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1WORKINGMENandtheirMACHINESAhistoryoftheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationofWA1978-2013-KENWILSON- 2ThisSunshineAutoheaderwastheworldsfirstself-propelledheader.ItwasdesignedinAustraliabyHeadlieSTaylorandbuiltbyHVMcKayofSunshineVictoriain1924.Amachinesimilartothisonesetaworldharvestingrecordin1938of3300bushelsfrom76acresinoneday.2014CreditsCompiledanddesignedbyHarvestMarketingandPublishingPtyLtd.TheFMDAandFMIAacknowledgetheassistanceofFarmWeeklynewspaperinprovidingsomearchivalitemswhichappearinthispublication. 3FMDAInthebeginningIn1968NewHollandchiefJackScottheldthefirstnationalmachinerydealermeetingtodiscusswheretheindustrywasheading.AtthatmeetingSandymetTrayningChamberlainandNewHollanddealerJohnLynnandbecamefirmfriends.TheyalsoattendedaNewHolland-sponsoredmotivationseminarinPerthtwoyearslaterandweretheonlyNewHollanddealerprincipalstoattend.Followingtheseminarwhichleftthembrimmingwithpositivityandideastheycontinuedtotalkaboutthefutureoftheagindustryovertheyearsparticularlyasitrelatedtomachinerydealers.Inevitablythesubjectofadealerbodywasdiscussedandwhilethepairsawdifficultiesattractingdealerswithdifferentfranchisesincludingjealousiestheypersevered.TheminutesofameetingatParliamentHouseonMay311977at2pmareenlighteningPresentDonHoskenAlanParsonsColinManlyIanBoltoTomJamesPeterStainesMaxCarsonJohnLynn.AlsopresentwereHonCMastersMLCRFWilliamsMLAandAALewisMLC.SandyLewisopenedthemeetingandsaidhefeltthatthemeetingshouldconsidertheformationofaFarmMachineryDealersAssociation.ItwasmovedJLynnsecondedIBoltothatanassociationbeformed.Itwasagreedmembershipshouldbeopentoanydealeroffranchisedfarmmachinery.TheminutesalsonoteAimsandobjectivesaretobeworkedoutasweproceedbutinthemainrangearoundthethemeofbetteringtheareasweliveinandtheareasweworkin.ItwassuggestedthenextmeetingbeatElCaballoBlancoWooroolooonWednesdayJune22startingat10.30am. 4Italsowasmentionedthatsubsof50perfirmshouldbesuggested.IntypicalSandystyleheinvitedthethenLeaderoftheSenateRegWithersDeputyPremierDesONeillandMLATonyWilliamstoptheinauguralmeeting.Allmachinerydealerswereinvitedandatotalof56attendeddescribedinthethenEldersWeeklyas56oftheStatesmajordealers.MINUTESOFTHEINAUGURALMEETINGOFTHEFARMMACHINERYDEALERSASSOCIATIONOFWAAfterashortopeningspeechbyMrRGWilliamsMLAMemberforClontarfitwasmovedbyEHotkerandsecondedbyGMeyersthattheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationofWAbeformed.ELECTIONOFOFFICERSPresidentJLynnNominatedAALewis.SecondedIBolto.ELECTED.VicePresidentsDHoskenMovedMTaswell.SecondedSMoppettIBoltoMovedCManley.SecondedTJames.ELECTED.SecretaryTreasurerAALewisMovedTJames.SecondedJCoote.ELECTED.Discussionthenensuedontheareasfromwhichthecommitteeshouldcome.ThefollowingzonesweresetoutSouthernBelowalinethroughWaroonaPingellyKulinKondininHydentoEsperance.CentralAbovethelinementionedforSouthernandbelowalinethroughNorthamWyalkatchemKoordaBeacontoKalgoorlie.NorthernTherestoftheState.ItwasthenmovedbyMrHotkerandsecondedbyMrBMannthatonecommitteemanbeelectedbeforelunchforeachzoneandoneafterlunch.CARRIED.ThesubsequentcommitteecomprisedSouthernAParsonsTRatten.CentralMCarsonGHumphries.NorthernJJollyGBunney.DiscussionwasthenhadonhowoftenelectionsshouldbeheldanditwasmovedCJollysecondedGMeyersThatthepresidenttwoVicePresidentsandSecretary-Treasurerbeelectedannually.ThatCommitteememberselectedinthemorningieParsonsCarsonandJohnJollyareelectedfortwoyears.ThatCommitteememberselectedintheafternoonieTRattenGHumphriesandGBunningareelectedforoneyear.Theirfutureelectionwouldbeforatwoyearterm.CARRIED. 5TheCommitteeagreedtosendoutaquestionnaireonaimsandobjectives.JThatcherEldersWeeklyofferedPublicRelations.DiscussionwasheldonIAChearingofSPheaders.Secretarytomakeinquiries.Thevalueofinvestmentallowanceandwoulditbeusefulforsecond-handmachines.PriceguideCommitteetostudymatter.AdvertisingandlargecontractsCommitteetostudy.CostoffuelincountryCommitteetostudy.Housingincountryareastaxconcessionsoncapitaloutlay.CommitteetomeetwithMinistertoensuremoremoneyforemployerguaranteedhousing.DealerTradePlates.Transportofmachinesbyvariousmethods.Partssupplies.Margins.MovesMrJamesandsecondedMrHootkerthatweapproachaPRfirmonacontractbasis.ThiswasmadearecommendationtotheCommitteeandthenpassed.ItwasalsopassedthattheCommitteegetalogooremblem.Meetingclosed4.45pm.Themaintopicatthemeetingwastheneedforaunifiedbodytostopmanufacturersridingroughshodoverdealers.AsSandyrecallsThemanufacturersrepshadlessknowledgeabouttheirproductsthanthedealersandbasicallytheunspokendirectionbymanufacturerstodealerswasdowhatyouretoldbyus.ThatattitudedidntgodownwellwiththehighlysuccessfulbusinessmenwhoagreedtoformtheFMDA.BecauseSandywasstilladealerhereceivedhelpwiththesecretarialdutiesfromJohnLynnsdaughterLeonieChidlowforthefirst12months.ThroughtheeffortsofSandytheFMDAwasresponsibleforaconferencein1979whichwasheldattheClaremontShowgroundsandattractedmanyfarmmachinerydealersfromtheEasternStates. 6JohnLynn-LargerthanlifeTheinauguralpresidentoftheFMDAJohnLynnwasanimposingpresenceinagriculturerightfromhisearlydays.TradingasJandAJohnandAudreyhiswifeLynninatinshedatYelbenihequicklyestablishedareputationasagregariouscharacter.HelovedlifeandquicklybuiltsolidfriendshipsinthecommunityashefocusedonabusinessthatwouldseehimbecomethelargestChamberlaindealerinWA.Oneyearheordered21Super70and9GChamberlaintractorswhichallarrivedinonetrain-loadattheYelbenisidingandtothisdaystandsasarecordsingleshipmentoftractorstoonedealer.SuchwashisbusinessacumenandsalesskillshemovedtoTrayningtradingastheLynnServiceGroupandsetupbranchesatMukinbudinandBencubbinwithaworkshopatandNungarin.HewasatopsportsmanandrepresentedWAinhockeywhileplayingcricketgolftennisandfootballatYelbeniandTrayning.Hislaughedloudandheloveddancingwithhisimposingframe6ft2inandabout17stonehardtomiss.HealsohadabigheartandinthosedaysthelocalTrayningJosephitenunswouldregularlyvisithimandalwaysleavewithacheque.HisthenwifeAudreywhohasremarriedasAudreyBancroftrecalledhisgenerositytothenunsandtheirdeepappreciationforhishelp.HisgenerosityextendedtoallsportingclubsandhecouldalwaysbecountedonasasponsorAudreysaid.InearlierlifeJohngraduatednotthatheactuallygraduatedfromtheUniversityofWAandworkedwithWesfarmersbeforemovingtoYelbeniwithhiswifeAudreyafterherfatherprovidestart-upcapitaltorunthelocalstore. 7Audreyrecallsherhusbandasaworkaholicwithagreatpassionfortheagriculturalindustry.Thesocialenvironmentatthetimewasthatwomenmarriedandhadkidsfortheircareershesaid.Hewasjustagoodall-roundguyandewouldalwayswanttohelpout.JohnsdaughterMicheleBentinkalsorecalledherfatherasagiantofaman.InevereverdoubtedthatmyDadlovedmeandwastotallydevotedtohisfamilyshesaid.ButtheonlytimewehadholidayswithDadwaswhenwewentsomewheretherewasntaphone.Itwouldbeabitdifferenttotodayweprobablywouldneverhaveseenhim.Hewasalwaysavailablewhenneededandmanytimeswhenhehadcomehometorestwhenhehadamigrainehedgetuptothephoneorrespondtoclients.ItwasmanyyearslaterthatIrealisedjusthowseveremigrainescanbeandIfeelbadthatIusedtowakehimupwhenclientscalled.Dadtaughtmeaboutbook-keepingandKalamazootripleentry.Hesaiditwasoneofthebest.Hetaughtmehowtoanswerthephoneinaprofessionalmannerfromhomeandhowimportantitwastothebusiness.DadeventriedtohelpmewithmathsoncebutgotfrustratedwhenIdidntquiteunderstandthepointshewasmakingespeciallyashewentofftohospitalwithanotherheartattack.Weagreednottodothatagainandevenjokedaboutit.Wecanlookbackinhindsightandwithallsortsofcommentsbutthatsjustthewayitwasthen.DadsmottowithclientswhohadsometroublewithpaymentswasJustringmeandtalktomeaboutit.Hetoldmecustomerservicewasapriorityandhedratherlookafterandkeephiscustomersthandriveacripplingsale.Dadwasadventurouswithhisbusinessventuresandarealvisionary.IusedtotalktohimabouttakingoverthebusinessbutIdontthinkheeverthoughtseriouslyaboutit. 8TheenduringAASandyLewisItwouldbeaccuratetodescribeAlexanderAshleySandyLewisasasecretaryforallseasons.AfiercelyproudLiberalPartymemberandformerMemberoftheLegislativeAssemblySandyepitomisestheoft-quotedsayingWhenthegoinggetstoughthetoughgetgoing.Yesmanypeoplefoundhimabrasive.Yetthosewhometwithhimwereleftinnodoubtthatthisabrasivenesswasbornofapassionforgettingthingsright.Itwasamajorreasonforhisentryintopolitics.AndfewcouldholdapositionwhenconfrontedbyaneruditeandforcefulSandy.Armedtotheteethwithfactsheconciselysetpathwaysofactionbecausehewasamanofaction.BorninAdelaidein1921butwithfarmingrootshewasschooledatStPetersCollegeStMarksUniversityandDookieCollege.Intheearly1950sitseemedlogicaltoworkonhisunclesfarmatTullanookfor15monthsbeforeastintasanoverseerfor18monthshandlingsheepandfatlambsatGregoryStationinHayinthewesternRiverinaregionofsouthwesternNewSouthWales.Clearlywithagricultureinhisbloodhismindturnedtomachineryandthoughtsofsellingtractors.WithanuncleinKojonupWesternAustraliahemadethetripacrosstheNullarborduring1951and1952andinitiallywentbacktooverseeingonaKojonupfarmbeforeworkingforacontractornamedRayHaggertyincropandcloverharvestingandhaybaling.Afterseveralyearshehadsavedenoughmoneytobuya3800acrepropertybetweenKojonupandCranbrookandreturnedtosheepfarming.ButaftermarryinghisfirstwifePatriciaAnnhemovedontoBoyupBrookandestablishedPandSAgenciesin1958initiallysellingdipsanddrenches.HethentookovertheadjacentgarageattachedtotheagencybuildingwhichexpandedPandSAgenciesandcaughttheeyeofarovingNewHollandchiefJackScott--consideredthedoyenofAustralianfarmmachinery--whowaslookingfordealers. 9SandyexplainsJackaskedmeifIwantedaNewHollandfranchise.IsaidtohimIknewnothingabouttractorsthoughIwasinterestedinthem.HethenaskedmeifIcouldsellandItoldhimIwasntthatgood.ButhesaidhetrustedmeandwouldgivemeallthehelpIneeded.IgotsuperbhelpandIrememberoneyearIreceivedanawardasthetopWAdealership.ApartfromtractorswesoldalotofNewHollandhaygearincludinga57modelrakethatcamewithalife-timeguaranteeandneedlesstosaytheywereatopseller.SandyalsobecameanagpartsdealerforFiatandCLAASbutheturnedbackofferstosellInternationalHarvesterandChamberlainequipment.ApartfromhispassiontoformauniteddealerbodySandyalsowascultivatingapoliticalcareer.In1972hewonLiberalPartyendorsementfortheseatofBlackwoodandsuccessfullystartedapoliticalcareerasaMemberoftheLegislativeAssembly.TwoyearslaterhemovedtotheUpperHouseasaMemberoftheLegislativeCouncilfortheseatofLowerCentral.JugglingamachinerydealershipwithpoliticswasnotaproblemforSandybutgeneratingacashflowasadealerin1975-76was.AtimeforcelebrationasSandyLewisacceptsaplaquerecognisinghisservicetothefarmmechanisationindustryattheFMDAsannualgeneralmeetingin2008.FromleftthethenFMDAsecretaryJohnHenchyWARMpresidentAlanFisherSandysdaughterBronwynSandyandFMDApresidentGeoffPerkins. 10Withabout750000worthoftractorshangingaroundhisproverbialneckSandyplannedanexitstrategyasadealertoconcentrateonpoliticsandhisroleasFMDAsecretary.HiselevationasLiberalPartysecretaryalsoprovidedFMDAexecutivemembersinthosedaysamoresumptuousmeetingvenueatParliamentHouse.SandyalsowasinstrumentalinforminganationalmachinerybodyandgreatassistedFMDAmemberswithanannualCostofDoingBusinesssurveyforuseinbenchmarkinganalysis.Itwasalmostinstantlyrecognisedbythebanksasanaccurateassessmentofprofitandlossofadealership.ButmomentumwanedamongdealerstocompletetheannualformanditdiedontheproverbialvinemuchtothechagrinofSandywhobelievedittobeavaluabletoolfordealers.SandyretiredassecretaryoftheFMDAin2007endinga30yearassociationinanofficialcapacity. 11UnitedwestandTheformationofanationalbodyLookingafterthewelfareofmachinerydealerswasarguablythemainreasonwhyFMDAmemberswerekeentosetupanationalbodyandin1978itwasdecidedtocanvassupporttoformanationalbody.AtripeastbyFMDAsecretarySandyLewiscanvassedopinionamongotherStateorganisationsandwonsupportfromQueenslandNewSouthWalesandVictoria.TheWAassociationsentoutinvitationstomembersoflikebodiesthroughoutAustraliaandinsomecasessubsidiseddealerstomakethetripwest.ItwasanonerousjobmostlycarriedoutbySandyLewisssecretaryLeonieChidlowwhoscouredthenamesandaddressesof2400dealersorsellersoffarmmachinerythroughoutAustralia.LettersweresenttothemallinvitingthemtoameetingattheClaremontShowgroundsin1979.AtthismeetinganationalexecutivewasformedcomprisingJohnLynnWAFredAinsworthQueenslandRonMcLintockNSWBillLarwoodSAandsecretarySandyLewis.AlthoughnotallStateswererepresenteditwasarrangedtoholdthefirstannualmeetinginVictoriain1980.TheinauguralpresidentwasJohnLynnbutunfortunatelyJohndiedbeforethefirstmeetingandQueenslanderPeterKendallwasappointedwithVictorianassociationpresidentLyntonEvansasvicepresidentandSandyLewisassecretary.PeterwasaMasseyFergusondealerfromCairnsanddidaremarkablejobfortwoyearsinliaisonwithSandydespitethegreatdistancebetweenthetwoStates.AgendaitemsatthatfirstmeetingincludedAffiliationandformingaTasmanianbranch.Formationofahirepurchasecompany.Agriculturecomplaintscommittee.Atractortestingstation.Companyownedstores.ROPSregulations.UseoftheWAlogo.Apprenticeshiptraining. 12Andabudgetwassetforthefollowingyear.ActionontheagendaitemssawnoactiononTasmaniaastheVictorianAutomobileChamberofCommercetookovertheTasmanianassociation.Atestingstationheldinterestforanumberofyearsbutnevermaterialised.Company-ownedstoresdisappeared.TheHirePurchaseideadidnotcontinuebecauseitwasfeltthemanufacturersweregoingtofillthisgap.Althoughittooksomeyearstodoso.Thecomplaintscommitteesexistedforanumberforyearswithoutbeingoverwhelmedwithwork.ThelastcomplaintrecordedinWAwasconfusing.ThemanufacturerwasnotamemberoftheTractorandMachineryAssociationTMAthedealerwasnotamemberoftheFMDAandthefarmerwasnotamemberofafarmorganisation.AccordingtoSandyfewcomplaintswereaddressedbythecomplaintscommitteewhichhebelievedwasareflectionofthedealerandfarmerrelationship.Beforethe1980meetingSandyvisitedQueenslandNSWVictoriaandSAtoformaliseassociationsinthoseStatesasdivisionsoftheAutomobileChamberofCommerce.Followingthe1980meetingtheassociationsgeneralbusinesswasheldbyphonehook-upmainlyinvolvingPeterKendallSandyLewisandRusselTyrieoftheVictorianAutomobileChamberofCommerceVACC.RecallsSandyAtthisstageoftheassociationsshortlifecommunicationwaspooranditseemedonlyVictorianorthernQueenslandSAandWAwereinterestedintheconceptofanationalbody.ThefollowingyearameetingwasheldinOrangeatthenationalfieldsdaysinNSWmarkedbyseveraldramasthefirstbeingthenearestaccommodationswasinBathurst.Itwasdecidedtoholdthemeetingthere.RonMcClintockrepresentedBobDobietheNSWpresidentandthentheNSWsecretaryJohnGoodallbecameill.SotheNSWmeetingwhichwasheldfirstwasrunbySandyandRussellTyriewithonlyoneNSWdealerpresent.AtthenationalmeetingseveralnewissuescametotheforeincludingwarrantiesandfranchisesbutthenationalflavourswungdecidedlytotheStateswhentransportandtowingofoverwidthequipmentwasdiscussed.ItwaseventuallyconsideredaStatematter.ThenationallookwasfurtherdentedattheOrangeFiledDayswhereostensiblyasitewassetuptopromotethenationalbody.ButattentionwasdivertedtoBobDobiestractorondisplaywhichtheexecutivedeemedasunproductiveinpromotingthenationalbody.ThefollowingyearatHazlemereMcLarenValeSAwasnotableasaconferencewherethemajorityoftheassociationsaimswerebroughttogether. 13Nobodycouldputafingeronthereasonbutthetrustexecutivemembershadforoneanotherwasclearlyevident.ThisinturnproducedleadershipfortheindustryandmuchofthecreditshouldgottotheSAsecretaryRonMarkinwhoshowedthattreatingtheinterstatedelegateswithcourtesyandgoodorganisationpaidbigdividends.AtthismeetingPeterKendallretiredandhispositionwastakenbyVictorianassociationpresidentLyntonEvans.Itwasatthismeetingin1982thatFMDAandTMAexecutivesmettoallayanymisconceptionsabouttherespectivebodies.DealersbegantorealisetheyhadabiggerstakeintheindustrythanthemanufacturersandalthoughtherehadbeensomeoppositionfromtheTMAtothenationaldealerbodyitwaspeoplelikeJackScottwhobackedtheorganisation.SowithhardyearsbehindandregularmeetingsoccurringbetweenthenationalFMDAandTMAthetwoassociationsputtorestmanymisconceptions.ItalsowasthestartofgroupmeetingswiththemanufacturersledagainbyJackScott.Therealsowereemergingthoughtsthatperhapsthetwobodiescouldamalgamateasmachinerydealersbelievedtheirpositionasnotproperlybeinglookedafterbythemotortradesorganisations.EffortsweremadetointerestNSWinthebodyandmeetingswereheldwithDonHolstockinSydneywithsomeurgingfromBobDavisonofVACC.Interestinglyonemajortopicdiscussedwasthegovernmentslackofconcernforruralbusiness.The1983meetingwasheldatSurfersParadiseandmeetingswereagainheldwiththeTMAfromwhichaworkingpartywassetuptolookintowarrantiesovertimeandtravellingratesbetterliaisonwithmanufacturersandothermatterswhichsurprisinglydrewfewdisputes.SomeoftheamusingincidentsatthisconferenceincludedacollectiveholdingofbreathwhileQueenslandMinisterRussHinzeamanoflargessetriedtomountthenineinchplatformonwhichhewastomakeaspeechandthelossofSandysDinerscardontheeveofleavingfortheUnitedStates.Truetotheadvertisementheobtainedanotheronewithin24hours.In1984itwasPerthsturntohostthemeetingwiththemaintopicsbeingmachineguardingsalestaxoccupationalhealthandsafetyandtowingoffarmmachinery.Reflectingtheevolutionoftheindustrycomputersasabusinesstoolwasamajortopicofdiscussion.BythetimetheassociationdecidedtomeetinAdelaidein1985theassociationhadstartedtomakegreatstridesandtohaveapoliticalimpactandagreatproportionoftimewasgiventouniversalproblemsbetweendealersandmanufacturers. 14Atthemeetinganewideaemergedtotrainyoungpeopletoencouragethemintoacareerinthefarmmechanisationindustry.Itwasenvisagedtobeacombinedventurebetweendealersandmanufacturerstotraincadetsandtogivethemknowledgeofallsidesoftheindustry.Itwastobeathreeyearcoursewiththecadetsspendingoneofthoseyearswiththemanufacturer.Anoteontheminutesofthemeetingsaidtheideawouldbehardtoachieveandsoitproved.NewissuesdiscussedincludedlackofresponsetoCostofDoingBusinessSurveycreditlegislationandruralcreditcards.Theyear1986sawthemeetingreturntoVictoriawithnewheadachesonthehorizonintheformofafringebenefitstaxsuperannuationandafranchisereview.Theminutesreflectedadeepconcerninconfidenceinseniormanagementofthemanufacturersandamotiontoboycottallfielddayswasputupandlost.NSWhostedthe1987meetinginSydneywherethemainitemsontheagendawereanIACsubmissiononsparepartsarequesttoTelecomforvolumediscountonphonecallsandcapitalgainstax.TheunveilingoftheFarmMachineryIndustriesAssociationlogoin2013heldbythethenpresidentAlanFisherleftandexecutiveofficerJohnHenchy.TheFMIAsupersededtheFMDAandWARMandisnowplayingamoredynamicroleinthefarmmechanisationindustry. 15Againforcefuldebatefocusedontheneedforanoverallbodytorepresentnotonlyfarmersbutalsothewholeagindustrybecauseitwasfeltanumberofbodieswerefightingforthesameendsandthatonecombinedeffortwoulddoabetterjob.In1988delegatesmetinToowoombaQueenslandandseveralvisitsweremadetotheStatesExpocelebrations.Theonlydampenerwasthefactthatmanyofthedelegateshadtodrivehomebecauseofthelackofplanes.RonMarkinsettherecorddrivingbacktoAdelaide.InterestinglyattheQueenslandmeetingdiscussionwasheldontheformationoftheMotorTradesAssociationofAustraliawhichinlateryearswastobethesubjectofmuchnegativitybymanymachinerydealers.Infactasearlyas1989thesubjectoftheMTAAwasontheassociationsagendawithaquerytothatorganisationonwhetheritwasgoingtohelpthenationaldealerassociation.AdecisionwasmadetohandoverthesecretariattoMTAAintheensuing12monthswitharequesttheMTAAallowtheFMDAtobeaffiliatedwithMTAAdespitetheWAdivisionnotbeingamemberoftheMTAofWA.ThetransitionofthesecretariatwasagreedonbytheMTAAbuttheorganisationnevergaveanansweronthesecondproposal.Ironically17WAmachinerydealersalreadywereMTAmembersand16resignedduringwhatcanbedescribedasanacrimoniousperiod. 