SUCCESS MAGAZINE
Hillview Christmas Trees
It can be Christmas every day in Tamworth!
Quast Turkeys
We look at what it takes to produce the humble turkey for the most important meal of the year
Norman Pastoral
Cropping success on the Liverpool Plains, using T3RRA Cutta tech for paddock improvement
The Group Grows By Six
In July 2024 Pursehouse Rural grew their reach by an additional six locations. Follow their journey so far
Futurity Pastoral
Making data driven decisions for breeding success in Shorthorn and Charolais cattle
Chris Bazley: A Legacy In Ag
For three decades Christ Bazley was at the forefront of seed innovation. Today his work in the farming community continues
NIOA Pastoral
From the show ring to the sale ring, a successful year for NIOA Pastoral
Making data driven decisions for commercial suitability in Shorthorn and Charolais cattle
Preparing the centrepiece of your Christmas meal for three generations
From the show ring to the sale ring, NIOA Pastoral Santa Gertrudis are shaping up for success
Three years of work culminate in the first crop at Hillview Christmas Trees ready for Xmas 2024
For three decades Chris has had his finger on the pulse of seed variety development
Cropping success on the Liverpool Plains, using T3RRA Cutta tech for paddock improvement
Editor: Scott Pursehouse
Artwork/Design: Jessica Rea
Photography: Jessica Rea & supplied
Articles: Jessica Rea & supplied
Publisher: Pursehouse Rural
Cnr Lennox and Loder Streets Quirindi. NSW. 2343 P: 02 6741 2555
E: marketing@pursehouserural.com.au W: pursehouserural.com.au
All rights reserved. No part of this publication [Your Rural Success Magazine] may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission of Pursehouse Rural. All material appearing in the publication is subject to copyright unless otherwise stated. Pursehouse Rural have taken reasonable steps to secure the copyright of each article and photograph reproduced in this publication and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information in this publication. Pursehouse Rural accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in the publication. Pursehouse Rural Pty Ltd takes no responsibility for advertising content. Products featured within this publication are subject to availability at Pursehouse Rural branches.
MALCOLM PURSEHOUSE: STRENGTH AND GROWTH
At Pursehouse Rural we focus on best practices around the basics of agricultural distribution. This includes keeping the processes simple while growing sales, marketing the company brand and products, growing strong customer relationships, managing systems to have the right inventory in place, and identifying areas of waste across all sectors within the business.
Pursehouse Rural has been integrating cultural and business practices across six, recently purchased branches in the NSW and Queensland border regions at Deepwater, Inglewood, Mingoola, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, and Texas. Keeping the process as simple as possible and making the new employees and customers feel most welcome has been a big part of the overall integration operation. You can read more about these branch locations in this edition of the Your Rural Success Magazine.
In business, Pursehouse Rural looks to develop all its employees within their current roles to make steps towards being a leading independent Australian agricultural distribution business, focused on its people and customers.
Here's to your success.
Malcolm Pursehouse Managing Director
30% 2.5% 20%
UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR WORKING DOGS WITH WAYBACK ENDURANCE
Wayback feeds are pleased to announce the release of the latest feed in their line for working dogs, Wayback Endurance. Specifically formulated for high performance dogs with the toughest of workloads, Wayback Endurance is built to sustain the demands of high-energy activities, all day, every day.
Fuel for outstanding performance in your working dogs, Wayback Endurance was meticulously formulated to provide the optimal balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to ensure your dogs receive the energy they need to perform when you need them.
Wayback feeds understand that for high-performance working dogs its not just about immediate energy, but about laying the foundation for long term health, enabling working dogs to maintain their condition throughout their working career.
For the past few months, Wayback Endurance has been trialed on-farm by producers who utilise large teams of working dogs in cattle operations over the trickiest of terrains, proving a demanding environment for their dogs. Fuelled by Wayback Endurance, Luck Wilkinson and Matt Stanley have seen an improvement in the overall condition of their dogs, as well as a reduction
in the amount of feed they have used.
Luke Wilkinson works a property in the Coolah Tops with a breeder herd of Black Angus cattle, said,
“We’re up in the Coolah Tops so the country can be rough and rugged. The dogs need their energy and they’ve gotten that from Wayback Endurance.”
“I reckon I’m feeding less for a better result and the dogs enjoy it.”
Matt Stanley, who runs a team of ten dogs, was also part of the trial process of Wayback Endurance, said,
“[The dogs] are doing really well on it. I’m really impressed.”
Wayback feeds looks forward to supporting producers and their high-performance dogs in the future. To find out more about Wayback Endurance, contact your local Pursehouse Rural branch today.
Pictured: Luke Wilkinson
FUTURITY PASTORAL
Dedicated to breeding Shorthorn and Charolais cattle suited to an efficiency focused cattle industry, Jason and Kylie Catts are making data driven decisions to breed for success at Futurity Pastoral.
Article and photography by Jessica
Rea
When you search for the definition of Futurity in the dictionary it reads, ‘the quality of being in the future’. Put simply, futurity means setting the standard for what comes next, and for Jason and Kylie Catts this is exactly what they strive to do at their cattle breeding operation, Futurity Pastoral; rearing record beating Shorthorn and Charolais cattle set for future success and raising the standard of cattle fit for the needs of the beef industry.
In Partnership
Spread across six properties in the Warrumbungle and Coonamble Shires of Northwestern New South Wales, Futurity Pastoral run a stud herd of 300 registered Charolais cows, 600 Shorthorn cows plus young stock and trade-stock, held as the season allows. Futurity Pastoral was first established in 1987 by Jason and Kylie in partnership with Jason’s parents John and Althea Catts. As the Futurity herd was steadily being built, Jason honed his skills and knowledge in the cattle industry through a degree in Agricultural Science obtained from Hawkesbury University, followed
by a career in livestock management which saw him take the reins as Livestock Manager at Killara Feedlot (Quirindi) and later as manager of a large aggregation at Colonial Agricultural Company based near Goondiwindi, with a focus on backgrounding and fattening cattle and dryland farming. Kylie brought invaluable knowledge of the cattle industry and a keen interest in cattle breeding to the partnership which she developed working alongside her parents, Terry and Maylene Griffin, who established one of the first Charolais herds in Australia at Temana, near Bordertown, SA. This experience shaped Jason and Kylie’s approach to the breeding operation at Futurity Pastoral seen today.
By 2007 it was time for a sea change for Jason’s parents, John and Althea. Jason and Kylie saw the opportunity to buy them out and continue to grow their operations as Futurity Pastoral. In 2021 they also seized the opportunity to purchase the Charolais herd at Temana from Kylie’s parents, Terry and Maylene, and add a renowned line of Charolais genetics to their thriving Shorthorn herd.
Kylie Catts (left) and Jason Catts (right)
Breeding for success in the beef industry
The focus for Jason and Kylie is to produce the best product for all aspects of the cattle industry, whether that be producing cattle with a good temperament for ease of handling, cows that calve easily, calves with good birth weights, cattle with quick growth rates through to good carcass and meat quality. All decisions, when it comes to breeding, are made with these points in mind, hence the very apt Futurity tag line, "The Brand with Consistent Quality". Both the Charolais and Shorthorn herds are kicking goals in these fields, evidenced by the successful 2024 on property bull sale last August with a 100% clearance rate with bulls of both breeds averaging around $10,500. The first Futurity bull sale was held at the Glen Ayr (Baradine) property in 2009, and the sales have continued to grow in popularity ever since. High repeat buyer rates (95%) is proof the genetics are making a positive impact in breeding
programs. Today, Futurity Pastoral sells 240 bulls annually with 100 to 115 bulls sold through on property sales and the remaining sold directly from the paddock.
