraulic grabs and tilting buckets that rotate 360 degrees, to saws for tree trimming and augers for digging post holes – Haintz says it’s incredible what can be achieved with the one machine.

“Looking back 30 years ago, the only thing that came with an excavator was a bucket, and you couldn’t do a whole lot with a bucket that just digs in a straight line,” he says.

“But now, with all these different attachments, these machines are amazing for all types of maintenance jobs and things like levelling.”

Thanks to a hydraulic quick hitch, Haintz has been able to quickly swap out his attachments to suit the desired

hydraulic grab.

“The more attachments that come with the machine, the more you can actually do with it,” he says.

Digging delight

In the past, Haintz has relied on front-end loaders to try and do jobs that pushed the machines to their limits, one of which was building fence lines.

This task has become much easier for Haintz since acquiring the excavator, so much so that he wonders why he ever tried to do it without it.

“I’ve been using front-end loaders for years in jobs that they aren’t suited to,” he says.

“I’ve struggled to do levelling with the loader, but the excavator does it with

says the size of the size of the excavator allows him to do both smaller and bigger jobs

Images: Freddie Haintz

Haintz

MACHINERY

A current issue on Haintz’s Ballarat-based property is an overabundance of rabbits, however his excavator has proved to be the perfect solution – digging out their burrows and eradicating them.

“The excavator has been doing an absolute splendid job of digging the burrows in a difficult area to reach,” he says.

While excavators can be a great on-farm machine, Haintz stresses that a farmer shouldn’t have to choose this type of machine over a front-end loader for example, as he believes both have a place in a farmer’s machinery fleet.

“Like all farmers, I try and do more with the front-end loaders than what they’re meant for,” Haintz says.

“This is where excavators can help to do some of these jobs.”

are used daily for a variety of tasks, such as loading and unloading hay bales, as well as loading lime into spreaders.

excavator’s tracks, Haintz says they are a more attractive option for when he needs

to drive around the farm or down the road.

Although the excavator is harder to transport, he adds that the introduction of wheeled options could be a game changer.

“I’m starting to see wheeled excavators on the market, and this is a great idea for moving it from place to place,” Haintz says.

“As far as just tidying up around the farm, the excavator I’ve got now is exactly what I’ve wanted.”

So why aren’t more farmers investing in these types of machines? Haintz believes it’s largely due to the price point of new excavators from leading brands.

It’s why he says thorough research is a must, as farmers can find hidden gems in the form of cost-effective brands. This was the case for Haintz, having found a quality

the larger 20 to 30-tonne size class.

“In my opinion, my nine-tonne machine is the perfect size for any farmer. It’s small enough to get into the tight places I want to get, but also big enough to do the jobs that I want it to do,” he says.

“Whether you just want to pull out some smaller trees, dig some trenches, or even grading off a fence line – there’s a limitless number of jobs that you can do with these excavators.

“Even if you want to rip a bit of concrete up out of a yard or something like that, you can use a ripper to do that.”

Reiterating that excavators will make a great addition to any farm machinery fleet, Haintz says farmers will find themselves using them more often than they would think.

every farmer will go and buy one, because

The excavator is being used for general maintenance, including building fence lines and tidying up dams

A wide variety of attachments suited to agricultural needs are available on excavators

Cure cancer

While summer might officially be winding down, Cure Cancer is still encouraging Australians to get together for a barbecue with a difference

Across Australia, the end of summer does not mean the end of warm weather and the opportunity to head outside and socialise.

Nor does it signal the end of BarbeCure, which is Cure Cancer’s national fundraising campaign.

The organisation continues encouraging the Australian community to get together and turn their next outdoor barbecue into a BarbeCure - an Aussie barbie that raises money for cancer research.

By hosting a BarbeCure, you can enjoy good food, great company, and do something truly impactful by helping to raise funds for life-saving cancer research.

It’s simple: gather your family, friends and community, fire up the grill, and ask your guests to donate.

Your BarbeCure can be anything you want it to be and particularly in rural communities where social gatherings are so important, the opportunity to get together while raising money carries extra significance.

The funds raised will support brilliant scientists working across all cancer types, funding cutting-edge research that improves treatments and outcomes for patients.

Making an impact Cancer continues to take a devastating

toll, claiming nearly 10 million lives every year and affecting millions more.

The only way to change this is through research. Since its inception, Cure Cancer’s BarbeCure campaign has raised over $1.5 million, directly supporting emerging cancer researchers who are improving cancer care.

This year, the organisation is aiming to raise $200,000 to fund two years of groundbreaking cancer research.

Hosting a BarbeCure means being part of a movement that accelerates breakthroughs, saves lives, and brings the world closer to a future where cancer is no longer a threat.

One of the researchers supported by BarbeCure is Dr Ben Wylie, whose groundbreaking work focuses on childhood sarcoma.

Based at The Kids Research Institute Australia in Perth, Wylie and his team have developed an innovative immunotherapy gel.

Crafted from natural materials found in the body, this gel targets surgical areas

Any gathering can become a BarbeCure to raise money for cancer research. Image: Cure Cancer

Ambassadors Manu Feildel, Anna Polyviou and Gary Mehigan. Image: Cure Cancer

to activate the patient’s immune system, helping to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

For children facing aggressive cancers like sarcoma, this research offers renewed hope for safer, more effective treatments and a brighter future.

“Most new cancer treatments are developed for adults and then adapted for childhood cancers, but children are not little adults,” Wylie says.

“Support for childhood cancer research is vital to develop better treatments for cancers like sarcoma and improve out comes for children and their families.

“This project funded by Cure Cancer will enable me to conduct cutting-edge research with the potential to create more effective treatments with fewer side effects.”

Getting involved

Participants can use social media to spread the word, tagging @curecancerau and using the hashtag #barbecure.

Hosting a BarbeCure is as easy as it is rewarding.

Firstly, plan an event by deciding on a date, location, and guest list - any event can

Fire up the grill, enjoy delicious food and encourage guests to make a donation, knowing that every contribution, big or small, helps fund life-saving cancer research.

research and have shared recipes on the BarbeCure website to inspire participants. Why not try Manu’s chargrilled pork cutlet with thyme-roasted grapes and verjus sauce, Gary’s charred green vegetables with wasabi dressing and sesame, or Anna’s peach melba pavlova smash for a show-stopping dessert?

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Fight for the right

As the right to repair debate rages on, WAFarmers CEO Trevor Whittington believes the new Trump presidency could accelerate an outcome which could impact the issue in Australia

A s a second Trump presidency begins, one pressing issue for America’s farmers remains unresolved: the unfetted right to repair their own agricultural machinery.

With the American farmers at loggerheads with the big farm machinery manufacturers over who gets the right to access software locks to repair complex tractors and headers, what happens under Trump could impact Australian farmers’ ability to achieve the holy grail of ‘right to repair.’

The modern right to repair battle traces its roots to the United States and back to the first electronic engine management systems that arrived in the 1990s, where farmers and their local independent mechanic were some of the first to raise the alarm over the fact that the computer said ‘no’ to access without authorisation.

By locking farmers out of the proprietary software needed to diagnose and repair machinery, manufacturers effectively forced farmers to rely on authorised dealers for repairs.

This monopoly not only drives up repair costs but also leads to delays during critical periods as the pool of available technicians becomes limited to the dealers who will prioritise their clients who buy new versus second hand.

