Embracing all things agriculture, over 150 people attended the Open Day at North West Farm Machinery last Wednesday.
Hosted by Owner/Operator, Roger Moylan and his team, the day showcased $3 million of the latest and greatest innovations in agricultural technology and machinery.
Broadcasting live from the day, 88.9FM Tamworth, a community licensed station broadcasting from Tamworth – with a total coverage of over 90,000 people – interviewed Roger and his staff, including Gabby Rawson, Apprentice Plant and Diesel Mechanic.
“School just wasn’t the right fit for me, so I left to undertake study at TAFE and an Apprenticeship with Roger and the team. I really enjoy the work and I’ve found my field of expertise,” said Gabby, who is currently sitting second overall in her TAFE course against a large field.
AGCO corporation who own Challenger and Massey Ferguson sent eight staff from Melbourne to answer any public questions on the day.
“A big thank you to AGCO, who helped ensure there was a powerhouse of knowledge for the public to access to on the day,” said Roger.
As well as showcasing machinery the NWFM team presented on B-line and GPS technology in tractors and Drone technology.
Presentations outlined how drones operate and possible onfarm applications of a drone including checking cattle, crops and water.
Quirindi High School Agriculture and Primary Industries students headed to the Open Day.
“We were very warmly welcomed by Roger Moylan and his team of experts. It was a very beneficial day for students to see firsthand the latest and greatest technology they may have to use when they go out into the agricultural industry,” said Primary Industries Teacher, Holly Sozou on behalf of her Years 9/10 students.
Andrew Harries, Quirindi High School, Head Teacher Agriculture also took his Year 11 Agriculture class to the Open Day.
“It was terrific to have representatives from some of the top tractor and farm supply companies on hand to answer any questions about the equipment. We were able to view over $3 million in farming equipment and the presentations from the NWFM staff were very relevant to the HSC syllabus on technology in Agriculture,” said Mr Harries.
Roger, who established the dealership in 2000, said he was overwhelmed by the community support.
Roger continued, he and his team not only service the Liverpool Plains – an extensive agricultural area covering about 1.2 million hectares of the northwestern slopes of the State – they also had people attend the day from Tamworth, Gunnedah, Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Merriwa, Maitland, Warialda and anywhere in between.
“Our customers range from farmers with relatively small properties to the farm managers of very large properties of 78,500 acres. We also have subcontractors and Local Government Departments on our customer database,” Roger continued he was impressed with the standard of questions and interest from local High School Students.
“I was impressed with relevance, depth of knowledge and standard of some of the questions from the students, it’s rewarding to see our local High School promoting such a positive future in Agriculture.”
The barbecue was popular all day as people, farmers, students and exports chatted the day away, sharing knowledge and insights in agriculture.
“We have had terrific feedback on the day including a farmer from Tamworth who thanked us on the way we showcased our products, our sales and our and services. I have to say a big thanks to all the team, including Maree Blumer who has been with the team for 17 years. My business is only as good as the staff and I have bl**dy great staff here and I’m very grateful to them for all they do.”
The day was well attended by the agricultural community, with local producers hoping for some followup rain.
“I also want to thank the public that supported the open day. If we could get another two or three inches of rain, it would be superb for farmers and businesses across the district. While the recent rain has kept our hopes high, we just need some good follow up rain.”