The whole herd approach
To achieve success in the sale ring, the show ring or in a commercial setting, Jason and Kylie optimised their breeding operation to produce an animal which continues to improve in quality with each generation. Futurity Pastoral take a whole herd approach to their breeding program to improve the genetics of the herd en masse. Large scale artificial insemination practices mean that an individual look at the needs of each cow’s genetic profile can be assessed and she can be subsequently matched with a bull that will produce offspring with improved qualities across the board.
Data is King
When making decisions that benefit the entirety of the herd, for Futurity Pastoral, data is king. From the moment a calf hits the ground their weight is recorded, so quickly in fact, as we were driving across the paddocks during the course of this interview, Jason spotted a fresh calf. We headed over to check everything was ok and found that one of the employees had beaten us to it, recorded the calf’s birth weight and popped a tag in its ear.
The data collection continues for the cattle at each milestone. Data is collected on how many calves a cow produces whilst part of the Futurity herd and the birth weights of those calves. Jason and Kylie also work closely with some of their commercial clients to continue to monitor the data related to the cattle once they leave
Futurity Pastoral, collecting data related to better understanding which genetic traits are performing in a commercial operation, through the feedlot and to slaughter. For all intents and purposes, Futurity Pastoral operates as their own mini research station, continuously collecting data on their cattle to improve performance and suitability to the needs of the cattle industry. Jason and Kylie have taken their commitment to data collection to new heights with genomic testing and input to the development of a chip to record data related to progeny testing completed on all Futurity calves at birth. This genomic testing will be continued on steers and follow them closely through the feedlot and to slaughter. Though in the early stages of development, Jason and Kylie will work closely with selected producers over the coming four years to develop and fine tune this process.
For Jason and Kylie, the effort to collect data on the suitability of individual genetic traits in their cattle is of the utmost importance to produce an animal with key profit drivers for producers, those being pregnancy rates, weaning rates, stayability and kilos gained per hectare. Optimising growth rates leads to a more efficient animal for producers across the cattle industry, reaching target weights quickly, producing more efficient females and utilising on-farm resources at an optimal level.
Cattle efficiency is a key area of interest for Jason and one that is gaining momentum and significant investment across the cattle industry. For Jason, his interest lies in producing an efficient animal that thrives in a paddock-based environment whether that be a Futurity Shorthorn or Charolais. Jason looks back to his data to drive decisions in the Futurity breeding operation and to select specific genetic traits to produce an animal which reaches its target weight quickly, reducing pressures on on-farm resources and produces a more efficient animal for the beef industry. They are science bred cattle that look like "Cattleman's Cattle".
Investment in the future of their herd is at the forefront of almost every discussion point made by Jason and Kylie over the course of our interview. Yet, what became clear, is that their investment into sustainable practices on-farm is just as important, as without quality pasture there could be no quality cattle. Jason spoke to his investment into cutting silage as often as possible, which is subsequently stored and fed not just during dry times, to enable the team at Futurity to move cattle off pasture quickly and into the
feedlot to preserve ground cover, enabling pastures to recover quicker. There has also been significant investment into establishing tropical and perennial pastures, as well as committing to no-till farming to improve soil carbon levels and similarly work to maintaining ground cover for pasture resilience in tougher seasons.
The sum of the hard work and dedication of the Catts family to driving improvement across their Shorthorn and Charolais herd at Futurity Pastoral amount to the Futurity difference. The Futurity difference is seen in the dedication to the suitability of Futurity cattle to commercial and stud operators, identified in individual cattle through a thorough understanding of their genetics and genetic suitability to the needs of cattle producers. Jason and Kylie are committed to investing into technologies and industry practices such as their progeny testing methods, to better understand the needs of the industry and to make changes to their breeding program today, for more efficient cattle in the future.
From left, Riley, Jessica, Kylie and Jason Catts
perfect start The in life
The feed to fuel adventurous chicks during their first 8 weeks of rapid growth.
QUAST TURKEYS
For three generations, the Quast family have been raising turkeys from their property near Tamworth NSW, raised with all the love and devotion only matched by the most important meal of the year... your Christmas lunch!
Article by Jessica Rea
Photography by Lucinda Catherine Photography
It’s fair to say that Christmas is a time for family to gather, to celebrate the year that has been and enjoy a delicious meal prepared with love and devotion. For many, the centerpiece of Christmas lunch is the turkey. Some enjoy a whole turkey, whilst other families opt for a turkey crown. For the Quast family, third-generation poultry farmers from Northern New South Wales, producing turkeys is a way of life, a labour of love and a yearround process. They pour every ounce of love and devotion they have into rearing turkeys that eventually form the centerpiece of your Christmas lunch, arguably the most important meal of the year!
A precursor to this story is that there is a strong family name passed down from generation to generation of Quast family men, who come to work together on the family turkey farm. That name being Colin. Quast Turkeys was established by Colin Snr. in the 1950’s upon the purchase of a block of land located just 15minutes from Tamworth, NSW. At just 17 years of age, he began to build the family home and first outbuildings brick by brick alongside his father, even crafting those bricks by hand from the farm quarry. The Quast family have a longstanding history of entrepreneurship and business acumen in the Tamworth region with Colin Snr.’s father owning and operating an ice cream factory and subsequently a cordial factory in Tamworth. A pivot to Turkey farming was a little left of field, but they were no strangers to hard
work and seeing a thriving poultry industry in Australia at the time, they wanted a piece of that pie. And so, they set about building what would become the largest independent turkey farm in Australia some 70 years later, producing 65,000 turkeys each year, three quarters of which find their way to the Christmas table in homes across the country.
Today, the turkey industry has shrunk somewhat since Colin Snr. commenced operations back in the 1950’s. Quast Turkeys are the largest independent turkey operation in Australia, today run by husband-and-wife Colin Jnr. (who we will subsequently refer to as Col) and Vicki Quast. They have remained at the top of their game through a dedicated approach to turkey rearing which hinges on keeping the entire production process in house, breeding, through rearing the turkeys to processing, it all happens on farm, and in many instances by a Quast family member named Colin.
Col and Vicki’s son, Colin James, also works on the farm along with his wife Tahlia and their three young children, Colin Jock (4), Angus (2) and Savannah (4 months). It truly is a family affair at Quast Turkeys with each family member invested in daily operations. As a family business, nurturing the next generation of farmers is just as important to Col Quast who cherishes the opportunity to work alongside his sons and grandchildren every day.
From left: Tahlia, Colin Jock, Colin James, Angus, Col, Vicki and Savannah Quast.
From a young age, Quast children find their feet on the farm. Vicki Quast recalls how each of her children learned to count whilst collecting turkey eggs from the shed, a job that must be completed up to five times per day. Today, Colin Jock, Angus and Savannah follow in their father’s footsteps as they too find their way down to the sheds to collect eggs and stand their ground as the flock approach them. Turkeys are a naturally inquisitive bird so it must be a little scary for any child to have such a large flock around them, but the Quast children have taken to it like ducks to water!
Colin James is responsible for producing the grain required to feed the flock. Quast Turkeys produce 75% of the grain they use on farm. In a good season this alleviates cost pressures to operations, though it has proven harder and most costly to supplement in a drought season. On top of producing their own grain, Quast Turkeys produce
their own straw for use in the sheds, they compost the manure and fertilse cropping paddocks and even go so far as shredding paper waste for use in their turkey hatcheries. As a small business, this independence and self-reliance is integral to sustainable operations.
Since 1975 Quast Turkeys have been breeding their own turkeys, becoming the only small independent turkey growers in Australia to do so. Around 750 hens are artificially inseminated each week by semen collected from the resident stags (a male turkey), or a tom if you’re American. Subsequently, the fertilised eggs are collected from the breeding sheds and transferred to the cold room, where the embryos lie dormant for up to fourteen days before being hatched in larger groups. The resulting poults (young turkeys) are homed in the warm brooder house, requiring a warmer climate than one might expect to thrive.