16AmanwithmachineryinhisbloodFromthetimeheleftschoolFarmMachineryIndustryAssociationexecutiveofficerJohnHenchywasdestinedtoplayakeyroleinthefarmmechanisationindustry.JohnwasboughtuponafarminKenyaEastAfricaandwhenheleftschoolhisparentsthoughtheshouldbeexposedtohowotherslivedandbeingofEnglishextractsuggestedhegototheUK.JohnsmotherhadanunclewhoworkedatRansomeSimsandJefferiesinIpswichSuffolkmanufacturersoffarmmachinerywhowasabletogetJohnenrolledinwhattheycalledaspecialapprenticeshipexposingJohntoallthedifferentdepartmentsinthefactoryanditgavehimagoodroundingofwhatwasinvolvedwithmanufacturingmarketingandsales.Sandwichedin-betweenhistimeatRansomeshewenttoanagriculturalcollegeinWrittlenearChelmsfordandbecameaGraduateoftheInstituteofAgriculturalEngineers.FormerJohnDeeredivisionMarketingManagerJohnHenchyleftreceivestheJohnLynneMemorialAwardfromFMDAsecretarySandyLewiswhileFMDApresidentGeoffPerkinslooksonduringtheFMDAannualgeneralmeetingin2007. 17ButitwasinAustraliathathemadehismark.HestartedhiscareersellingFordsontractorsinHorshamVictoriathenjoinedthethenJICaseasterritorymanageratToowoombaQueenslandbeforemanagingaJICaseretailstoreinMoreeNSW.In1971hejoinedtheFordMotorCompanyinMelbourneandwithinfouryearshadbeenpromotedasStatemanagerofthecompanyinWAapositionheheldforsixyears.HejoinedChamberlainJohnDeerein1981asthecompanysWAmanageratitsbranchinWelshpoolbeforeJohnDeeredecidedtomoveitsoperationstoaheadofficeinBrisbane.JohnstayedinWAandservedinvariousrolesembracingdealerdevelopmentandproductsupportbeforebeingappointedsoutherndivisionmarketingmanagerforWASAandNewZealand.ApartfromJohnDeereJohnwasanactiveparticipantinpromotingthefarmmechanisationindustrywhichledtohimbeingelectedchairmanoftheTractorandMachineryAssociationofAustraliaTMAin1991.Heremainsthelongestservingchairmanwithanunbrokentenureoffiveyearsfrom2008to2013..DuringthattimeheoversawaradicalchangeintheTMAsstructuremovingfromagentlemansclubtoadynamicprofessionalbusinessorganisationthatnowinvolvesitselfininternationalbusinessandmanufacturingrelations.In1998receivedanOutstandingServiceawardfromtheassociationandin2007wasawardedtheJohnLynnMemorialAwardbytheFMDAironicallytheyearhebecameitsexecutiveofficer.HisdeparturefromJohnDeerein2007andacceptanceofarolewiththeFMDAsignalledaneweraforJohnandhiswifeClairewhountilthatstagehadbeenmarriedtoafly-infly-outhusband.InmanywayshehadturnedthefullcirclestartinghiscareerinthefarmmechanisationindustryatdealerlevelandenteringhistwilightyearsworkingwithdealersastheExecutiveOfficerofthenow-namedFarmMachineryIndustryAssociationofWAInc.IlookbackonmylifewithpridehavingbeenfortunatetoworkinsuchawonderfulindustryJohnsaid.AsItellpeopleifIhadmytimeagainIwoulddothesamething.HeconsidersoneofthemanyhighlightsofhiscareerwastorepresenttheindustrythoughtheTMA.IronicallyhehasagainbecomelinkedtotheTMAthroughbytheFMIAsdecisiontoaffiliatewiththeTMA. 18Heseesthemovesendingastrongsignaltotheindustryofastrongerandmoreunifiedvoiceforthefarmmechanisationindustry.Thefutureofmankindreliesonfoodandwithoutusthefarmmechanisationindustryproductivitywouldbenowherenearwhatitistodayhesaid.Infactifitwerenotforusagriculturehorticultureviticultureandalltheothercultureswouldstop.IplantokeepworkinginthisindustrywhileIbelieveIcanmakeacontributionanditisafocusofminetoencourageasmanyyoungpeopleasIcantobepartofagriculturedirectlyorindirectlyinagribusiness.Agricultureisnotonlyaboutfarmingbutaboutbeingpartofthelargestindustryintheworldwiththevitalresponsibilityoffeedingtheworld.Whatnoblercareercanonehave 19ThelifeandtimesoftheAssociationsmachinerydealers 20TheNicholsstoryIN1947JackNicholswifeEileenchildrenDianeandTerrymovedfromthefamilyfarmatBabakinbetweenBruceRockandCorrigintoNarembeentotakeovertheNarembeenAgencybusiness.AnotherdaughterNolawasbornin1950atNarembeenThepurchaseoftheNarembeenAgencywasmadepossiblebythegeneroussupportofJackGabbedyofthethenAgriculturalBank.TheagencywasahardwarestorerepresentingHVMcKaySouthernCrossSydneyAtkinsonMotorGMandMallochBros.Inthosedayspost-warthepurchaseofanewcarwasabigoccasion.JackandthebuyerwouldtraveltoPerthandarrangethedealatSydneyAtkinsonMotorsandthendrivethenewcarhomeonthelonggravelroad.OnmanyoccasionsthebuyerwouldnottravelwithJacktoPerthbutwouldtrusthimtodothedealanddeliverthenewcarinNarembeen.ButgainingthefranchiseforMasseyHarristractorsreallystartedtheagencygoingasadealership.EarlyMasseymodelsincludedthe203.55D555Dand745Dandinthosedaysnotradesweretakenastherewasawaitinglistandtheoldunitwaseasilypre-soldlongbeforethenewonearrived.HoldensFJseriesreleasesawtheagencyholditsfirstfestivegalarevealoftheFJatthedealershipandsubsequentlyeachtimeanewmodelarrivedthedealerwouldhaveagalaunveilingwithpeopletravellingquiteadistancetowitnessitandpartakeinthefestivities.ItwasntlongbeforeanamechangewasdeemednecessarysotheagencybecameWJNicholsPtyLtdandthecompanytradedunderthisnameuntilthebusinesswassoldin1991.OnarrivalhomefromcollegeJacktookTerrytothefrontoftheshopandpointedoutthetwobanksintown.HesaidTheycallthemselvesbanksbutinfacttheyareonlyshopssellingmoney.Anyadvicegivenbythemwillinthefirstinstancebeintheirbestintereststosellmoremoney.Youmaybenefitfromthisadvicebuttheywillalwaysbenefit.ThiswasverysoundadviceisveryvividinTerrysmemoryandcouldalmostbefolklore.ItbecameaguidinglightwhenTerrywasinvolvedinanydealingswithbanks. 21ThefirstofTerrysforaystotradeschoolswastoWestinghousetogainacertificateasarefrigerationmechanicre-gassingandchangingsealedunitsetc.Thisknowledgeprovedinvaluableinlatertimesforair-conditioningbothinthehomesandlaterinallformsoftransportandfarmmachines.InthelatefiftiesGMbegantoappointdirectdealersandWJNicholsgainedafranchisethusbypassingSydneyAtkinsonsandAttwoodMotorsinPerth.AdjoiningpremiseswereacquiredfromtheoldNarembeenClubandturnedintotheservicecentreandshowrooms.Terryarrivedhomefromcollegein1962andhiseffortsweremainlyintotheRetravisionsideofthebusinessastheMFsidewasnotprovingprofitable.TheopportunitytorepresentChamberlainIndustriesandSperryNewHollandcameupin1963.Masseyheadershadbeensellingwellwith14soldthatyearandallthetradesremainedunsoldasmostdidnothavebulk-handlingfacilities.TheearlydaysofChamberlainbringtomindsomeinterestingpeople.RonRaffertyofCJDEquipmentwasthesalesrepandtaughtTerrythebusinessofcanvassingprospectingsystemsandsellingandmoreimportantlyhowtoclosethedeal.TerryNicholswithhisNicholsTripleActiontineandtoolbarhesuccessfullymarketedinthelate1990sandearly2000s. 22DougSlaterofRattenSlaterEsperancewastheservicerepandshowedTerryhowtosetupaone-waydiscplough.TimRattenwastheNewHollandsalesrep.TheeightiessawChamberlainrationaliseitsdealerpoints.GroupareasofMuckinbudinandTrayningforexampleandthiswasextendedtotakeinQuairadingBeverlyKondininHydenandoutasfarasLakeVarley.Thiswastheconsolidationof11dealerpointsintothecontrolofonedealerwithtwomainoutletsinMerredinandNarembeenwithsalesservicepointsinCorriginBruceRockandKewdale.AtthetimeIwastoldbyJDthatthere-namedNicolsMachinerycoveredthegreatestareainsquaremilesofanydealerintheworldTerrysaid.WehadthelargestJDsignintheworldonthewestsideoftheex-RAAFshedinMerredin.ThislargeareapromptedthepurchaseofthefirstandsubsequentCessna182aircrafttoenableustosellsecondhandunitsasfarawayasTardunandEsperance.OursecondCessnaVHWSYwaspurchasedinNebraskaUSAandflownviathePacificroutetoAustralia.AircraftmadethejobmucheasierforTerrywithbothhisboysatschoolinPerthandadevelopingconcaveoperationinKewdalenamedNicolsConcaves--suchalargeareatocover.IntheearlyninetiesdroughtpoorwheatandsheeppriceshighinterestratesandtoomanytradescausedmuchturmoilbothpersonallyandfinanciallyforTerry.Thealarmingdropto90atonneforwheatalongwithoverdraftinteresthitting23percentsaw1991becomeayearofrationalisationandre-locatingtheconcavebusinesstheengineeringbaseinKewdale.ThiswasprobablythehardestdecisionIhadtomakeinmylifetothatstageTerrysaid.Narembeenandthebusinesswasmylife.DuringoneofthemanycyclicaldownturnsthatagriculturehadTerrysattentionturneroverseastoSaudiArabia.TerrywasthefarmingdirectorofalargeirrigationprojectsouthofRiyadhturningthedesertgreentogrowwheatunderirrigation.SomelocalstaffandfarmerswereemployedtooperatetheprojectinSaudi.Thisenabledthebusinesstoretainvaluablestafftospringbackwhengoodtimescameathome.LocallymanufacturedequipmentwassenttoSaudi.IntheearlydaysoftheassociationWJNicholsstayedwiththeAutomotiveChamberofCommercebutitsoonbecameevidentthebodycouldnotrepresentthedealershipadequatelyinthefieldoffarmmachinery.TerrywaslatertobecometheStatepresidentofFMDAforfiveyearsevenservingasnationalFMDAApresidentforashortwhile. 23DuringhistimeasStatepresidentTerrywasinstrumentalinbringingtogetherFMDAandWARMWesternAustralianRegionalManufacturers.ItwasWARMthatrepresentedtheconcavemanufacturingbusinessNicholsConcaveswhichsoldAustralia-wideandexportedtoNewZealandSouthAfricaUKEuropeandCanada.TwoOEMcompanieswereusingtheNicolsunitsbuttheyhadtobepaintedineachcompanyscoloursandnotadvertisethefact.WealsomadeOEMreplacementpartsundercontractTerrysaid.AhighlightoftheexportventurewastoberecognisedbytheRoyalSocietyofAgriculturalEngineersattheSmithfieldShowinEnglandwithaspecialawardofmeritforcontributiontoagricultureAlsointheninetiesno-tillfarmingwasthenewwayforwardandthusTerrywentontodeveloptheTripleActionno-tilltineandtoolbarwhichwassuccessfullymarketedforatimeuntilitwasdecidedthatthetimehadcomeforTerrytoretire.Theno-tillsidewastakenoverbyWAcompanyPrimarySalesAustraliaandatthistimeismarketedasthePrimaryPrecisionSeederinsubstantiallyunmodifiedform.TheconcavebusinesswassoldtotheUKdistributorandcontinuestoday.HeadingtowardsacenturyofserviceItwasaninter-generationalcelebrationonFridayOctober302009whenCunderdinmachinerydealershipBaxtersRuralCentrenotchedits90thyearasabusiness.CurrentdealerprincipalRussellBaxterandhiswifeCorrinaandRussellsfatherKenandhiswifeBerylwelcomedarangeofcustomersandbusinessassociatestorecogniseoneofthetownsoldestbusinessesstartedbyKensgrandfatherRobertandfatherBillin1919.ThebusinessoperatedoutofthedepotshearingshedofficeonthecornerofMainStreetandBaxterRoadwheremostofthedistrictsfarmersdidtheirshearinganddipping.Thebuildingremainsoperationaltodayhousingmachineryaswellasageneralstoragefacility.Whilestillfarminga400ha1000acpropertynorthofthetownRobertLeesBaxterandhissonKennethWilliamBillstartedthebusinessRLBaxterandSonsasMcCormickDeeringagentswhichlaterbecameInternationalHarvesterAustraliaCo. 24ThepairalsowereinvolvedwithTexacoOilsandlateronwiththestockfirmGoldsboroughMort.In1940theyupgradedfromtheshedtoofficesandworkshopinthemainshoppingcentreinMainStreetbut10yearslatermovedbacktoanewofficeandworkshopwheretheyexisttoday.AtthattimethetradingnamechangedtoBaxtersRuralCentre.BillssonKenbecameinvolvedin1962andtookoverthereinsfromBillin1970.In1986BaxterswereappointedFordNewHollanddealersaftertheamalgamationofInternationalHarvesterandCaseCorporation.ThepartnershiphasproventobeaverysuccessfulbusinessventureandsawthebusinessexpandtocarryotherleadingfranchisesfromMorrisSeedingProductsSimplicityAustraliaPrimarySalesYeomansPloughsTrimbleLiugongGrizzlyBrandtGrainBeltsandIvecoTrucks.BaxtersRuralCentrealsoisastockistforNorthamBearingSales.ApartfromCunderdinthedealershipservicesMeckeringTamminKellerberrinDoodlakineandWyalkatchem.KenssonRussellstartedinthebusinessin1983tobecomeafourthgenerationlinkandhetookoverfromKenasdealerprincipalin2002.With18-year-oldsonKieranshowinginterestintheworkshopafterschoolhoursRussellsensestheremaybeafifthgenerationBaxtertobegroomedforthebusiness.ThedoorisopenforthatifthatiswhathewantstodobutitwillbeuptohimRussellsaid.AccordingtoKenandRusselltheresilienceofthebusinesscanbeattributedtogoodoldfashionedservice.Withastaffof10peoplethefocusalwaysremainsoncustomers.BeingfarmersweunderstandtheimportanceofmachineryandtheflexibilityrequiredtokeepgearingoodworkingorderKensaid.Butitgoesbeyondthatgoodworkingrelationshipandextendsintofriendshipswhicharetherealstrengthofcommunities.KenandRussellalsoarekeentopromotethebusinessasanexcellentcareerpathwayforyoungpeople.ThereareplentyofopportunitiesinmachinerydealershipstosuitarangeofinterestsRussellsaid.Andwhetheryoureintheworkshoppartssalesoradministrationyouarepartofacommunityculturethatkeepsthebushalive.Ithinktheoutlookforthenextgenerationoffarmersisreallypositiveandwereinforsomeexcitingtimeswithever-changingtechnologiesthatareassistingtheindustrytobecomemorecost-effectiveandsustainable. 25SmallmachinerydealershipslikeBaxtersRuralCentreCunderdinstillformastrongfoundationformanycountrytowns.Theserviceethicwhichwasahallmarkofthebusinesswhenitstartedin1919stillremainsamajorfocusoftodaysstaffpicturedherewithfatherandsonownersRussellandKenBaxterforeground. 26HandingontothenextgenerationSUCCESSIONplanningcanbeadifficulttopicaroundthekitchentable.Anditcertainlyisonethatmostmachinerydealershavehandledwelltoensurethecontinuationofasuccessfuldealership.NarroginmachinerydealerGeoffPerkinsPerkinsFarmMachineryCentrehashisthreeadultchildrenworkinginkeyrolesinthedealershipashedrawsneartodayofhandoverafterasuccessfulcareerandinvolvementintheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationFMDA.HebecameinvolvedwiththeFMDAin1989andalmostimmediatelyjoinedtheassociationsexecutivecommitteeapositionhehasmaintainedtothecurrenttime.Between2005and2010healsoservedastheassociationspresident.WhileGeoffstillhasafewmorekilometresinhistankheknowsthebusinesswillbeingoodhandswhenhefinallydecidestoenterintosomeformofretirement.WhatthatwillbeisstillamysterybecauseGeoffstillridesthebikelegintheoddtriathlonandenjoystheactivelife.BowlsdoesntthrillmeheretortsinhistypicallaconicAussieaccent.Heenjoysmixingwithyoungpeoplewhichisnosleightonhisolderfriends.SuccessfulNarrogindealerGeoffPerkinsPerkinsFarmMachineryCentreinfrontofhisoriginaldealershedinsidenewpremiseswhichwerebuiltin2008. 27Itsjustwellyoungpeoplearemoreactive.Agraduatefromtheschoolofhardknockshedespairshoweveratthelackofendeavourfromsomanyyoungpeoplewhohavegraduatedfromwhathecallstheschoolofsoftbellies.Withlong-heldmemoriesofhardtimeswhenhewasyoungthecurrentcheapandthrowawaydictumoftodayssocietygratesagainsthisexperiencesoffixingthingsthatdidntwork.HisfatherboughtafarminWilliamsin1924andGeoffhasfondmemoriesofhisearlylifeonthefarm.Ileftschoolin1962beforeIcouldgetacertificatetoworkonthefarmandthefarmbecameschoolGeoffsaid.ButthenIwenttoNarroginAgCollegeunderageanddidtwoyearsofagriculturalcourse.HewastheyoungestgraduatefromthecollegeatthetimeandmissedanHonoursmarkbyonepercent.Itwasthebesttwoyearsofmyeducationbecausewelearntaboutmechanicswoodworkandmetalworkhesaid.Iwentbacktothefarmin1964andquicklyfoundwehadnomoneytofixmachinerysoIlearntthingsfrommydadandneighbourslikewelding.OnceIgotthehangofthatIwantedtofixeverything.DadwouldoftensaytomethatsbuggeredandIdsaynotitsnotIcanfixit.HisMr-FixitattitudeheldhimingoodsteadwhenhisfatherbecameillandGeoffwasflyingproverbiallybytheseatofhispantstorunthefarm.Iwentstraightinatthedeependstartedcontracthaycuttingandbalingandharvestingtosubsidisethefarmincome.Thefarmdoubledinsizeto1200ha2500acby1973butwithtwoboysinthefamilyitseemedaninevitabilitythatthefarmwouldnotsupporttwofamilies.AtthatstageGeoffwasintentonfarmingevenleasingaHydenproperty.Butin1980anopportunitycameuptobuytheNarroginInternationalHarvesterdealershipandGeoffslifechangedforever.ActuallyitwasbadtimingGeoffsaid.WoolwasokaybutcroppingwasonlygoodforsheepfeedplusontheleasedpropertyIlostthewholecroptofrost.Andin1984CasetookoverInternationalHarvesterandwelostthefranchisesowejustreliedonminorfranchiseslikeFiatandBelarusplusrepairwork.WerantheWilliamspropertyuntil1988thensolditandIconcentratedonthedealershipandwithinfouryearsItookonNewHolland.WithfortunechangingforthebetterGeoffalsostartedafamilynotknowingtheembryonicstagesofsuccessionwereformingassonsShaneandChrisanddaughterJoannegraduallytookaninterestinthebusiness. 28BothboyswantedtobemechanicsandatthestartItaughtthemeverythingtheyhadtoknowunderaTAFE-accreditedcourseeventhoughIdidnthavethepieceofpapertodoitGeoffsaid.Istillhaventgotthatpaperaccreditation.AllmylessonswerefrompracticalexperienceandthatshowItaughttheboys.TodayShaneisregardedasoneofthebestbalerandheadermechanicsinWAwhileChrisisshowinghiscompetencyassparepartsmanager.AndJoanneisnowadministrativemanager.Geoffrefurbishedthedealershipin2008whichincludedanewserviceshednewshowroomsandadministrativewing.ItwasamajorinvestmentforadealerwithnobranchesandarestrictedsellingareabutthedealershipsmarketshareforNewHollandisabovetheStateandnationalaverage.PrimarilywehavegrownfromjustaserviceoutlettoabusysalesoutletGeoffsaid.Westillhaveaveryexperiencedworkshopanditshighlyvaluedbyfarmersbecausetheyknowweworkwiththem.Itsourpolicytostayopeninbusytimesforpartsandservice.BeingafarmerIcanappreciatetheirneedsandwherewecanhelpasadealertoalleviateahasslewelldoit.ThatpartofGeoffcouldalmostbedescribedasthecornerstoneofhisbusiness.AsortofmottoIfitcanbefixedletsmakeithappen.LookingintothefutureGeoffseesagrowthincorporatefarms.GeoffPerkinsleftwithformerCarnamahJohnShearerdealerPaulPatiniotisandthenWARMpresidentPeterNunnataFMDAannualgeneralmeetingin2005. 29Wevestillgotalongwaytogotoreachthepeakofproductionwhichisattractivetoinvestorshesaid.Theyknowtheworldhasgottobefedsoagriculturewillbecomeincreasinglyimportant.Andwhoeverisrunningthefarmstheyllstillneeddealersandtheexpertiseandservicewecangiveastechnologyevolves.Ourjobistostayatthecuttingedge.ThatsanalmostsubliminalmessageGeoffsendstoeachofhisstaffasheoverseessalesandservice.ItwouldseemthetranquildaysofaneasierlifearestillalongwayoffforGeoff.Butthenagainwithhischildrendoingsuchagoodjobinthedealershiponeneverknows. 30AtraindriverwithaheadofsteamNottoomanypeopleknowthatthelateFarmPowerQuairadingmachinerydealerprincipalMickLaycockspenteightyearsinFremantle.ItalwaysproducedacheekygrinfromthelaconicMickwhowaswellknownforhisdryjokes.TheinferenceofcoursewasthathespenttimeinFreojailbuttheNorthFremantle-bornandEastFremantleFootballClubstalwartexplainedtofirst-timerslisteningtohimitreferredtohistimeasarailwayworker.Hestartedhiscareerin1948asanumbertakerintheFremantlemarshallingyardsitemisingtrailernumbersandtheircontents.Hewas18atthetimeandrightfromthestarthesetadeterminedcareerpathwayforhimself.WithpositivesignssuchasIfyoufailtoplanyouplantofailscatteredaroundhisofficeMickleftnodoubtinanybodysmindhisattitudetolife.Therewasalwaysayouthfulexuberanceineverythinghedidandheregardedagricultureasanexcitingindustry.Infactheadmittedagriculturewasmoreexcitingthanhistimeintherailwayswhichsawhimfulfiltheboyhooddreamofmostmalestobecomeanenginedriver.ItlookedasthoughMickhadbecomeentrenchedasatraindriverafterhewastransferredtoToodyayandspent10yearsinthedistrict.Butadecisionbyhisbrother-in-lawtobuyafarmatQuairadingchangedhislife.HisbrotherGeoffwantedMicktorunthefarmsohedecidedtohaveago.Andwhenanotherbrother-in-lawboughtacloverharvesterMickfoundhimselfinabusinesspartnershipwhichlaterbecameQuairadingServiceContractorsin1964.ThecompanyexpandedwhenittookonafueldistributorshipandthenaddedCSBPtoitsbooksasananhydrousammoniadistributor.MickwasinvolvedinalotoftrialsforCSBPinthosedaysandbelievedanhydrousammoniacouldhavetakenoffbutforthelackofsuitablemachineryatthetime.AndCSBPintroducedgranularnitrogenousfertiliserwhichwascheaperandeasiertospread.SoMickbecameaspreadingcontractor.In1966MickdecidedtotakeontheConnorSheafranchisesellingthefamousConnorSheaone-wayplough.Hetook28ordersinonedaybutcouldonlyget10ofthemthatyearforawaitingclientele. 