Farmer to farmer

Hay Australia, located in Loddon Shire, aspires to partner with leading dairy and beef farmers and equine businesses throughout the world as a reliable producer of quality fodder for the export market. Since their inception, Hay’s been focused on delivering value to its growers. They’re working with the best-of-the-best in the industry in order to grow internationally and invest back into the local growers market.

With their “Farmer to Farmer” philosophy, Hay Australia’s committed to an end-to-end process that ensures the highest quality product is sent around the world. Bridgewater was identified as a prime location for expansion – the perfect place to build a state-of-the-art production facility set in the middle of a major growing area with the strong local freight and logistics infrastructure needed for export.

Through its extensive network of customers, suppliers and production staff, Hay Australia is now uniquely positioned to handle large volumes of high-value product and maximise returns to both its growers and customers.

The combination of a consistent agriculture industry and the proximity to the Port of Melbourne was key to Hay Australia choosing Loddon Mallee for business. As a global business supplying to Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and the Middle East, the company is guided by international best-practices, always looking for ways new tech can be implemented for efficiency.

“The Bridgewater production facility features an upstream decontamination unit, and a teaser and baler to ensure active decontamination of foreign objects from the raw materials. It has an annual capacity above 60,000t,” says Geoff Walker.

“We’re also in the process of innovating our production line with a new plant and new equipment to reduce production costs; and investing in solar energy to reduce our carbon footprint. The new plant will be modern, more efficient, and will enable the business to share the profit with our stakeholders.”

Geoff’s advice for businesses looking to relocate: “Make sure you’ve secured logistical support and you can source a stable workforce. Make sure you’ve planned well – crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s.”