Here the poults remain for five weeks before being separated out into the flock to be raised in the free-range pasture, or the flock being grown out in the sheds. Only some of Quast Turkeys are free range due to the inherent bio security risk of wild raised birds, but a select few are raised in 0.8ha paddocks to cater to the free-range market.
The turkeys are then grown out on the same feed ration whether they are free-range, or barn raised. A high protein diet is the order of the day with feed rations consisting of protein meal, Quast produced grains, vitamins, minerals and a touch of canola oil. With this high protein approach to feeding, a bird would be considered fully grown in just nine weeks, with a female reaching the ideal 3kg table weight in this time.
For bio security purposes, no live birds are brought in or out of the farm, except the singular turkey who finds its way to the Tamworth Show petting enclosure each year, though they are not permitted to return to the farm. All processing of the birds is done on farm too, and for Vicki this speaks to the family's focus on animal welfare. For the Quast family, they raise their birds with welfare at the forefront of all of their operations. Their sheds are monitored by high-tech computers managing temperature and controlling the ventilation to create the ideal environment for the birds. With a processing plant on farm, Col can drop in at any time and see exactly what’s going on or what is being packed. Up to 800 birds are processed at Quast Turkeys each day, and subsequently stored on farm in their refrigerated storage facility with space for nearly 300 pallets of stock.
Once the turkeys leave the farm, they find their way to butchers and wholesalers across Australia. Some turkeys are retained for sale in the farm shop, open once a month throughout the year and open from 8am every day in December, as the festive season kicks into overdrive. Regular customers at the farm shop become like family members, especially at Christmas time, sharing the joy and excitement of the festive season. They share their plans for Christmas lunch, even trading secret family recipes, and of course picking up the all-important turkey. Vicki views this side of the farm as a privilege and something almost unique to the Quast family operation, that they get to share with their customers.
The Quast family’s dedication to raising a highquality product for their customers is unwavering. Their commitment to the farming community runs deep as Colin Snr. was a founding member of the Australian Turkey Federation, a commitment that both Col and Vicki both continue today. Col Jnr. has also served as president of the Australian Turkey Federation and Vicki is currently serving as a member of the NSW Farmers Executive Council.
As you prepare for Christmas this season, keep in mind the hard work and dedication of farming families like the Quasts who work tirelessly to produce the food for Christmas tables across Australia.
Visit the Quast Farm Shop at 78 Tintinhull Rd. Tintinhull NSW 2353
Or find Quast Turkeys online at www.quastturkeys.com.au.
Follow them on social media @quastturkeys
Col (left) and Vicki Quast (right)
NIOA PASTORAL: 2024 MARKS A YEAR OF SUCCESS
Article and images courtesy of NIOA Pastoral Co.
NIOA and RL pastoral companies captured the attention of potential buyers ahead of their annual Santa Gertrudis sale with a dominant display of breeding excellence at the Royal Queensland Show in 2024.
The two studs, collected 20 ribbons between them at the Ekka’s Beef Week, widely revered as the biggest stud cattle exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.
NIOA’s haul from its eight-strong draft included Reserve Champion Bull (8 months and under 12 months) for NIOA VIP V70 (AI) (P), the son of former Australian breed record-holder Riverina Roland Sanchez, second for NIOA Special Effects S03 (P) in the hotly contested Senior Cow class
and second for the Tookey Creek-sired NIOA Utah U11 (P) in the Senior Bull (under 24 months).
The two studs’ success across various categories in a bumper 109-head Ekka Santa Gertrudis field serves as a pointer to some of the elite lots catalogued for their on-property sale. The NIOA RL Sale mantra this year is “industry focused, commercially relevant”.
Sale manager Rob Sinnamon has also announced the return to a physical sale ring after two years of video auctions.
“While video auctions served us well, the physical on-property experience in the magnificent surrounds of Talgai Homestead is unique on the spring bull buying circuit,” he said.
RL Pastoral’s Rob Sinnamon, right, with sale topper Riverina Tambo T20 (P) and auctioneers Blake O’Reilly and Michael Smith who knocked down 51 bulls on the day for a 100 per cent clearance which included the second top-priced NIOA Utah U11 (P) pictured with NIOA Pastoral’s, from left, Sam Falls, Shannon and Karen Gardner and Rob and Eliza Nioa.
“As well as allowing our clients to inspect the cattle up close, the traditional sale ring format provides a lively experience and fosters a sense of engagement that is integral to the Santa Gertrudis community.
It’s 10 years this year since Rob and Eliza Nioa formed NIOA Santa Gertrudis, stud No. 2122, at Allora on Queensland’s Southern Downs.
Property manager Shannon Gardner said the 2024 sale draft reflected the stud’s continued investment in the best Australian and American bloodlines.
“I’m excited about this year’s lineup,” he said. “It’s an exceptional draft of premium stud beef showcasing the finest genetics and quality in the industry.
“We’ve been working on taking our breeding program to the next level in recent years to ensure
our cattle have the perfect blend of performance and commercial relevance.”
The return of a physical sale at the Talgai property took place on Thursday 5th September 2024 in a hangar-turned-all-weather sale barn at NIOA Pastoral Co.’s Talgai Homestead near Allora.
Against the backdrop of a huge Australian flag, bidders voted with their hands and feet – with the stands packed, plus many more watching the livestream through StockLive, and all 51 bulls finding new homes.
Buyers came from Queensland’s southeast corner to properties in Cloncurry, Richmond and Hughenden in the northwest, southwest to Cunnamulla, north to Clermont, Nebo, Marlborough, Taroom on the Western Downs, the New South Wales Northern Rivers region and as far as Tasmania.
Repeat buyer Craig Ross of Ross Grazing, Kemmis Creek, Nebo led the charge, snapping up four head – three Riverina bulls and one NIOA bullfor an outlay of $56,500 including the Lot 4 sale topper Riverina Tambo T20 (P) for $22,500.
The first bull up in the NIOA draft was Lot 9 - the 24-month-old NIOA Utah U11 (P) weighing in at 1095kg with an eye muscle of 134sq cm, IMF of 7.4 per cent, rib scan 20 and scrotal circumference of 41cm. The son of Tookey Creek N24 (P) out of Rosevale Ada N353 (P) is now on his way to Taroom, Queensland, after the Brigadoon Cattle Co. paid $15,000.
NIOA Santa Gertrudis General Manager Shannon Gardner said the success of the event combined with growing industry confidence set a positive tone for future selling seasons including next
year with the first sons of Australian breed record breakers Yarrawonga Spartacus S316 (P) and Riverina Roland Sanchez R88 (PP).
“I think it’s been a great result for a smaller stud within the industry. We were very happy to receive $15,000 for Lot 9 to a repeat buyer in Brigadoon (Cattle Co.),” he said.
“And that’s one of the things that stood out today – the number of repeat buyers who are back for their third, fourth and fifth year. It shows that we must be doing something right.
“The comments today were around the consistency of our bulls, we had some younger cattle on display here from the genetics of Spartacus and Sanchez and received very positive feedback. I think our line next year will really shine.”
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It can be Christmas every day at
HILLVIEW CHRISTMAS TREES
Article by Jessica Rea
Photography by Aaron Hoffman, Herd Media
For the next generation of farmers, it can be difficult to make a start, whether that be taking over a family farm, expanding an existing operation or buying a new property of your own. For young professionals in the agricultural industry like Kim and Rob Sizer, increasingly often they’re having to think outside of the square for ways to make their land profitable and financially viable. For Kim and Rob, they did more than just think outside of the square, they are attempting something completely new for the Tamworth region. For the first time this year, Australian-grown Christmas trees will be available to purchase from Hillview Christmas Trees.