31TwoyearslaterhesignedupasaGeneralMotorsHoldendealerandbythe1970shehadtheHondafranchiseunderhiswing.Inthe70shewasthesecondbiggestHondadealerinWAbehindMottHondaaveraging52bikesalesamonthwithabestfigureof92.ThosesortofsalesfigureshoweverwerenotreservedforbikesascompanyawardplaqueswhichadornedtheFarmPowerwallstestified.AndMickreckonedhehadwon52overseastripsrelatedtoproductsalesawardsduringhistimeasadealer.In1968MickwasappointedasaNewHollanddealeranddidnttakelongtogainasizeablemarketsharewithnewtractorsandcombineharvesters.MickalsowasabigSteigertractordealertoppedtheStatesellingFlexi-Coilseedingrigsandstartedarevolutionintheearly1990sbyintroducingoneofthefirstself-propelledboomsprayersintoWA.HeformedacompanycalledGatorPowerandsoldmorethan70US-madeAgChemRogatorsandTerragatorsAustralia-widebeforeAgChemwassoldtoAGCO.AlsoinhisproductstablewereleadingcompaniessuchasAusplowGasonHardiBurandoHillMarshallandValtra.IwishIcouldwindbacktheclockheusedtosayparticularlyashelovedtobeinvolvedinafamilyfarmatMtMaddenwherehisbrotherstilloverseesa6000hacroppingprogramme.ThelateFarmPowerdealerprincipalMickLaycockmaintainedabusyscheduleafter40yearsasamachinerydealerandasanactivecommitteemanontheQuairadingShireCouncilandlaterasshirepresident.Mickpassedawayin2011. 32BrothersinarmsatCarnamahOneofAustraliasmostprominentmachinerydealersinthelatterhalfofthe1900swasHalWalton.HalstilladirectorofJohnDeeredealershipGreenlinewasaformerdealerprincipalofTandHWaltonStoresCarnamah.Halstartedthebusinessin1967withhisbrotherTerryfollowingashortcareerasacarsalesmansellingHoldenandthenChevroletsandPontiacsforthethenmajorretailerSydneyAtkinsonMotors.AtthetimeTerrywasacommercialbusinessmanagerrepresentingbuildersandcontractors.BothhadadesiretoownfarmssowhenabusinessopportunityaroseinCarnamahthebrothersjumpedatthechance.ItwasabusinessthathadfranchisesforChamberlaintractorsandChryslerandDodgemotorvehiclesandtrucksalongwiththegeneralstorenewsagencyanddraperyHalrecalled.HalWaltonrightwithhisbrotherthelateTerryWaltonasthepairheldafarewellpartyin2005aftersellingthebusinesstotheAfgriGroup.THandWaltonStoresranasuccessfulJohnDeeredealershipfor38years. 33Initiallywethoughtwewouldworktogetenoughmoneyforeachofustobuyafarmsomewhere.In1976thebrothersboughtasmallfarmtothewestin1982Halbroughtanotherpropertyeastofthetown.Butthebrotherscontinuedtobuildtheirbusinessandexpandtheirmachinerydealershippremises.EventuallytheyalsoestablishedbranchesinGeraldtonMorawaandMooraandsoonbecameoneofJohnDeeresmostsuccessfuldealershipswinningawardsannuallyforservicepartsandsales.Thedealershipwassosuccessfulitwasthesubjectofasalein2003totheSouthAfricanAfgriGroup.Terryretiredin2004whileHalcontinuedinthebusinessuntil2006beforeretiring.Thenin2008hereturnedtotheJohnDeeregroupinvestinginthesettingupofGreenlineAgwithbranchesinPerthWaginNarroginLakeGraceBoyupBrookandWitchliffe.BeinginvolvedinthefarmmechanisationindustryhasbeenaveryexcitingcareerandIvebeenprivilegedtobeinvolvedinwhatarguablyhasbeenthebesterainthehistoryofagricultureHalsaid.Ourfocusalwayshasbeenonservicetocustomersandthatcontinuestobeourmainfocus.Ithinkitisthemostsignificantreasonforoursuccessbecausewehaveaveryloyalclientele.Andthesamecanbesaidforourstaffallofwhomhaveplayedanimportantroleinthedaytodayrunningofthebusiness.OnhandovertoAfgri20ofourstaffhadbeenwiththecompanyfor15yearsandnineformorethan20years.HaliswellknownforhispromotionofJohnDeereproductsandispassionateaboutrestoringvintageChamberlainandJohnDeeretractorswitnessedbyahistoricmuseumhehascreatedatCarnamahwithabout65completedrestorations.HalwasamemberoftheexecutiveoftheFMDAduringthe1980s.HalWaltoninabumperwheatcropwithhisbelovedJohnDeereheaderinthebackground. 34HerecomesthethirdgenerationItisnotwidelyknownthatJKSaleswasthefirstAustralianJohnDeeredealershipestablishedonDecember161967.MentionJohnJollyandRonKittlerandthememorieswillcomefloodingbacktothefewremainingresidentsofBalliduandsurroundingdistricts.MentionJollyandSonsandthepicturebecomesclearerofanearly50yearassociationwithJohnDeereandhundredsoffarmers.IfJohnJollywerealivehewouldbeaprouddadwitnessingthegrowthofthesmallcompanywhichstartedinhumblepremisesandthecareersofhisthreesonsKenHaydnandCraig.AndtherewouldbeaspecialbeamofpridewatchinghistwograndsonsKirkandDanworkinginthedealershiptodaywithDannowinthemanagerschairandKirkinchargeoftheimportantservicedivision.KenbecamedealerprincipalofthesuccessfulbusinesswhichalsoembracesabranchinWonganHillsandemploysmorethan40peoplemanyofwhomhavemorethan10yearsexperiencewiththecompany.HaydnnowtakescareofthecompanystransportdivisionwhileCraigsoldhisbusinessofseveraltransportcompaniesincludingJetstyleExpressandWAFreightlinesandisnowinpropertydevelopment.Kenremembersin1963hisfatherdecidedtobuyahardwarestoreinBallidu.DalwallinumachinerydealerKenJollyisflankedbyhissonsKirkleftandDanbothofwhomareinvolvedinthecompanyssuccessionplans. 35HespentyearsonafarmatNungarinthenworkedforsixyearswiththeShellOilCoKensaid.SoallthefamilymovedtoBalliduanddadalsorantheschoolbusfromtheoldDalgetystore.DuringthistimeJohnalsobecameanagentforWigmoreswherehestartedworkasaspotterfindingoutwhoneededanewtractororcombineharvester.Hequicklyestablishedareputationforhisbusinessacumenandin1966JohnDeereofferedhimadealershipwhichhetookupwithRonKittlerthefollowingyear.ThepartnersmovedthebusinesstoDalwallinuin1972withJohnandRonandtheirrespectivewivesValandJoybuyingRandMMachineryinthemainstreet.Kenstartedworkinginthebusinessin1970drivingtheschoolbusdeliveringfuelandbeinginvolvedingeneraladministrativework.Irememberhaulingpyramidsof44gallonfueldrumstofarmsthroughoutthedistrictinthosedaysKensaid.ItwasatoughjobandIwishtherehadbeenbulkfuelcarriersinthosedays.In1982KenHaydnandCraigpurchasedRonandJoyKittlersshareofJKSaleschangingthenametoJollyandSons.KenstayedinBalliduuntil1982thenmovedtoDalwallinumovingintosparepartsbeforetakingonanadministrativeroleandthentakingoverthebusinesswithhisbrothersin1984whenJohnretiredfromthebusiness.In1993thethreebrotherssoldtheBallidustoreandCraigboughtthefamilytransportbusinesswhichatthatstagecomprisedthreetrucks.JollyandSonscontinuedtoprosperandinJuly2001thebusinessboughttheJohnDeeredealershipfromAgroMachineryinWonganHills.In2004HaydnmovedtoPerthtoconcentrateonthetransportbusinesswhichhasprosperedunderhismanagement.SevenyearsagoJollyandSonsmovedfromitsageingDalwallinupremisestoamoderncomplexsouthofthetownonGreatNorthernHighway.ItremainsoneofthetopJohnDeeredealershipsinWAandalsosuccessfullyholdstheNissanandFordvehiclefranchisesforthedistrict.DanhasmovedintothebranchmanagerroleatDalwallinuwhileKirkisnowservicemanager.HaydnssonSteeleisnowgeneralmanageroftheTransportDivisionAccordingtoKenwhileagriculturewillcontinuetohaveitsupsanddownstheJollyandSonsdealershipremainssolid.Werehereforthelonghaulanditspleasingtoseeoursonsinvolvedinthebusinesshesaid.Hopefullywevegotoursuccessionplanssorted. 36SuccessionplanningwiththreesonsThepopulartelevisionseriesMyThreeSonswhichranfrom1961to1972gaveeverybodyaglimpseofahouseholdofdifferentcharacters.Andquitenaturallyreflectedthegrowingpainsandjoysofparentsguidingtheirchildrenintoadulthoodwithoutquenchingtheindividualityanddriveofeachchild.TheresakeytherethatBillandPamBoekemanWonganHillsusedwithgreateffectinbringingtheirthreesonsintothefamilybusinessbeforetheyretired.ThepairstartedBoekemansMachineryin1968asapartnershipbusinessandexpandedwithbranchesinDalwallinufirstasanagencyin1970Dowerin1984andNortham1999beforeofficiallyretiringin2000astheirsonsStuartAndrewandTimhadsteppeduptotheplatetocontinuerunningthebusiness.Thegenerationaltakeoverwasaseamlessaffairreflectingthefruitsofregularfamilydiscussionsthatalwayssoughtresolutionstoproblems.PamandBillBoekemanflanktheirthreesonsAndrewleftTimandStuartallofwhomhavetakenoverthebusinessreinsofsuccessfulCaseIHmachinerydealershipBoekemanMachinery.ThecompanysmainbranchislocatedinWonganHillswithbranchesatDalwallinuDowerinandNortham. 37ItwasclearlyevidenttoBillandPamastheirsonsgrewupthateachwasgiftedinadifferentwayandeachsonneededtobeencouragedtogrowhisownbranchonthefamilytreesotospeak.WedontoverdothebloodlineBillsaidmatter-of-factlymakingapointthateachsonwastreatedwiththesamerespectwithnofavourtismhandedoutbydotingparents.WhentheboyscamehomefromboardingschoolafterTEEexamsallwantedtobepartoftheirparentsbusiness.TheywereencouragedwithBillsphilosophyofdoingwhatyourebestat.StuartpreferredextrastudyatbusinesscollegewhileAndrewandTimweregivenopportunitiestoworkinmachinerydealershipsintheUnitedStatesandCanada.Theboysalsogainedcoalfaceexperienceinpartsserviceandsaleswithatimelyreminderfrommumtoensurecleanpremisesatalltimes.AccordingtoBillPamhasplayedanimportantroleinthebusinesseventhoughshehasnoofficialtitle.ShekeepseverybodyontheirtoestoensurewepresentourbusinesswelltothepublicandsheisbusywithnumeroustasksincludingplanningbusinesstripsBillsaid.AndshehasinjectedgoodChristianprinciplesintothefamily.Withmorefocusonsuccessionplanninginthe1990striggeredbyageingparentsdesiringtogivewaytomoreyouthfulexuberanceregularfamilymeetingssetacourseandatargetdate.AlotofpeoplehangonfortoolongBillsaid.Wedidntwanttodothatbecauseyouvegottogiveyourkidsanopportunityotherwisetheylosetheirdrive.AtsuccessionmeetingsallissueswereplacedonthetableincludinghowthebusinessshouldbestructuredwithoutBillandPam.WealwaystriedtobringforwarddisagreementsBillsaidparticularlyonissuessuchasfairness.Wevemaintainedthattheirwagesforexampleshouldreflectwhattheyaredoingandthatitcantsimplybeathree-waycut.Theresmoreemphasisonperformance-basedrewardstakingresponsibilityandlearningfromfailures.AccordingtoPamfamilydisagreementsarealwaysresolved.Ithinkthebiggestthingisforgivingpeopleandtreatingeachotherwithrespectbecauseitbuildsaharmonyinthefamilyandbecomesastrongfoundationshesaid.Wereveryfortunatetheboysgetonwitheachotherandtheystillcometoourhousetotalkwithusaboutthebusinessortoholdmeetingsbetweenthemselves.AccordingtoBillanotherkeytosuccessfulsuccessionishavinganindependentfinancialadviserandovertheyeartheBoekemanfamilyretainedthelatePeterMcGuire. 38PetertalkedwiththeboyshandledanydissensionsandbroughtitupatthemeetingsBillsaid.WewereneverbigborrowersIneverbelievedinitandithasbrushedoffontheboys.Whatalsohasbrushedoffismaintainingaloyalstaff.AnexampleisStewartHarrisonwhohasworkedforBoekemanMachineryfor35yearswhileColinRiggshasnotched30years.BillandPamhaverelinquishedtheirex-officiopositionsonthefamilyboard.TheboysstillhaveregularmeetingsatourhouselocatednexttothedealershipbutwedontinterfereBillsaid.SowhatsinstorefortwoenergeticseptuagenariansWhilethelegsandheartandmindarestronganythingispossible.Butnotstarringinare-runofMyThreeSons.MACHINERYNOTEBillwasamemberoftheinauguralexecutivecommitteeoftheFMDAin1977.Heservedasvicepresidentoftheassociationfrom1996to2002whenhebecamepresidentarolehefilleduntil2004.In1996hewasawardedtheJohnLynnAwardandin2012becamealifememberoftheassociationandheiscurrentlyamemberoftheexecutiveofthere-namedFarmMachineryIndustryAssociation.FormerFMDAPresidentBillBoekemanandhiswifePamcelebrate35yearsoftheAssociationshistory. 39FromagaragetoatopdealershipSometimesyouneedtoretracehistorytoremindyourselfthathardworkbringssuccess.Inthiscaseitinvolvesmorethan50yearsofhistoryassociatedwithtwobrothersNickandTonyDeRosaWaroonaprincipalsofDeRosaHighwayMotorswhichisoneoftheleadingNewHollandhayequipmentdealershipsinAustralia.In1968itwouldhavebeenhardtobetadollarthatNickandTonywouldmakeafistoutofabusinessservicingcarsfromtheirfathersgarage.Youwouldhavelostthatdollarinthefirst12monthsandadoubleornothingbetwouldhavebeenlostthefollowingyearwhenthebrotherssecuredaSperryNewHollandfranchiseandbuilttheexistingpremisesonablocknorthofthetownsite.DeRosaHighwayMotorsWaroonaprincipalsNickleftandTonyDeRosaarecelebrating45yearsinbusinessthisyear.ThepairstartedoutservicingcarsintheirfathersgarageandinlittleoverayearhadsecuredtheSperryNewHollandfarmequipmentfranchise.TodaytheyareoneofNewHollandsleadinghayequipmentdealers. 40Theyevenbecameasub-agentforanearbyFordvehicledealerandhadasmallshowroomwithnewcarsandfarmequipmentondisplay.WorkingsevendaysaweekwithNickswifeBarbararunningtheofficethepairquicklyestablishedarapportwithlocalfarmerswhowereimpressedwiththeirknowledgeandaftersalesservice.ThepairhasservedtheirmechanicapprenticeshipsunderthenWaroonamachinerydealerCharlieIseppiwholatermovedtoHarveytoestablishaMasseyFergusondealershipafterowningtheWaroonaAmpolgarage.Nickrememberswhenhewas15yearsoldtakingchargeofthegarageonweekendswhenCharliewasawayonatrip.IhadtobalancethetillonSaturdayandSundaysaswellassellingpetrolandsparepartshesaid.ItwasagreatgroundingformeforourbusinessbecauseItooktotheadministrativesidewhileTonyconcentratedontheservicingside.Tonyalsoshowedhiscarpentryweldingandmanufacturingskillswhenthebrothersnewpremiseswasbuilt.IdidallthetrussesanddoorsbecauseIlikedbuildingTonysaid.ButinthosedaysNickandIwedideverythingbecauseyouhadtogetthingsdone.TodayNickrunsthedealershipandTonyrunsthefamilyfarmsouthofthetown.Wevegotabout150headofcattleandafewsheepandwemakeabout1500rollsofhayayearwhichismainlysoldTonysaid.ApartfromthefarmTonyhelpsoutwithanyengineeringworkneededatthedealershipandalsorunstheschoolbuswhichthebusinessboughtfiveyearsago.Nickisfrequentlyseenonfarmtestingoutnewtractorsandhayequipment.ItsagoodplacetodoabitofworkanditalsohelpswhenyouresellingproducttobeabletorelatetootherfarmershowthegearworksfromfirsthandexperienceNicksaid.NickandTonyhavebuiltDeRosaMotorsintoaqualitymachinerydealershipemployingbetween12and15peopleattimesupto21withintegratedmanufacturingweldingandautomotiveworkshopsandacomprehensivesparepartsandoildepartment.ThebusinessalsoholdsfranchisesforKuhnHowardMarshallLelyHardiAgrowplowandHustlerproducts.Asthebrothersheadintothetwilightoftheircareerstheylamentthelackofskilledlabourintheindustry.Itsafactorthatwillkeepthebrothersworkinghardforafewmoreyears. 41AhistorybacktotheGumsEsperancemachinerydealershipPHKerrcantraceitshistorybackto1926.ItwasinthatyearthatMrsOliveKerrsetupaboardinghouse-comepostofficeandcafeinSalmonGumswhilethefamilyfarmwasbeingdeveloped.In1929whenOlivedecidedtoreturntoEnglandBobKerrtookoverthebusinesswhichatthattimewasnamedOKerrandCoandwassellingHVMcKayhorse-drawnreapers.By1938thebusinesshadchangedtoREKerrwithdiversificationtotransportandmechanicalservice.In1941BobdiedofpneumoniaandhiswifeAnnieVeratookoverandnamedthebusinessAVKerr.Thatbusinesscontinueduntil1966whenAnniessonPaddytookoverthebusiness.Paddywhowasbornin1932remembersfinishinghisschoolyearsafterthewaratNorsemanandcompletinganapprenticeshipasafitterandturnerandworkingintheEsperancemachinerydealerprincipalBrianKerrleftwithhisfatherPaddycheckingoutaMasseyFerguson48404WDtractorwhichusedtobeoneofthecompanysflagshiptractorsintheearlyyearsofbigbroadacrefarminginAustralia.BrianisathirdgenerationmachinerydealerfollowinginthefootstepsofPaddyandPaddysfatherBobwhostartedadealershipinSalmonGumsin1929. 42Norsemanminesuntil1966whenhereturnedtoSalmonGumstotakeoverthebusinessfromhismotherandthebusinessunderwentanothernamechangetoPHKerrandCo.Intheearly1970shebecameanofficialMasseyFergusondealerandin1985hetookovertheEsperanceMasseydealershipwhileretainingtheSalmonGumsoutletwhichwaseventuallycloseddownin1989.Thefamilyfarmwassoldin1999.Andin1999BrianKerrtookoverasdealerprincipalfromhisfatheraftermanagingtheSalmonGumsagencyforanumberofyearswhilerunningthefarm.ForPaddyhiscareerasaMasseyFergusondealerholdsmanymemoriesduringanerawhenMasseyFergusonwasahouseholdnameinWA.ItwasaveryreliabletractorandveryversatilefortoughjobsasthecountrywasbeingdevelopedPaddysaid.TheresnodoubtMasseyscarriedthebusinessalongwiththefarminthosedays.MasseyFergusonstillrecognisesPHKerrasoneofitsoldestdealerships.WhilethereweremanytoughyearstheacquisitionofMasseyFergusonbyAgcointhemid1990sfinallygaveusamorecompleteproductlinewhichincludedGleanerHeadersandFendtTractorsandastheysaytherestishistory.MasseyFergusontractorsswathersbalersheadersmowersFendttractorsandGleanerHeadershavebeenthebackboneofthebusinesssincethemid90s.In2004Brianestablishednewpremiseslocatednextdoortotheoriginalbusinessoffice.Becauseoftheexpandingproductrangeandtheneedforserviceandback-uptherewasaneedforamoreprofessionalcommitmenttotheindustryBriansaid.Wehaveincreasedourstaffinglevelto14andbuiltnewadministrativeofficesandshedstoaccommodateourgrowth.ThecompanyalsohasexpandedtoKatanningwhereithassetupabranchwiththefocusonMasseyFergusonGleanerandFendtproducts.TheMasseynameisbackinbroadacrefarmingandweseeexcitingopportunitiesthroughoutoursalesareaintheGreatSouthernareaBriansaid.ButwhiletheresalotofnewnessaboutthebusinessBriansaidold-fashionedserviceandintegritycontinuedtobethecompanysunderlyingfocus. 43FromlittlethingsbigthingsgrowBeinganoriginalisobviouslypartoftheDNAofformerMerredinmachinerydealerMaxCarson.AsTelferandCarsonitwasoneoftheoriginalChamberlainTractorsandSperryNewHollanddealersapartfrombeingoneoftheoriginalHoldendealersinthebush.CompanydealerprincipalMaxCarsonpicturedrightwasamemberoftheoriginalcommitteewhichmetatParliamentHouseonMay311977todiscusstheformationoftheFMDAaprecursortoamoreformalinauguralmeetinginJuneofthatyearatElCaballoBlancoWoorooloo.AlongwithMaxwereDonHoskenAlanParsonsColinManlyIanBoltoTomJamesPeterStainesJohnLynnandtheHonCMastersMLCRFWilliamsMLAandAASandyLewisMLC.SandywasthedrivingforcealongwithJohnLynnMaxsaid.Thetalkaroundthattimewastheheavy-handednessofmachinerymanufacturersinnottreatingdealersfairly.SoitwasfeltamoreunifiedvoicewouldbemorebeneficialforWAdealers. 44HavingSandyaformerdealerhimselfinthecorridorsofpoliticalpowerwasabigplusathefledglingbodyandMaxrecallshowdealersusedtomeetregularlyatParliamentHouseinoneofthemanymeetingroomstodiscussbusiness.SandywouldalwaystakeusintotheMembersdiningroomforlunchafterourmorningmeetingandthenwewouldresumeourbusinessintheafternoonMaxsaid.Understandablytheafternoonsmeetingswereoftenverylively.AsamachinerydealerMaxoversawthedevelopmentofahighlysuccessfuleasternwheatbeltmachinerydealership.ItallstartedaftertheSecondWorldWarwhenMaxsfatherGilbertmarriedRuthTelferinMerredinandjoinedforceswithRuthsbrotherStewarttoformabusinessescalledTelferandCarson.OriginallythecompanywereagentsforSydneyAtkinsonMotorssellingChevroletcarsandtheCanadian-madeMapleLeaftrucks.ThenwiththeadventoftheAustralian-madeHoldenTelferandCarsonwereawardedafranchisebyGeneralMotorsHolden.Furthergrowthoccurredinthe1970swhenayoungPeterGriffithsrepresentingChamberlainTractorsapproachedTelferandCarsontotakeontheWA-madeChamberlaintractorsrange.InaquicktriparoundthewheatbeltPeteralsosignedupWallyParnellGnowangerupandJohnLynnTrayning.Duringthe1980sChamberlainbecameafullyownedsubsidiaryofJohnDeereandbegantradingasChamberlainJohnDeere.PeterlaterbecamemanagingdirectorofJohnDeereAustraliabeforethecompanymoveditsheadquarterstoCrestmeadsouthofBrisbanein1993.WhenMaxwas16hisfatherdiedofaheartattackchangingMaxscareerdirectionbacktothebush.DadleftthebusinesstoallhisfourchildrennotjusttheboysandhiswifeandinitiallyIworkedinthebusinesstohelpoutthefamilyasIwascompletingacommercedegreeattheUniversityofWAMaxsaid.IwouldworkMondaytoWednesdayatunithentherestoftheweekforthedealershipwithmybrotherBruceincharge.Hewas20atthatstageandwastheyoungestpersontoholdaGMHfranchisewithmymotheranduncleintrusteeuntilheturned21.Ibecamemoreandmoreinvolvedandeventuallyitcametoapointin1977withtheintroductionofpayrolltaxthatwedecidedtosplitthebusinessintomotorcarsandfarmmachinerydivisionstodefrayfromofthetaxcosts.ThecarstradedunderTelferandCarsonandthemachineryunderCarsonsMachinery. 