Older models, while less efficient, offer the freedom to wave spanners around without being locked out by software barriers.

But with much of the pre-computer era machinery having been retired, more and more farmers are having to go through the dealers to get access to the codes that oversee their equipment.

For example, something as simple as a

sensor replacement might require proprietary software to reset the system.

Without access to that software, farmers are left waiting - sometimes for daysfor a technician to arrive with a computer, to potentially do something as simple as a reboot.

To meet emissions standards in the USA, even more complex computers and sensors have been installed in engines, which has complicated the debate around right of repair as manufacturers have waved the environmental risk of farmers tweaking with the emissions controls.

Despite the use of the climate defence, the American farming community have pushed back and after a long and bitter fight have convinced various state authorities to begin passing local right to repair legislation.

These laws require manufacturers of everything from washing machines to cars to tractors to provide access to diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and software updates to independent mechanics and equipment owners.

While these victories were hard-fought, they are far from universal, with across the board federal-level legislation still facing stiff resistance from the cashed-up corporate lobbyists who represent the manufacturing class.

Coming in behind the big manufacturers is big tech, which has piled in arguing t hat they don’t want customers getting access to their software as that is their own intellectual property.

Between them, they are making the case that buyers of farm machinery purchase the machine but not the software.

They say purchasers of machinery and technology sign a ‘user licence‘ of some sort that within its very numerous provisions and arcane legal language often waives the rights to control the use of any subsequent data that the machinery or technology generates.

This may mean that any warranties are void in the event that the user or an independent repairer attempts to rectify a problem or modify the equipment to enhance performance and may also confer on t he manufacturer the right to use data in a range of different ways, including by selling it to third parties.

There are actually two parts of the debate – the first being the ability of independent repairers and owners to access diagnostic tools and spare parts, and the second being the broader issue of intellectual property rights and software ownership.

This includes questions about whether consumers should have the legal ability to modify or bypass embedded software, which manufacturers argue could compromise safety, ‘environmental standards’, and the integrity of proprietary technology.

By roping in the environment, the argument for right to repair just became far more difficult. Advocates for the legislation contend that farmers face increased costs without it, while opponents maintain that such access poses significant r isks to innovation, compliance, operational security and the environment.

Seeing the farmers winning this debate and the various American state govern-

Trevor Whittington is CEO of WAFarmers

Farmers have long wanted the ability to repair machinery without voiding the warranty. Image: Standret/stock. adobe.com

ments who were siding with them, the US farm machine manufacturers got smart and did a deal in 2023 with their equivalent of the National Farmers Federation to take the issue off the legislative table.

They signed a MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation, setting out an understanding that ensures farmers have a limited right to repair.

The farm bureau called it a “private-sector solution to the right to repair issue.”

Note the word ‘understanding’ - this is not law, just an agreement to allow someone other than the dealer to tap into the computers and then wave spanners at farm machinery.

The manufacturers agreed to release customer diagnostic tools via a subscription service, and while it’s not quite the same as having full computer access as the local dealer has, it was a vast improvement.

In the agreement, the big manufacturers promised to give farmers and independent repair shops access to customer d iagnostic tools.

In exchange, the Farm Bureau agreed not to support any further federal or state repair legislation.

But when the fine print was read and what was on offer was compared to the level of information the dealers could access, it became clear that the farmers’ access was quite limited in scope.

The dealers retained a privileged level

farmers either don’t have access to that door or had to go through multiple doors just to get to the same place the dealer could quickly.

In addition, dealer-level access provides links to step-by-step troubleshooting guides and information on the primary diagnostics screen that are not present in the farmer level tools.

Another complexity is many parts must be electronically paired to modern tractors, much in the way that the installation of a driver is necessary to allow a computer to communicate with a printer.

But to be fair, the manufacturers argue that they don’t want their competitors to have access to every last detail of their machine and they are no longer are opposed to farmers repairing their equipment – they just don’t want to see them making modifications such as rechipping engines.

In Australia we have nothing, even though the NFF has been a vocal advocate for the right to repair, pushing the ACCC to launch its first inquiry into the topic in 2020.

When they came out the findings were pretty clear - farmers should be given the manufacturer-held codes as keys to the toolbox.

Despite this, the federal government has done nothing for agriculture, preferring reforms largely confined to consumer electronics and appliances.

Even the motor traders are better off

Sharing Scheme Act 2021, which offers independent mechanics access to motor vehicle service and repair information at a fair price, leveling the playing field with authorised dealerships.

The only thing on offer to farmers was the announcement in November by Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers of a $400 m illion commitment to advance the right to repair across various industries.

Apparently this will “build upon existing automotive legislation and seeks to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly repair landscape nationwide’ - whatever that means.

Which takes me back to Trump.

Trump loves the Republican-voting American farmer, however he has also emphasised a deep commitment to American manufacturing, aligning closely with big businesses.

The right-to-repair debate places Trump at a crossroads, as his populist instincts may push him to side with the farmers, appealing to his rural voter base.

On the other side, the manufacturers provide jobs to the rust belt and wield considerable lobbying influence in Washington.

Trump’s support for deregulation and private-sector dominance could align him with manufacturers who claim right-to-repair laws risk intellectual property theft and undermine product quality and open the door to foreign competition.

For now, both sides wait to see who Trump 2.0 will choose to champion.

Events Calendar

Here are upcoming field day and agricultural events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press.

King Island ShowKing Island, Tas

Experience King Island’s major annual event, the King Island Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Society Show. Visit the pavilion for the arts and crafts display and wool judging, alongside tasty food for sale. There will be cattle judging, horse riding displays, pet competitions and so much more.

When: March 4, 2025

More info: kingislandshow37374937. wordpress.com/

Wimmera Machinery Field Days - Longeranong, Vic

Wimmera Machinery Field Days is hosted at the purpose-built Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong, near Horsham in western Victoria, and has grown into one of Australia’s largest agricultural and agribusiness trade shows.

When: March 4-6. 2025

More info: wimmerafielddays.com.au

Wagin Woolorama – Wagin, WA

Over two days, the community comes together to showcase the diversity of agricultural life in WA and how ‘ordinary things can be done extraordinarily well’. It is a fantastic day out for the whole family with lots to see and do, including prestigious livestock, art, photography, craft, home industries, fashion, rides and entertainment for all ages, plus a spectacular Rodeo on Saturday night.

When: March 7–8, 2025

More info: www.woolorama.com.au

World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit - San Francisco, USA

The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco unites more than 2500 senior decision-makers across the agrifood industry to build a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.

Global leaders from agribusinesses, technology giants, food brands, farmers, farming co-operatives, policymakers, investors, and start-ups will meet to scale innovation and create value in the sector.

When: March 11-12, 2025

More Info: www.worldagritechusa.com

Agritechnica Asia –Bangkok, Thailand

Agritechnica Asia focuses on Asia’s largest agricultural buyers from across the region, emphasising agricultural engineering solutions that are both relevant and important to the development of agriculture in Asian markets. Agritechnica Asia will be held in conjunction with Horti

Crowds will browse rows of machinery at Farm World next month

Asia, the region’s largest trade exhibition for smart horticulture in Asia, and the special exhibition Systems & Components Asia.

