‘Location, location, location’ may be a cliché in real estate but like many clichés, it exists for good reason. Certainly, location is key when discussing why the BSC Wagga Wagga branch has become a destination point for farmers in the Riverina region.
“We’re in a great position on the cusp of prime agricultural country,” explains Mitch Chaffer, Business Development Manager – NSW Agriculture at the branch. “Wagga Wagga is renowned for its broadacre farming and is also a strategic freight stop, conveniently located halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, and similarly between Brisbane and Adelaide.”
It stands to reason that the BSC Wagga Wagga branch has become a veritable one-stop shop for agricultural parts in the region and a large reach for supply.
“We carry a unique range of products and have huge amounts of stock for harvest season, such as Header Belts, Front Parts, Header Parts and Baler Parts,” expands Mitch. “People know us and recognise us for this range. As there are also many agricultural towns in the surrounding area of Wagga Wagga, customers will sometimes drive up to 4 hours to get parts from us knowing we will have them.”
Russell Randal, who is the National Segment Manager for Agriculture with BSC, is also situated at the Wagga Wagga branch.
“I actually started out working for our company in the Wagga Wagga branch back in 1997 – this is the area I hail from,” he says. “After working in both Adelaide and Melbourne, I’ve come back to working here in Wagga Wagga, which is where my family is. It also makes sense commercially, as we have become quite the specialised hub for agricultural part supply.”
Among the specialised services and parts supply that BSC stocks a range of WCCO draper and canola belts.
“We are known for carrying Draper Belts and Canola Belts across the local region and interstate because we can supply either in bulk roll or cut to size, dependant on the make, model and front width,” explains Russell. WCCO is regarded as market leader in Draper Belts, Canola Pick Up Belts and are a choice brand for many OEM companies. We specialise and stock a great range to suit most Case, Macdon, New Holland and John Deere fronts.
“The added service of cut to size Draper Belts and a pre-assembled Canola Belts has only enhanced our reputation as a go to supplier of WCCO belting.”
“When we started supplying Canola Belts, we stocked components individually and the Farmer needed to assemble, but now we stock them fully assembled, which has reduced repair downtime for Farmers.
“La Nina came in last year after three or four years of drought. As a result, portions of Australia – including the Riverina region – have had record crops since 2016. While this year even more crops have been planted, and we’re shaping up for another good season, there are always different challenges thrown at farmers,” Russell points out. “Weather conditions including hail damage, frost damage and drought can play their part. Farmers rarely get a break and this year in some parts of Australia; they are dealing with a mouse plague. Farmers are so resilient and get on with it because demand never stops.”
Regardless of the ongoing issues that the sectors face, Russell notes that shutting down is not an option for most farmers.
“People around Australia need to eat and drink, so there isn’t a luxury of a shutdown. There are always risks and contingencies,” he stresses. “However, there are some good incentives coming from the Government right now, and with extra money from last year, many farmers have been able to upgrade their equipment.”
This has also translated to a boom in agricultural manufacturing.
“Local manufacturers are being well supported by farmers which has seen many with plenty of orders scheduled – even having to turn away business in some cases,” he says.
Regardless of the highs and lows that each season may bring, Russell points out that BSC will be there to support the industry where it can.
“Our customers know that they can rely on us and that we’ll go out of our way to help them.”