45Inthe1980sasevereeconomicdownturnplacedalotofstressonthetwobusinessesbutasfortunewouldhaveitPerthcardealerYoungsHoldenhead-huntedBrucetorunitsbusinessinPerth.ThatleftmeasthedealerprincipaloftwodivisionsuntilBrucediedat42andin1990IbecamesoleownerwithmywifeLiz.The1990ssawanaccelerationoftechnologicalgrowthincludingthehalcyonyearsinwhichMaxbecametheworldsbiggestFlexi-Coildealer.InoneyearIsold74serialnumbersMaxsaid.Itwasaveryexcitingperiodfrom1996to1998andwewonseveralawardsfromthecompanyapartfrombeingonitstop10dealerlistforthosethreeyears.AccordingtoMaxhisdealershipcareerwasanexperiencehesavoursasoneofthemostexcitingtimesinthehistoryofagriculture.Asmachinerydealerswewereinvolvedinrapidchangesintechnologygoingfromtheworkupandbackandseeddaystotheonepassseedinghesaid.Itbroughtwithitwiderbarsbiggerbinsandhigherhorsepower4WDtractorsandofcoursethesprayingrevolutionwhichallowedtheonepasssystem.HebelievesthesuccessofhisbusinesscanbedescribedinonewordService.Thisbusinesshasalwaysbeenaboutpeoplehesaid.Itsabasiccorebeliefofbusinessofyoulikethatifyouprovidegoodserviceyoullberewardedwithgoodcustomers.Anotherpartofoursuccesswastoalwaysbefullyengagedinthecommunity.Wesponsoredvariousclubsinthetownsandalwaysencouragedstafftobepartofawiderfamilyoffriends.ItwasalwaysgreattoseeyourkidsrunningaroundwiththestaffskidsandIvealwaysheldthebeliefoftreatingpeoplewelltogetthebestoftheminbusinesshours.MaxnowownsandoperatesSupaCoataWelshpool-basedpowdercoatingoperation.StandingfirmasadealerIronicallyoneofthemajorreasonsforformingtheFMDAinequityinmanufacturer-dealerrelationssawthethenTelferandCarsonMerredinloseouttoJohnDeere.AsChamberlaindealerswesoldtractorsploughsandscarifierswithalineofhaybalersfromNewHollandMaxsaid.BecauseChamberlaindidntsellhaygeartheythoughtitwasagoodfitforustohaveafullerlineofequipmenttosell.ThenNewHollandmergedwithSperryRandwhichmadeheadersandwestartedsellingSperryNewHollandheaders. 46In1970JohnDeereboughtacontrollinginterestinChamberlainandtheirattitudewasmarkedlydifferentandweweretoldtogetridoftheSperryNewHollandfranchise.Weresistedforanumberofyearsuntilfinallywedroppedthefranchiseinthe1980swhenChamberlainbecameafully-ownedsubsidiaryofJohnDeere.TheriseandriseofdealershipsMaxalsorecallstheurgingsofthethenUniversityofWAagriculturesectorprofessorDrHenrySchappertogetbigourget.Itwasinthe1980sandwewereseeingalotofaggregationsoffarmsMaxsaid.Muchlikeweseetodayfarmerswerebuyingoutneighboursfarmsandthiswasatimewhenmachinerydealersterritoriesalsoexpanded.OurdealershipestablishedbranchesinSouthernCrossMukinbudinBruceRockandexpandedterritorytoKellerberrintocaterforthisgrowth.GenerallygoodseasonssawafocusonfarmersbuyingthelatestinnewmachineryanditledmeintoaliaisonwithseveralotherJohnDeeredealerstoestablishacompanyfromwhichwecouldgrowequityandalsoplananexitstrategywhenthetimecameforustoleavetheindustry.ThecompanywascalledAgroMachineryandwhenwefloateditwewereoversubscribed.WeexpandedintoNSWbutinthefirstyearwewerehitbydroughtwhichobviouslyseverelyimpactedonsalesandprofitprojections.Consequentlywithoutsupportfromthebankswehadtoliquidatethecompanyin2001.Itwasaconceptthatwouldhaveworkedbutnatureandaseriesoflinkedeventsprovedthedownfall. 47ChattyanoldiebutagoodieBrianChattyChatfieldisoneoftheoldestFMDAmembersstillinactiveservice.At70heremainsanintegralpartoftheBusseltondealershipBusseltonMachinerythoughheiscontentwithfixingmechanicalproblemsandrunningtherabbitforhisdealerprincipalsonSteveandmarinedivisionmanagersonAndrew.SuccessionplansarecompleteandheisatlibertytoenjoyScroungersDayatthelocalgolfclub.Brianstaredhiscareerin1959asanapprenticedieselmechanicforthethenDepartmentofCivilAviationDCAgraduatingin1963.ItwasatradethatheldhimingoodsteadthroughouthistimeasamachinerydealerhoninghisskillsattheDCAsMtLawleyworkshopandatairportsthroughoutWA.BorninCunderdinhereturnedtherein1964toworkforthelocalForddealerservicingFordsonandFordtractors.BrianChattyChatfieldrightpicturedherewithfellowsalesmanGraemeHydeattheCase-IHstandatthe1996DowerinMachineryFieldDays. 48AfterninemonthsanopportunityarosewithCasedealerVicHalbertwhowaslookingforasalesandservicerepresentative.twasmyfirstintroductiontosalesandCasetractorsBrianrecalls.didalotoffieldworkontheservicessidebecausetherewerentmanycountrydealersatthatstage.WinterbottomMotorsheldthedistributionrightsforCasebuttheydidntdotoomuchontheserviceside.AfterathreestintwithVicBrianstruckoutonhisown.ThelocalMasseyFergusondealerRegBollandofferedBrianaworkshopfromwhichBrianworkedasanindependentmechanicservicingCaseandMasseytractorsThenin1968whenVicdecidedtoforegotractorsinhisbusinessCaseaskedBriantotakeonthefranchise.IbecameoneoffourCasedealersinWAwiththeothersinPerthNarembeenandKoordaBriansaid.IremainedanindependentCasedealerevenin1972whenWesfarmerstookovertheStatedistributorshipofCasetoaddtotheirDavidBrownline-upoftractors.AndCasewantedmetoremainindependenttoosoallmyequipmentcamebyrailfromAdelaide.Irememberonetraincarried32CasetractorsanditwasquiteasitepullingupattheCunderdinrailwaystation.BrianssuccesssawhimexpandhisdealershipwhenCasewantedhimtostartupabusinessinGeraldton.ButitwasntalwaystheproverbialbeerandskittlesforBrianascompetitionfromWesfarmersremainedthroughthenot-so-subtlerelationshipithadwithfarmers.ItwasdifficultinthosedaysbecausethecockieshadstockandgrainaccountswithWesfarmersandthattie-upsawmeloseofbitofbusinessBriansaid.Butthecockieswouldcometomewhentheirtractorsneededservicing.Thedifficultperiodcontinuedwhenin1985CaseacquiredInternationalHarvester.RoyPurcherwastheInternationaldealerinGeraldtonsoCasegavehimthenodtocontinueandtoldBrianhecouldhavetheCunderdinfranchisewhichatthetimebelongtoKenEliBaxter.EliwasmysecondcousinandwhenthenewswasannouncedthathehadlosttheInternationalbranditsplitthetownBriansaid.EliandIhaveremainedfirmfriendswhichistestamenttoElischaracterandthewayhedealtwithsuchbitternews.In1991BriandiversifiedthebusinessbuyingtheBusseltonCaseIHandFiatdealershipfromLaurieFlattersandin1992BrianappointedhissonSteveasmanagerofBusseltonMachinery.BriancontinuedasaCaseIHdealerinCunderdinuntilhesoldthedealershiptofellowCaseIHdealerPeterHuttonwhowasexpandinghisMerredinbusiness. 49MywifeWendyandIcamedowntoBusseltontojoinSteveandAndrewinthebusinesswhichhadmorphedintoaNewHollanddealershipafterCaseIHandNewHollandmergedtobecomeCNHin2000Stevesaid.BrianjoinedtheFMDAexecutivein1983thefirstyearofJohnJollyspresidencyandremainedanexecutivememberuntil2000.Inthe1990sheservedaperiodasvicepresident.RecallinghislifeasadealerBriansaiditwasanexcitingandsatisfyinglife.Servicewasthekingtoadealershiphesaid.Thatswhatmakessales.Youdontneedtobeflashysalesmen.Inourdayitwasthestrongrelationshipsyoubuiltwithfarmersandthefactyouwerestraightwiththem.Inmanywaystherewasnootheroptionbecauseinthesmallcommunitiesyouwouldbeplayinggolforfootywiththemandmeetingthematsocialoccasions.ToadegreesomeofthathasbeenlostbutIsupposeothergenerationswillarguetheirwayisthebest.ButIhopewecancontinuetoattractnewpeopleintodealershipsandgivethemchanceslikeIgottomakeafistofacareer.Beingamachinerydealerisachallenginglifebutitalsobringswithitmanyrewards. 50AnoriginalstillcarryingthetorchCurrentFMDAexecutivememberGregHumphriesistheonlyremainingactivememberoftheoriginalexecutiveformedin1977.Hisunbrokenrunhasseenhimserveaspresidentoftheassociationtwice1983-84and1994-1995.Healsoservedtwiceavicepresidentandwasawardedalifemembershipin2010.HewasalsoarecipientoftheJohnLynnMedalforservicestothefarmmechanisationindustry.GregstartedhiscareerworkingforInternationalHarvesterasazonemanagerbeforepurchasingabusinessfromRonandVicHillHillBrosCorriginin1974.ThebusinesswasrenamedRoadandFieldServicesinJanuaryofthatyearwithGregtakingtheroleofdealerprincipal.n1982itbecameInterlineSalesPtyLtd.GregquicklygrewthebusinessthroughhisfriendlynatureandproductknowledgeanddividedupalotofhisweeksusuallyinthedealershiporhelpingthelocalshirecouncilorattendingaFMDAmeeting.IrememberthefirstmeetingtoformtheFMDAatElCaballoBlancowasareallybigdealhesaid.Oursoon-to-besecretarySandyLewisbeingapoliticianorganisedforsomehighprofilebusinessmentoattendalongwithsomeofhisLiberalPartymates.Itwasatimewhenwedealersreallyneededtobeunitedagainstmanufacturerswhoweredictatingwhattheywantedwithoutdueregardtotheneedsofthedealers.GregHumphriesplayedanimportantroleinpromotingcareersinagricultureforyoungstudentsespeciallyinmachinerydealerships. 51WeinitiallystartedmeetingeverytwomonthsintheLiberalPartymeetingroominParliamentHousestartinginthemorningbreakingforlunchintheparliamentarydiningroomthenresumingintheafternoon.Needless-to-saythemeetinggotbetterintheafternoonwitheverybodycontributingtheirviewafterasuitableprimeratlunchtime.Interestinglymanyoftheissuesdebatedintheearlydaysmirrortodaysissues.IndustrialrelationswasabigonefromthestartGregsaid.Therewasalotofredtapefillingincomplianceformsalongwithsuchthingsassalestaxexemptionforms.Mostdealerscomplainedattheextrahoursofworkneededtogetthepaperworkoutofthewaybeforeweactuallystartedworktomakesomemoney.DuringhisfirstpresidencyalotoftimewasconsumedrepresentingWAatnationalFMDAmeetings.ItwasagoodideatohaveanationalbodywithonevoicethroughwhichwecouldapproachpoliticiansonvariousissuessuchasimportdutiesandtheneedformoreuniformtransportandsafetyregulationsGregsaid.WAwasveryactivebuttherewasntthesamepassionamongdealersintheEasternStatesandtherebecameagrowinginevitabilityofafracturedbodythatsoonfailedtobetherightvehicleforWAdealerstoprogresstheirindustry.Gregalsolivedthroughtheexperienceofanerastartinginthelate1990swhenmanufacturersweretargetingatemplateforso-calledSuperDealers.Basicallymanufacturersofallcolourswantedfewerdealerswithmorefocusonlargesalesandservicecentreshesaid.TherewereafewdealerexpansionsanditmaybecomethewayofthefuturebutIwouldntliketoseelessthanfourdealersofanycolourinWA.Ibelieveyouhavetomaintaincompetitionandchoice.GregsoldhisbusinesstofellowCaseIHdealershipHuttonandNortheyMerredinin2008andnowleadsamorerelaxedlifestyleinCorriginincludingregularsessionsatthelocalbowlsclub. 52EnthusiasmcountsforeverythingBrentonAugheyscareerinthefarmmechanisationindustryalmostfinishedbeforeitgotstarted.ButtheshortstorybeforethatwashislifeinBoyupBrookandmemoriesofaschoolbusbeingdrivenbyMrLewisamanhewouldmeetinlaterlifeasSandyLewissecretaryoftheFMDA.finishedschoolandby21IhadstartedacareerasawoolbuyerwhichprogressedverywellforfouryearsBrentonrecalled.ThenIhadanopportunitytobuyHotkersRuralCentreinWaginin1980.ThisdealershipwasthesecondoldestSperryNewHollanddealershipinWAafterMickLaycocksQuairadingServiceContractorsnowFarmPoweratQuairading.ThatwasthestartofWaginMachinerywithBrentontakinguptheroleofdealerprincipalonJuly11980.ButbyAugust1981hehadsignedaPart10BankruptcyActformowing33000tocreditorstheresultofacombinationofhighinterestrateswhichreached27onusedmachineryfinanceaharvestseverelyhitbyfrostandbeinganoviceintheindustry.UnderPart10hewasabletobuytimetoselloffhisusedmachineryinventoryandgetsomecashintothebusiness.Howeverthetermsoftradeweredauntinghewasallowedtocontinueoperatingthebusinessbuthehadtopayforeverythingincashupfrontwhilehestillgavecredittohiscustomers.Brentonrepaidhiscreditorsdollarfordollarestimatingatotalcostof48000withlegalfeesincluded.InthosemoniestothereceiverweretheproceedsoftwoMasseyFergusonself-propelledheadersaMF587andaMF850thatBrentonsoldintoSouthAustralia.TheeasternstatestradehasthrownalifelinetoWAdealersmanytimesoverthepursuingyears.IremembergivingthechequetothereceiverthenightIgotitBrentonsaid.Thatwholeepisodewasthebiggestlessonofmylife.BrentonremembersthefirstFMDAmeetingheattendedwhichwasheldattheSheratonHotelinPerthin1981.OneofthemajortopicswasthecontinuedfrictionbetweendealersandmanufacturersBrentonsaid.Itrevolvedaroundwhatdealersgotpaidforwarrantyworkbecausemanytimesthemanufacturerwouldntpayanythinganditwasalwaysaconfidentialdiscussionbetweenthedealerandthemanufacturerifanyreimbursementmoneywaspaidbythemanufacturer. 53Theissuecontinuedonaslowburnandduringthe1990stheFMDAslegaladviserJohnPicton-Warlowdeclaredifaproductfailedthemanufacturerhadtopay.AndIthinkeventodayiftheACCCAustralianCompetitionandConsumerCommissionlookedatthewarrantypolicyofmanufacturerstheACCCwouldrulethemanufacturerorimporterhadtopaytothetotalcostofrepair.Thedealerisstuckbetweenarockandahardplace.Moreoftenthannotthemanufactureristhedealersmajorsupplierandifthedealerweretotakelegalactiontogetfullrestitutionforwarrantyworkthentherelationshipbetweenthatsupplierandthedealerwouldprobablybejeopardisedthreateningthedealersfinancialviability.Attheendofthedaydealersarestillwritingoff1000sofdollarsonwarrantywork.Butithasbeenmuddiedbylegalramificationsandvariousotherpiecesoflegislationthatcanmakewarrantyclaimsnullandvoid.BrentonjoinedtheFMDAexecutivecommitteein1988andwontheJohnLynnMemorialAwardin1995forservicestotheindustry.OneofBrentonspassionswastoencourageyouthintotheindustryandhewasinvolvedwithBillBoekemanGregHumphriesGeoffPerkinsandothermembersoftheFMDAboardinsettingupapseudo-dealershipattheNarroginAgriculturalCollege.JohnHenchywasalsoheavilyinvolvedonbehalfoftheTMA.Thenewtrainingcentrehadanadministrativewingapartsandservicecounterandseveralservicebays.ItwasoneofthebesttrainingcentresinAustraliatoteachyoungpeoplemechanicalsalesandserviceandadministrativeskillsappropriatetothetrainingcourseinwhichthestudentswereinvolved.ThecoursegainedrecognitionandaccreditationfromeducatorsbutaccordingtoBrentonpoliticsbetweenteachinginstitutionsvyingforstudentsandgovernmentgrantssawthecentreproverbiallydieonthevine.TheFMDAcontinuedtopushforimprovedtrainingandtolobbyforskilledlabourersandintheearly2000sexecutivemembersGregVerburgandGregHumphrieswenttoSouthAfricatoexplorethepossibilityofimportinglabourintoWAdealershipsbecausetheshortageofskilledlabourwasaconcernBrentonsaid.Butinthosedayswehadno457visasandnovisionariesingovernmenttoassistwithouridea.IronicallywhenIsoldmydealershipin2008toGreenlineAGIhadsecuredthree457visaswhichlapsedbecauseofthesale.AtthatstageBrentonwasaJohnDeeredealerhavingmovedfromNewHollandin2001andrenamingthebusinessAgWestMachinery.ItwasaboutthistimethathebuiltnewpremisesinWagin.AnotherissuewhichBrentoncreditsthethensecretarySandyLewisforresolvingcentredontheGoodsandSalesTaxwhichwasintroducedinJuly2000. 54ItwasthestartofanewfinancialyearbuteverydealerhadpartsstockandtherewasrealconfusionoverwhethertheGSTwasapplicabletothatBrentonsaid.Thegovernmenthadruledthatalldealerswouldhavetopay10GSTonthepartsstockdealerswerecarrying.Mostdealerswerelookingatanewbillofbetween100000and200000thattheyowedthegovernmentbutSandygotitoverturnedwhichwasabigwinforFMDAmembers.WhenBrentonlefttheindustryin2008hisvisionforhimselfandwifeRaylenewastotracktheGreyNomadtrailbutwithazestforbusinessheboughtasign-writingcompanybeforebeingpresentedwithanotheropportunityearlyin2013tojoinJohnDeeredealershipAgImplementsAIMinMerredinasbranchmanager.HeandRaylenemovedtoMerredinandbothstartedworkatAIMinApril.ReturningtohisrootsBrentonsaysservicetocustomersstillremainsking.Halfthesecrettosellingisbeingagoodlistenerhesaid.AninterestingobservationbyBrentonlookingattherelationshipbetweendealersandmanufacturerstodayisthelackofcommunicationfromthemanufacturers.DealinginthenorthernzoneFormerKalanniemachinerydealerGraemeBunneywasoneoftheoriginalexecutivemembersoftheFMDArepresentingthenorthernzonewithBallidudealerJohnJolly.GraemeremembersatimewhennewlandfarmingwasexpandingintheKalannieandGoodlandsdistrictsandthealmostinsatiabledemandbyfarmersforpartsandequipment.IstartedwithKenHathwayinJanuary1965asHathwayandBunneysellingMasseyFergusontractorsGraemesaid.WealsohadtheChryslerandDodgefranchisesanditwasaroundthosetimesthattheChryslerValiantmotorcarsandDodgetruckswereinvogue.Iusedtodriveonewhenvisitingfarmersandwhenwealsodidthedistrictmailruns.ItwasonthesemailrunsthatweoftensoldequipmentandIrememberoneyearwehadagroupof10farmersintheGoodlandsdistrictandwesoldnineMasseyFergusonheadersandallbaroneofthemboughtDodgetruckssomebuyingtwoofeach.Inthosedaystherewerenophonessoaswedidthemailrunwetookorders.Irememberonespecialpackagewas10000foraDodge690truckwithan18foottrayanda14foot100bushelPTOMasseyheader.IsoldquiteafewDodgetruckstravellinginaValiantthroughKalannieandGoodlandstoBeaconMooraDalwallinuandWubin. 55WesoldValiantstolocaldoctorsthevetandchemistsandvariousprofessionalpeople.ThestandardforfarmerswastoownaValiantRegalwagon.InDecember1965KenHathwaydecidedtomovetoPerthandafteraverysuccessfulyearGraemejoinedupwithBobSymingtontobecomeSymingtonandBunney.ItdidnttakelongforthetwoenthusiasticdealerstoexpandtoDalwallinuinSeptember1970.PeopletolduswedgobrokeGraemesaid.Itwasthedaysofthewheatquotasandtherewasplentyofcompetitionaroundfromotherdealers.MaxJeanswastheoriginalChamberlaindealerbeforeIanMcPhersonboughthimoutandIanlatersoldtoJohnJollywhowasinBalliduuntiltheymovedtoDalwallinuin1972asJKSales.WeoutlastedmostofthemexceptforJohnwhobecameasuccessfulJohnDeeredealerinthetownandlaterexpandedtoKoordaandWonganHills.AccordingtoGraemebecauseofthecompetitionamongdealersservicebecameakeyfactorinbuildingafaithfulclientele.TherewasalotofcamaraderieinthosedaysandBobandIworkedsevendaysandwereavailable247tohelpourclientshesaid.Sometimestheydpushitabitfarlikethetimeswhentheywouldcomeintotownhaveagoodtimeatthepubthenwakeusupatsomeungodlyhourtogetfueltogetbacktothefarm.Itwasthatsortofrelationshipthatyoubuiltinthosedaysandithelpedyousellmachineryvehiclespartstyresandfuel.Inthe1973GraemeandBobtookontheVersatilefranchisemuchtothechagrinofMasseyFerguson.Itwasreallythestartofmulti-franchisingbydealershesaid.In1980GraemesoldoutinwhatheregardedasatimelymovewhenMasseyFergusonhittroubledtimesandBobSymingtonwenttoGeraldtontoworkwithWonganHillsdealerIanMcIntoshwhowasexpandingtoGeraldton.IntheensuingyearsGraemehascarvedoutasuccessfulcareerinrealestateandnowlivesinBindoon. 