When: March 12-14, 2025

More Info: www.agritechnica-asia.com

Central District Field Days –Manfeild, New Zealand

Central Districts Field Days is a unique agriculture event where communities come together to connect, discover and experience the future of New Zealand’s primary industries. From farmers and foodies to tech heads and townies, New Zealand’s largest regional field days has something for everyone. The event showcases cutting edge machinery and equipment, the latest developments in rural innovation, thrilling FXM shows, lifestyle stalls, top notch regional food and local brews.

When: March 13-15, 2025

More Info: www.cdfielddays.co.nz

South East Field Days –Lucindale, SA

Held at Yakka Park, Lucindale, there will be exhibits of farm machinery and other local business, dog trials, displays, competitions and entertainment for all the family.

When: March 21-22, 2025

More Info: www.sefd.com.au

Farm World – Lardner Park, Vic

Farm World attracts more than 40,000 visitors every year as a premier agricultural field day and lifestyle event that has been running since 1963. As Gippsland’s largest annnual field day with over 100 acres of exhibitor displays inside and out, Farm World has something for everyone.

When: March 27-29, 2025

More Info: www.lardnerpark.com.au

Toowoomba Royal Show –Toowoomba, Qld

The Toowoomba Royal Show is an unrivalled production of the very best in entertainment and agriculture displays on the Darling Downs since 1860. Every year has new entertainment so bring the whole family and enjoy world class acts, competitions and exhilarating rides in sideshow alley.

When: March 27-29, 2025

More Info: www.toowoombashow.com.au/ royal-show

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo – Seymour, Vic

Held in the heart of Victoria at Kings Park, Seymour, the Expo features approximately 500 exhibitors and attracts 20,000 visitors across three days. Explore the latest technology, practices and trends in small and backyard farming, visit the animals and enjoy the market style shopping, food and entertainment.

When: April 4-6, 2025

More Info:

www.seymourexpo.com.au

Northern Australia Food Futures Conference - Darwin, NT

The Northern Australia Food Futures Conference is Australia’s leading conference on agricultural development in the North. Held in Darwin, Northern Territory, the program features over 50 national and international speakers, workshops, farm visits and technical sessions on cotton, grains, horticulture, fodder, forestry and niche crops.

When: April 8-9, 2025

More Info: foodfuturesntfarmers.org. au

East Gippsland Field Days –Bairnsdale, Vic

An iconic event on the East Gippsland calendar, this Bairnsdale-based field day has proudly been run by the Lindenow Lions Club since its inception in 1986. With over 350 exhibitor spaces and numerous quality promotions at the Field Days, East Gippsland is not one to miss.

When: April 11–12, 2025

More Info: www.egfielddays.com.au

Sydney Royal Easter Show –Sydney, NSW

First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, attracting over 850,000 attendees on average. Revenue generated by it allows the RAS to invest in agricultural programs, competitions, education, youth and rural NSW.

When: April 11-22, 2025

More info: www.eastershow.com.au

Agfest - Carrick, Tas

Agfest is a multi-award winning event and offers an excellent opportunity for your business to showcase its products to thousands of people. Operating for over 35 years, Agfest is a Tasmanian success story that injects millions of dollars into the local economy every year.

When: May 1-3, 2025

More info: www.agfest.com.au

Tocal Field Days - Tocal, NSW

Highly regarded for its educational aspect, Tocal Field Days provides an opportunity each year for landholders and the community to see first-hand a range of livestock and animal handling and husbandry skills. The site also features a large land management area that provides great information on caring for our environment, looking after our native animals and managing feral pests that threaten our landscape.

When: May 2-4, 2025

More info: www.tocalfielddays.com

Primex Field Days - Casino, NSW

Positioned as being ‘Australia’s sustainable farming expo’, Norco Primex has evolved from a localised event to become one of the country’s leading primary industries expos. It now boasts in excess of 1,000 different companies on show and more than 25,000 visitors across its three days.

When: May 15-17, 2025

More info: www.primex.net.au

Mildura Field Days - Mildura, Vic

Mildura Field Days are two full days of the best that the region has to offer as well as the latest in agricultural machinery and innovation.

Agriculturally-focused exhibitors are joined by new exhibitors forming a wide range of appeal including local food & wine, health and beauty and more. Events include live music, presentations and kids’ activities.

When: May 16-17, 2025

More info: www.mildurafielddays. com.au

New approach

Protected cropping could be the key to ensuring Australia’s food security while increasing horticultural yields, a prominent researcher believes

Protected cropping is set to take leaps forward after a Melbourne research hub received $5 million in federal government funding to explore its capabilities in horticulture.

The hub, located at La Trobe University’s AgriBio facility, will spend the next five years exploring how protected cropping can benefit horticulture by ultimately creating higher yields and quality with lower inputs.

As the name suggests, protected cropping involves growing horticultural crops in protected spaces such as greenhouses.

This provides protection from weather, pests and diseases while also enabling the modifications of growing conditions to suit individual crops.

Increasing yields and reducing growing times are two of the benefits from this additional control gained by removing some of these variables.

It can also lead to new growing styles such as vertical farming, which brings advantages in terms of space utilisation.

Protected cropping has been a feature

of European growing for some time, and Professor Tony Bacic – who leads the La Trobe research hub – believes The Netherlands provides an ideal model for Australia to follow.

“The protected cropping environment has been demonstrated in Europe, particularly in The Netherlands, which is smaller than Tasmania,” Bacic says.

“They’re the second biggest horticultural exporters in the world and they do it all through high tech.

“Clearly they’re geographically closer to markets and Europe’s a big market, but when you think of the land size and what they’ve been able to do with technology, then in my view Australia has huge opportunities to both enhance the yield and the quality and reduce the inputs that we currently have into horticulture.

“We are ideally positioned in Australia to be the exporters of premium quality products into the Asia Pacific market, yet most of our horticultural products are sold domestically.

“There’s also only a very small per-

centage of Australian horticulture that is grown under protected cropping and most of that is really low-end flexible coverings, so for many crops you’re not getting all the benefits you could from a protected cropping environment.”

Long game

La Trobe’s funding was announced last year and comes from the Australian Research Council, where it was one of seven Industrial Transformation Research Hubs around the country chosen to drive innovation across various industries.

Work started at the beginning of this year, with multiple industry partners, research providers, local and overseas technology partners and Melbourne University’s engineering faculty, faculty, as well as the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, all involved in the wider project.

It is also not a project which will be starting from scratch either, instead widening the scope of work which has

La Trobe’s facility will research protected cropping. Image: La Trobe University

been done over the past five years thanks to a previous Australian Research Council ITRH grant, along with industry partner funding and intellectual input.

The previous work had focused on growing medicinal cannabis in a protected cropping environment, with these broad principles and key technology advancements now being applied to horticultural products.

Getting maximum yield from a protected cropping environment was an important part of the research already done.

Additional quality controls were required due to the eventual use of cannabis in medicine which also meant that it could not be sprayed during the growing process like a traditional crop.

The next five years will be about applying this knowledge to horticulture with the aim of expanding protected cropping’s capabilities for that sector in Australia.

“We’ve had a lot of learnings in terms of how to optimise growing a crop and how to speed it up through its cycles. This is another big advantage of protected cropping because you’re not dependent on

Horticultural crops can be grown under protected cropping conditions. Image: La Trobe University

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FARMING

the climate and you can shorten the crop length so you can increase the rotation times around it,” Bacic says.