Keeping it viable:
Located on the outskirts of Tamworth lies Hillview farm, a 360 acre parcel of rich agricultural land, purchased by Kim and Rob Sizer in 2021. Born out of a need to expand their workshop space for their ever-growing metal work business, Custom Cutting Studio, Kim and Rob embarked on a search
that would lead them to Hillview. Though they came across a few spaces that could work for them, the 360acre Hillview simply spoke to the couple with its breathtaking views, comfortable family home, great workshop and irrigation licences to boot. But these assets also made the block a desirable purchase for those in the lifestyle market, and so the farm came at a premium. The question quickly became how to make the financials work? How can a young couple making their way in the ag industry make the business financially viable for them? Enter self-professed excel whiz, Rob, who set about making a business plan that would go on to build a new Christmas-based dream for the pair.
Hillview as a property was traditionally suited to raising cattle. But with the cost of inputs increasing, when Rob and Kim ran the numbers, a grazing operation was just not going to cut it. So together, with Kim’s creative flair and Rob’s trusty excel spread sheets, they set about creating a bold and adventurous business plan.
Pictured: Rob and Kim Sizer and family
Thinking outside the square:
With the irrigation licenses held by the property, a lucerne hay production operation seemed a sensible way to build one part of the business, sustaining a high value crop suited to the seasonal conditions of the New England region. Their irrigation set up is fed from the Peel River, the main water supply for Tamworth, and a water supply that is quick to be cut to farmers when a drier season inevitably approaches. Ever the entrepreneurs, Kim and Rob began to build another arm to their business, alongside their metal work business and hay production; they set about planting their very first crop of Christmas trees.
One thing to know about Kim and Rob is that they don’t do things by half, it’s an all or nothing approach. And so, in their first round of planting in 2021, they planted 5000 trees on the 50acres of land set aside to their Christmas tree project. In the following summer of 2022, a further 10,000 trees were planted. And again, in the summer of 2023, another 13,000 trees were planted. Taking into account an approximate fail rate of 10%, and another planting just finished, they now have a total of 27,000 Christmas trees at various stages of growth supported by 40km of drip line to sustain them.
The approach of an Agronomist:
By this point in the story, some may have recognised Kim as not just a Christmas tree producer or hay farmer or metal work extraordinaire, she is also a much-loved Pursehouse Rural agronomist who has been assisting growers on the Liverpool Plains for many years. Where once we found Kim in a cotton paddock, today she has moved on (for at least some of her working week) to producing the BEST Christmas trees in Tamworth.
With Kim's Agronomic background, growing pine trees went against everything she had experienced up until now. In her mind, the best country is black soil and, when matched with a well thought out fertiliser and watering program, that will yield the best result, right? Well not when it came to growing pine trees, they needed a little more tough love. Though the Christmas trees at Hillview receive a fair bit more care and attention than in the regular pine plantations to ensure they are looking as luscious as possible by the time the festive season rolls around. They are pruned on a regular basis, supported by extensive drip lines and fertilised regularly, though at a little lower rate than Kim had initially planned. Because they are the first in the Tamworth region to attempt to grow Christmas trees, there is a lot of trial and error and thinking and rethinking when it comes to the best approach to successfully growing Christmas trees.
Keeping Christmas trees in the family:
Kim is not the first in her family to start a Christmas tree farm. The story really starts with her mum who happened to be English. The family returned to Australia from England when Kim was around 13 years old and once Christmas rolled around, her mum set about finding a real Christmas tree to have in the house, a staple of any English Christmas. Much to her dismay she was only able to find a twiglike thing that she paid $90 for! At that same time, Kim’s father was running a horticulture operation at Coramba, near Coffs Harbour. Soon he planted just 100 Christmas trees, testing the waters to see how the real Christmas trees would fair in the Australian climate and how they would sell into an Australian market. Over the following 18 years, the Christmas tree business at Coramba would continue to grow, garnering quite the following across the Coffs Harbour region.
Unfortunately, in 2018 Kim’s mum got sick and sadly passed away in 2021. Kim’s father sold the property at Coffs Harbour in 2022, a year after Kim and Rob purchased Hillview. But the seeds of inspiration were firmly with Kim and she and Rob were all in when it came to setting up a brand-new Christmas tree operation in Tamworth. By their second year of planting, Kim and Rob had committed to more trees than her father did in Coffs and skip forward to their first year of harvest in 2024, their operation is looking more than impressive with hay production going well and a clear sales target for their Christmas trees in this year’s festive period.
A modern approach to agribusiness:
With a natural talent for entrepreneurship, Kim juggles multiple business, a career in Agronomy with Pursehouse Rural and a young family. She has a few tools at her disposal that make her day-to-day business operations just a little easier. One of those being social media. At the start Kim drove all social media activities for both the metal work business and Hillview Christmas Trees herself, amassing a sizeable following to her social media accounts. Though over the years, she has learned that it doesn’t hurt to outsource where you can. Today, Kim employs some outside help when it comes to her social media. For Kim this has only strengthened her approach and is a key sales technique for this festive season. By outsourcing her social media, Kim has seen a shift in the look and feel of her social media channels, now moving to the viewpoint of the consumer with an interesting insight into the daily activities on the farm. What Kim and Rob may see as mundane often brings the biggest result on their social media pages. For Hillview Christmas Trees, social media and digital marketing are an evergrowing part of their business, with sales being directed through their website. For Kim and Rob, the prospect of cost-effective marketing solutions facilitated by digital channels, such as their website and social media, gave them a ticket to go all in on their business model, planting the maximum number of trees they could and generating demand as they went.
Social media and sales were not the only aspects of setting up a small regional business that Kim had to tackle. Like many other farms and small businesses, labour shortages at the busiest times of the year are a constant headache. But again, Kim and Rob have been thinking outside of the square to combat labour struggles this upcoming festive season. To help with limited distribution channels in their first year of selling Christmas trees Kim set about engaging in partnerships with local community groups. The deal was, they set up a collection point for a real Hillview Christmas tree, sales are made through the Hillview Christmas tree website but collected at a point established by the community group and they get a cut of the proceeds from each tree collected from that location. So far, collection points for Christmas 2024 have been locked in for Tamworth, Quirindi, Gunnedah, Coffs Harbour and Uralla.
Christmas can’t come soon enough!
For the Sizer family at Hillview Christmas Trees, Christmas just can’t come soon enough. Christmas of 2024 is the culmination of three years of hard work establishing a new farm in a new location to get them to the first Christmas trees available for purchase at Hillview. But more than that, it is a legacy that extends through almost 20 years of family business in New South Wales.
Kim and Rob embody the entrepreneurial spirit, unafraid to give anything a go, giving it all they’ve got no matter what. Kim’s questioning nature has led her to be a great agronomist for Pursehouse Rural, always pushing to learn more and get the best result for her customers, and this questioning nature has taken her into a whole new world of business, producing the best product for her community at a very important time of the year: Christmas!
Find Hillview Christmas Trees online at www.hillviewchristmastrees.com.au or follow them on social media @hillview_ christmas_trees
CHRIS BAZLEY: A LEGACY IN AGRICULTURE
For three decades Clifton local Chris Bazley was at the forefront of plant development as managing director of Pacific Seeds. Today he keeps his finger on the pulse of his farming community whilst sharing his generous spirit through the Can Do Cottage.
Article and photography by Jessica
Rea
Every small town has members of the community who are known to just about everyone, with big hearts and even bigger personalities. For Clifton, on the Darling Downs of Queensland, one of those people is Chris Bazley. The Bazley family have been farming on the Darling Downs for generations. For Chris, he has solidified his name and legacy in agriculture in his farming ventures, and a career with Pacific Seeds that spanned three decades. His work in the seed industry saw the development and distribution of some of our most popular varieties and even saw a high yielding sorghum variety named in his honour in MR Bazley. For Chris, his dedication to agriculture runs deep and is seen every day in his love for his family, the farm and the Clifton community.
