Hayes Spraying International Export
Early last month we saw our sales manager David Wells embark overseas focusing on expanding the market for our companies innovative autonomous boomsprays, connecting with both prospective and current customers in Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. His journey consisted of a visit to an owner of the very first Hayes Spraying 24m 3000L Manual Fold Boomspray ever sold, back in 1998. This sprayer, which remains in remarkable condition after 26 years, exemplifies the exceptional durability and quality of Hayes Spraying products.
The History of Hayes Export
Gary Harms a Goondiwindi district local, was the overseer of Maseti Farms, Botswana. Gary initially wanted a Hayes Sprayer, but the owner of Maseti Farms opted for a much cheaper sprayer that couldn’t withstand the harsh conditions and eventually broke down. Faced with this setback, the owner ultimately turned to the robust and dependable Hayes Sprayer and Gary finally got his wish. The 24m 3000L model quickly became a local legend and drew attention from the entire district, as they would come out to watch the Hayes Sprayer in action. The Hayes Sprayer was operated behind a Massey tractor on extremely challenging terrain meaning the operator had to use a seatbelt to keep him strapped in the seat. The sprayer’s ability to withstand such rough conditions was notable, especially considering it wore out 2 tractors on the farm within 8 years.
Remarkably, the sprayer was sold to a neighbour and continues to be in use today, with all of its original structure still intact when David visited whilst in the country. This longevity is a powerful endorsement of the Hayes Sprayer’s quality and the enduring value of Hayes commitment to excellence. David Wells’ visit not only highlighted the strong legacy of the Hayes Sprayer but also reinforced the company’s dedication to providing top-notch, reliable solutions in the global spray boom market.
Pandamatenga, Botswana
In the 1980s, land around Pandamatenga in Botswana was divided into 500-hectare blocks and distributed to farmers, but the land proved largely unproductive. The government supported these farmers with funding for crop establishment, requiring a small repayment after harvest. Despite this, the program placed a significant financial burden on the government.
Rob Ward, our South African dealer having sold 40 of our booms overseas is familiar with the area. His brother-in-law was contract harvesting when he saw potential in Pandamatenga’s land, which resembled Australia’s fertile Liverpool Plains and Queensland country. He persuaded government officials to attend a field day on minimum tillage techniques, showcasing their benefits. This led to a joint investment by the government and Debswana Diamond Mine, who purchased 28,000 hectares and divided it into 50 farms.
After five years of minimum tillage practices, mostly developed in the Goondiwindi area in the 1980’s, the previously worthless country was transformed and the value of the land surged. This success story underscores the impact of innovative agricultural practices and effective collaboration.