“We’ve been looking at how nutrition can lead to better yield and quality, how we can shorten the growth cycle of the plant, how we can speed up the breeding process, looking at new breeding technology so we can measure particular traits.

“It’s every element of that crop that we’re

One of the biggest advances in the sector – as is the case throughout agriculture – has been the opportunities opened up

La Trobe’s research has brought in a variety of industry partners, including several that are technology focused, which has formed the crux of the research

“We’ve been working with the growers of the crop, but also with a lot of the technology companies who are interested in bringing expensive research tools but miniaturising them and making them available to the growers at a much cheap-

“You have these handheld tools now which you can put on robots and we’re testing whether we can fly robots inside

“These advances in robotics are similar

State of the art technology is used at La Trobe’s research facility. Image: La Trobe University

Protected cropping research will be boosted by La Trobe’s technology.

Image: La Trobe University

to what you see in broadacre crops. Gone are the days that a farmer really has to concentrate on driving the tractor up and down the field – you basically just set the satellite system.

“Those technology developments are happening in the protected cropping space as well – fancy irrigation systems, nutrition delivery systems, detection systems, control systems, so that you can basically predict what’s going to be the outcome of the crop.”

One challenge presented by protected cropping, Bacic says, is the potential for disease loads to become more concentrated.

This is another of the areas which the medicinal cannabis research has explored and where technology has provided a solution that can potentially be applied across the horticultural sector.

“We have these imaging systems where we can actually profile a crop, we can detect if there’s an issue with the health of the crop and in the particular case of medicinal cannabis, we can measure the content of bioactives non-invasively,”

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Bacic says.

“Because you’ve got to be careful what you use in a medicinal crop, we could allow early detection of symptoms and then people could go and manually pull that plant out of the crop.

“One thing with a protected cropping environment is if you don’t get your environmental conditions right, then disease load can be greater if you’re not careful, so you need to have mechanisms in place for early detection and pull infected plants out of the system.”

Food security

As is the case with most agricultural innovations, the aim is to increase the efficiency of the growing process – allowing more food to be grown at a higher quality with reduced time and cost.

Two major benefits will come from successfully implementing protected cropping on a larger scale in Australian horticulture, Bacic believes, in the form of increased export opportunities and solidifying the nation’s food security.

The Covid pandemic provided a reality

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check for Australian food security, he adds, with the country dropping to just five days’ worth of fresh food and 14 days’ worth of non-perishable food on the supermarket shelves.

Bacic also believes globalisation, and the ability for diseases to rapidly move around the world, means a pandemic like Covid cannot be viewed as a one-off.

“Although we seem to have long since forgotten it, Covid proved to us that the current international supply chains really need to be revisited and thought about differently,” Bacic says.

“From a sovereign security risk, every country really needs to ensure that it has a security of food supply during that time.

“What we would like to see is a greater focus on food manufacturing in Australia, which we were once very good at – processing and manufacturing – so that we add value to our agricultural outputs, process them, and add value to them for domestic and international markets.

“Because of our regulatory environment, and because we’re seen as a green and clean country, we’re ideally positioned to

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be a major exporter of quality products into the Asia Pacific region, which is where we should be focusing because that’s the fastest growing region in the world and where there is potential to spend on quality food.”

Overcoming challenges

The next five years of work will have a major head start thanks to applying principles from the medicinal cannabis research and adapting them to horticultural crops such as berries and tomatoes.

Beyond that, the challenge will be converting controlled protected cropping environments, from something conceptual into an option which has large-scale real-world adoption.

Overcoming the threshold of investment required for high-end protected cropping will be the biggest hurdle to overcome, according to Bacic.

“That’s probably the greatest challenge and that’s where I think the government needs to step in to support uptake of the technology because it is

initially a significant cost to move to that,” he says.

“It’s going to take a farmer a considerable length of time to get a return on investment, probably not dissimilar to the solar panels on roofs discussion we had, and you can see how that’s been transformed.

“The technology is there though, The Netherlands has proven that - it can be commercialised, it’s scalable.”

Bacic acknowledges that major capital investments such as protected cropping are costly for farmers but believes adjusting the mindset of what horticultural output can achieve will be one way of making it commercially viable.

“I think it probably has to take a mind shift in the Australian market in terms of seeing horticulture not just for domestic supply but as a major export market and that would allow you to scale it at another level than is currently achievable,” he says.

“That would justify the investment that you need to make in the capital to go there.

“You’ve got to look at it as a whole of business. There is a capital cost, but then there’s also a labour-saving cost so you

have a very different workforce that’s got to work in those sorts of environments.

“That’s another part of what we’re doing – training up the workforce for the specialisations, but as has happened in broadacre agriculture, the workforce on the farm has reduced significantly with automation.”

While a major research project such as this involves plenty of unknowns, Bacic is confident protected cropping will be a success in the horticultural space – ultimately benefitting the whole nation.

“We believe that the technology is mature enough now and that’s why we’re keen to try and transform the horticultural sector,” he says.

“From a domestic point of view and from a sovereign security point of view, we need security of supply and production and of course we need to be able to export.

“To me it’s about producing nutritious foods for a healthy population.”

To find out more, visit www.latrobe. edu.au/research/lisaf or email lisaf@ latrobe.edu.au

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SIMPLICITY 4000DTR SIMPLICITY 6000TR2

TELEHANDLERS

CLAAS 9055 SCORPION, a/c, 4800hrs, 8.75m x 5.5t DIECI DEDALUS 28.7, a/c, 315hrs, 6.3m x 2.8t DIECI 30.9 AGRI, a/c, 3200hrs, 9m x 3t JCB 525-58FS, 6000hrs, 5.8m x 2.5t JCB 525-67FS, a/c, 7000hrs, 6.7m x 2.5t JCB 526-55, a/c, 2950hrs, 5.5m x 2.6t JCB 526-55, a/c, 10675hrs, 5.5m x 2.6t JCB 527-58 AGRI, a/c, 1800hrs, 5.8m x 2.7t JCB 527-58 AGRI, a/c, 5650hrs, 5.8m x 2.7t JCB 527-58 AGRI, a/c, 6775hrs, 5.8m x 2.7t

JCB 527-58 T4i AGRI PLUS, a/c, 2525hrs, 5.8m x 2.7t JCB 527-58 T4i AGRI PLUS, a/c, 6440hrs, 5.8m x 2.7t

JCB 530-70, a/c, 6000hrs, 7m x 3t JCB 530-70, a/c, 6200hrs, 7m x 3t

JCB 530-70FS, a/c, srs, 3000hrs, 7m x 3t JCB 530-70FS, a/c, 6250hrs, 7m x 3t JCB 530-70FS, a/c, 7500hrs, 7m x 3t

JCB 530-70FS, a/c, srs 7000hrs, 7m x 3t

JCB 530-70FS, a/c, srs, 10000hrs, 7m x 3t JCB 530-70FS SUPER, a/c, srs, 5500hrs, 7m x 3t

JCB 530-70FS SUPER, a/c, srs, 6000hrs, 7m x 3t

JCB 531-70CE, a/c, 5900hrs, 7m x 3.1t JCB 531-70CE, a/c, 7200hrs, 7m x 3.1t JCB 531-70CS, a/c, 6850hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 3350hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 3600hrs, 7m x 3.1t JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 4200hrs, 7m x 3.1t JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 4500hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 4900hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 4900hrs, 7m x 3.1t JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 5600hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JOHNSHEARER2175 1992,(EeezeOn),5 tonne2bintrailedtrike,SSB, auger.. AS1178. TA357690. $16,500

