Emmetts Furthers Its Commitment to the Agricultural Sector in South Australia

Horsham, VIC (28 August 2023)—Emmetts, one of Australia’s leading family-owned John Deere agriculture equipment dealer groups, has acquired Pringles Crouch, a John Deere dealer group with four branches in the Eyre Peninsula and Mid-North regions of South Australia.

The acquisition is expected to bring significant benefits to customers and staff of both companies by providing tailored farm equipment technology solutions; sales, parts, and service of world-class brands; and greater product range distribution across diverse geographical areas and farming applications.

“We are excited to welcome the respected, long-standing Pringles Crouch business to the Emmett family,” said Peter Emmett, Managing Director, Emmetts. “We recognise the many years that Pringles Crouch have put into the area and look forward to building on their strengths to remain a localised Australian-owned company. We believe our customers want to work with those who live in their communities and share common values. With Pringles Crouch, we’ve found an organisation that is completely aligned with these core beliefs.” He added, “By combining the expertise of both companies, we’ve increased our resources for bringing innovation that will improve our customers’ farming efficiency.”

The acquisition is a perfect cultural fit, and a significant milestone for the companies, customers, and staff. “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Emmetts. A major consideration in the decision process was to align with a local, family-owned group who understand farming at a local level and can continue to provide our staff with opportunities to build their careers,” commented Craig Walker, former CEO, Pringles Crouch. “This is an opportunity for everyone across the Pringles Crouch branches to expand their capabilities through enhanced training and development opportunities.”

As high-performing John Deere dealerships, coming together is a good cultural fit.

“Emmetts and Pringles Crouch are two businesses committed to the John Deere brand and committed to delivering industry-leading innovation and support to their customers,” said Luke Chandler, John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director.

“We congratulate them on this coming together and look forward to seeing the expanded network of Emmetts dealerships continuing to make an important contribution to the prosperity of their local communities and the industries they serve.”

The acquisition is effective as of 31 August 2023, and Pringles Crouch will operate under the Emmetts brand name.

Emmetts’ mission is to support Australian farmers and producers with innovation and best practices for growing the cleanest and greenest produce in the world. Established in 1957, the company now has 360 staff in 16 locations across western Victoria and South Australia. Emmetts’ offering covers broad-acre cropping, horticulture and viticulture production, hay and livestock production, almond and olive plantations, orchards, hot houses, research departments, councils, and grounds care. The Emmetts Group also service the compact construction equipment and precision irrigation markets in South Australia and Victoria.

Featuring section control, weigh cells, stainless steel construction, full hydraulic drive and accuracy that has been proven time and time again the Bredal F4RF three point linkage machine is in stock now for immediate delivery! Give your local Emmett’s branch a call.#stayingpower

John Deere 100 series ride on mower series overview

Thinking about a new John Deere 100 series ride on but not sure which model suits you best? Our group inventory manager Joel Fowler takes us over all 5 models, highlighting the features and differences as we move through the range. Starting from $4,799 and in stock for immediate delivery there has never been a better time to check them out! #stayingpower

The team set up this robotic mower to take care of the garden area outside the store. It’s so easy, and there here are no clippings to collect because it mulches as it mows. When it’s done or the battery needs charging, it automatically returns to the docking station. As a STIHL Dealer, we can do the same for our customers! Inspect and prepare your site, lay the perimeter wire, install the docking station and watch it go!

Join our group inventory manager Joel Fowler for a walk around on the John Deere 616R self propelled sprayers, MY24 sprayer ordering is now open so there has never been a better time to check them out! We also take a quick look at some 8R tractors and Bredal K135XESC spreader! #stayingpower

It’s a busy time of year, as Emmetts service teams work hard to support customers throughout harvest. Both John Deere and Emmetts invest heavily in training and supporting technicians to equip them with the necessary skills to provide vital backup to customers, and ensure operators are getting the best possible performance from their equipment.

The John Deere Technician Awards were established in 2021 to recognise the skill and dedication of high-performing techs across Australia and New Zealand. Technicians are nominated by their dealerships, with input from customers, and judged on their mechanical and technical expertise, as well as their previous accomplishments in the field or on the job.

