Motion Australia is back on the ground for this season’s return to agricultural field days. After a few years without outdoor trade events, the broadacre farming industry has been eager to gather in person once more, re-engaging with the wider community to showcase an exciting range of new products.
“It’s just been fantastic to see the level of enthusiasm after such a long time,” says Grant Gray, National Manager for Sales at Motion Australia. “We were at a field day in Wagga Wagga just last week, where they had to close the gates at ten o’clock because there was a 20-kilometre queue of cars to get in.”
According to Grant, there is a lot of value in being able to learn about and share agricultural equipment hands-on – an opportunity that field days are bringing to rural and regional areas across the country.
“Harvesting is very much a tactile business,” he says. “It’s hard to describe or get a proper sense for how well a piece of equipment works via the internet or over the phone. One of the things we lost over the last couple of years due to Covid is the value of innovation in action, translated through dynamic display.”
For the team at Motion Australia, it is an opportunity to re-connect and acknowledge how their customers have navigated the recent challenges of a rapidly evolving market.
“It’s basically a good opportunity to pause, and say you’re still here, we’re still here, and the relevance of the work that we are doing remains extremely important,” Grant reflects. “We’ve done field days in pretty much every state over the last few months, and each has broken the previous one’s record, which just goes to show how this aspect of community connection is resonating with people.”
As the industry heads into what is expected to be another bumper harvest, there is an ongoing concern around the continuity and supply of parts. This is especially relevant, Grant explains, for the Australian landscape, as the country maintains a year-round yield for different crop varieties.
“When you think past the scope of wheat – into fruit orchards, olives, nuts et cetera – our agricultural industry is twenty-four seven, 365 days of the year,” he points out. “We are extremely well equipped to help customers, particularly in more remote areas, combat the extended lead times for stock right now. The best way for us to do that is have conversations with farmers about their expectations for the upcoming season, and we can both get an understanding of where the opportunities lie.”
Shifting demands, such as the cost of inputs like diesel and fertiliser, mean that business needs to remain agile, and collaboration with key suppliers proves a core pillar of reliability. Buzzwords and phrases like downtime and long-life carry more weight, Grant suggests, as the risks associated with forward-investments have become more prominent.
“Farmers, by nature, are very innovative people,” he says. “They are constantly engaged with ideas about how we can make each process more efficient, and that’s part of why this industry is bouncing back with such strength. What the field days provide is a chance for Motion Australia to demonstrate our far-reaching footprint, giving new and existing customers a true sense of our catalogue, which is leading the way for agriculture nationally.”
Generally, Motion Australia’s marquee hosts a range of machinery and implements including headers, balers, hydraulics, and consumables. Where previously the team was in attendance under the BSC banner, this is the first year that the company has toured as ‘One Motion’, showcasing their diverse offering across leading brands Walterscheid, CRAM, Hardy Spicer, and AIP.
“We make sure that attendees get the best value from the field days, by taking our representatives who are familiar with each region alongside product experts,” explains Grant. “It creates a unique combination of knowledge, experience, and passion around the different areas of farming. Most of our people are extremely hands-on and excited to be back in this sense, boots in the mud and talking enthusiastically about how we can do things a better way.”
During 2022, Motion Australia has seen more growth in agriculture than any other sector, largely thanks to the collaboration between the group’s increasingly connected brands that each offer industry-leading service in their respective segments.
“We’ve listened to our customers, and what we’re bringing to the table is a well-thought out portfolio that directly answers the day-to-day challenges of harvest season,” concludes Grant. “All our brands are under one roof, and we’re ready to facilitate another successful year for the Australian industry.”