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 6300hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 7400hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 8300hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, 11600hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI, a/c, srs, 6300hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6000hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6200hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6940hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 7000hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 7100hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 7160hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 9800hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 T4f AGRI PRO, a/c, srs, 3200hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 T4i AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 4750hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 T4i AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6800hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 531-70 T4i AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 7200hrs, 7m x 3.1t

JCB 532-70 AGRI-FS, a/c, srs, 2300hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 532-70 AGRI-FS, a/c, srs, 3100hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 532-70 AGRI-FS, a/c, srs, 3600hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 532-70 AGRI-FS, a/c, srs, 4600hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 532-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 3700hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 532-70 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 5900hrs, 7m x 3.2t

JCB 535-95, a/c, 4500hrs, 9.5m x 3.5t

JCB 535-95C, a/c, 3850hrs, 9.5m x 3.5t

JCB 535-95 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6700hrs, 9.5m x 3.5t

JCB 536-70 T4i AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 6240hrs, 7m x 3.6t

JCB 538-60 AGRI SUPER, a/c, srs, 3100hrs,

CASEIHPUMA165 #201060,1,025hours,200HP, p/shifttrans,exccondition,Pro700

KUHNVARIMASTER123 #2010903PL4furrowreversible plough,variwidth,HYDaccumulator $38,500

CASEIHFARMALL110M #200962,590hrs,110hp,semip/shift, hookendlinkage,widetyrepack,Maffra $104,500

CASEIHPUMA165 2016#2009826,031hours, 200HP,FWA/4WD

$77,000

VICONRV2160

2019BALDANCRIA #201067OffsetDiscs,5.8 working/2.5mtransportwidth $83,600

CASEIHPUMA125 #201058950hrs,160HP,50ksemi p/shift,FELBckt&Forks $165,000

CASEIHFARMALL105C #2009833,096hrs,104hp,FELstd bckt3rdfunc&softride,greattyres

55,000bales,2.1mwidepickup, inworkshop,ISOControlled $38,000

KUHNAXIS50.2H-EMC-W FertSpreader,HighspecHydraulic drivespreader. $44,000

KUHNVB3165OF Optifeed,RoundBaler,14,300 bales,AutoChainlube $60,500

CASEIHDC162 4mrollermowerconditioner,One ownergoodworkingcond $19,800

KRONECOMPRIMACV150XC 30,000Baleswithnewbeltsand slats.Readytogo $82,500

SILVAN2500 18Meterboom:2500Ltank,Only 100hours,greatcondition $49,500

CASEIHMAXXUM150 #200892937hrs,FEL+Forks& Bkt,UltimateSpec,3elecr/remotes $169,000

MCHALEV660

46,000bales,2mpickup,double drivesystem16knives

VADERSTADRAPID300C 5-inchseed&10-inchfertilizer spacings,Only350hectares

$112,000

UPTO36"MININGPUMPS PUMP VXTE48791. TA206423. $14,510

SOUTHERNCROSS100X65-315PUMPSET withNissanQD32(65hp),skidfueltank,oil-temp,hi/lo timerwatchdogandforkliftroof.Vel67912. TA11060. $13,750

PERKINSISOSILENCED PUMP NewPerkinsDieselIso Silencedpumpsetwithfuel tankbase..Perkisosilent1. TA223696. $26,000

PONTOONPUMP ELECTRIC Pontoonwithelectricpump. xzdef19652. TA206427. $14,910

PERKINSGENERATORS 6,8,10,13,15,20and30KVA generators,singleand 3-phase,poweredby water-cooledPerkinsheavy dutydieselengines,keyor remotestart,fueltankbase, fullengineprotection,500 hoursserviceintervalsIdeal backuporprimepowerCall foryourspecialprice!. AW54939-ST190912. DPLIn27583. POA

GRUNDFOSVARIUOS PUMPS VariedModels.S1. TA250286. $4,500

UNKNOWNPTO GENERATOR 50KVA-ThreePhase-3 pointlinkagewithheavy dutyjackstands.VEL4156. TA10931. $8,710

KubotaM8540Tractor,4wheeldrive,withFrontForkAttachment&Front Tynes,4cylinderdieselturbo,extra4bankelectrichydraulics,85horsepower approximately,airconditioning(working),approximately5,700hoursindicated, engineno:2DQ1454,serialno:87908,ROPS.7144.TA1162678. $58,450INC

JOHNDEEREZ997RZTRAKRIDEONMOWER diesel, approximately6'decksidedelivery,withcopyofmanual, 1,671hoursasindicated,year2021approximately,like new. 7353. TA1227757. $24,850INCLGST

NEWHOLLAND317HAYLINERSMALLSQUAREBALER New HollandHayliner317SmallSquareBaler,hasbeenshedded, serialno:4501,verygoodcondition.7407. TA1251513. $6,950INCLGST

HOWARDROTARYHOES LARGERANGEOFHOWARD ROTARY HOESPLUSASELECTIONOFOTHERROTARYHOESINSTOCK. 7379. TA1238951. POA

CASE3230TRACTORFRONTENDLOADERFORKS& BUCKET 4wheeldrive,QuickReleasefrontendloader,forks& bucket,rollframe&roof,approximately1,600hours/60 horsepower, immaculate,withbooks.7262. TA1190218. $29,000INCLGST

FORD5610TRACTOR

CASEIH3230TRACTORWITHFRONTFORKATTACHMENT

$35,000

Ford5610Tractor,4x4,FrontEnd LoaderwithForks,Rops,Roof,Windscreen,72horsepower approximately,immaculate,approximately5,280hours. 7122. TA1155052.

JCB3CXBACKHOELOADER,4CYLINDERDIESEL approx. 2,589genuinehoursindicated,rearextenderboom,3x buckets,nooilleaks.7135. TA1159450. $89,000INCLGST

JOHNDEERE5525FWATRACTOR withselflevellingfrontend loader,4.1bucket,yearapproximately2005-2008,4wheeldrive, ROPS&Roof,91horsepowerapprox,PTO,withfrontweightframe(no weights),approx1,968hoursindicated,2newfronttyres.7073. TA1125206.