Early career
Before starting his studies at Gatton Agricultural College in 1976, Chris embarked on a year of exploration in ag, or what we might now consider a gap year. Young Chris spent the year as a contractor driving headers and carting grain across the countryside. Here, his love of all things ag only continued to grow. Before long, it was time to start applying for more permanent employment, when two job vacancies caught his eye. The first being a role with the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the second being a job with Pacific Seeds. As he hadn’t heard a word back from his first application with the bank, Chris took the role with Pacific Seeds. Not two days later an acceptance letter came in the mail for the job with the Bank, a role that would take him overseas. Chris’ mother encouraged him to stay in Australia and take the role with the smaller company (at the time) Pacific Seeds, a decision that would lead Chris to a career spanning decades with the growing company and one that would see him be at the forefront of a company breeding seed varieties that would become staples to growers in Australia and across the globe.
In the early days, the Pacific Seeds team consisted of just 27 employees, one of those being a young Chris Bazley who started his career in marketing, looking after growers in a large portion of Queensland. At that time, Pacific Seeds offered plant varieties limited to summer cropping, and so in the wintertime, Chris would be put to work in any other department that would have him. All except administration, which was not suited to his particular skills but who loved his personality and enthusiasm, nonetheless. Over time, this exposure to all facets of the company gave Chris a thorough grounding in the needs of the company and its customers. Before long, Chris was propelled through the ranks at Pacific Seeds, becoming Regional Marketing Manager, before Managing Director.
Career highlights
Throughout Chris’s career he took a particular interest in plant breeding and development, even honing quite the knack of picking out what would become the next leading variety from early trials. An early indicator of success for one particular variety was a small 10ha trial block that, when it came time for Chris to harvest the block using a rather small grain bin, he had to stop and restart a number of times due to the astronomical and unexpected yields. This variety being MR Buster, which at the time of the early trial, produced over 10tonne to the hectare, a 20% higher yield than any other variety at the time.
Chris continued to enjoy seeing the plant breeders work, showing particular interest in the development of sunflowers. He would spend time in the paddock and at trials ran by Alan Scott, learning the skills needed from him to select what would become the next leading variety, some of those being Hysun 32 and Hysun 33 which proved popular across the globe.
These roles would take Chris across the world, consulting with growers on how to improve and refine the varieties offered by Pacific Seeds. It was on one of these trips overseas that Chris would pick up a rare infection in his foot, one that would eventually lead him to stepping down as managing director of Pacific Seeds after 14 years. But Chris left with a lasting legacy on the brand in more ways than one, even having his name attributed to a grain sorghum variety in MR Bazley. Chris’ only stipulation when he heard the team may be selecting a variety to name in his honour was not that it had to be the highest yielding, but that it had to be an honest and dependable variety, qualities that aptly describe Chris himself. MR Bazley has since been in circulation for the past 15 years and continues to be a strong sorghum variety for Australian growers.
Retirement and the family farm
When it came time to retire, life didn’t exactly slow down for Chris. He was quick to take positions on a number of boards including community organisations, not-for-profits and a role on the board of the Australian Agricultural College. Before long he moved to positions on the board of the University of Southern Queensland, then on to the board of Intergrain. Chris has kept his finger on the pulse of Australian Agriculture, though he looks to 2025 when his time on the boards he currently sits on will draw to a close. Then Chris looks forward to spending more time with his wife Lou, his sons Will and Tom and his grandchildren.
Back at the family farm, Chris surveys the property, managed by his son Tom, with pride. He takes great joy in seeing Tom and Will work together on the family property, Crestview. Will has also undertaken a career in seed marketing and distribution, with a very successful career with the thriving seed company AGF.
Chris’ love of sunflowers has seeped into the crop rotation back at the family farm. Each year he looks
to plant 20% of the land dedicated to barley, in a two to three year rotation double crop program, back to sunflowers. With a favourable 2022 and 2023 season, Supersun 66 was planted at the property at Crestview. Though a successful commercial crop in their own right on the Darling Downs, sunflowers have a new-found following from the wider community due to their attractiveness and photogenic qualities whilst in full bloom.
Earlier this year, the Bazley family threw open the farm gate and welcomed members of the Clifton community to visit the sunflower fields, and also raise money for the Clifton hospital. Over 500 visitors attended, taking the opportunity to pick a few sunflower heads of their own and take some glorious photos of the plants and paddocks. The day raised around $3000 for the local Hospital.
Can Do Cottage
Charitable activities are nothing new to the Bazley family, in fact they are widely regarded as some of the most generous people you can find on the Darling Downs. Sadly, this generosity is partly borne out of their own loss. Chris and Louise sadly lost their middle son, James, to neuroblastoma at the age of 12, after a two-year battle with the devastating disease. Chris described James as his red headed Wallaby, who didn’t like to come second in rugby or cricket! It was not long after James’ passing that Chris was looking out of the window at an old outhouse on the farm, that housed just the mower and a few garden tools at the time. He turned to his wife, Lou, and said ‘I might grab the dozer and knock that shed down’. To which Lou replied that she had something a little different in mind for that shed.
The cottage had originally been a shepherds hut for the first outstation from Clifton. Over time, it had then been reinvented into the kitchen for the house at Crestview, which was built in 1956, before falling in to disrepair as many outbuildings do on busy working farms. Lou had an idea that would breathe life back into the little cottage and benefit families like her own who were dealing with the trials and tribulations that came along with caring for loved ones battling long term illnesses. A builder friend was invited to survey the condition of the cottage which, to everyone’s surprise, remained rather good, with the original timber frame and iron roof still going strong. Before long, the call out was put to local tradies and the wider community who gave their time and skills to restoring the cottage. A tradesman even came from Inglewood to re-stump the cottage. And over time, Can Do Cottage came to life. For the past 20 years, Can Do Cottage has been a place of respite for carers or those suffering from a long term illness. Here they can escape the rigorous routine of hospital treatments for as long
as needed. Some stay just a couple of days, or for others it might be a week, but Can Do Cottage offers the time and tranquillity to recover and enjoy the slower pace of life that the farm has to offer.
It would be rather difficult to find anyone in the industry quite like Chris Bazley, with his dedication to pushing the boundaries of plant varieties, producing the best product possible for Australian growers. But to the Clifton community, he is more than a farmer, he’s a father, grandfather, a friendly face always up for a chat and a larger-than-life character. He embodies the community spirit that is unique to regional towns, and we are privileged to have spent time with Chris, and to have shared his story with you in the Your Rural Success Magazine.
Pictured left: Can Do Cottage at Crestview, Mt. Molar QLD.
NORMAN PASTORAL
Father and sons Graeme, Alex and Joe Norman continue to push forward with on farm improvements and investments in new technologies to maximise yields on the Liverpool Plains
Article and photography by Jessica Rea
Pictured from left, Kelvin Miller, Graeme Norman, Joe Norman and Alex Norman
Located across prime cropping country in the heart of the Liverpool Plains, near Carroll NSW, are Norman Pastoral Co., a family-run broadacre cropping operation who exemplifies the resilience and innovation of Australian farming. As farmers in New South Wales continue to face and overcome evolving challenges, Norman Pastoral, as with many others across the Liverpool Plains, are testament to the dedication and adaptability of farmers committed to sustainable practices, nurturing the land for future success.
Building for Broadacre
Norman Pastoral spans multiple blocks located on the floodplains of Carroll NSW, near Gunnedah, totaling almost 3300 hectares of cropping country suited to both summer and winter cropping. Graeme Norman purchased his first 224-hectare block of land, just a stones through from the property where he was raised, in 1984 whilst still working as a vet in Bowral NSW. Though his veterinary vocation was not to last and before long he found his way back to Carroll to begin a career as a broadacre farmer that would span the coming decades.
