A new hay export plant is being constructed at Warracknabeal by farmers and businessmen Scott Somers and Paul Johns, who, after six years of planning, are finally seeing the results of their efforts with the footings for the air-conditioned production shed now under way.
Scott and John will continue to farm; however, their new enterprise will benefit them and other local hay farmers by providing a direct line for growers to export their hay, through a business built on family values and run to be farmer-friendly.
Quality Australian (QA) Hay will become a new avenue to export hay from the local region into the international market and should be operation in March 2025, running 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, and employing 60 people including full time, as well as casual positions.
Positioned on the Henty Highway at Warracknabeal, QA Hay’s processing plant will be built from the ground up on a 12 hectare site, sporting a 10,600m2 production shed, and three 7,200m2 storage sheds that will house up to 35,000 tons of hay.
The plant is designed and manufactured in Australia and includes the latest technology in electrical, hydraulic, safety and hay quality control processing. With improved plant design and latest technology systems integration, QA Hay will achieve a sprint production rate of up to 28 tons per hour, to keep up with high supply and demand.
The concrete yard is designed for road train access. With a loading yard and hard stand driveway it will have its own undercover shipping container handling facility. Twin weigh bridges assist with traffic flow and the latest fire detection technology will assist in keep the site safe.
QA Hay will be buying hay in the 2024 season and is planning to be running at full speed early 2025. Local growers are encouraged to get in contact providing all types of hay (though oaten is preferred) in any size of bale. The office can be reached by phoning 0455 957 530 to discuss options further.
Anyone looking for work at this state of the art facility should apply with a cover letter and resumé to Rebecca Winsall at rebeccawinsall@qahay.com.au, all enquiries may be directed to the office number listed above.
Whether you are a grower, an employee or a client… QA Hay has committed to setting better standards to provide Quality Australian Hay.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 12 April 2024.