$56,000INCLGST

KOMATSUFD45T-5FORKLIFT

KomatsuFD45T-5Forklift, hydraulicsideshift,approximately6.275tonne, specificationsattached,goodoriginalmachine,diesel,2,600 genuinehours.7308. TA1209335. $18,000INCLGST

JOHNDEERE5525FWATRACTOR

CaseInternational3230TractorwithBenWyeKBF3000FrontFork AttachmentwithForks,4wheeldrive,60horsepowerapproximately,3 pointlinkage,rollframe&roof.7351. TA1227753. $26,450INCLGST

PRPOWER10KVAGENSET

PRPowerGenset,model GMS10KS-AU,415/240volt,3phase,self-excitedwhichallowsfor automaticswitchingfromyourmainspowersupplytobackupdiesel generator,21,421hours,Kubota10KVA,fullyserviced.7367. TA1231786. $12,000INCLGST

JOHNDEERE6105R4X4TRACTOR

JohnDeere6105R Tractor, 4x4,3pointlinkage,soundtyresFront320/85/R24Rear420/85/R34, withchildseat,transmissionfaulty SELLINGFORWRECKINGASAWHOLEONLY.7387. TA1249246. $15,500INCLGST

CASEIHMAXXUM115TRACTOR

CaseIHMaxxum115Tractor,4 wheeldrive,withVision-Lift50FrontEndLoader,3pointlinkage,with 4pronghayfork&bucket,approximately115horsepower,2,900 hoursapproximately.7355. TA1227784. $78,000INCLGST

2OFPLUSMASSEYFERGUSON 240TRACTOR$16,850

MASSEYFERGUSON135TRACTOR3CYLINDERPERKINS

DIESEL

$43,000INCLGST

JohnDeere5525FWA Tractor, yearapprox.2005-2008,4wheeldrive,FrontEndLoader,withbucket &forks,ROPS&roof,91horsepowerapproximately,PTO,withfront weightframe(noweights),approx.1,900hoursindicated,3point linkage.7089. TA1133372.

MasseyFerguson135Tractor,2wheeldrive,3cylinder Perkinsdiesel,rollframe,rearwheelweights(optional),approximately 42horsepower,tyres80%nocracks.7422. TA1254042. $11,950INCLGST

3PL stick rakes 6' to 10' new & sh Forage harvesters & carts, NH Gehl & Tiki Rollers (Cambridge), culti packers, stones & tyre)

7' to 28'. PTO hammermills, roller mills, grain gristers. From $595

3PL, 5-9 tine trail, 8-14 tine chisel ploughs From $795

Irrigation pipes, pumps & motors, travelling irrigators. Scoops, 3PL, silt blades, carryalls and rippers.

2nd hand tractor tyres, belt pulleys, PTO From $195

2nd hand new tines Augers, 50' x 6" & 8", pencil 14' x 4" new and 2nd hand.

Harrows all types From $45

x 4" (DGM)

Boom sprays, 3PL, Hardi and Silvan, 400 & 600ltr. Power Harrows 3PL Lely 15' Crump (Kurrajong 1000) 1 tonne trailing

Manure-lime & super spreaders Super spreaders ground drive, ½ - 4.5 tonne. 9' Roto wiper, new & secondhand Vicon spreaders 10 to 30 bag, Hardi 1200 ltr boomspray trail, foam & PTO.

OFFSET/DISC PLOUGHS

Grizzly 20 424 disc

Gibbons Rawlings 28 plate

SCARIFIERS & TILLERS

Ferguson scarifiers 3PL 19 tyne Bagshaw scarifier towable

SHEEP AND CATTLE

Feeders (hay & grain)

Cattle Scales

Feedout bins and trailers. Shearing plants, grinders, lamb cradles, handlers, wool pressers, bail heads, crushes, wool tables, hyd  woolpress.

SLASHERS

8’ slasher 3PL (superior) 2.3 high body Nobili mulcher

TRAILERS

HYD Tipping 10' x 6'

Freighter 4 wheel trailer

Tipping trailer 8' x 6' From $975

TRACTORS

Ford 3000, 45hp, 3PL, P-Steer. FE Loader. Fergie TEA20 petrol

PEARSON 2T BELT SPREADER

COACHLAND DOUBLE HORSE FLOAT

7’ CONNOR - SHEA DISC SEEDER

KRONE CLASSIC 4FT NET WRAP ROUND BALER

FORD 3600 4WD DRIVE DOZER BLADE TRACTOR 46HP

2TON PRIMIER AG ROLLER MILL MIXER FEEDOUT TRAILER

13FT NOBILI NK 3PL MULCHER 16FT CAMBRIDGE ROLLER

MARSHALL 825T TWO AND A HALF TONNE BELT SPREADER

HORWOOD BAGSHAW ROCK PICKER

6FT NABILI 3PL MULCHER

JOHNDEERE6420SE including640front loader, 16F/16Rpowerquad transmission,2SCVs, 4500hrs,onlyone owner, goodcondition,allfunctions inworkingorder,verywell

JOHNDEERE8960 Complete UnitJD8960&12FtObryan EjectorLaserScoop,with spectraphysics720laser transmitter,remotecontrol

JOHNBERENDS CYCLOMATIC 1800HIGHBODY ingood condition,somesurfacerust butalwaysstoredinthe shed.Ithadnewbeltsand bearingsfitted12monthsago andnotusedsince.Hammers areworn ononesideand freshontheother. Very sound machine,..NSW. DIY1251128. 0412 098 989.

JACOBSENG-PLEXIII 2005, Greensmowergplex111 diesel.Plussparecomplete VERSATILE620DT 2019,CheckoutthisusedVersatile620DT!ImmaculateCondition! 575Hp(620Hpmax) -CumminsQSX15LTier3engine -3,446Nmpeaktorque - CAT TA2216x4Powershifttransmission -416L/minhydraulicpumpwith6electrohydraulicremotes -18,800Ldieseltank -Front&Reardifferentiallock -DeluxcabwithAgCabsuspension, -Trimblesetup -30"tracks

Hours:3973

KUBOTAXG850 2022,Kubota XG850 RTV, A5KH1PGNHNGOY1126.NSW. DIY1249354. 0405 978 609.

Contact0431075312-UnitbeingheldinYatala,QLD.,BVA1821017.QLD. DIY1254382. 0431 075 312. $569,000

WANTED TO BUY TRACTORS FOR WRECKING

CASE

585, 595, 685, 695, 800, 830, 832, 870 2WD, 885, 895, 900, 930, 932, 956, 970, 1030, 1032, 1070, 1194, 1270, 1370, 1390, 1394, 1594, 1690, 2090, 2094, 2096, 2290, 2290, 2294, 2390, 2394, 2470, 2590, 2594, 2670, 2870, 3394, 3594, 4230, 4496, 4694, 4994, 7110, 7210, CVX 170, CX60, MAGNUM 275, MAGNUM 290, MAGNUM 305, MX80C, MX255, MX285, PUMA, STX 375 QUADTRACK, STX425, STX440 QUADTRACK, STX450, STX485, STX500

CASE IH

1896, 4690, 4890, 4894, 5120, 5130, 5140, 5150, 7120, 7130, 7140, 7150, 7220, 7230, 7240, 7250, 8910, 8920, 8930, 8940, 8950, 9130, 9150, 9170, 9180, 9250, 9260, 9280, 9350, 9370 QUADTRACK, 9380 QUADTRACK, 9390, MX90, MX130, MX135, MX150, MX230, MX240, MX200, MX220, MXM175, MX270, MXM190, STX375, STX440, STX480

CATERPILLAR

CHALLENGER SERIES – 35, 45, 55, 65, 65C, 75, 75C, 75E, 85C, 85D, 95E, 65E TRACK MACHINE, MT765D, MT765C, MT865C

FORD

3000, 3610, 4000, 4600, 4610, 5000, 5610, 5640, 6000, 6600, 6610, 6700, 6810, 7000, 7600, 7700, 7710, 7840, 8000, 8210, 8230, 8340, 8401, 8600, 8700, 9000, 9600, 9700,, TW5, TW10, TW15, TW20, TW25, TW30