56BobSymingtonleftpicturedherewithsalesmanAlanGartnerwasasuccessfuldealerprincipalinGeraldtonfortheMcIntoshSondealershipgroupafterasuccessfulpartnershipwithGraemeBunneyinKalannietradingasSymingtonand 57PassionandenergyforalifesworkOneofthemostpassionateandenergeticmachinerydealersovertheyearswasIanBolto.InterestinglyIanisrecordedastheseconderofamotionMovedbyJohnLynntoformtheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationFMDA.ThesonofPeterBoltowhostartedamachineryagencyinKatanningin1951sellingMorriscarsandNuffieldtractorsPeteralsowasinvolvedinrealestateasalicensedvaluerlikehisfather.ItdidnttakelongforyoungIantobecomeinterestedinmachineryandrealestateandwaswellonthewaytofollowinghisfathersandgrandfathersfootstepsbythetimehewasinhistwenties.HeremembersstartingthelearningcurveofamachinerydealersellingMasseyFergusontractorsintheearly1960swhenPeterBoltoCogainedtheMassseyfranchise.Laterintheearly1970stheKatanningdealershipbecamethefirstVersatiletractordealersinWAatatimewhenNSWfarmerColinUebergangwasimportingthetractorsandhadsetupasmalldepotinGeraldton.Itwasthedecadewhenbig4WDtractorsstartedtomaketheirmarkanditwasalmostaprestigiousthingtoowneitheraVersatileorSteigertractorIansaid.Itwasaroundthattimewhendirectdrillingwasstartingtobecomefashionableandmanyfarmerswouldusehighhorsepower4WDtractorstopulldoublehitchcombinesorwiderseedingbarsthatcovered30feetinonepass.Fortyyearslaterwereseeingtheemergenceofbarswith90feetworkingwidths.IanWhendidIanBoltoCocomeintoexistenceInthequestformoreproductivityIanwasalwaysonthelookoutfornewtechnologyandintheearly1990sbecamethefirstWAdealertointroducetheJCBFastractractortotheState.AdapperIanBoltoservinghislasttermasFMDApresident. 58HewasafamiliarexhibitorattheDowerinmachineryfielddaysanddidanoutstandingjobpromotingthefeaturesoftheJCBtoawideaudienceoffarmersthroughouttheStatesuichthatJCBfranchiseswerequicklysnappedupbyotherdealers.ItwasatotallynewtractoratthetimeIansaid.Ithadfullsuspensionwascapableoftravellingat80kmhithadfullairbrakingandalltheelectrics.TheearlymodelswerentdesignedforthetoughAustralianconditionsbutJCBwasquicktorealisethatandlatermodelsbecameverypopularfortheAustralianmarket.Ithinkoneofthehallmarksofitssuccesswasthatitwasafamily-ownedcompanyandfamilymemberswerealwaysintimatelyinvolvedinensuringanyproblemsgainedtheirfullattention.AccordingtoIanbeingamemberoftheFMDAexecutiveheservedthreetermsaspresident1981-82and1989-90and1991-92wasrewardinghelpingtopromotethefarmmechanisationindustry.InmytimeoneofthebiggestissueswasgettingbureaucratstounderstandfarmingparticularlywhenitcametotransportrulesIansaid.IcreditCorrigindealerGregHumphriesandthensecretarySandyLewisasthemainonesthatspearheadedtheFMDAtogainchanges.ItwasthesameenergyanddrivethatsawtheFMDAwinabattleagainstthetaxdepartment.SandyandIhadtoexplainthemachinationsofvaluingtrademachineswhichwasaneye-openertothetaxofficialswhothoughttheywereinforabigtaxbonanza.FortunatelythroughtheFMDAsinterventionmachinerydealersweresavedfrompayingmillionsofdollarsofextratax.IanlikemanyofhiscolleaguesalsowasinvolvedinalmostweeklyspatswiththeDepartmentofOccupationalSafetyandHealth.ItwasalwaystryingtoconvincebureaucratsofthecommonsenseissuesthatsurroundedfarminganddealershipsinregardtosafetyIansaid.Therewasanattitudebysafetyinspectorsthatweneededstricterlawstokeepusfromhurtingourselvesandtheybecamealmostapoliceforceuntothemselves.FortunatelythestrengthoftheFMDAwaspersuasiveinbringingsomecommonsenseintothedepartment.AsamachinerydealerIanalsovaluedhiscommunityandservesontheKatanningshirecouncilcommitteefor16yearsfromtheearly1980sto2002.HealsoservedaspresidentoftheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationofAustralia.AsalicensedvaluerhealsomanagedasuccessfulrealestatebusinesswithhiswifeLeonieandsonCameronwhocontinuesinrealestateasafourthgenerationrepresentativeoftheBoltos.LeoniealsoservedontheFMDAcommitteeandwaselectedavicepresident. 59MACHINERYNOTEIancontinuestoworkasalicensedvaluerthroughouttheStateandmanytimesisaskedbyfarmersforadviceonchoosingamachineattherightdeal.TheymightcometomeandsayIvegotadealfromsuchandsuchadealerthatis30000betterthanmylocaldealershouldIgoforitAndIwouldsaytothemwhodoyoutrusttohelpyououtat10oclockatnightduringseedingorharvest.Inevitablytheysaytheywouldtrusttheirlocaldealer.Theymightnotgetthesamedealfromhimbutwhattheygetinserviceandthevaluetheygetfortheirtradewhichisservicedbytheirlocaldealerisfarmorethanthe30000theymightsaveonadeal. 60StoriesfromtheCrossArecipientoftheJohnLynnMemorialawardforhiscontributiontotheindustryJohnWillamsonwasoneofthelargerthanlifecharactersamonghispeers.HewasdealerprincipalofSouthernCrossTradersuntilheretiredin2009aftersellinghisbusinesstoMerredinfarmerJohnNicolettiwhoalsoownedJohnDeeredealershipMerredinAgImplements.Johnstartedhisdealershipin1956afterastintinagrocerybusinessfollowingfiveyearswithDalgetysinRoebourne.Itwasaverytighttimeinthelate1950sandintotheearly1960shesaid.Butthenwehadagoodrunbetween1963and1968whichwasaboomtimeforus.Irememberin1964wesold42MasseyFergusonheaders.Inthe1970sJohnbecameinvolvedwithsellingSteigertractorsthroughJohnShearerandbecameanofficialSteigerdealerin1974.ThatwastheyearMalcolmFraserintroduceda20percentinvestmentallowance.Ithinkweendedupselling142Steigersfrom1974onwards.Ithasbeenanexcitingtimeandwhenyouthinkwherewevecomefromsince1956itsmind-bogglingtothinkwhatwillhappeninthenext50years.Farmerswillprobablybesittingintheirofficepressingbuttonsandtractorswillhavenodrivers.FormerSouthernCrossTradersdealerprincipalJohnWilliamsonleftwithhiswifeBettyreceivesaJohnLynnMemorialAwardfromFMDApresidentKevinJonesatthe2009FMDAannualconference. 61TheSuperDealernetworkAviewpointbyCJDEquipmentmanagingdirectorRobJowatt.ThereisaninevitabilityofthecontinuedaggregationofmachinerydealersintowhathasbecomeknownastheSuperDealernetwork.Asmanufacturersstrivetoimprovecostefficienciestheircollectivepreferredtemplateseesadealernetworkoperationbasedoneconomiesofscalewithacentralbasefromwhichsalesandservicearedeliveredtosatellitedistricts.Whetheritisagoodmovewillbeforhistorytojudge.IronicallyhistorycouldalsoprovideawisecounseltomanufacturersheadingdowntheSuperDealerpathway.Duringthe1960sand1970sCJDdirectorRobJowettthenaterritorymanagerforChamberlainIndustriessawthegrowthofahugeChamberlainIndustriesdealernetworkthroughoutAustralianumbering160dealers.Itincluded46WAdealersdottedthroughtheWheatbeltmostlyinsmalltowns.ChamberlainIndustriesarguablymorethananyothermanufactureratthetimesetthebenchmarkfordealertrainingandsupport.AndtheChamberlainethosisasalutarylessonforshareholder-focusedcompaniestoday.ThebusinessofagricultureisaboutpeopleMrJowettsaid.AndinthoseearlydaysChamberlainrecruitedthetypeofpeoplewhoplayedapivotalroleintheircommunity.ManydealersinitiallyweregeneralstoreownersandbecameagentsforChamberlain.Theyweregenerallyleadersintheircommunityandwereinvolvedinthebusinessandsocialdynamicsthatcontributedtoavibrantcountrylife.MrJowettholdsupinauguralFMDApresidentJohnLynnasanoutstandingexampleofthecalibreofChamberlaindealers.JohnLynnoperatedoutofatinshedatYelbeniMrJowettsaid.ChamberlainencouragedhimtogotoTrayningtoexpandhisbusinessandeventuallyheestablishedbranchesatBencubbinMukinbudinandYelbeni.HewasagreatsportsmanandrepresentedWAinhockeywhileplayingcricketandfootballatYelbeniandTrayning. 62Ibelieveahugepartofhissuccessasamachinerydealerstemmedfromthefactthatheengagedpeopleanditisapracticewhichreflectsthesuccessofmanybusinessestoday.InmanywaysitishardtoduplicatetheownerdealerandthatwillbeoneofthechallengesfacingcompaniesevolvingtowardsaSuperDealernetworkinthefuture.Itwasasourceofgreatcomforttothefarmertoknowsomebodywasclosebytohelphimwithaproblemparticularlyduringseedingandatharvest.Thatsthetypeofservicethatisgettinghardertoreplicateinanerawhereweareenduringadecliningskillsbasewhiletechnologyadvancesarerampant.MrJowettalsorecallsthebigshake-outofdealersduringtheso-calledwheatquotayearswhichstartedin1969andwasrepealedin1981.ThedevastatingeconomicimpactonfarmersofcourseproducedtherippletobusinessesparticularlymanufacturersandmachinerydealersandChamberlainwasforcedtoseekafinancialpartnerhesaid.ItresultedinJohnDeeretakingamajorinterestinChamberlainin1970.AtthattimemostJohnDeeredistributorswereCaterpillardealersineachStateandwereterminatedwiththemergerofChamberlainIndustriesandJohnDeere.SobyaligningitselfwithChamberlainJohnDeereinherited160ChamberlaindealersthroughoutAustraliatogivethemamajorfootprintintheAustralianmarketandvirtuallyovernighttheneworganisationofChamberlainJohnDeerebecamemarketleaders..ChamberlainIndustriespioneeredtractormanufactureinAustraliafromitsWAWelshpoolfactory. 63AtruckafarmerandagunArecollectionbyformerFMDApresidentBillBoekeman.Irememberintheearly1970sitwasanincreasingpracticeforfarmerstooffertobuymachineswiththepromiseofpaymentafterharvest.ThiswouldusuallybeinJanuary.Interestrateswereclimbingespeciallyonsecondhandmachinessometimesgoingtoaroundthe20percentmark.Providingtheaskingpricewaspromisedoftennointerestwaschargedonthesedeals.Aboutthemid1970sIhadanewtruckonfloorplanwhichhasbeeninthedealershipfornearlyayearwithhardlyanyinquiry.Itwasasthesayinggoesburningaholeinmypocketespeciallywithinterestcharges.Ihadacustomerwhobecameinterestedinitbeforeharvestbuthewasknownasaslowpayerandhehadnodeposittogiveme.Soheofferedmeadeal.Hewouldtakethetruckforharvestthenwhenhereceivedcropproceedswewouldfinancethetruckonhirepurchasewith25percentdepositandthebalanceoverseveralyears.IcouldseeawayoutofmyproblemsoIletthetruckgo.AfterharvestcameandwentIreceivednopaymentandIcoulddonothingtogetmymoney.Iwasdesperate.Iheardtellofachapwhooperatedasarecoveryagentforfinancecompaniesandatthattimetherewasalotofslowpayers.IcontactedhimasIhadinfactofferedthecustomertotakethetruckbackwhichhewasntinterestedindoingwhilestillnotcomingupwiththemoney.Therecoverfellowwanted1000paymentupfrontthen1000onproducingthetruck.Thedealwasset.WithintwoweeksIhadmytruckback.Idiscoveredlaterhehadarevolverandwaslicensedtocarryit.Infactheactuallystolethetruckfromthecustomer.Ihidthetruckforamonthwhenthecustomerbecameveryaggressivewithmeassumingwhathadhappened.SubsequentlyIsoldthetruck.IthinkallIlearntfromtheepisodewasthatitsafairlytoughworldoutthere. 64DonttouchthebuttonsdadObservationsofanoldtimer.Milestonesinthehistoryofthefarmmechanisationindustryhavenevercomeatsuchapaceasinthecurrentcentury.Andevenmachinerydealerswilladmittofindingithardtokeeptagsonallmanneroftechnologyseekingspecialiststafftoexplainthealmostunexplainableworkingsofacomputerandassociatedsoftware.Fortheyoungergenerationwhohavebeenbaby-fedonDVDsI-phonesI-padsandAppstechnologyisabreeze.Butforageingmachinerydealersitsasometimesbegrudgingnecessitytounderstandnew-fangledtermslikevariablerateapplicationssatellitemappingtelematicsRealTimeKinematicsIsobus-compatibleunmannedaerialvehiclesUAVsCORSnetworksEM38farmingvirtualterminalsWAASandEGNOSsteeringandNTRIP-capability.Thankfullydesignengineershavecomeupwithfamiliartouch-screenconsolesinthemachinerycabwithstep-by-stepinstructionstopre-setamyriadofcommandswhicharethendutifullycarriedoutbyacomputer.Itistrulytheagewhenveteranmachinerydealerscanpassonthetechnologybatontotheiryoungerpeers.Gonearethedaysofthemechanicalfixinthepaddockwiththefarmerandmachinerydealerequippedwithawrenchscrewdriverorevenhammertorestoretheoldgirltoherformerglory.Todaystechnologyissuchthatevenageingfarmershappilyembracesittinginthespraytractorandwatchingtheconsoleasboomsectionsautomaticallycutoutonalready-sprayedareastoalleviateover-lapping.Andthejoyofsittinginaheaderandexperiencinghands-freesteeringwhilewatchingautosieveadjustmentsautograinmonitoringandyieldmappingisaworldawayfromtheolddays.Andtheresthebonusofnotinsoldierssuchistheaccuracyoftheswaths.Butinsomecasesintheearlierdaysofprecisionfarming--theblissofaquitetractorcabhassentmanyoldfarmersintothelandofnodonlytowakeupwiththeheaderortractorescapingthroughafenceortryingtomountatree.AndwhenthingsgowrongwithcomputersandyourestuckoutinthemiddleofapaddockfarfromthehomesteadrememberthewisewordsofyoursonDonttouchanybuttonsdad 65Butthelureofbeingahomemechaniccanbetoopowerfulsometimestopayanyattentiontosons.Justunscrewtheconsolecheckoutthewiringandtheconnectionswiththeloomsand.inmostcasesyouendupwithaspaghetti-likemessofwiresinthecabandfacingthesubsequentireofthebuddingbossofthefarmmutteringexpletivesashecallsthemachinerydealertogetatechnicianoutprontotofixabloodymess. 66TributetoadealerAttributedtoWANewHollandservicemanagerJACKWOODHEAD1968ThereisalittlevillagealittlewestofherewherelivesanNHdealerGeorgewhoreallygetsintogear.ItsjustanaveragefarmingtownjustanotherplacewheremerchantssaidthatthingswerebadandwalkedaroundlongoffaceTheysaidcouldntsellathingnodealsuponthehook.ButtheyhadntletGeorgeknowThatthingswerebloodycrook.Hemethisclientsdaybydaywithgooddealseverytime.Hesoldmachinesnowasbeforewhenthingswereintheirprime.HesoldconservationAndmanyahandheshook.YestheyforgottotellpoorGeorgeThatthingswerebloodycrook.Hetradedusedmachineryalltherewasabout.Servicedthemsoldthemagainanddulysentthemout.TheaccountantcamtoGeorgeonedaytostudyonthebook.HelookedandtoldsmartGeorgeatonce.thatthingswerentbloodycrook.SowhenthingsaregoingslowlymateorsotheywouldappearThethingtodoisbelikeGeorge.Getintobloodygear. 67TheredtapebrigadeofbureaucratsOneofthemostenduringaspectsoftheFMDAwasitseffortsforafairgoforitsdealers.Countlesstimestheassociationwouldconfrontissueswhereitfeltthegovernmentormoreaccuratelybureaucracyhadgotitwrong.Thefollowingstoriesprovideaninsightintosomeoftheissuesmanyofwhichresultedinlegislationbeingchangedbythegovernmentofthedaywhenpoorlawsorrulingshinderedorpreventedadealerfromcarryingonhisbusiness.VehiclelicensingTheFarmWeeklynewspaperin2011reportedonthisissuethusWAmachinerydealersarebreakingthelaweverydayriskinginsurancecoverandplacingthemselvesinapositiontobesued.Literallytheirbusinessesareanaccidentwaitingtohappen.Itstheresultofoutofdatelegislationcoveringvehiclelicensingspecificallydealerplateswhichareusedmainlytodelivervehiclestoapurchaserafterasale.ButacrackdownbypoliceandDepartmentofPlanningandInfrastructureDPIinspectorsoverthelast18monthshasseenseveraldealershavetheirplatesconfiscated.AnddespiteeffortsbytheDPIinalertingpoliceandinspectorstotakeasofterapproachFarmMachineryDealersAssociationexecutiveofficerJohnHenchysaidablitziscontinuingwithdealerplatesbeingconfiscated.ThelatestincidenthappenedlastmonthafterWaginWooloramawhereadealerandamanufacturersrepresentativebothhadplatestakenoffthemandinfringementnoticesissuedhesaid.AttheheartofthematterisaninterpretationbysomepoliceDPIandMainRoadsinspectorsoftheRoadTrafficLicensingRegulationsAct1975thatatractorcombineharvesterself-propelledsprayerorswatherarenotcompliantvehiclesnotlicensablefortravelonpublicroadsandthereforeshouldnotbeallowedtocarrydealerplates.Theinterpretationisthatsuchvehiclesshouldbetransportedbyalowloaderortowedbyalicensedvehicle. 68MrHenchysaidDPIcalledforpublicsubmissionslastyearwithaviewtosubmittingadrafttotheStateGovernmenttoamendtheAct.Wegavethemoursubmissions12monthsagoandwehaventheardbackhesaid.WhenIcalledthemtheysaidtheywouldcontactmebutIstillhaventheardfromanybody.Wefollowedtheprocessbutitseemsthewheelshavefallenoff.MrHenchysaidhehadnoideawhypoliceandDPIinspectorsweretargetingtheuseofdealerplates.WhenyoulookattheDPIwebsiteabulletinisavailableonguidelinesfortheuseofdealerplateshesaid.IfthepoliceDPIandMainRoadsweretobetterunderstandtheguidelineswewouldnotbecontinuallyharassed.CurrentMinisterforTransportSimonOBriensaysheisawareoftheissuefacingmachinerydealersandmanufacturers.Ihaveaskedmydepartmenttolookintowhatcanbedoneontheregionaluseofdealerlicensingfornon-conformingmachinerysuchastractorsandotherimplementshesaid.ThatreplydidntwashwithGreenlineAgdirectorBlueCharlesworthwhosaiditwasnonsenseforbusinessestobeliableforinsuranceandliabilityclaimsintheeventofanaccident.Wehavethesituationofhavingtomovetractorsheadersandsprayersparkedacrosstheroadintoourworkshopseverydayhesaid.Ifwearetofollowthelawweneedtogetalowloadertotakethatequipmentacrosstheroadhesaid.AndifitisoverwidthsuchasatractorontripletyresweneedtogetapermitfromMainRoadswhichtakes14days.Soeffectivelywearerestrictedfromdoingdailybusinessbecauseofasillylawwhichwaswrittenin1975thathasnoapplicationfortodaysmodernequipment.Ouronlyalternativeistobreakthelawifwewanttomoveourequipmentacrosstheroad.Iftheresanaccidentourinsurancecoverisvoidedbecausethevehicleisnon-compliantandifanybodyisinjuredasadirectorofthecompanyIamliablefordamages.IhavewrittentoMinisterOBrienandPoliceMinisterRobJohnsonoutlyingtheabsurdityofthelawsandthefactwearenotaffordedthesameconcessionsasourprimaryproducercustomerswhocanusefarmplatestotravelacrossroadstodifferentpartsoftheirfarm.ButIhavehadnorepliesfromeitherofthem.TheupshotofthisissueresultedinthegovernmentSpeakwithJohn 69LetthebattlebeginAnotherissuethatcreatedangstamongmachinerydealerswasregulatorychangestotheMotorVehicleRepairersBillwhichplacedmoreimpostsonmachinerydealerswithathreatofheavypenaltiesfornon-compliance.ForexampleamechanicnotproperlylicensedbytheMotorIndustryVehicleBoardcouldbefined50000forrepairingatruckoracar.ThethenFMDApresidentGeoffPerkinsledalobbygroupseekingchangestogainexemption.AccordingtoGeofftheFMDAhasbeencaughtundertheumbrellaoflegislativechangestotheBillwhichrequiresstricterlicensingofbusinessesandindividualrepairers.AnymechaniclightorheavydutywasrequiredtobelicensedbytheMotorIndustryVehicleBoardMIVBtorepairtrucksandcarsandtherequirementmeantmachinerydealerswouldberequiredtobelicensedasabusinessofrepairoftrucksandcars.Thelicensefeeforeachmechanicwouldbe65ayearwhileanunlicensedmechanicfacedapenaltyof50000.UndertheBillavehiclewhichwasusedprincipallyforprimaryproductionwasexemptexceptwherethatvehicleinvolvesthecarriageofpersonsorgoodsoverpublicroads.Thismeantthattorepairgraintrucksandtrailersamechanicwouldrequirearepairerslicense.Andifadealerchosetorepairthetruckhewouldneedabusinesslicense.AccordingGeofftheregulationswereanotheronerousimpostonmachinerydealers.Thislegislationhasbeenwrittentogetridofbackyardmechanicsinthecityandwerefarfrombackyardhesaid.Infactwereverymuchfrontyardand30percentofourrepairbusinessisonlicensedvehicles.Thelegislationnotonlyrequiresustonowbelicensedbutalsotocomplywithotherregulationsthatinvolvemorepaperworkandtime.Itsjustanotherexampleofgovernmentpushingthroughlawsthathavenotbeenwellresearchedbybureaucrats.Nobodyhascometousandtalkedaboutasensiblewayforcountrybusinessestocomply.Wejustgetlumpedinwitheverybodyelse.GeoffsaidamongtheregulationsincludednotifyingtheMIVBwithin14daysofstaffchangeswitha2000penaltyfornon-notificationwithinthattime.TheMIVBalsohadtobenotifiedofnewmanagementappointmentsandtheboardhadtoagreetothispersonunderpenaltyoflosingabusinesslicense.Italsowasanoffencetomakechangesofmanagementwithouttheboardsapproval. 70Togainabusinesslicenseadealerhadtogainapprovaltousehispremisesortoworkoutsidehispremises.Theboardhadtoapprovethepremisesandanyadditionsorchangestothepremisesandcouldrevokethatapproval.Underpendingregulationsitappearedauthorisedinspectorshadunlimitedrightsofentry.AccordingtoFMDAsecretarySandyLewistheBillwasacopyofNSWlegislation.IamtoldithasservednousefulpurposeexceptrevenueraisingSandysaid.Therehasbeennoreductionintheftnoreductionsinclaimsandofcourseitisunenforceableasbackyarderscansaytheyarehelpingoutamateforfree.Sandysaidtheonlybrightnoteabouttheregulationswasthatithadtobereviewedeveryfiveyears.Wearespeakingwithasmanypoliticiansaspossibletogainexemptionfromtheseonerousregulationshesaid.UnfortunatelyrepresentationsprovedfruitlessandtheBillremainsinforce.InspectorsjumpthegunCuballingmanufacturerGordonMcDougallapastexecutivememberoftheWARegionalManufacturersAssociationWARMwasleftscratchinghisheadoneday.InhisabsenceaDepartmentofOccupationalSafetyandHealthinspectorhadenteredhispremisesandslappedinfringementnoticesonavarietyofmachineryinhisyard.Citinglackofpropersafetymeasuresthatwereobligatoryonmachinerytheinspectorleftthinkinghehadmadeanicecatch.ItdidnttakelongforhisfacetoturnredwhenanangryGordonrangthedepartmentcomplainingofinfringementnoticesbeingplacedonmachinerythatwereinvariousstagesofmanufacture.Theignorantinspectorhadassumedalltheillegalproductswerereadyforsale.Anybodywithameasureofknowledgeoffarmequipmentwouldhaveimmediatelyknowntheproductswerenotcompletedwithobvioussafetycomponentssuchasshieldsandguardsyettobefitted.NeedlesstosayGordonhadthelastlaughbuttheincidentemphasizedtheseriousnessofthelackofeducationaboutfarmmachineryequipmentbygovernmentagencies. 