General News
28 February, 2024
Growers met with new opportunities
Quality Australia Hay (QA Hay) hosted a growers day last Wednesday at the site of their new hay exporting facility on Henty Highway, Warracknabeal.
Quality Australia Hay (QA Hay) hosted a growers day last Wednesday at the site of their new hay exporting facility on Henty Highway, Warracknabeal.
The event ran from 12-3pm with a free barbeque lunch cooked and served by the Warracknabeal Lions Club.
QA Hay general manager Micha Mueller said it was a general interest day for growers and those intending to sell to them.
"It's for anyone seeking employment, and an opportunity to meet growers," Mr Mueller said.
Interested and potential clients were able to have a meet-and-greet with the team, as well as get information on the new hay plant.
Mr Mueller said the new hay plant would create a new avenue for farmers to sell their hay to the export industry.
The business sent out open invitations to farmers with the expectation of only having 100 people showing up.
"From the feedback we got, we're looking at 250 to 300 people showing up," Mr Mueller said.
"At 12:01 we already had 100 come through."
The business has had many people calling them for more information and show their general interest.
"The idea is to support local, and it's also an opportunity to give the town a bit of growth," Mr Mueller said.
QA Hay is owned by two Warracknabeal farmers, Scott Somers and Paul Johns, who believe this new plant will be very successful, depending on support from growers.
"Their support is needed to make it successful," Mr Johns said.
"It will be quite successful, judging by today."
Mr Somers said the plant will also support them as growers themselves.
Transport workers and contractors were among farmers from around the region who attended the growers day to show their support, with most expressing their interest in what the plant has to offer.
Many have high hopes that the company will be a success, as it is locally run and the Warracknabeal district will benefit from it.
Hopetoun hay farmer Ross Cook said, "It's locals promoting the local industry,".
Brad Muller from Muller Farms said it's good to have a locally-run facility.
Wayne George from Hannaford Warracknabeal said it would be great for the area, and the town's community.
Gary Hamdorf from UPL said "It will be fantasic for the district."
Bill Somers attended the event to show support for his son.
"They'll make it work," Mr Somers said.