Over 100 nominations are received each year across Australia and New Zealand, and Emmetts couldn’t be prouder that our own service technicians have taken the title of Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year in both 2021 and 2022.

Emmetts Horsham's Josh was named the 2021 Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year. The dual-tradesman and father-of-two has worked for Emmetts in the Wimmera region for 15 years.

"I am humbled by the win as it is very rewarding to be recognised in this way," Josh said. "Technicians work hard each day to do the best job we can for our customers, so even being named among the finalists meant a lot to me. The effort and dedication we all put into the job every day was acknowledged through these awards, which was wonderful to see. I think all the technicians who were nominated by their dealership should feel incredibly proud of their achievements, it's clear these people are highly regarded in their roles."

For Josh, whose day-to-day work is predominantly spent supporting broadacre farmers running multiple machines across the Wimmera region, the best part of his job is forming long-term relationships with customers and contributing to their business's productivity.

"We work really hard to ensure our customers and their machines are well supported, and, seeing them up and running efficiently is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do," Josh said. "As a tech, there is never a shortage of something new to learn as the machinery and technology is continuously improving and evolving. That's what has kept me interested in the job, I have become passionate about the technology, and enjoy upskilling myself to keep improving."

A few months ago, Emmetts Roseworthy’s Jaymee was named the 2022 Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year. The harvester-specialist’s interest in heavy machinery was first piqued when growing up near cane farms at Mossman, Far North Queensland, where her grandfather, Charlie Brischetto, showed her the ropes of John Deere harvesters. Today, she plays an essential role ensuring farmers' equipment is working at peak performance across her region's thriving broadacre agriculture and vineyard industries.

"For me, it was an honour just to be nominated for the awards," Jaymee said. "All technicians work incredibly hard so it's special to see that effort being recognised. I have always had a huge love for John Deere, when I was a kid I had John Deere merchandise all throughout my bedroom, so I feel the younger version of myself is very proud."

With a deep passion for her work, Jaymee is eager to see more young women seize the opportunities of completing mechanical trades within the farm sector. "Whenever I am attending career days, I am always trying to catch the attention of the girls and bring them over to explain the job," she said.

"Being a John Deere technician can be so rewarding, as you know you are helping our farmers maximise their uptime and get the most out of their machines. It's always a great feeling when you can tell a customer is really happy with your work."

Anton Elliott, Emmetts Group Aftermarket Manager, said “Both Josh and Jaymee represent a team of service technicians across Emmetts who are dedicated to supporting operators get the most out of their equipment, eager to learn and always willing to support and mentor each other. With the evolution and adoption of technology across our industry, machinery gets more efficient and sophisticated. Our teams work tirelessly to ensure operators are well supported and I am proud of Josh and Jaymee for being recognised in their fields.”

The Weed-It system was originally developed in the Netherlands, with the purpose of killing pavement weeds. Its benefits were soon recognised in agricultural applications, and the spot spraying technology was brought to Australia over a decade ago.

Emmetts have partnered with Rometron Australia to offer customers Weed-It spot spraying technology. The Weed-It sensors are fitted to sprayer booms at 1m intervals and use blue LED light to recognize weeds as small as a 20c piece on fallow ground. By spot spraying, farmers see significant savings in chemicals and can accurately eliminate stubborn summer weeds.

Individual nozzle control allows additional operating modes. Dual Spraying allows operators to apply different spray rates using the one spray line. In Cover mode, Weed-It acts as a normal sprayer with pulse width modulation allowing variable rate application.

Matt, Emmetts Integrated Solutions Manager, says “We are excited to add the Weed-It technology to our ever-growing technology stack. The weed-it system will be a unique fit to current issues the industry is facing. With ever increasing chemical costs and difficulties with weed management, it will give growers another tool in their toolbox. The ability to retrofit to a tow behind sprayer and specific models of self-propelled sprayers becomes an option rather than the requirement of a dedicated machine, allowing further flexibility in spraying options.”

