Bulk bag stand improves farm productivity and safety

Patrick Fitzgerald, Merton, Victoria has taken up 975mm United Ag Bulk Bag Stand to bypass issues of poor orchard access for fertiliser and nutrient application.

Mr Fitzgerald's 8 hectare walnut orchard receives on average 800mmm to 900mm of rain. They have seen up to 1300mm in some years.

"It was bought home to us this time last year when our tractor absolutely disappeared into the bog. It took us three days to get it out," Mr Fitzgerald said.

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"The fertiliser contractor, in his 20-tonne truck, also got bogged. With the two incidents in a very short time, I thought never again am I having this happen.

"It's one thing getting bogged but it's also the damage caused by the ruts, holes and tracks getting the bogged vehicles, plus the rescue vehicles, out."

The United Ag Bulk Bag Stand allows smaller, lighter vehicles to access the with 2500 trees, where space is limited.

"With the Bulk Bag Stand, we're able to get behind smaller vehicles with smaller spreaders and put it exactly where we want it," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"It's not a cost, it's an investment."

United Ag, a company which specialises in sourcing and marketing innovative agricultural products, says it is very much focussed on product safety, shown through the company's Bulk Bag Stand delivering a safe and secure solution to storing and transporting various sized bulk bags.

The 975mm stand comes with adjustable height settings and can be used with or without legs for higher lifting of bags.

With full galvanised finish and chute cut out, the United Ag Bulk Bag Stand allows bags to be emptied with of room for auger, hopper, buckets and wheelbarrows underneath.

Other safety features include, anti-slip chain, guide rails and all stands are certified to 1.5 tonnes.

Mr Fitzgerald said it was "much safer" from the point of view of having a delivery system that was the right height and safer in not having to get under a suspended load that could suddenly shift.

He also runs 165 Angus breeders, with a up to 400 - 450 total head at particular times of the year.

He said the Bulk Bag Stand will also come in handy for this side of his farm enterprise.

"For applying pasture fertilisation in areas that are a little bit harder to access, we could potentially use the Stand there as well," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"We're hoping to use it across both enterprises."

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