Graeme worked in farming alongside his father and brother. When the opportunity arose, additional blocks of land would be purchased, slowly expanding the productive capacity of the Norman's farming operation and cultivating a regular rotation of winter cropping wheat, canola and barley, as well as summer crops, in irrigated and dryland cotton, sorghum and a small amount of irrigated corn. Today Graeme works the broadacre operation alongside sons Alex and Joe, as well as farm manager, Kelvin Miller.
A dedicated labour core
Keeping the labour core at Norman Pastoral limited to just four employees, three of these being Norman family members, has enabled Graeme to invest in more specialised equipment over the years, minimising dependence on outside contractors and increasing their independence. Being located on the floodplain has pushed this independent approach, but Graeme says he wouldn’t have it any other way, having the ability to get their crop off at just the right time, assessing the situation regularly and acting in their best interests, without having the rely on the availability of a contractor, is invaluable to operations at Norman Pastoral.
Pictured: Joe Norman
Naturally, the labour core is supplemented by seasonal workers at busier times such as harvest. But essentially, Norman Pastoral functions with each member of the four-man team bringing their own set of skills to the table, especially Farm Manager Kelvin who, by Graeme’s admissions, is quite the whiz in the workshop, keeping on top of all the maintenance of the packed machinery shed so that the labour core always function to the best of their ability.
Being a family business means that striking the work-life balance can be tough especially for Alex, Joe and Kelvin who juggle the demands of a large broadacre operation with young families. Over the course of our talk, they all stressed the importance of striking that balance, and Graeme says he found peace in checking the paddocks himself over the weekend.
It’s all in the soil
Over the last 40 years of farming, Norman Pastoral have honed their techniques and practices to achieve the highest yields in their winter and
summer cropping plans. A commitment to no till farming for the past 20 years of operations has seen an improvement in soil carbon levels across the paddocks, but this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sustainable practices that farmers are considering investing time and money into.
For Graeme and the team at Norman Pastoral, a simple diversification strategy has led to a more drought proofed approach to cropping on the Liverpool Plains. Though the rich black soils of the floodplain naturally yield the best results, the ability to extract just 85% of the moisture limits the black soil’s capacity in a drier season. This is compared to the red soils as you move away from the flood pain which give the capacity to extract around 95% of the moisture, though not being as productive as the black soil country, it is more forgiving in a drier season and recovers remarkably well from drought conditions. And so, over the past few years Norman Pastoral have invested in blocks with a variety of soil types to limit the impact to productivity during drier seasons.
They also take a more tailored approach to their irrigation set up on-farm, looking to their yield per megalitre of water as opposed to yield per hectare. Norman Pastoral have seen improved yields through the use of bubbler irrigation in which they look for the cracks forming in the soil to direct water to the root of the plant, down the cracks where it is protected from warm and windy conditions. They are seeing higher returns per ML of water applied via this approach compared to furrows. Graeme spoke to the more immediate response of the plant when using the bubbler system, drip feeding water to the plant more directly, rather than the water logging effect incurred by their previous irrigation set up.
Investment in T3ERRA Cutta and other tech
Norman Pastoral have been investing in various technologies for several years now, one key part of this being Weed-It camera spray technology, which has become an integral part of their onfarm operations. Alongside their Pursehouse Rural Agronomist, Ben Leys, Graeme and the team at Norman Pastoral have worked on varying chemical application rates using the Weed-It camera, focusing on spot spraying. Additionally they have placed greater emphasis on their work to maintain ground cover aimed to maximise
fallow efficiencies and conserve soil moisture.
Norman Pastoral have taken their investments into water security one step further this year with an investment in the T3ERRA Cutta system, an in-cab land forming system that enables farms to survey, design, and optimize paddock drainage systems. For Norman Pastoral, this has led to the improvement of less productive areas and better crop yields in those paddocks where the T3ERRA Cutta system has been put to use. By focusing on improving problem areas water can be made to drain from low-lying areas in a more timely manner, leading to better germinations, more even plant populations and boosting crop yields. Additionally, it has been seen to maximise irrigation efficiency and conserve water resources, all key goals that Norman Pastoral continue to work to improve across their land aggregation.
Norman Pastoral are a family-run business who continue to invest in more sustainable processes and technologies on farm. By doing so they are not only addressing immediate challenges but also paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future. Their proactive approach to water management underscores the critical role that family farms play in shaping our agricultural landscape.
From left, Alex, Joe and Graeme Norman
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SCAN
NEXT GEN. PROFESSIONALS IN AGRICULTURE
Pursehouse Rural is proud to support the next generation of young professionals in the Agricultural industry in different ways across Northern New South Wales and Queensland. In 2024 Pursehouse Rural have provided a scholarship fund through the University of New England, attended the UNE Farming Futures Careers event, sponsored one of the first Future Farmers Network On Tap events in Toowoomba, sponsored the University of Queensland Ag Society at their Gatton Campus and also attended their 2024 careers drive, all ways in which Pursehouse Rural are dedicated to supporting young professionals in furthering their career in Agriculture.
The Company is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in Agriculture and seek out activities through universities and industry
organisations which can help kick-start careers in agriculture. Pursehouse Rural have a long-standing scholarship agreement with the University of New England which offers financial assistance and the opportunity for paid work experience in the agricultural sector to the recipient each year. The
qualifying student is enrolled in an agriculturally based degree and is from a regional or remote area.
This year, Pursehouse Rural attended the UNE Farming Futures careers event, during which they took the opportunity to engage with students looking to the agricultural industry for enriching and engaging career opportunities. They had the chance to catch up with the 2024 Pursehouse Rural scholarship recipient, Holly White, and other students pursing degrees in agribusiness, agricultural sciences and resource economics.
Similarly, Pursehouse Rural support the University of Queensland’s Agricultural Science Society through sponsorship and events throughout the year. In 2024 Pursehouse Rural employees attended the UQ Ag Society Careers Fair at their Gatton campus where they took the opportunity to engage with students and speak on Pursehouse Rural’s Graduate Program.
The Graduate Program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to progress within the agricultural industry with a focus on agronomic services, in a range of sectors from broadacre to pasture management, horticulture, sugar cane or cotton agronomy. It offers graduates the opportunity for hands-on learning and development of their knowledge and skills in the paddock. Graduates are paired with a senior agronomist for a training period of twoyears, during which time they will deepen their knowledge of agronomy practices to providing the best possible agronomy services for growers across our branch network. Pursehouse Rural also support industry connections and networking through associations with other agricultural groups within AgLink Australia and through strong connections with leading agricultural suppliers.
Pursehouse Rural understand that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of talented young professionals. We pride ourselves on focusing on our people and nurturing their talents and interests in agriculture to provide a fulfilling and successful career in the industry.
Above: Simon Piccini (left) Texas Agronomist and Adam Altmann (right) Mullaley Agronomist
Below: Holly White (right) UNE Scholarship Recipient for 2024 and Simon Picini (right)
Below: Maddie (left) work experience student Agronomy Pittsworth, and Josh Hayes (right) Sales Manager Pittsworth at the UQ Ag Society careers event
STRONg EARLY RESULTS FOR SUMMER CROPS IN QUEENSLANd
ANd NORThERN NSW
Over the past few weeks, growers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales have witnessed a promising start to the season, with recently planted grain sorghum crops showing very strong early emergence. This positive development is attributed to favourable moisture profiles and timely planting, setting the stage for potentially high yields.
The early emergence of sorghum has been particularly encouraging. Farmers who took advantage of the early planting window have reported robust germination and healthy seedling growth. This early vigour is crucial for establishing a strong crop, leading to higher yields and better resilience.
Pioneer Seeds Northern Region Sales Manager, Adam Pitman, has seen some encouraging signs for crops gearing up for the season in his region.
"Despite a drier start to the season, growers who have seized the opportunity to plant earlier into a more robust moisture profile have been able to establish crops that should be able to take advantage of rainfall later in the season and set them up for some topend yields," he said.