71StandingforcommonsenseTheFMDAhasasuccinctviewofanEasternStatesrulingbytheNSWIndustrialRelationsCommissionin2001.ItwasreportedtheTractorandMachineryAssociationTMAwasseekingfundsfromindustrytolaunchalegalchallengeagainstarulingbythecommission.Inanutshelltherulingmadesuppliersofmachineryequipmentliableforanyaccidentsthatmayoccurtopeopleinvolvedintheuseofthemachinerysupplied.FMDAsecretarySandyLewiswasdismissiveoftheruling.Wedontbelieveanycourtwouldbestupidenoughtopursuesucharulinghesaid.Itslikesellingacartoapersonwhogetsboggedinthedesertandperishesandyoublamethesupplier.NeedlesstosaytheTMAdidntgetanysupportfromtheFMDAinitsfund-raisingdriveandtheissuefadedaway.Red-tapingasilomanufacturerBureaucraticredtapetechnicallylockedKellerberrinsilomanufacturerMoylansSilosfrommakingdeliveriesin2012.ThecompanyhadreceivedahighloadmovementauthorisationpermitfromWesternPowerrestrictingtransportfromthecompanysfactorygatealongtheexitroadbecausetheloadfailedtocomplywithheightrestrictionstravellingunderpowerlines.CompanyprincipalMikeMoylanwhoappliedforthepermittotransportasilofromthefactorytoaclientinBusseltonsaidheightrestrictionspreventedhimfromlegallyleavinghispremises.Thestatedloadheightonthepermitapplicationwas5.1metreswithaprescribedrouteexitingwestfromthefactorygates.TheWesternPowerpermitconformanceinformationandrestrictionsroutestatedtheloadmustbe4.5minheightandexitingeasttoaroadclosedsign.ItwassnotanisolatedincidenceintheindustryandaccordingtoMrMoylanifhefollowedtheletterofthelawhecouldnotaccess80percentofhiscustomerswithoutemployingWesternPowerslinelifters.Justliftingonelinewouldcost4500alongwithanobserverwhogets1428MrMoylansaid.Thatstooexpensiveandwouldsendusbroke. 72Wehavesomeideaswethinkcouldhelpalleviatealotoftheproblemsanditsjustamatterofsittingdownwiththepeopleresponsibleforsettingupthesystemandworkingthroughsolutionsthatarefairtoeverybody.OntheMoylanspermittotransporttoBusseltonWesternPowerimposedthreeheightrestrictionsof4.5m5mand5.06m.Therestrictionsforcedmachinerydealersandmanufacturerstofinddifferentroutesonbackroadsorsimplygoforitandhopeyoudontgetcaughtasonemanufacturersaid.Toaddtheangstinsomecasesinspectorswouldcampedoutthefrontofabusinesswaitingforatrucktoappearwithaloadsoitcouldbepulledoverandthedriverissuedwithafine.ThenewlyformedFarmMachineryandIndustryAssociationanditsexecutivedirectorJohnHenchyhadplentyofsympathyfordealersandmanufacturers.MrHenchysaidheknewofmachinerydealerscartingequipmentfromKewdalefacedanoneroustaskwithpermitsrequiringloadstobeloweredonvarioussectionsofroutes.Itsalmostimpossibleforthemtocomplywhentheyhavealoadofsayfivemetresinheightandtheymustlowertheloadtosay4.2mMrHenchysaid.SeveralmachinerydealerssaidmultipleloadheightchangeswerecommonwhencartingfromPerth.MostofthetimewecangetunderthelinesbutifitbecomesarealhasslewellpayWesternPowertohaveanobserveralongthewayonedealersaid.Technicallywebreakthelawonmosttripsbutweshouldnthavetobeputinthatposition.Thenationalcodeheightis5.5mandifWesternPowerraisedlinestothatheightitwouldeliminatealotofhasslestogetthepermitsandcosts.Thishasgoneonfortoolongandpeopleneedtorealisetheburdenoncountrybusinesses.MrHenchysaidhadspokenwithoutsuccesstoWesternPowerofficialsandthethenEnergyMinisterPeterCollier.WefindithardtounderstandhowWAcanbeasignatorytoanationalstandardbutstillrestrictroadusersto4.3mMrHenchysaid.WecanonlyassumethatWesternPowerisbehindwithanupgradeprogramtoraisethepowerlinesoverroadstocomplywiththenationalstandard.Itismandatoryforafarmertoprovidepowerlineswithaminimumclearanceof5.5mwhenitgoesacrosshisorherlandbutthesamerequirementdoesnotappeartoapplytoWesternPowerwhenlinescrossroads.Ifwewerestillbackinthe1950swewouldnothaveaproblembuttodaymachineryisgettingbiggerintheinterestsofagriculturalefficiencyandsomeequipmentmainlyairseederrigscanstand6mtallwhenfoldedinthetransportposition. 73WearenotsayingthatweshouldhavethatsortofclearanceyetbutwhatitdoessayisthatinoverseascountriesmainlyNorthAmericawherealotofthisequipmentismanufacturedtheydontappeartohavethesamesortsofrestrictions.MrHenchysaidtheFMIAhadmadeseveralsuggestionstoWesternPowertobetterassistitsmembers.ItappearsthatWesternPowerisuncomfortableinconsideringchangehesaid.Forexamplethesuggestionthattheylookataweb-basedpermitsystemismetwithcommentsaboutbudgetaryrestraints.WehaveputforwardasuggestionabouthavingHighLoadEscortsbasedinregionalareasasopposedtohavingthemcomeoutatexorbitantratesfromthecitybutthereseemstobeareluctancetoletgoofthepresentsystembecauseotherpeopletakingontherolemaynotbeabletocomplywithWesternPowerrequirements.Therewasneveranysuggestionthecurrentsystembewatereddownitwasdoneinthehopethe1135hourlyratemaximumcouldbereduced.Itjustseemsthereislittlewillingnesstochangethings.Attheendofthedaythatmaybethecasebutwewouldprefertohavethedebatefirstratherthanaits-too-hardupfront.MrHenchyalsosuggestedtoMrCollierthatanimprovedsystemofpermitauthorisationsbyWesternPowerbeimplementedwhenover-sizedloadsenteredterritorymanagedbyHorizonPower.MrCollierpromisedtoaddresstheissuesraisedbytheFMIAandwrotetoMrHenchyin2011sayingaresponsewouldbeprovidedbytheMinisterbyFriday3June2011.NoresponsecameandasubsequentlettersentonOctober22thisyearhasalsoreceivednoresponsefromtheMinister.InthatletterMrHenchyremindedtheMinisterofhisstatementinMay2011thatWesternPowerwouldintroduceaweb-basedself-servicefacilitytostreamlinetheidentificationoflineheightsandroadcrossingsthroughouttheSouthWestinterconnectedsystem.MrColliersaidatthetimethesystemwouldbeprovidedtoexternalcustomersandwouldbeimplementedbetween18and24monthsfromMay2011.Giventhatweareveryclosetothe18monthtimelineareyouabletoletusknowwhenwecanexpectaccesstothisnewfacilityMrHenchyaskedintheOctoberletter.MrHenchyisstillwaitingforareplyinaclassicexampleofabureaucraticsystemoutofsyncwiththeagriculturalindustry. 74FromtheFMDAarchivesThesurvivalofthedealers.Manysmallfarmmachinerydealersarebattlingtosurvivedespitetheturnaroundinmachinerysales.ThiswasthestarkevaluationgivenbyFarmMachineryDealersAssociationsecretarySandyLewisataspecialconferenceinMelbournein1988.DuringtheconferenceSandyannouncedthatresultsofa198788CostofDoingBusinesssurveyintotheoperationsofAustralianfarmmachinerydealers.Thesurveyhashighlightedthatdealersarecurrentlysellingonly30percentofpre-1983levelswhilemakingonly25pcoftheprofitstheyshouldbeachievinginrealterms.Dealersintheunder2millionturnovergroupsawtheirnettoperatingprofitdropfrom12000inthe1986-87calendaryearto3618in1987-88.In1983-84thefigurewas40614.Incontrastbiggerdealershaveenjoyedanupswingreflectingthehigherpricesfornewequipment.Thoseinthe2-4millionturnoverrangefinishedwithanaveragenetoperatingprofitof49233comparedwith1138thepreviousyear.In1983-84thefigurewas54749.Andtherewasasignificantliftfordealersinthe4mplusturnoverrangewithanoperatingprofitof231681.Thiscomparedwith14865thepreviousyear.In1983-84thefigurewas1.163865.ntheusedequipmentareatheaveragemarginisdown1.5pcwithsalescostingthedealer10000Sandysaid.Sparepartsaredown130pcon1987whichamountstoanadditional8770.Sandysaidmanydealerswitha25pcgrossmarginandanaveragesparepartsturnoverof635421wouldonlymakea6270profit.Thesefiguresareextremelypoorhesaid. 75Soaringsecond-handgearpricesconcernThethenpresidentoftheFMDAin1988TerryNicholswrotethisarticleinWesternFarmerandGrazierpreviewingWAsmachineryfielddays.Fielddaytimeishereagainandfarmersarekeentoinspectthewiderangeofnewmachineryavailabletohelptheminefficientproduction.Thisseasonhashadagreatstartandadequatefollow-uprainsanditisseeninmostofthecentraleasternandnorthernwheatbeltasthebeststartyet.TheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationisconcernedwithreportsfrommembersthattheavailabilityofsecondhandequipmentiscausingmanyfarmerstore-assessordelaytheirpurchases.Itsayssecondhandgearisrisinginpricetothepointwherenewunitsmustbeconsidered.Theshortageofsecondhandequipmentwillmeanmorepeoplewillnotbeabletoupgrade.Forthesepeoplethebestdecisionhasbeenmadetoupgradeandthebestsolutionistobitethebulletandordernewequipment.Timingofnewequipmentpurchasesiscriticalasalloriginalmanufacturersarenowproducingonlytodealerorder.Toensuredeliveryofnewproductfromoverseasthefarmermustcommithimselfassoonaspossible.Onedealersaysanewunitex-USAorderedinJunewillnotbeavailableuntilFebruary1989.Theorganisationsaysthereshouldbeataxincentiveinvestmentallowanceonallfundsusedtoupgradefarmequipment.Thiswouldmeanbothnewandusedgearwouldattracttheincentive.TheStateFMDAannualconferencedecidedtojoinforceswiththeAmalgamatedMutualWorkersUniontobringpressuretobearontheFederalTreasurytointroduceataxincentiveonAustralian-madegoods.TheactionwasdebatedatlengthanditwasdecidedtoassociatewiththemetaltradesworkersasitmaybeagoodalternativeastheruralvotedidnotseemtoholdanyfavourinCanberra.Farmingtodayisawayoflifeforsomepeoplebutitisonlythosewhotemperthiswithgoodbusinesssensewhoarestillinapositiontoenjoythisidylliclifestyle.Thesebusinessfarmersarethemostefficientproducersinthewesternworld.Australianfarmersarerecognisedasthemostsuccessfuldrylandwheatfarmersintheworldtoday.Thereishoweverapointwhichmustberecognisedbygovernmentsandfarmersaliketheupgradingoffarmmachineryisnotdesirablebutaneconomicnecessity. 76Toallowthenationalfarmingplanttobecometoooldwouldbeadisasterinthelongterm.Farmersgenerallyrecognisethisandwouldiftheeconomicclimatewererightbutnewandsecond-handgear.ItisthegovernmentwhichmustrecognisethisfactandensureadequateincentivesareinplacetostopthedemiseofAustraliaasthemostefficientwheatproducersintheworld.TheFMDAasksfarmerstospeaktotheirMembersofParliamentStateofFederalandensurethemessageisheardintherightplaces.Amajorproblemforthefarmingcommunityisagainraisingitsheadunscrupulousprivateimporterstryingtounderminethesolidbusinessfoundationthathasbuiltupbetweendealerandfarmer.Thesweettasteofapricecutforimportedmachinerymayseemattractivebutitshouldbenoted.Theseunitsareusuallyoldstockanddonothavefittedcurrentfactoryupdatesorchanges..SparepartsmaybeincompatibletoAustralian-soldunits..Dealerservicewillusuallybenon-existentastheprivateimporterdoesnotofferit..ResalevaluewillusuallybeaffectedifoptionsconsideredstandardequipmentinAustraliaarenotfitted.AnaccelerateddepreciationschemeOnFebruary251990FMDAsecretarySandyLewiswrotetothethenPrimeMinisterBobHawkeMyDearPrimeMinisterMyAssociationhasaskedmetowritetoyouandurgethatanaccelerateddepreciationschemebeintroducedforallincome-earningplant.Thefeelingamongstmembersisthatthismovewouldencouragepurchasersandgoalongwaytohaltingtheexodusfromruraltowns.ThisexodushasbeenparticularlyseveresinceJuneandmymembersalonghavehadtoputoff300staffinWesternAustralia.TheAssociationsschemewouldinvolveonlytheamountofcashspentnotthetotalpriceoftheplantsoldwhichmakesitdifferentfrompreviousschemes.AnexamplewouldbeTractor45000Trade-in25000Balance20000 77Thedepreciationwouldthenbeallowedonthe20000andourbeliefisthatitshouldthenbeonbothnewandusedmachines.HopingthatthisschemecouldbegivenconsiderationYoursfaithfullySandyLewis.FOOTNOTEPrimeMinisterHawkeneverrepliedtoSandysletterleavingtheissueasaproverbialdeadduck.TheFMDALogoThedistinctiveFarmMachineryDealersAssociationFMDAlogowastheresultofacompetitionrunbytheFMDAofWAthroughalltheStatehighschoolspublicandprivate.TheFMDAoffered500forthewinningentry.Itattracted200entriesandthecompetitionnotonlyprovidedinteresttothechildreninvolvedbutalsototheirparentswhoweremadeawareoftheformationoftheassociation.ThecompetitionproducedsomedistinctivedesignswhichformedthebasisfortheofficialFMDAlogo.ContributingtothehealthofcommunitiesThehistoryoftheFMDAnotonlypromotedaunitedvoiceamongitsmembersbutalsoavigilancetoassistthewidercommunity.Inthebigdroughtsofthe1980s1982-83theFMDAmovedtohelppeopleinregionalareasasthisminutefromthethenFMDAsecretarySandyLewisrecordsTheFMDAintendstorunaseminartocoincidewithitsannualmeetingonPossiblemethodsofreducingtheeffectofdroughtandotherformsofnaturaldisasteronruralcommunitiesandbusiness.Thislastyear1983hasbroughthometoallsectionsoftheruralcommunityfromfarmersthroughtomanufacturershowdevastatingtheeffectofdroughtscanbe.AsallsectionsofAustraliahavebeenhitinthelast12monthstheseminarwillhavespeakersfrommanyoftheseareas.Theaimbeingnottotelleachotherwhathappenedorgooverthepastbuttoputintoasimpleformthethoughtsofthosepresentofwhatcouldalleviatesomeofthepaininfuturesituationsthataresimilartothosewearefacingnow. 78TheideacamefromasimilarseriesofsmallmeetingsthattheassociationraninruralWAseveralyearsagowhichunfortunatelygotzeroresponsefromeithersideofpolitics.Inpoliticiansmindsitisasiftheproblemwillgoawayifyoudonothing.Theideaofnottryingtofindsomeonetoblamebuttoendeavourtosetupsomeworkableformulathatcanapplytoallormostsituations.Thiswouldneedtobeonaregionalbasisandtheadministrationflexibleenoughtogethelpwhereitwasneededasfastaspossible.Adisasterwhetheritbedroughtfloodfirefrostetcisashardontheindividualasforsay500.OvertheyearswehavehadnumerousdisastersandalwaysthehelpneededhasbeentooslowoneoccasionthatitwasnotwasCycloneAlby1978whenthelateSirDesmondONeilhadpeoplebeinghelpedthenextdayandthusgovernmentshavetohavepeopleprobablyvolunteersreadytoassessthesituationassoonaspossible.ThesepeoplewouldhavedirectaccesstothePrimeMinisterandthePremierintheirrespectiveState.SurelyamechanismcanbedrawnupineachStateinaby-partisanmannerandthebestpossiblepeopleapproachedtogivetheirtime.Thiswithluckwouldover-ridetheinter-agencyrivalriesandgethelptothecoalfaceasquickaspossible.TheFMDAaimstobeconstructiveinthismatterandcontinuetheleadingroleithasinruralareas.Thematterofgovernmentinvolvementinassistingagricultureremainsavexingissueforthefarmmechanisationindustrywhichrecognisestheneedforabroadervisiontomaintainahealthyagribusinesssector.Sadlypoliticalpartieshavefailedtoestablishsuchavisioncontinuingwithshorttermpoliciesthatfailtoaddresslongtermsolutions.ThegrowingbureaucraticbeastAreportfromthe2010FMDAannualgeneralmeetingpublishedinFarmWeekly.Clearingsalesremainalargelyunregulatedminefieldwithseriouslegalramificationsforsellers.AccordingtoCRManagementSystemsmanagingdirectorWarrenMillswhoaddressedthisweeksFMDAandWARMmeetingmostmachineryshouldhavetobedeclaredunsafeuntilratifiedassafebyacompetentsource.Gonearethedayswhenyoucanusethecaveatemptororbuyerbewarehesaid.Itsgone. 79Youaresupposedtoknowwhatissafeandwhatisnotsafe.Andsellingamachineonanasiswhereisbasisisagraverisk.Ifyousellamachineyoushouldneedtohaveacertificateofsalewithdisclosurescitingthelevelofdangerofthemachineandthelevelofriskandliabilitiesifthemachineisnotusedproperly.MrMillssaidchainofresponsibilitylawswereclearlylaidoutunderOccupationalSafetyandHealthregulationswhereyounolongerhavetowaitforanaccidenttobeprosecuted.Youcanbeprosecutedforabreachoftheguidelineshesaid.WenowliveinanerawheredutyofcareisclearlyenshrinedinallsortsoflegislationsincludingtheWorkSafeAct.Thebottomlineisthatifsomebodyinvolvedwithamachinehasanaccidentordiesyoucanbesuedifyouareunderchainofresponsibility.MrMillstolddealerstheymustdeterminewhatamachineisbeingusedforparticularlyifitwasausedmachinebecauseamanufacturersliabilitylapsesafterthreeyears.Soadealermustdetermineifitsfitforitsdeterminedpurposehesaid.AndadealermustalsodeterminetherisksandensuresafetycontrolsarepresentsuchasROPSsafetyguardswarningdecalsoperatorhandbooksetc.MrMillssaidtherewerearangeofprecedentsreflectingliability.YoucanbeprosecutedanditcanbeinamultitudeofwaysincludingfacingcourtsintheEasternStateswheretherearedifferentinterpretationsonsafety.MrMillssaidtherewasapushfornationaluniformsafetylegislationwhichwoulduntanglealotofinterpretationsbutmachinerydealersneededtoensuretheyfollowedcorrectprocedures.TothisendMrMillshaddevisedaHazChecksystemfordealerstoenablethemtotickoffsafetyrequirementsbeforesellingmachines.Itsbasicallyasystemthattellsyouwhattodoandenablesyoutoassessusedmachineryandkeeprecordsofcompliancewhichcanbeusedinanydefenceaction.ThebuckforthetruckstopswiththefarmerAreportpublishedinFarmWeeklyfollowingtheFMDAs2008annualgeneralmeeting.Machinerydealerswillpassonnewcostimpostsfortransportinghighmachineryloadsabove4.3metresinheighttofarmers. 80AtlastweeksFMDAannualgeneralmeetingdealersweretoldWesternPowernowrequired100tobepaidforeachpermitgrantedforhighloadtransport.PreviouslysuchpermitswerefreebutWesternPowerdecidedtoimposethechargeeffectiveJune9tooffsetadministrationandroadsurveycosts.Whilethecostofthepermitswillbepaidbymachinerydealersitwillbepassedontofarmers.AWesternPowerspokespersonsaidfarmersalsowouldberequiredtopayforpermitswhentransportingonroadsidentifiedwithlowhangingpowerlines.Theissueraisedquestionsontheupkeepofpowerlinesincountryareasandtheimpostondealers.SeveraldealerscomplainedthattheycouldnottransportequipmentoncertainroadsbecauseofrestrictionsbyWesternPower.JollyandSonsdealerprincipalKenJollysaidthattosendacombineharvesterfromDalwallinubyroadtoNorthammeantdeviatingthroughPerth.Youcantgoadirectroutebecauseonsomeroadspowerlinesaretoolowhesaid.AgWestMachineryWagindealerprincipalBrentonAugheysaidatransporterhadtoconsultwithMainRoadsfornearlyadaytofindaroutebetweenSouthernCrossandFranklandRivertotransportanairseeder.Weneedsmapstoshowusdesignatedroadshesaid.Thewholeexerciseisverytimeconsumingandcostlyintermsoflabourandfuelcostsandnowwevegottopay100everytimewetransportmachinerytoafarmorpickupatrade.FMDAsecretaryJohnHenchysaiditwascleardealershadonlyoneoptionandthatwastopassonthecosttofarmers. 81OntheindustrialfrontOneofthemostenduringaspectsoftheFMDAwasitseffortsforafairgoforitsdealers.Countlesstimestheassociationwouldconfrontissueswhereitfeltthegovernmentormoreaccuratelybureaucracyhadgotitwrong.Thefollowingstoriesprovideaninsightintosomeoftheissuesmanyofwhichresultedinlegislationbeingchangedbythegovernmentofthedaywhenpoorlawsorrulingshinderedorpreventedadealerfromcarryingonhisbusiness.LetthebattlebeginAnissuethatcreatedangstamongmachinerydealerswasregulatorychangestotheMotorVehicleRepairersBillwhichplacedmoreimpostsonmachinerydealerswithathreatofheavypenaltiesfornon-compliance.ForexampleamechanicnotproperlylicensedbytheMotorIndustryVehicleBoardcouldbefined50000forrepairingatruckoracar.ThethenFMDApresidentGeoffPerkinsledalobbygroupseekingchangestogainexemption.AccordingtoGeofftheFMDAhasbeencaughtundertheumbrellaoflegislativechangestotheBillwhichrequiresstricterlicensingofbusinessesandindividualrepairers.AnymechaniclightorheavydutywasrequiredtobelicensedbytheMotorIndustryVehicleBoardMIVBtorepairtrucksandcarsandtherequirementmeantmachinerydealerswouldberequiredtobelicensedasabusinessofrepairoftrucksandcars.Thelicensefeeforeachmechanicwouldbe65ayearwhileanunlicensedmechanicfacedapenaltyof50000.UndertheBillavehiclewhichwasusedprincipallyforprimaryproductionwasexemptexceptwherethatvehicleinvolvesthecarriageofpersonsorgoodsoverpublicroads.Thismeantthattorepairgraintrucksandtrailersamechanicwouldrequirearepairerslicense.Andifadealerchosetorepairthetruckhewouldneedabusinesslicense. 