Brendan Williams, Rometron Australia’s Managing Director says “It is a great honour to have the Emmetts group represent the Weedit product across key markets in Victoria and South Australia. Combining a large professional dealer group with market leading spot spraying technology will help the Emmetts customers win the war on summer weeds.”

For more information, please contact your local Emmetts branch.

Emmetts is pleased to offer the entire range of Bredal spreaders in all branches across western Victoria and South Australia. As well as machinery, Emmetts will also be providing parts and service support to customers in these areas.

Bredal is a family owned and operated business located in Vejle, Denmark. Bredal Australia have been the sole importer for the past 20 years and are based in Gunnedah NSW, with staff across Australia for sales, parts and service backup support. Bredal specialises in the production of high-quality lime and fertiliser spreaders, from three point linkage models right through to top end trailing units. For over 60 years, Bredal have been leaders in spreader design using robust construction techniques, whilst ensuring products are simple to operate.

Emmetts Managing Director, Peter Emmett, says “Emmetts are committed to supplying the best-in-class agricultural machinery products and look forward to offering customers the Bredal range of spreading equipment. The Emmetts company have employed a full-time product specialist within the group to ensure that the entire Emmetts team and customers can be trained and fully supported in the new product offering.”

Bredal spreaders come in a number of specifications from a simple wheel drive through to the high spec variable rate options. With a wide range of sizes and variations, there is always a Bredal model to suit customers’ requirements.

As a true multi-combination spreader, Bredal equipment can spread fertiliser products with a consistent spread pattern matching or exceeding the dedicated fertiliser spreader options currently available. This is achieved while maintaining the ability to spread unprocessed materials with the same machine and remaining a simple reliable product. The addition of the XE models with extended spinner placement mean unprecedented application widths can be achieved, the K135XE model spreads up to 48m of commercial fertiliser with a carrying capacity of 21,000L.

At the technological forefront, Bredal utilises class leading computer technology from Teejet to offer machines controlled via ISOBUS with capabilities including Auto Calibration via weigh cells, headland management, full section control that minimises field overlap to under 1.5% and variable rate applications.

Also available through Emmetts is the Kivi-Pekka range of rock pickers, in widths of 4-7m with a tipping height of 2.9m.

Emmetts has been a family owned and operated business since 1957, and now has 11 branches across western Victoria and South Australia. Offering global leading agricultural machinery brands such as John Deere, Emmetts is committed to Australian agriculture and supporting growers through world-class machinery, the latest technology, and aftermarket support.

Bredal Australia’s Managing Director, Ben Nichols says “We are very excited to have the Emmetts group on board as a whole and recognise the commitment by Emmetts for employing a product specialist for the Bredal franchise. We look forward to working with Emmetts and their customers by supplying simple, precise and reliable spreaders fully backed up through to our factory in Denmark.”

Units are arriving in Horsham, Victoria this week, with more stock arriving across the group over the coming months. For more information on the range of Bredal products, visit www.bredalaustralia.com or contact your local Emmetts branch.

Peter Emmett, Managing Director of Emmetts, is pleased to announce the launch of Emmetts Irrigation.

"Valley Irrigation, owned by Valmont, is a global leader in centre pivot and lateral irrigation systems. They approached Emmetts to be a dealer for their full line of products, due to Emmetts' scale, staff expertise in agriculture and ability to serve irrigation customers across a large geographic area. Emmetts is committed to providing the machinery, technology, parts and service to keep farmers farming. Currently serving customers across Western Victoria and a large percentage of South Australia, many of whom are irrigators, it seems like a natural expansion opportunity to take on a global leader in irrigation equipment and apply our precision agriculture knowledge of the various production systems, coupled with our large parts team and service department knowledge. I couldn’t be happier to launch Emmetts Irrigation across multiple Emmetts locations.”

For the centre pivot and lateral irrigation customer, Emmetts now have an irrigation service team based out of Murray Bridge. Alice Caldecott has also joined the team to handle irrigation parts. The first shipment of parts has arrived in Murray Bridge and they will be further distributed out to other Emmetts locations. Emmetts Irrigation will carry a large range of parts that are retrofittable to most North American made irrigation systems. 