The early start to the season also provided favourable
conditions for mitigating the impact of fall armyworm for corn and forage sorghum crops in the region. Pioneer Seeds Summer Crop Portfolio Manager, Ben Vercoe, is satisfied with the quantity and quality of seed supply for the remainder of the season.
"Pioneer Seeds supplies of corn, forage sorghum and grain sorghum seed continues to be strong this season. Growers will appreciate the availability of their preferred planting partners within a range of hybrids suited to their seasonal needs," he said.
Looking ahead, growers in Queensland and northern NSW are cautiously optimistic about the season. With the right combination of favourable weather, effective pest control, and diligent crop management, the region's summer crop farmers are well-positioned for a productive season.
Pictured: Ben Vercoe, Pioneer Summer Crop Portfolio Manager
ONE PACK. THREE PUNCHES.
PENETRATING OIL ENHANCES HERBICIDE PENETRATION
The penetrating oil in OUTRIGHT 770 helps herbicides breach the waxy layers of weeds for better absorption.
NON-IONIC SURFACTANTS IMPROVES SPREAD AND ADHESION
Non-ionic surfactants ensure spray droplets stick to and spread across the weed surfaces, maximising herbicide uptake.
AMMONIUM SULPHATE CONDITIONS HARD WATER
OUTRIGHT 770’s ammonium sulphate tackles hard water minerals, ensuring your herbicides work effectively.
OUTRIGHT 770 MAKES HARD WORK EASY
OUTRIGHT 770 Spray Adjuvant, a ground breaking product designed to simplify and enhance the herbicide application process for farmers. This innovative solution combines three essential components—ammonium sulphate, penetrating oil, and non-ionic surfactants—into one convenient pack, providing superior weed control with minimal effort.
VICCHEM understands that farming is hard, but managing herbicide applications doesn’t have to be.
VICCHEM’s OUTRIGHT 770 is engineered to help farmers achieve effective weed control, even in the toughest conditions. Its unique formulation ensures that herbicides perform at their best, saving time and maximizing results.
Key Features of OUTRIGHT 770:
1. Penetrating Oil: The first key component is the HASTEN penetrating oil, which aids in the uptake of lipophilic (fat-loving) herbicides. This oil helps herbicides breach the waxy surfaces of weeds, allowing for better absorption and more effective weed control.
2. Non-Ionic Surfactants: The second component consists of non-ionic surfactants that improve the spread and adhesion of hydrophilic (water-loving) herbicides on weed surfaces. This ensures that spray
droplets stick to weeds and spread evenly, enhancing herbicide uptake and coverage.
3. Ammonium Sulphate: The third essential component is ammonium sulphate, which conditions hard water by tackling minerals like calcium and magnesium. This ensures that herbicides remain potent and effective, even in challenging water conditions.
OUTRIGHT 770 Spray Adjuvant eliminates the need for multiple products, combining everything farmers need into one easy-to-use pack. By boosting herbicide performance, it provides consistent and reliable weed control, making summer knockdowns more efficient.
“We understand the challenges that farmers face, and we’re committed to providing solutions that make their work easier and more effective,” said Bill Dowdle, CEO of VICCHEM. “With OUTRIGHT 770, we’ve created a product that delivers powerful results while simplifying the herbicide application process.”
OUTRIGHT 770 Spray Adjuvant is now available at your local Pursehouse Rural store. For more information, visit OUTRIGHT770.COM.AU.
PURSEHOUSE RURAL SERVE MORE THAN JUST PRODUCTS AT AGQUIP 2024
For 51 years, AgQuip has been a fan-favourite amongst growers in Northern New South Wales. The three day event is host to a wide range of rural traders showcasing the latest in agricultural products and services. Pursehouse Rural are proud to be longstanding exhibitors at the event. Over the years, the Pursehouse Rural site has grown in size and popularity. Today we are thrilled to have a welcoming set up including a supplier pavilion, dining area, bar and outside eating space for all Pursehouse Rural customers to enjoy.
Despite a rather wet week in the lead up to AgQuip 2024, which proved just a little tricky for the
Pursehouse Rural team who were on site to set up, the week of August 20th, 21st and 22nd provided a run of gloriously sunny days for visitors to enjoy a jampacked day at AgQuip.
Pursehouse Rural employees from across our New South Wales branches were on hand to greet their customers in the Pursehouse Rural tent. As always, Pursehouse Rural focused on providing a place for customers to stop, rest their feet and grab a tasty steak sandwich and some light refreshments. We had a lovely time catching up with our customers and enjoyed hearing their updates on what is happening on the farm and what they had found at AgQuip that year.
We were pleased to be joined by some of our leading agricultural suppliers who also put in the time to make the Pursehouse Rural tent welcoming and informative, offering their latest news on products available to all Pursehouse Rural customers. A big thank you to the representatives from Pacific Seeds, Virbac Animal Health, Nufarm, AGF Seeds, Syngenta, Mort & Co. Fertilisers and Wayback Feeds who attended alongside Pursehouse Rural.
There is a lot of hard work that goes in to pulling together an event like AgQuip and the many hours of work that goes on behind the scenes to set up marquees, tables, to wash dishes at the end of a long
day and to pack coolrooms to make sure everyone is fed and hydrated. A very special thank you goes to Chris Avard, branch manager at Pursehouse Rural Gunnedah, and the entire Pursehouse Rural Gunnedah team who go above and beyond every year to make sure the event runs smoothly for all of our customers. A big thank you to Steve Byrnes who was on site almost every day in the week leading up to AgQuip and to the Pursehouse Rural Agronomy team who take time out of their busy days to help with set up and pack down.
It is truly a team effort to ensure that AgQuip is a successful event each and every year. Thanks to all Pursehouse Rural customers who stopped by to say hello.
Above from left: Jed McEvoy, Craig Young, Lauryn Riordan (Nufarm), Tim Evans
Above from left: Peter Neal, Bruce Nixon and Clara
Above: Andrew Pursehouse (left) and Emily Pursehouse (right)
Below from left: Rhiannan Adamson, Dannica Brown, Jenelle Young and Jacqueline Brady
Above from left: Craig Altmann (AGF Seeds), Will Bazley (AGF Seeds), John Redden, Rowan Cox
Below from left: Tony McCumstie (Pacific Seeds), Alex Norman, Al Norman and Chris Avard
Above: Clint Holcombe (left) and Mitch Maguire (right)
Above from left: Jono Peatfield, John Peatfield and Malcolm Pursehouse
ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS WITH PURSEHOUSE RURAL
Pursehouse Rural add the inaugural Clifton Charity Golf Day to the 2024 calendar of events alongside the much-loved Quirindi Charity Golf Day in a show of community spirit
Quirindi NSW
The Annual Quirindi Charity Golf Day hosted by Pursehouse Rural Quirindi and Agracom was held on Friday 13th September. It was an early start to the day with Pursehouse Rural and Agracom putting on a BBQ breakfast for players as they arrived for an early teeoff. We welcomed 98 golfers to the green in support of the local schools across the Liverpool Plains.
Pursehouse Rural and Agracom cooked a delicious BBQ lunch for all the players to keep them well-fed with high spirits throughout the day! We had great support from numerous suppliers that donated funds to support the day and such a great local cause. The Annual Golf Charity Day has now raised over $200,000 in funds since the very first golf day in 2006, and we
endeavour to raise much more in the years to come.
We would also like to congratulate the golf day winners for 2024!
Thank you to:
• Agracom
• All golf participants
• The team at Pursehouse Rural Quirindi and Agracom that cooked the BBQ and went above and beyond to make this day successful
• Quirindi Golf Club for letting us host the event
• Also, all our generous suppliers that were able to support the day
Below from left: Mark Roseby, Jack Wilmott and Mike Prowse
Clifton QLD
In an outstanding display of community spirit, the inaugural Pursehouse Rural Charity Golf Day, hosted at the Clifton Golf Course, surpassed all expectations, raising over $10,000 for the Clifton Community Hospital.