82AccordingGeofftheregulationswereanotheronerousimpostonmachinerydealers.Thislegislationhasbeenwrittentogetridofbackyardmechanicsinthecityandwerefarfrombackyardhesaid.Infactwereverymuchfrontyardand30percentofourrepairbusinessisonlicensedvehicles.Thelegislationnotonlyrequiresustonowbelicensedbutalsotocomplywithotherregulationsthatinvolvemorepaperworkandtime.Itsjustanotherexampleofgovernmentpushingthroughlawsthathavenotbeenwellresearchedbybureaucrats.Nobodyhascometousandtalkedaboutasensiblewayforcountrybusinessestocomply.Wejustgetlumpedinwitheverybodyelse.GeoffsaidamongtheregulationsincludednotifyingtheMIVBwithin14daysofstaffchangeswitha2000penaltyfornon-notificationwithinthattime.TheMIVBalsohadtobenotifiedofnewmanagementappointmentsandtheboardhadtoagreetothispersonunderpenaltyoflosingabusinesslicense.Italsowasanoffencetomakechangesofmanagementwithouttheboardsapproval.Togainabusinesslicenseadealerhadtogainapprovaltousehispremisesortoworkoutsidehispremises.Theboardhadtoapprovethepremisesandanyadditionsorchangestothepremisesandcouldrevokethatapproval.CuballingmanufacturerGordonMcDougalltangledwiththeDepartmentofOccupationalSafetyandHealthafteraninspectorerrantlyslappedunsafeforworkstickersonyet-to-be-completedplant. 83Underpendingregulationsitappearedauthorisedinspectorshadunlimitedrightsofentry.AccordingtoFMDAsecretarySandyLewistheBillwasacopyofNSWlegislation.Iamtoldithasservednousefulpurposeexceptrevenue-raisingSandysaid.Therehasbeennoreductionintheftnoreductionsinclaimsandofcourseitisunenforceableasbackyarderscansaytheyarehelpingoutamateforfree.Sandysaidtheonlybrightnoteabouttheregulationswasthatithadtobereviewedeveryfiveyears.Wearespeakingwithasmanypoliticiansaspossibletogainexemptionfromtheseonerousregulationshesaid.UnfortunatelyrepresentationsprovedfruitlessandtheBillremainsinforce.InspectorsjumpthegunCuballingmanufacturerGordonMcDougallapastexecutivememberoftheWARegionalManufacturersAssociationWARMwasleftscratchinghisheadoneday.InhisabsenceaDepartmentofOccupationalSafetyandHealthinspectorhadenteredhispremisesandslappedinfringementnoticesonavarietyofmachineryinhisyard.Citinglackofpropersafetymeasuresthatwereobligatoryonmachinerytheinspectorleftthinkinghehadmadeanicecatch.ItdidnttakelongforhisfacetoturnredwhenanangryGordonrangthedepartmentcomplainingofinfringementnoticesbeingplacedonmachinerythatwereinvariousstagesofmanufacture.Theignorantinspectorhadassumedalltheillegalproductswerereadyforsale.Anybodywithameasureofknowledgeoffarmequipmentwouldhaveimmediatelyknowntheproductswerenotcompletedwithobvioussafetycomponentssuchasshieldsandguardsyettobefitted.NeedlesstosayGordonhadthelastlaughbuttheincidentemphasisedtheseriousnessofthelackofeducationaboutfarmmachineryequipmentbygovernmentagencies.StandingforcommonsenseTheFMDAhasasuccinctviewofanEasternStatesrulingbytheNSWIndustrialRelationsCommissionin2001. 84ItwasreportedtheTractorandMachineryAssociationTMAwasseekingfundsfromindustrytolaunchalegalchallengeagainstarulingbythecommission.Inanutshelltherulingmadesuppliersofmachineryequipmentliableforanyaccidentsthatmayoccurtopeopleinvolvedintheuseofthemachinerysupplied.FMDAsecretarySandyLewiswasdismissiveoftheruling.Wedontbelieveanycourtwouldbestupidenoughtopursuesucharulinghesaid.Itslikesellingacartoapersonwhogetsboggedinthedesertandperishesandyoublamethesupplier.NeedlesstosaytheTMAdidntgetanysupportfromtheFMDAinitsfund-raisingdriveandtheissuefadedaway.BattlingthebureaucratsBureaucraticredtapetechnicallylockedKellerberrinsilomanufacturerMoylansSilosfrommakingdeliveriesin2012.ThecompanyhadreceivedahighloadmovementauthorisationpermitfromWesternPowerrestrictingtransportfromthecompanysfactorygatealongtheexitroadbecausetheloadfailedtocomplywithheightrestrictionstravellingunderpowerlines.CompanyprincipalMikeMoylanwhoappliedforthepermittotransportasilofromthefactorytoaclientinBusseltonsaidheightrestrictionspreventedhimfromlegallyleavinghispremises.Thestatedloadheightonthepermitapplicationwas5.1metreswithaprescribedrouteexitingwestfromthefactorygates.TheWesternPowerpermitconformanceinformationandrestrictionsroutestatedtheloadmustbe4.5minheightandexitingeasttoaroadclosedsign.ItwassnotanisolatedincidenceintheindustryandaccordingtoMrMoylanifhefollowedtheletterofthelawhecouldnotaccess80percentofhiscustomerswithoutemployingWesternPowerslinelifters.Justliftingonelinewouldcost4500alongwithanobserverwhogets1428MrMoylansaid.Thatstooexpensiveandwouldsendusbroke.Wehavesomeideaswethinkcouldhelpalleviatealotoftheproblemsanditsjustamatterofsittingdownwiththepeopleresponsibleforsettingupthesystemandworkingthroughsolutionsthatarefairtoeverybody.OntheMoylanspermittotransporttoBusseltonWesternPowerimposedthreeheightrestrictionsof4.5m5mand5.06m. 85Therestrictionsforcedmachinerydealersandmanufacturerstofinddifferentroutesonbackroadsorsimplygoforitandhopeyoudontgetcaughtasonemanufacturersaid.Toaddtheangstinsomecasesinspectorswouldcampedoutthefrontofabusinesswaitingforatrucktoappearwithaloadsoitcouldbepulledoverandthedriverissuedwithafine.ThenewlyformedFarmMachineryandIndustryAssociationanditsexecutivedirectorJohnHenchyhadplentyofsympathyfordealersandmanufacturers.MrHenchysaidheknewofmachinerydealerscartingequipmentfromKewdalefacedanoneroustaskwithpermitsrequiringloadstobeloweredonvarioussectionsofroutes.Itsalmostimpossibleforthemtocomplywhentheyhavealoadofsayfivemetresinheightandtheymustlowertheloadtosay4.2mMrHenchysaid.KellerberrinsilomanufacturersCoreyleftandhisfatherMickMoylanbattledthebureaucratsin2012whenitbecameapparentredtapepreventedthemfromtransportingsilosoutoftheirpremises. 86SeveralmachinerydealerssaidmultipleloadheightchangeswerecommonwhencartingfromPerth.MostofthetimewecangetunderthelinesbutifitbecomesarealhasslewellpayWesternPowertohaveanobserveralongthewayonedealersaid.Technicallywebreakthelawonmosttripsbutweshouldnthavetobeputinthatposition.Thenationalcodeheightis5.5mandifWesternPowerraisedlinestothatheightitwouldeliminatealotofhasslestogetthepermitsandcosts.Thishasgoneonfortoolongandpeopleneedtorealisetheburdenoncountrybusinesses.MrHenchysaidhadspokenwithoutsuccesstoWesternPowerofficialsandthethenEnergyMinisterPeterCollier.WefindithardtounderstandhowWAcanbeasignatorytoanationalstandardbutstillrestrictroadusersto4.3mMrHenchysaid.WecanonlyassumethatWesternPowerisbehindwithanupgradeprogramtoraisethepowerlinesoverroadstocomplywiththenationalstandard.Itismandatoryforafarmertoprovidepowerlineswithaminimumclearanceof5.5mwhenitgoesacrosshisorherlandbutthesamerequirementdoesnotappeartoapplytoWesternPowerwhenlinescrossroads.Ifwewerestillbackinthe1950swewouldnothaveaproblembuttodaymachineryisgettingbiggerintheinterestsofagriculturalefficiencyandsomeequipmentmainlyairseederrigscanstand6mtallwhenfoldedinthetransportposition.WearenotsayingthatweshouldhavethatsortofclearanceyetbutwhatitdoessayisthatinoverseascountriesmainlyNorthAmericawherealotofthisequipmentismanufacturedtheydontappeartohavethesamesortsofrestrictions.MrHenchysaidtheFMIAhadmadeseveralsuggestionstoWesternPowertobetterassistitsmembers.ItappearsthatWesternPowerisuncomfortableinconsideringchangehesaid.Forexamplethesuggestionthattheylookataweb-basedpermitsystemismetwithcommentsaboutbudgetaryrestraints.WehaveputforwardasuggestionabouthavingHighLoadEscortsbasedinregionalareasasopposedtohavingthemcomeoutatexorbitantratesfromthecitybutthereseemstobeareluctancetoletgoofthepresentsystembecauseotherpeopletakingontherolemaynotbeabletocomplywithWesternPowerrequirements.Therewasneveranysuggestionthecurrentsystembewatereddownitwasdoneinthehopethe1135hourlyratemaximumcouldbereduced.Itjustseemsthereislittlewillingnesstochangethings.Attheendofthedaythatmaybethecasebutwewouldprefertohavethedebatefirstratherthanaits-too-hardupfront. 87MrHenchyalsosuggestedtoMrCollierthatanimprovedsystemofpermitauthorisationsbyWesternPowerbeimplementedwhenover-sizedloadsenteredterritorymanagedbyHorizonPower.MrCollierpromisedtoaddresstheissuesraisedbytheFMIAandwrotetoMrHenchyin2011sayingaresponsewouldbeprovidedbytheMinisterbyFriday3June2011.NoresponsecameandasubsequentlettersentonOctober22thisyearhasalsoreceivednoresponsefromtheMinister.InthatletterMrHenchyremindedtheMinisterofhisstatementinMay2011thatWesternPowerwouldintroduceaweb-basedself-servicefacilitytostreamlinetheidentificationoflineheightsandroadcrossingsthroughouttheSouthWestinterconnectedsystem.MrColliersaidatthetimethesystemwouldbeprovidedtoexternalcustomersandwouldbeimplementedbetween18and24monthsfromMay2011.Giventhatweareveryclosetothe18monthtimelineareyouabletoletusknowwhenwecanexpectaccesstothisnewfacilityMrHenchyaskedintheOctoberletter.MrHenchyisstillwaitingforareplyinaclassicexampleofabureaucraticsystemoutofsyncwiththeagriculturalindustry. 88SagaoftheDowerinfielddaysTHEannualDowerinMachineryFieldDayswhichfirststartedin1965remainsthecentrepieceforexhibitingagriculturalmachineryinWA.LargelysupportedbyFMDAmembersandmanufacturersithasgrownintooneofAustraliastopmachineryfielddays.Buttheeventhasbeenthefocusofmuchangstbyexhibitorsovertheyearstryingtoholdaneventofsignificanceforfarmersatwhichmachinesweredemonstratedandfarmerswereprovidedwithahands-onexperience.Themainboneofcontentionrevolvedaroundthefielddayscommitteedesiretoattractcitypeopletotheeventandturningamachineryexhibitionanddemonstrationdayintoafair.ForyearstheFMDAmembersparticularlybristledatchangesthatwereperceivedascateringmoreforthepublicthanexhibitors.StormymeetingswereheldbetweentheFMDAandtheDowerincommitteeandatonestagetheFMDAthreatenedtoboycotttheevent.Interestinglyitreachedacrescendoin2006reflectedbythisreportofthe2006FMDAannualgeneralmeetingbyFarmWeeklymachineryeditorKenWilson.HewroteTheDowerinMachineryFieldDayswillbecomejustanothercountryshowasthefarmmechanisationindustrymovestoamoretargetedapproachofitscustomers.ThatinanutshellisthesumofthemostdiscussedtopicatlastweeksFMDAandWARMannualgeneralmeetings.FrustrateddelegatesventedtheirfeelingsatthewayDowerinformatsthefielddaysinfavourofcateringforandpromotingagrowingurbanaudience.CitypeoplearentourcustomersPrimarySalesdirectorAllanFishersaid.Fielddayswillhavecontinuingimpactiftheybecomespecialisedliketheolddays.Wewantag.exhibitorsonlywithasmalleraudienceandmoretimetotalkwiththem.Wevetriedtogetthefielddayscommitteetoreformtheeventbuttheywontlisten.Wewanttimetospeakwithfarmersbecauseourequipmentismoretechnicalandittakestimetogetthemessagesacross.WewantafocusedmachineryeventwithoutPerthexhibitors.DongaramanufacturerPeterNunnNufabIndustriessaidhecouldnotjustifythecostofattendingthefielddays.IamlookingatmorefocusedeventswhereIwillgetagreaterreturnonwhatIspendhesaid.Itsnotjustmeandwealreadyareseeingatrendofthinkingawayfromfielddays. 89JohnDeeredoesntattendfielddaysanymoreandtheyhavesetatrend.Dowerinisfastapproachingjustbecominganothercountryshow.Wellgotosmallereventsandcombinewithdealerstoholddemodayssowecanachieveabettercustomerfocusonourproducts.FMDApresidentGeoffPerkinssaidhebelievedfielddaysingeneralhadjustaboutruntheirrace.ImdisappointedandfrustratedwithDowerinandwhiletheyveupdatedfacilitiestheyhaventdoneanythingaboutourrequests.Withmoresophisticatedmachinerythereisaneedformorein-depthconversationswithfarmersandthatsbecominghardertodoatfielddays.CorrigindealerGregHumphriesInterlineSalessaidhewasnotinterestedinDowerin.Welookafterourowncustomerswithrideanddrivedaysandpromotingcustomerfocusdayshesaid.Thatisthedirectionalldealersareheading.AtthetimeGeoffPerkinswasquotedafterthemeetingasbeingresignedtothestatusquo.ItsbasicallyuptomembersiftheywantDowerintofizzlehesaidofthelong-runningsagaofcriticismoftheDowerinfielddays.MrPerkinssaidtheassociationwasresignedtothefactthatitcouldnotmakeanyimpactonchangingtheformatofthefielddays.Wewantedamoremachinery-focusedeventovertwodaysanditsnotgoingtohappenhesaid.ButwecantinstructourmembersnottoattendDowerin.Iftheywanttoprotesttheycaneithernotshowuporjuststayfortwodaysordowhatevertheylike.FormerFMDAexecutivememberBrianChatfieldrecallssomeheatedmeetingswithintheexecutiveoverthesubjectofthefielddays.AtonestageFMDAsecretarySandyLewiswantedtopullmembersoutoftheeventBriansaid.ThebasicreasonwasDowerinhaddroppedtheballinpromotingmachineryandwasturningtheeventintoamorefairyfloss-styleevent.Itwasgenerallyfeltthroughouttheindustrythatweneededtogetbacktothecorepurposeofthefielddayswhichwastoshowcaseanddemonstratemachinery.Iwasinfavourofarefocusbythecommitteebutnotpullingmembersout.TalkatthetimethatseveralFMDAandWARMmemberswouldlobbyforanewmachineryeventtoberunbytheorganisationswithafocusedformatonmachinerytechnologyandheldatacentralcountrylocationpossiblyNorthamnevermaterialised. 90Thefollowingyearatthe2007AGMDowerinwasagainspotlightedbytheWARegionalManufacturersAssociationWARMbecauseminingexhibitorswereinvitedtoattend.ThepithoftheWARMargumentwasthatDowerinhavingagreedtoemphasisethefielddaysasafarmmachineryeventhadgivenmorepromotiontotheminingcontentofthefielddays.Isitaminingexpooranageventonedelegateaskedduringtheassociationsannualgeneralmeetingin2007heldinconjunctionwiththeFMDAsAGM.Theresalotofemphasisonminingintheadvertisingfortheevent.AsfarasWARMwasconcernedthefielddaysshouldhaverevertedtoastricterformatinvolvingfarmmachineryandsuppliers.AtleastonedelegatewantedtoholdaseparateeventatBrigadoonarguingcostbenefitsformanufacturersandsuperioraccommodationforvisitors.Unfortunatelyorfortunatelydependingonyourpointofviewthetopicwasdestinedtodieonthevine.DespitethegrumblesabouthowexhibitorsweretreatedattheDowerinmachineryfielddaysin1998theNewHollandboysalwaysoutonasmile.FromleftBaxtersRuralprincipalKenBaxterNewHollandterritorymanagerTonyHicksandFarmPowerdealerprincipalMick 91Mostmembersofbothassociationsagreedtherewasminimalcostbenefitattendingfielddaysapointmanufacturershadidentifiedyearsagoandquietlyputtheonusontheirdealerstocarrytheirflagandthecosts.HappilytheDowerincommitteehasattemptedtoplacatethemachineryfraternityexhibitingatDowerinwhilebalancingtheirdesiretotakeagtothecityandencouragevisitorstothefieldday.Theeventremainsbuteveryyeargrumblesareheardfromexhibitorsaboutthecostandfocusoftheevent. 92FarmmechanisationfrombasicrootsForalmostaslongasagriculturehasbeenpractisedinthisStatetherehasbeensomeformofrepresentativeinfrastructurefortheoutputssideoftheindustry.Andwhilethefocuswasonmarketingboardsfarmersassociationsandmachinerydealersittookuntilthe1980sbeforethefirstrudimentarythoughtsofabodytorepresenttherobustfarmmachinerymanufacturingsectorcrystalised.EarlypioneeringmanufacturersincludedPederickEngineeringestablishedinWaginin1928byCliffordPederick.Thecompanywasintegraltonew-landclearingwithheavydutyequipmentsuchasploughspin-wheelrootrakesandmanufacturingland-clearingequipmentandgrewitsbusinessinWaginuntilshiftingtoDarkanin1988whereitstilloperatesavibrantbusiness.Cuballing-basedMcDougallWeldmentswhichopeneditsdoorsin1960anddevelopedthefamousMcDougalltransportablesheepyardsisstilloperating.Andduringthe1980sandearly1990sothercompaniessprungtotheforeincludingFabcastFoundryandEngineeringPrimarySalesNicholsConcavesFusionEngineersSymondsEngineersPhillipsofMerredinInlandSalesandServiceNufabIndustriesBeverleyHydraboomSonicBoomsprayersMoylanGrainSilosBurandoHill.Allmanufacturersandotherstofollowsetahighstandardinmanufacturingandinsomecasesproducedworld-leadingproducts.In1985alike-mindedgroupofmanufacturersformedtheAgriculturalManufacturersAssociationAMA.Themembersrealisedtheirdiverseactivitiesandgeographicalspreadneededsomeformofunityiftheyweretohaveavoiceinmatterswhichaffectedtheirroleassuppliersofmanufacturedgoodsandorservicestotheagriculturalsector. 93Theearlydaysprovedastrugglewithdifficultiesfoundintheireffortstobuildmembershiptoalevelwheretherelativelymodestsubscriptionscouldaffordthefeesinvolvedforameetingvenue.MeanwhiletheelectedrepresentativesvolunteeredtheirtimeandeffortstoorganiseactivitiessuchasattendanceasagroupatEasternStatesfielddayswherefledglingWAcompaniescouldbeassistedtoventureintomarketsoutsidetheirhomeStateinordertobuildtheirbusinessbase.Attentiontothevariousitemsofbusinessaffectingthegroupsuchasregulationsopportunitiesthreatsandliaisonwithgovernmentswereallheldbythemembersthemselvesveryoftenattheexpenseoftimespentontheirownbusinessessothatthegoodoftheindustrywasserved.EventuallyhoweverthepressuresoftheirownbusinessneedsandthetimeandexpenseoftraveltomeetingsfromthroughouttheWheatbeltledtoagraduallesseningofenergyandtimeabletobegiventotheAMAanditfellintodesuetude.Itdidnottakelongbeforethetrulyimportantpurposesoftheorganisationagaincametolightandwitharelativelyshortamountoftimetore-chargetheirenergiesmanyoftheoriginalmembersralliedtogivethecauseanothertryandtheAMAMarkIIwasre-formed.Despiteasterlingeffortthesecondattemptagainsuccumbedtovolunteerburn-outandalthoughtheneedremainedtherewasanacceptancethatithadrunitscourseunderthisstructure.TheStateGovernmentexpressedconcernatthisseconddemiseasithadcometoappreciatetheconvenienceofdealingwithonebodyrepresentativeofthemanyregionally-basedbusinesseswhichwouldotherwiseneedtobedealtwithindividuallyanditsawreasontoofferassistance.In1991JohnLoveoftheSmallBusinessDevelopmentCorporationSBDCapproachedtheformerpresidentandsecretaryoftheAMACharlesPeatyandAlanFisherrespectivelyseekingameetingtodiscusswaysinwhichthecorporationcouldprovidethelimitedsupportneededtoallowaninputsrepresentativebodytobeagainformed.Littlemorethanameetingvenueandsecretarialservicesprovidedatnocostwereallthatwerenecessarytorekindlethesupportneededtogetsuchabodyunderwayforathirdtime.AnewconstitutionwasdraftedandapprovedandtheWestAustralianRegionalManufacturersAssociationorWARMwasinauguratedinJune1991.MrIanBentastrongandsupportivemembertookuptheroleofcoordinatorandwiththeassistanceofJohnLoveandthesupportoftheSBDCtheWARMgroupwasunderway.ItquicklysetaboutorganisingitsagendaandwiththepromiseofrecognitionofitsexhibitormembersasGuestStateattheYorkePeninsulaFieldDayslaterintheyear 94ithadapracticerunbyattendingtheDowerinMachineryFieldDaysasaWARMgroupofexhibitorsinAugustthatyear.Botheffortsgavehighlysatisfyingresultsforthemembersandthishelpedthegrouptransitiontoabasiswhereitwasabletolevyitsmembersamoresubstantialsubscriptionfeeinreturnformembershipbenefitsavingswhicheasilyjustifiedtheircost.AtthispointJohnLovetookupanotherpositionandSBDCsRegFoxtookupthesupportingrole.GiventhelimitedtimeframeoftheSBDCassistanceinitiativeitwascontingentonWARMtoachieveself-sufficiencyassoonaspossibleandahelpfulsynergyinthisaimwasfoundwhenanapproachwasmadetotheFarmMachineryDealersAssociationInc.tosharetheirsecretariatcostsandholdcombinedmeetings.Thismadeeminentsensegiventhatbothorganisationswereregionally-focusedandmanyofthemanufacturermembersofWARMalreadydealtthroughFMDAmembers.ThenowjointsecretarytheHon.A.A.SandyLewisaformermachinerydealerfromBoyupBrookandlateranotedparliamentarianprovedanidealstandardbearerforbothgroupsandthenotionofhavingacomprehensivecoverageofallinputsfromthegenesisofaproductideathroughtoitsdevelopmentmanufactureanddistributionthroughthedealerstotheend-userwasborn.SomeyearslaterandwithmuchprogresstoshowforhisinvolvementthetimeforretirementcameSandyswayandhisrolewastakenupbyJohnPicton-Warlowwhountilthenhadbeenthelegalcounselforthetwogroupsandhestoodinuntilamorepermanentjointsecretarycouldbefound.UltimatelytheformerpresidentoftheTractorandMachineryAssociationandprominentJohnDeerefigureJohnHenchywasabletotakeupthepositionin2007onhisretirementfromthecompanyanditishewhoholdstenuretothisday.DuringJohnstimeinservicetothecombinedgroupsheandthetwopresidentsKevinJonesFMDAandAlanFisherWARMarrivedattheviewthattheirtwoorganisationswhichhadnowworkedsocooperativelyforagoodmanyyearswouldbenefitfromformallycombiningtheirseparategroupsintoonerepresentativeorganisation.TheproposalwasapprovedinprinciplebycombinedmembersatthejointAGMin2011wherebyduringtheensuingyearthetwoconstitutionsweretobemergedintoonewithanewnamefortheorganisationandanappropriatelogotobedevisedandpresentedforapprovalatthefollowingyearsAGM.Thusatthe2012AGMtheformalmotionswereputandoverwhelminglyapprovedbythememberstoestablishtheFarmMachineryIndustryAssociationofWAInc.orFMIAinitsabbreviatedform. 