INTERNATIONAL

385, 414, 434, 444, 484, 514, 554, 564, 574, 585, 624, 660, 674, 686, 696, 706, 756,766, 786, 856, 866, 885, 886, 956, 976, 986, 1056, 1066, 1086, 1256, 1466, 1468, 1486, 1566, 1568, 1586, 3288, 3388, 3588, 3688, 3788, 4166, 4186, 4366, 4386, 4568, 4586, 4786, 5088, 5288, 5488, 6388, 6588, 6788, 844S, AW6, AW7, AWD6, AWD7, B250, B275, W6, W7,

JOHN DEERE

950, 1050, 1130, 1140, 1640, 1750, 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, 2120, 2130, 2140, 2250, 2450, 2650, 2850, 3010, 3020, 3120, 3130, 3140, 3350, 3640, 3650, 4010, 4020, 4030, 4040, 4050, 4055, 4230, 4240, 4250, 4255, 4430, 4440, 4450, 4455, 4555, 4560, 4620, 4630, 4640, 4650, 4755, 4760, 4840, 4850, 4955, 4960, 5010, 5020, 5310, 5515, 5300, 6030, 6110, 6170R, 6200, 6220, 6300, 6310, 6320, 6330, 6400, 6410, 6620, 6630 Premium, 6810, 6820, 7210, 7330, 7510, 7520, 7600, 7610, 7700, 7800, 7810, 7920, 7930, 8100, 8200, 8230, 8285R, 8300, 8310, 8320R, 8330, 8345RT, 8360RT, 8370RT, 8400, 8400 TRACK, 8410, 8430, 8440, 8450, 8520, 8520T, 8530, 8630, 8640, 8650, 8760, 8770, 8850, 8960, 8970, 9400, 9410R, 9420T, 9430T

NEW HOLLAND

7840, 8430, 8560, 8870, 8970, 9482, 9682, 9860, 9880, 9882, 9482, 9484, G210, G240, L85, L95, T6020, T7030, TG230, TG235, TG255, TG285, TJ375, TJ425, TJ450, TL70, TL90, TM125, TM135, TM195, TN55D, TN95F, TS100, TS100A, TS110A, TS125A, T9060

STEIGER

KP525, KP 1350, KP1325, KP1400, BEARCAT 3 & 4, COUGAR 2 & 4 CM250, PANTHER 2, PANTHER 3 ST310 & ST325, PANTHER 4 CM325, TIGER ST470,

VERSATILE

500, 700, 800, 835, 836, 855, 875, 895, 900, 935, 945, 946, 950, 956, 975, 976, 1150, 1156

HiReach Training has locations in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast

HYSTERH16.00XM-6 2010,lowhoursandin greatconditionwithMichelinXZMradialtyres, forkpositioningsideshiftand2,440mmForks. R3525. TA730601.

ForSaleorHirePOAPh:1800688788to Inspect

HYSTERH12.00XM 200811,740kg4500mm lift,sideshiftcarriageand2440mmforks.Hire orBuyFreeCall1800688788.R3405. TA369982. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 withforkpositioning sideshiftcarriage,2440mmforks,Cummins engine,fullyenclosedairconditionedcabOption20x40sideliftcont.frame.R3632. TA1124211. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450-65S 2013,Stacksladen 20x40containers5high.CumminsQSM11 dieselengine.Dana15.5HR36000XMSN. H10300280. TA1153805.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

OMEGA16-12W Idealfurnitureremovalist solutionRated12,000kgwithELME558 sidesliftabletostackuptofourhigh20and40 footcontainers..353AUFL443. TA1154000. ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADER21RubberTyreStraddleCarrier LoadUnloadandTravelwith32t20'andor27t 40'containers.Lowcostlightweight containerhandlerideal for lessrobust pavementorgoodhardstand.S113. TA1222701. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 2008,stacks12,000kg highcube20'&40'3high.ELME55820x40 spreaderwithtopentrytwistlocks.Frontline unitreadynow.R3547. TA829125.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADERHL-PC-35 2006,Two(2) ISOLOADERPrecastConcreteHandling RubberTyreGantriesbuyoneorboth for tandemliftandtraveleachwithSWL 35,000kg.R3696R3697. TA1222670. POA

HYSTERH650C 6newContinentaltyres, Cummins6CTenginethisbudgetpriced forkliftisready for work.Option20'or20x40 toppickcontainerspreaders..R3712. TA1216675. ForSaleorHirePh1800688788POA

HYSTERH10.00XM 2006,Cumminsengine. WideForkPositioningSideshiftCarriage wouldsuitlongloadse.g.pipe.R3689. TA1216676. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450 2014,SOLD-Another Available.Only11081hourswithoriginal Cumminsengine.Stack45,000kg1strow 31,000kg2ndrow.ReadyNow.R3603. TA998021. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

PRENTICE7,000KGSWL forklifttruckramps (8)topickfrom.Ideal for shippingcontainers. Forsaleorhire.R3274. TA96974. $12,000+GST=$13,200ForSaleorHire

Safe practices

HiReach Training offers a variety of high-risk and nationally recognised training courses to ensure optimal safety on the jobsite

Safety is paramount when working with industrial plant, so to ensure this, HiReach Training (RTO 40973) offers a variety of training courses to learn how to safely operate equipment such as elevated work platforms, forklifts and telehandlers.

A subsidiary of HiReach Rentals Australia, HiReach Training offers not just theory, but also practical training from its three locations in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

If training is required onsite instead, HiReach has the capabilities to do this, thanks to its huge range of equipment.

Several nationally recognised courses are offered, including operating an elevated work platform (EWP) under 11m, High Risk Work Licences for EWPs over 11m, and industry training Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) Yellow Card.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering nationally recognised training courses, HiReach’s trainers are industry experts who have worked within the industry for more than 20 years.

HiReach Rentals managing director Colin Fox says the business is one of the very few rental companies that sells and rents under-bridge units, with HiReach Training also offering a course on this.

“We developed the under-bridge training course that is now the nationally recognised unit of competency,” he says.

“That’s a big differentiator between us and other RTOs.”

Verification of competency is another key aspect of HiReach Training, as

workers will often be asked to present this before starting a new job.

If a certification is out of date, HiReach will help to make sure the worker has the right verification of competency for a plant’s make and model that they’ll be using on-site.

One of the advantages HiReach Training has over other RTOs is its ability to be flexible with customer requirements.

For example, Fox says employers will often call the business midweek needing certification for workers starting the following week.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

In this situation, HiReach Training will do everything in its power to create a plan, whereby the workers get the right training and certification in a short time frame.

Instead of workers having to wait for the next scheduled course, HiReach can make it achievable through the creation of a group-specific course, and rearranging its resources to meet those needs.

HiReach Training is also a Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) registered training supplier, providing subsidised training courses to eligible building and construction workers, unemployed construction workers, and apprentices in the state.

This means compared to other RTOs, HiReach will only charge the gap fee – generating significant savings for trainees.

While many RTOs focus on theoretical training by the books, Fox says HiReach Training is much more than just making sure workers tick the boxes.

“With us, we train people to be competent, not just to pass a test,” he says.

“The whole point of HiReach Training is to make sure people are going home safely at the end of the day.”

For more information on HiReach Training, call 1300 661 400 or visit www.hireachtraining.com.au.

HiReach Training offers several nationally recognised courses as a registered training organisation

HiReach Training provides subsidised training courses to eligible building and construction workers

1.5TonneElectricReach.