On Thursday 18th July, around 70 golfers took to the Clifton Golf Course to help raise much needed funds for the Clifton Community Hospital, whilst enjoying a fun day out at the inaugural Pursehouse Rural Clifton Charity Golf Day.
Despite it being rather chilly that day, there were smiles across the course, as the two-person ambrose competition got underway. Sponsors joined with farmers and golfers from across the district to enjoy a round of golf at the Clifton course. Golfers were treated to a lovely round of golf at the Clifton course and were warmed at lunch by a 200-day grain-fed angus steak sandwich provided by Mort & Co, one of the major sponsors on the day.
The day featured various competitive categories including, the Mobile closest to pin men and women’s competition, which was won by Di Leverty and Aaron Gilmore. The Nufarm accuracy drive, men and women’s categories, was won by Steph Gillam and Haydn O’Leary.
The inaugural winners, on a score of 64, were Paul Millard and Ben Carrigan, with runners up Daniel and Darren Hedes hot on their heels with a score of 64.25.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Pursehouse Rural Clifton branch Manager Chris Kunde said, ‘We are pleased to have hosted such a well-received golf day
and we are overwhelmed by the support from the local farming community. Thank you to the Clifton Golf Club for having us and a particular thank you to Rob Imhoff and Colin Hoey who took time out of their day to help get the event going."
With plans already underway for next year's Charity Golf Day, Pursehouse Rural, the Clifton Golf Club and participants alike are looking forward to upholding the success of the first farmers charity golf day and to continue to raise funds for local charities.
Above right: Craig Foreman (L, Mort & Co.) and Haydn O'Leary (R)
Above left: Clifton Golf Day Winners Paul Millard (L) and Ben Carrigan (R, Mort & Co.)
Left: Will Bazley (L, AGF Seeds) and Tom Bazley (R)
Above: Rob Imhoff (L) and Keith Weier
Below: Scott Thompson (L) and Shannon Gardner, NIOA Pastoral
BRANCh PROFILE:
ThE gROUP gROWS BY SIx
The Pursehouse Rural Group grew by six locations in July 2024, strengthening their position to service customers in the Northern New South Wales and Queensland border regions.
Article and photography by Jessica
Rea
Pursehouse Rural are proud to welcome six additional retail store locations to the Pursehouse Rural Group. The new Pursehouse Rural branches are located in key agricultural areas for growth in the agricultural sector. These locations include, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Texas, Deepwater, Inglewood and Mingoola. Customers at these locations can count on the continued exceptional customer service and support as Pursehouse Rural strive to provide all your agricultural requirements including, agricultural chemical, seed, fertiliser, rural merchandise, hardware and more.
Pursehouse Rural have been operating retail branches
in agricultural distribution for over 60 years and remain one of the largest independently owned agribusinesses in Australia. From humble beginnings as a hardware store established in Werris Creek, New South Wales, Pursehouse Rural have expanded to 25 locations across Northern New South Wales and Queensland, operating under the Pursehouse Rural brand.
Today, the Pursehouse Rural group welcome six new branches in Pursehouse Rural Stanthorpe, Pursehouse Rural Tenterfield, Pursehouse Rural Texas, Pursehouse Rural Deepwater, Pursehouse Rural Inglewood and Pursehouse Rural Mingoola.
Pursehouse Rural Stanthorpe
Pursehouse Rural Inglewood
Pursehouse Rural Texas
Employees at the six newest branch locations of the Pursehouse Rural Group have been welcomed to the network of Pursehouse Rural employees, with assistance available to them from all corners of the company. They continue to grow in their roles within the group and offer the best products and services to new and existing customers in their communities.
The new Pursehouse Rural branches become part of a branch network extending across Northern New South Wales and Queensland. Pursehouse Rural branches support customers in several ways, through exceptional customer service in branch, to support in the paddock in the form of agronomy services.
Pursehouse Rural is also part of the buying group, AgLink Australia, alongside 15 independent
agribusinesses. AgLink Australia and the businesses who make up the group, strive to connect and strengthen independent businesses who support farmers across Australia, establishing a leading agribusiness retail network. All agribusinesses within the AgLink group adhere to the values of collaboration, efficiency, trust and innovation.
Pursehouse Rural are committed to maintaining the high standards of customer service established by the Wilshire & Co. Company across Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Texas, Deepwater, Inglewood and Mingoola. Pursehouse Rural strive to maintain their company values of respect, reliability, resilience, and responsibility across everyday operations at all branches.
Pursehouse Rural Deepwater
Pursehouse Rural Tenterfield
Pursehouse Rural Tenterfield Employees
From left, Brady Pateman (Merchandise Sales / Seed), Dave King (Merchandise Sales / Fertiliser Manager), Rex Richards (Branch Manager) and Rayfe van Zyl (Merchandise Sales)
Rena Reid (left) and John Spriggs (right), Merchandise Sales Pursehouse Rural Texas
Pursehouse Rural Texas
Your local Pursehouse Rural branch is committed to assisting your farming endeavours in any way possible, from the supply of agricultural chemical, seed and fertiliser, rural merchandise, feed and produce to agricultural services including agronomic advice. Your local Pursehouse Rural branch is primed to assist in your future farming success.
Pursehouse Rural are also committed to helping the communities in which our branches are located. We make every effort to support local community groups in which our customers are also invested. These can include, junior sporting clubs and schools, show societies and community events. If you would like to
submit your sponsorship proposal for consideration please go to www.pursehouserural.com.au/aboutus/request-sponsorship/ or speak to your local Pursehouse Rural branch manager.
The Pursehouse Rural Group are excited to engage with the communities and customers at our new branch locations in Northern New South Wales and Queensland and are proud to be expanding the reach of the Pursehouse Rural branch network. We look forward to growing together for success in Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Texas, Deepwater, Inglewood and Mingoola.
John Spriggs, Merchandise Sales Pursehouse Rural Texas
Below: Pursehouse Rural Stanthorpe employees, from left, Joel Ricca, Sam Marino (Sales Manager), Peter O'Brien (Merchandise Sales), Jordan Cassidy (Merchandise Sales), Brittany Reyner (Merchandise Sales), Chris Hills (Merchandise Sales / Husqvarna), Rachel Hendry (Senior Administration), Rodger Kay (Branch Manager) and Kim Bonner (Merchandise Sales)
Peter O'Brien Merchandise Sales
Stanthorpe (left) and Kim Bonner Merchandise Sales Stanthorpe (right)
Allora
Lot 1 Forest Plains Road 07 4666 2800
Cecil Plains
4 Warfield Avenue 07 4567 7900
Clifton
58 King Street 07 4612 4800
NSW
Boggabri
7 Caloola Road 02 6743 4303
Coolah
4 Martin Street 02 6378 5800
Coonabarabran
24 Gardener Street 02 6849 2330
6 Pepper Street 07 4940 6200
34 Homebush Road 07 4859 3700
54 Mullaley Road 02 6748 4500
33 High Street 07 4653 1400 Inglewood
86 Albert Street 07 4652 1499
Melrose (Brookstead) 136 Melrose Road 07 4693 0188
Cnr Mallard & Box Streets 07 4693 6800 Stanthorpe 93a Folkestone Street 07 4681 2055
Warwick 137 McEvoy Street 07 4667 8800
Muswellbrook
131-133 Sydney Street 02 6542 8900
Narrabri 2 Caroline Way 02 6792 9500
Quirindi
5603 Bruxner Highway 02 6737 5312 Tenterfield 135 High Street 02 6736 1406 Deepwater 56 Tenterfield Street 02 6734 5081
1977 New England Highway 02 5776 6000 Mullaley Oxley Highway 02 6743 7810
Cnr Lennox and Loder Streets 02 6741 2500
Tamworth 48 Dampier Street 02 6764 1100