Peter Waters, Service Technician and Technology Specialist.  Prior to joining Emmetts Irrigation, Peter worked for AusRain in Murray Bridge for five years, and prior to AusRain worked for a pump retailer.  With over 10+ years experience in irrigation specifically pivot and lateral irrigation systems Peter is leading the service/build team to provide for all of the customers service requirements.  Technology is a strength of Peters, he is skilled in Valley automation and soon to be released irrigation scheduling. He will be working out of Murray Bridge but covering a large area across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and up through the Mallee.

Paul Philpott, Service Technician. He is the pump man with decades of experience working on pumps and water flow, he rounds out the team to provide full service from the pump up. With experience across ground water, river water, and lake water pumping to rainwater harvesting. Working with the pipe work in irrigation pivots and laterals rounds out the full production system that he can assist with, to keep your crops watered as planned. With a background as a service manager he understands the importance of communication and clarity when explaining the repair work and associated costs. Local to the Adelaide Hills area we are happy to have Paul on the Emmetts Irrigation Team.

Brandon Bourke Irrigation Service Technician

We are so excited to have Brandon join the team to launch Emmetts Irrigation. Brandon comes with a wealth of knowledge in installation of large infrastructure projects including for the NBN and telecommunications networks including civil works such as trenching and ground works. His strengths are in implementing the building plans and making on the ground decisions to ensure a positive outcome for the customer. His attention to details means the work is completed to plan to ensure reliability for the long term. Brandon has completed training across a range of things from dump truck and excavator driving to dealing with pit and pipe work to irrigation. We welcome Brandon and look forward to seeing his career at Emmetts develop.  

Alice Caldecott, Service Administration & Parts Interpreter

Alice joins the Emmetts Irrigation team from AusRain. Alice grew up in the irrigation industry and is excited to support the service department in scheduling and customer contacts.  She will manage the parts inventory and ensure that customers across the entire Emmetts region have access to Valley parts when needed.  Expect a friendly call from Alice to introduce Emmetts Irrigation, and a regular call to find out what parts you need, or if a service is required for maintenance.

Emmetts understands the specialised nature of irrigation, and the time-sensitive requirements for service and parts. The decision was made to offer this line of products under a sub-brand, Emmetts Irrigation. Customers will see a new logo on the uniforms and utes, and the new staff will work exclusively in Emmetts Irrigation. The Emmetts team have developed a specialised website, www.emmettsirrigation.com.au, packed with information on the Valley machinery, hardware and software available. Valley parts will be added to Emmetts online shop for convenient parts ordering Australia wide.

Matt Burns, Group Precision Ag Manager said “Valley Irrigation compliments the Emmetts Precision Ag and AGree Precision Agronomy departments. Valley are the leaders in precision irrigation, utilising telemetry, GPS positioning, variable rate technology and advanced software management and analytical tools. We can leverage our current expertise in precision technology and precision agronomy, along with our current digital tools and services to offer an enhanced service, with support and advice on soil mapping, water flow modelling and variable rate irrigation plans. Like Emmetts, Valley are continually investing and evolving in the precision agriculture and the digital ag space, and I am excited to see the evolution of Precision Irrigation.”

Avril Hogan, Group Strategy Manager said “This is a really significant change for the irrigators in some regions, to have Emmetts Irrigation as a second local option as an irrigation supplier, particularly in remote locations. Irrigation supports growers productivity, and technology is critical to maximise return on investment for their businesses. With the variable availability of water coupled with the cost, ensuring the best water use efficiency is key. For the long term, the investment in pivots or laterals brings huge yearly production gains, while providing long term stewardship benefits to the land and water stores. Having travelled the technology adoption journey with farmers in their machinery, from GPS autosteer, variable rate seeding and chemical spraying to Artificial Intelligence changing combine settings while harvesting, Emmetts are excited to continue the technology journey through the precision irrigation technology Valley offers.”

If you would like to know more contact 1 300 163 439 or visit www.emmettsirrigation.com.au