A relationship that was developed more than twenty years ago was further enriched recently when O’Connors Farm Machinery provided two brand new tractors to BCG, a farmer-driven not-for-profit research and extension organisation based in Birchip.
The Case IH Farmall 95C and 105U tractors feature two centimetre RTK auto steer and special wheel widths to reduce compaction and improve seed placement, which is imperative in research trials.
Through the partnership arrangement forged almost 25 years ago, BCG’s machinery is regularly rolled over ensuring research work is carried out with up-to-date and industry-standard equipment.
O’Connor’s Area Sales Manager Tom Sheridan said they are delighted to have been associated with BCG since its inception, supplying them with the latest machinery to assist them in their trials work.
“The work they do to help local farmers adopt new technologies and improve their profitability and sustainability is something we are very passionate about here at O’Connor’s as our local communities need a strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”
BCG CEO Chris Sounness said that BCG was appreciative of the ongoing support and backing provided by O’Connor’s because it allows BCG to maintain its reputation as a leading research and development organisation in Australia.
“The relationship between O’Connor’s and BCG was formed in the early 90’s and continues to evolve to see BCG provided with a regular turnover of new equipment, ensuring trial work mirrors industry standard and is relevant to farmers,” he said.
“The staff are excited about the new tractors and are eager to generate some useful data that will keep farmers in the Wimmera and Mallee at agriculture’s cutting edge.”
BCG will sow, manage and harvest more than 12,000 plots across the Wimmera and Mallee in 2017, and the main research site is located at Curyo which will be open to the public at the annual field day on September 13.
For more information on the BCG research program visit www.bcg.org.au or phone 03 5492 2787.