95AlanFisherwaselectedtocontinueasitsnewpresidentandthecloselyforgedworkingrelationshipbetweenheandexecutiveofficerJohnHenchyaidedbytheconvenienceofbothbeingdomiciledinPerthhasenabledthenewgrouptorapidlyestablishitsrelevancetotheagriculturalsectoralongsidetheotherrepresentativegroupsservingtheindustry.InyetanotherprogressivemovetheFMIAviatheexecutiveofficerwasin2013electedtoaboardpositionwiththeTractorandMachineryAssociationT.M.A.basedinMelbourneastheWArepresentativebodyonmattersrequiringanationalpositiontobetaken.Thisfurthersecurestheroleandvoicefortheall-importantinputssectoratStateandFederallevelandculminatesmanyyearsofevolutioninrepresentationofregionalbusiness. 96ThesynergyofmanufacturingInauguralFarmMachineryIndustryAssociationFMIApresidentAlanFisherhashadalongtimeinvolvementwiththeFMDA.AndhehasplayedapivotalroleinthesynergybetweenWAmanufacturersandmachinerydealers.Healsowasinvolvedinpioneeringofno-tillbroadcarefarming.ItislittlepublicisedthatbeforetheDarkanfarmingbrothersRayandDavidHarringtonpromotedasystemcalledno-tillinthelate1980swhichfollowedthepopularonepassdirectdrillsystemofcropestablishmentAlanandfellowenthusiastsataPerth-basedfoundryandengineeringgrouphadbeendeeplyinvolvedinprovidingthecriticaltoolforthesuccessofno-till--ahard-wearingknifeblade.Alanhasbeeninvolvedwiththefarmmechanisationindustryformorethan30yearsandalsowasheavilyinvolvedinthepartnershipofWAmanufacturerswithmachinerydealerswhichevolvedintothepresentFMIA.Withabackgroundinchemistryandmetallurgyappliedtoindustrialusesheandasmallteamtogetherwithexpertisefromin-housemetallurgistKimVancedevelopedtheconceptofahard-wearingcastpointforapplicationatthattimetoconventionaltillagepractices.Itwasthisexpertisethatwaslaterappliedtodesigningbothaknifeandinverted-Tbladewhichplayedacriticalpartinenablingtheadoptionofno-tillwithinbroadacrefarmingcropestablishment.Inthelate1960sAlanspenttimeinSydneyasatraineeindustrialchemistwhichincludedstudyingametallurgycourseandafterseveralrolesinVictoriaWAandSouthAfricaonhisreturntoWAin1976hewasappointedsalesengineerwithSandvikAustralia.AlanFisherandhiscompanysflagshipPrimaryPrecisionSeeder. 97DuringthistimehisworkfocusedonapplicationsmostlyintheGoldfieldstheKwinanaindustrialareaandtheNorthWestShelfGasProject.Sixyearslaterin1982themanagingdirectorofFabcastFoundryEngineeringwhoinaformercapacityhadbeenaclientofAlansinvitedAlantojoinhiscompanytomanagethemarketingandsalesaspectsoftheBayswaterfoundryandengineeringworks.ThemovemaintainedAlansinvolvementinchromiumnickelalloyapplicationsbutmovedawayfromcorrosion-resistanceandintowear-resistance.ThestrongestemphasiswasonagriculturalproductsparticularlythelegendaryFabcastpointandthecompanysteamexperimentedwithvariouscastshapestoimprovethestrengthofthepointandcuttingefficiencywhileexploitingthealloysamazingwear-resistancemakingshapesthatgenerallyemulatedthepress-formedshapesofthetime.Overcomingthelimitationsofthepress-formingprocessthecastingwasabletousedesignswhichallowedwear-resistantmetaltobeshapedaroundtheboltheadandthusprotectitfromwearaswellasparallelwingtipstomaintaincuttingwidthduringthewear-lifeofthepoint.Acontinuousprocessofdesignimprovementensuedwhichprogressivelyaddedfurtheradvantagesoverthetraditionalpress-formedsteelpointsandmarketdemandbegantogrow.Thepointsobviouslybecamepopularbecausetheyincreasedthelifeofthepointbyafactorbetweenfiveand10.Thatpleasedfarmersbecauseitdramaticallyreducedlabourrequirementsinvolvedinfrequentchangesofwornpointsandthecastversionsbettermaintainedweedkillgivingfarmersthedoublebonusofseedingfasterandimprovingtheyieldpotentialofcropswithlessweedcompetition.DuringthistimerAlanundertookamarketingandmanagementcourseinagribusinesswiththeAustralianInstituteofManagement.ThiswasfollowedbyhiselectiontovicepresidentoftheAgriculturalManufacturersAssociationlatertoevolveintotheWesternAustralianRegionalManufacturersInc.orWARMwhichrepresentedthemanyfacetsoftheindustry.InOctober1985anopportunityforamanagementbuy-outoftheFabcastagriculturalproductsdivisionaroseandAlanjoinedwiththreefellowmiddlemanagersfromFabcastRayMoyleLesHunterandJamesTrue--toacquiretheoperationandthenestablishthepresentcompanyPrimarySalesAustralia.EquippedwiththeevolvingapplicationofFabcastsalloytothetillagepointsindustryPrimarySalesworkedforatimewiththeHarringtonbrothersastheydevelopedno-tillsowing. 98Despitethephenomenallyimprovedwear-resistanceofthisalloyovertraditionalsteelversionsthetrialworkbytheHarringtonbrotherswasabletoshowthattherelativelysmallamountofalloyusedinanarrowpointwasstillnotabletoprovideuninterruptedsowingovertheprogramsoPrimarySalesdevelopedtheseeminglyimpossibletaskofbondingtungstencarbidetothewearingfacesofpointscastfromthealmostnon-compatibleNiHardalloy--afeatthetungstencarbidemanufacturershadpreviouslysaidwasnotpossibleduetothehardnessandthereforelowthermalductilityoftheNiHardparentmetalandthelowcoefficientofexpansionandcontractionofthetungstencarbide.ItwasthestartofwhatwouldbecomearevolutionthatsweptAustraliaduringtheensuingdecadeandprovidedaboostforthenationstillageandseedingmanufacturersaswellassettingtheleadforanumberofcompetitorstofollow.Itcouldbearguedthatwithoutdevelopmentworktoenabletungstencarbidebondingtothesenewly-designednarrowpointstherapidtake-upofno-tillcropinbroadacrefarmingwouldnothaveoccurredsoquicklyinbringingforwardthemanybenefitsofthisnewfarmingsystem.PrimarySaleshascontinueditsdevelopmentworkonarangeofdeep-workingnarrowsoilopenersandfromthisplatformithasdevelopedacomprehensiveselectionofdeep-bandingfertiliserbootsandheight-adjustableflexiblesowingbootsdesignedtoprovideselectedseeddepthplacementdepthwhileusingdeep-workingnarrowopeners.ThecompanycontinuedtofollowapathofverticalintegrationbymovingonthedeveloparangeofnarrowtinestoreplacethebeefyC-shanktinesnowcommonlyusedinordertofurtherlimitmoisturelossandsoildisturbanceandultimatelyitmovedontoapositionwhereitwasabletoofferthePrimaryPrecisionSeedingBartheoriginalconceptofwhichwasdesignedanddevelopedinthe1990sbyformerFMDAandWARMpresidentTerryNicholswhothencalledittheNicholsTripleActionNo-Tilltineandtoolbar.ThiswassuccessfullymarketedforatimeuntilTerryretiredwithmanufacturingandfurtherdevelopmentworkbeingtakenoverbyPrimarySales.SincethebeginningAlanhasservedasadirectorwithresponsibilityformarketingandsalesandmorelatterlywithresponsibilityforbusinessdevelopmentaswellasintheroleofcompanysecretarythedurationofwhichnowspans27years.PrimarySaleshasbeenafoundationmemberoftheWesternAustralianNo-TillFarmersAssociationWANTFAandhasworkedcloselywiththeindustrytoprogressconservationfarming.Between1995and1998AlanwasengagedinanextensiveexportmarketdevelopmentdriveencompassingtheUSACanadaUKEuropeandSouthAfrica. 99MorerecentlymajorinroadsintotheeastAfricamarkethavebeenachievedandnewpotentialsarebeingtappedintowithinthevastfarmingareasoftheEasternBloc.Thebusinessnowenjoysmodernandextensivemanufacturingengineeringanddistributionfacilitiesandhastakenaleadingroleinbringingaboutbeneficialandcost-efficientchangesinfarmingsystemsapplicabletosemi-aridcroppingconditionsasfoundinAustraliaandmanyareasabroad.AlanwasawardedtheJohnLynnMemorialAwardin1996forhisservicestotheindustry. 100WheredoesthelawstandA15yearassociationwiththeFMDAandWARMprovidedformersolicitorJohnPicton-Warlowwithagreatappreciationforthetwobodies.AndhecreditshispredecessorintheroleofsecretarySandyLewisasthedrivingforceinthesuccessofbothbodies.Buttheappreciationwastwo-wayasJohnplayedapivotalrolefrom1991inintroducingthebenefitsofalegalmindtomanyissuesinvolvingmembersofbothorganisations.Heservedassecretaryfrom2002-2006.Hequicklyfoundplentyofsupportofmembersforhisviewsofpublicservantsfollowingtheletterofthelawwithoutanyknowledgeofagricultureorthefarmmechanisationindustry.Johnbelievesitwasthisignorancethatcausednumerousincidentsprovokingstressandstrainamongmembersandthelossofmoneythroughlegalcosts.AsasolicitorformembersJohnwasawillingsoundingboardandadviserandoftenactedonmembersbehalfinlegalissuespertainingtocopyrightinfringementsofequipmentinventedbymembersorchasinguperrantdebtorswhowouldbrazenlyskipfromonemachinerydealertoanotherbuyingequipmentonfinancewithnointentionofmakinganyrepayments.JohnPicton-Warlowrightattheassociationsannualgeneralmeetingin2006handingoverthesecretarialreinstoTravisKingwhoservedbrieflywiththeFMDAbeforetakingtheroleofeditoratFarmWeekly.CurrentFMIAexecutiveofficerJohnHenchyreplacedTravis. 101AtonestageJohnsuggestedadebtorlistbepublicisedtoraiseawarenessamongmembersoflikelyroguesordelinquents.Butitwasneverdonebecauseoftheperceivedlikelihoodofcausingdefamation.Johnhoweverheldafirmbeliefthatapersonindebtappearingbeforeajudgecouldhardlybeheldtobedefamed.ThemainissueinJohnstimecentredonbureaucracyparticularlythebureaucratsinvolvedwithOccupationalHealthandSafetyasitwasknownthen.IremembergoingtoameetinginGeraldtonatonestagetotalkwithsafetyinspectorswhodeclaredsievesinheadersunsafeJohnrecalled.Theyregardedthefactthatapersoncouldinjureoneselfbyplacingafingerinoneoftheholesofthesievewhiletheheaderwasoperatingandthereforecuttingoffthefinger.Sotheirsolutionwastomaketheholessmallerwhichwouldhaverenderedthesievestotallyuselessinseparatinggrainandchaff.Inanotherincidentasafetyinspectorfinedoneofourmembersforhavingunsafeequipmentforsaleinhisyard.Itturnedoutthemachineswereinastageofmanufactureandclearlynotforsale.WeofcoursepointedthisouttotheOHSpeoplebutitwasntuntilFarmWeeklyranastoryaboutitthattheprosecutionprocesswasstopped.Itisindicativeofthefrighteningpowersthatgovernmentdepartmentshaveandwieldwithnounderstandingofhowridiculoussomeoftheso-calledsafetylegislationistoanindustrywithsomanyvariants.Thelegislationhasbeenwrittenbypeopleinthecitywhohaveneverhadanythingtodowithcountrylifeandwhoindulgeintheabsurditiesofover-governing.AnotherissuetoraisetheireofmemberswasDepartmentofTransportregulationsconcerningtradepatesandtransportingequipmentondesignatedroadsthroughouttheWheatbelttocomplywithlowoverhangingpowerlines.AgainwehadtodealwiththeincomprehensionofcivilservantswhohadnoideahowlegislationimpactedonthecostofdoingbusinessforourmembersJohnsaid.ThisledtoJohndraftingadocumentforthesaleandhiringofmachinerywhentheDepartmentofOHSstartedtoblamedealersandmanufacturersforfarmaccidentsinvolvingmachineryandsilosandincludingequipmentalteredindesignoraddedequipmenttotheoriginalitem.WedeemedthefarmertobethemanufacturerifhechangedanythingandthatexoneratedourmembersfromanylegalliabilitysurroundingaccidentsinvolvingtheequipmentJohnsaid.WhenSandyLewisretiredin2002JohnsteppedintoasimmeringenvironmentinvolvingrelationshipsbetweentheFMDAandWARMandtheMotorTradersAssociationMTA.TherehadbeendiscussionbeforeIbecamesecretarythatwhenSandyretiredthesecretariatcouldbetakenoverbytheMTAJohnsaid.IhadneverthoughtitwasagoodideafrommyexperiencesinthewaytheMTAoperatedbutIwasntpartofthediscussionsthen.EventuallyitwasdecidedtoreplaceSandyandIappliedfortheposition. 102InhindsightthemovenottojointheMTAwasagoodoneandIcreditSandyforthewaymembersconductedthemselvesintheFMDAandWARM.TherewasacertaincamaraderiethatcouldneverhavebeenachievedbyjoingtheMTA.Machinerydealersweredifferenttocardealersandeventhoughtheywereinfiercecompetitiontooneanothertherestillexistedgoodfriendshipandcommunicationbetweendealers.OnmanyoccasionsitwouldleadtoonedealerhelpingoutanotherandIbelieveSandyachievedthatrightfromthestartoftheformationoftheFMDA.ItspreadwhenWARMjoinedtheassociationandreflectedasubstantialethicalresponsefromdealersasbusinessmenconstantlyinvolvedinmachinerydealsinvolvinghundredsofthousandsofdollars. 103WithaneyetothefutureLong-servingFMDAsecretarySandyLewisiswellcredentialedtospeakonthepoliticsofagricultureandthefutureoftheindustry.Whetherpeoplelikeitornotpoliticspervadesallaspectsofthefarmmechanisationindustry.IreallyworryabouttheindustrywiththepresentcropofpolliesSandysaid.Ifyouanalyseacommunitywithamachinerydealershipyouhavethebasisofstructurewithemploymentforlocalpeopletosustainacommunity.Butyouneedmorethanadealershipandpoliticiansarentthinkingthroughabigpicturetokeeppeopleontheland.Theyareclosingupshiresstranglinglocalgovernmentthenaddingmoreimpostswithshirescarryingon-costsofprojectsfundedfromRoyaltiesforRegions.WhenwefirststarteddealershipsthroughoutAustraliathereweremorethan3000individualbusinessesin1960.Todaythatnumberisunder300.Whatwehaveseenisthelocaldealerthebasisoflocalbusinessbeingcutoutoftheruralsceneandyougetthisrippleeffectwhereyoulosequalitypeoplewhichimpactsontheshiresabilitytomaintainasustainablecommunity.Iseethesamechallengesfacingthedealersofthefutureasthosefacedbydealersinpastyears.EfficiencyinmanagementisaprioritywhichiswhywetriedsohardtocontinuetheCostofDoingBusinessSurvey.Theotheraspectisbasicgoodpeopleskills.Butdealerswithlongmemorieswilltellyouthatattheendofthedaythegovernmentsstillhavetolifttheircollectivegametoensurepeoplestayontheland. 104LookingintothecrystalballThethoughtsofFMIAexecutiveofficerJohnHenchy.Inlittlemorethanthreegenerationsthefarmmachineryindustryhasmadeenormousstridesandthereisnoreasontobelievethatthefuturewillnotmoveasfastoratanevengreaterrateofchange.Waybacktheindustrycomprisedmanufacturersandagentswherebasicallytheagentgavethemanufacturersthenameoftheprospectandtheydidtheresteveninsomecasestakingthetrade-inandtheagentwasgivenacommissiontolookaftertheproductoncesoldwithserviceandparts.Astimemovedonsomeagentsbecamedealerstakingfullresponsibilityforsellingtheproductandhandlingthetradeiftherewasone.Now50yearslatersomedealergroupsarelargerthanthecompanytheyrepresentcertainlyinthenumberofpeopletheyemployandthattrendamongsomemanufacturersseemslikelytocontinue.Thirtyyearsagotherewereabout3000dealersinAustraliabutnowin2013therearearound600.Soaswiththeprimaryproducerstheysupportnumbershavereducedbutatagreaterrate.Overtimemachineryhasbecomebiggerandismuchmoreefficientandmorereliablesotheneedforadealerineverycountrytownisnolongerrequired.Dealersaremanagedprofessionallywithgoodhighlyqualifiedstaffandfromaserviceperspectiveifamachineisrequiredtobeboughtinforamajorrepairitisputonatrucknotrepairedinthepaddockwithatreeasagantry.Farmmechanisationhasimprovedprimaryproductionimmenselyandifithadnotbeenforthesetechnicaladvancesagriculturewouldnotbenearlyasefficientasitistoday.Inthenexthalfcenturyitwillbeevenmoreproductivewithautonomousdriverlessvehiclesandremotemanagementcontrolthroughtelematics.Butiftheproductwillbesoadvancedwhataboutthedealer.HowwillheorsheoperateinthefutureIftrendscontinueitisclearthatdealerswillberesponsibleforalotbiggerarea.EventodaysomecoverathirdofWAbutsomecanenvisageonedealerhandlingthewholeStateforhisorherparticularmanufacturer.InfactsomewillbecalledclassifiedasdistributersandtheywillworkdirectlywiththemanufacturerswherevertheyaretheUSEuropeAsiaorSouthAmerica. 105WhywouldamanufacturerwantthecostofabranchinAustraliawithalltheassociatedcostsWhywouldtheyneedfieldpeopleifthesamesupportcouldbegivenviatheinternetandwithdirectcontactwiththemanufacturerInthedaysofagentsthemanufacturerordistributorusedtohaveservicepeoplerunningarounddoingthework--theywouldstripdownthemachinesrepairthemandmoveontothenexttown.Nowtechnologyallowsthemachinetoself-reportaproblemusingtelematicsandthechancesarethatthepartwontberepairedbutexchangedforaneworre-manufacturedcomponent.Inthefutureproductswillbeevenmorecomponentisedandevenquickertokeepgoingwithfewerpeoplerequired.Insomeinstancestherewillbeareplacementmachinemadeavailabletohelpmaintaintheproductivity.Mostotherbusinessesrequireoptimumefficiencyandimprovedproductivitysowhynotagriculture.InthefuturenomachineswillbebuiltunlessithasacustomernameagainstitandwhenitisreadyitwillbeshippedtoAustraliaandthenfromthewharftothefarm.Designandmanufacturingwillbesuchthatpre-deliveredwillnotbeneededtobedonebythedistributorandthemachinewillbeputstraightintowork.Anyproblemswillbehandledtelematically--remembertherewontbeanoperatortomaketheadjustments.Thefutureforagriculturelooksbrightbutitwillneedtochangetocaterforthehighdemandsplacedonfoodproduction.Manufacturersanddealerdistributorsinthefarmmechanisationindustrywithhavetochangeupafewgearstokeeppace.Whatwewillseeinthenextcenturywillbeunrecognisabletothewayweknowittoday. 106ApictorialpathwayfromthepastThelegendaryFergusonTE20.Nearly360000werebuiltbetween1946and1953.HarryFergusononcedroveroneontotheballroomatClaridgesHotelinLondon.AJohnShearerhorse-drawnground-driveheadercirca1936.ThefirstairseedermanufacturedinWAtheAgtechdesignedbyDarrylSymondsandBillMallandwholaterformedFusionEngineersandmadehisown. 107LEFTBroadacrefarmingtookoffinthe1980sreflectedbythisJohnShearerwidelinecombineseederwhichwasbuiltuptounheardofwidthsinthosedaysof53feettoaccommodate160seedingrowson3.5inchesspacings.RIGHTAnotheroriginalWAinventionwastheComputorpraydesignedbyBillHughesin1968.ItwasdistributedthroughWesfarmersandquicklybecameaniconinthesprayingworld.MItssimplicityandaccuracysawitsellthroughoutAustraliawithexportstotheUnitedStatesCanadaEnglandSouthAfricaandAjumbledcollectionofChamberlaintractorspicturedintheaftermathofaWAflood.Detailsareunknown.ThefamousPhillipsAcremasterarticulated4WDtractormadeinMerredinbyLauriePhillipsfrom1983.In1984thecompanywassoldtoDonZaneticwhobuilttheAcremasterforInternationalHarvesterforashortperiod.LauriecontinuedhisownlineoftractormanufacturingunderthebrandnamePhoenixuntilthelate1980s. 108FMDAPRESIDENTS1977-1978JohnLynn1979-1980TerryNichols1981-1982IanBolto1983-1984JohnJolly1985-1986GregHumphries1987-1988TerryNichols1989-1990IanBolto1991-1992IanBolto1993-1994RichardSelwood1995-1996RichardSelwood1996-1997RichardSelwood1998-1999GregHumphries2000-2001GregHumphries2002-2004BillBoekeman2006-2008GeoffPerkins2009-2011KevinJonesFMIAPRESIDENT2012-2013AlanFisherLIFEMEMBERS2011GregHumphries2012BillBoekemanJOHNLYNNMEMORIALAWARD1982RoyHoltfreter1987HarleyPederick1995BrentonAughey1996BillBoekemanandAlanFisher2007JohnHenchy2009MickLaycockandJohnWilliamson2010GlenStanleyWARegionalManufacturersAssociationWARMPresidentsTerryNicholsPeterNunnSandroAgrizziNeilNorrishAlanFisher