2.5TonneBrandNewManual.PALLETJACK. DPLIn53187. $523

2.5TonneLPGForkliftWith4.59MetreLift ClearviewMast..P040. TA1207778. $13,200

EnforcerWalkie-ElectricTowTug(NO42).NO42. TA1198251. $5,500

2.5TonneLPGForkliftwith4.3MetreLift ContainerMast.P003. TA1206087. $13,200

HysterLPGForkliftsForHire! AsLittleas$100+GSTPerWeek!.D017. TA644792. $110

1.2tonneelectricwalkiereachtruckwith4.27 metrelift.N054. TA1178245. $13,200

viper. TA1160389. $21,450

19-29 Curlew Cresc

Tamworth NSW 2340

www.philhuntparts.com.au brendan@philhuntparts.com.au

JOHNDEERE770GP JustinforDismantling,17.5x25 RimsandTyres,New14FootMoldboard,RearRipper Assy,6090Engine,CircleandDraftinVGC,Front SpindlesinVGC,AllPartsAvailable,PhoneBrendan02 67624466.S187. TA1234373. POA

JOHNDEERE670DGRADER JustinforDismantling,12 FootMoldboard,RearRippers,6068HEngine,DF180 Transmsission,14:00x24Rims&Tyres,LowHour Machine,AllPartsAvailable.PhonePeter0267624466. S125. TA974288. POA

PHIL HUNT PARTS PHIL HUNT PARTS

The HUNT stops here

NEW AND S/H PARTS

ALLIS-CHALMERS/HANOMAG/MASSEY

JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL

PARTS FOR Dozers, Loaders, Drotts, Graders, Scrapers

WRECKING DOZERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: “M”, HD5B, HD6B, HD6E, HD6G, HD7W, HD7G, HD9B, HD10W, HD11B, HD11E, HD11EC, HD11EP, HD11 Ser B, HD15,C, HD16A, HD16AC, HD16D, DC, HD16DP, HD19,20,21A, HD21B,C, HD31, HD41B

FIAT: 451C, 555, 605C, 50CI, 70CI, 8, 8B, AD10, BD10B, FD10E, AD12, 14B, 14C, BD20, DX175

HANOMAG/MASSEY: 2244, 200, 300, 3366, 400, 500, L400C, L600C, D600D Super, D700C

JOHN DEERE : 1010C, 850 LOADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: TL12D, TL14, TL20, 545, 605B, 645, 745B,C FIAT: FR20B

LD3, LD5, LD6, LD7 and LD9 Scoopmobile

HANOMAG/MASSEY 22,33C,44, 55, CL55C,66C-D, 77 GRADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: D, DD, M65, 65B, AD30-40, 45, 145, M100A, B, FG95

DRMCO/CHAMPION 562, 600, 720, 740

JOHN DEERE 570, 570A, 670, 670A, 670B, 770, 770A, 772A, 770BH, 670CH, 670D, 672GP, 770GP, 772GP

ALLIS WHEEL TRACTORS

AC D17, D19, D21, XT190, 7000, 7010, 7020, 7040, 7060, 7080, 8010, 8050, 8070, 7580, 8550, 440 ALSO AVAILABLE

Track Chains, Rollers, Idlers, Sprockets

Various 4-1 Buckets, POA

JOHNDEERE772GP Justinfordismantling,6Wheel Drive,14FootMoldboard,SweetRunning6090 Engine, 17.5x25TyresandRimsAllRound,RearRipperAssy,All PartsAvailable,PhoneBrendanon0267624466.S191. TA1239667. POA

JOHNDEERE670CH Justinfordismantling,12foot moldboard,frontcounterweight,DF180transmission, 6068Tengine,allpartsavailable.S161. TA1116745. POA

Allis Chalmers • Fiat Allis • Hanomag • Massey • JD Industrial

KUBOTA BE READY

SNORKELTB42JDZ

42fttelescopicboom lift.4WDDiesel.S30.

$15,000+GST

GENIEGS3268RT

4WDDieselScissorLift -Goodallround condition,Stillworking inRentalFleet.Only2 left.S1.

$13,000+GST

SNORKELAB50J 4WD

Snorkel15m Articulationboomlift. S28.

$18,000+GST

SNORKELPRO126

126ftstraightstick boom,diesel,4WD, workingheight40.2m, goodworking condition.S36.

$30,000+GST

JLG43FTRTSELF LEVELLINGDIESEL SCISSORLIFT

VeryGoodValuefor money,tidymachine, stillworkinginour rentalfleet.S27. $30,000+GST

GENIEGS3268RT

4WDdiesel.Recently 10yearinspected,new paint,goodreliable machine.S35.

$25,000+GST

JLG460SJ46FT STRAIGHTBOOM LIFT

4WDdiesel15mboom lift-goodsafeworking order.Stillworkingin rentalfleet.S33. $15,000+GST

HAULOTTE COMPACT14

2014,12melectric scissorliftverypopular unit.14mworking height.1unitavailable. S21. $8,000+GST

SNORKELMHP13/35

2012,TrailerMounted articulatedboomlift featuresasafeand stableworkingheightof upto12.6m.Stillinhire fleet,verygood condition.S38.

$20,000+GST

GENIEGS1932

GenieGS1932Electric Scissorlift.S29.

$4,000+GST

NISSANPKC245 2003,GMJT24.250EWP,major5yr rebuilddoneJune2023($41KSpent),24mworking

138

BAUERMEISTERUT42/USCH 1978,BauermeisterGrinders are idealforfinegrindingofsugar,spices,grains(in pieces),gypsum,limestone.Thismachineis reconditionedandfittedwitha0.8mmscreenforultra fineproducts,comeswitha75kwmotor,103083.QLD. $29,500

CUSTOMBUILTNOMODEL

ExRestauranttable,perfectWorkshopBenchc/whighandlow sections.Solidsteel.Overlaywithasheetofplyfortheperfect workbench.850(W)x2700(TotalL),750(H-lowside),1100(HHighside),1250(L-Lowside),1450(L-Highside),HD Steel Bch. QLD. DIY1247630. 0418 883 962. $350

SHARPLESJP-SQ477-4

HYSTERLIFTSMARTWRT15-4500 2022,TheLiftsmart WRT15isanergonomicallydesigned,highlysecure electricwalkie reach stacker,24414-6. WA. DIY1251904. 0417 955 658. $25,300

SharplesDecanterCentrifuge.Goodworkingcondition,316 stainlesssteelconstructiononproductcontactareas,maxbowl speed3250rpm.Maximumoperatingtemperature100degree celsius,slottedliquidplatedam,weight:950kg,Hitachiinduction motor,willcomewithsoftstarter.,J76-P3400F603.QLD. DIY1238721. 0437 054 239. $40,000 WASTEQUIPGL32120 2024,Underwarranty.neverused&inbrandnew condition.Unfortunatelynolongerrequired.Setup forproductdestructionthismachinecanhandle tyres,e-waste,pallets,drums,plastic,MSW/RDF, wood,bottlesandcans.Hydraulicdrivesystem, electricalcontrolpanelwithSiemensPLCControl Systemrequiring3phasepower. We canworkwith youtoarrangetransportandcommissioning, 240547.NSW. DIY1254597. 0498 500 509. $192,500