In this follow-up episode, Steve Page continues his conversation with award-winning lucerne hay producer Wade Alexander from Mundubbera, QLD.Wade opens up about the tough lessons learned from the 2013 floods, his approach to risk management, and how he’s future-proofing his family farm through smart planning, water efficiency, and sound financial strategies.🌾 Key Topics Covered:Floods, storms and lessons learned: How the Alexanders rebuilt stronger after disaster struck.Insurance and risk management: The value of insuring for the worst and learning from the past.Efficient irrigation and rising power costs: Why Wade is transitioning from high-pressure pivots to low-pressure laterals.The economics of lucerne: Balancing high machinery costs, input efficiency, and quality production.Lucerne establishment and management: Soil prep, fertiliser programs, and why Wade replants every three years.Marketing through Feed Central and LocalAg: Building trust, ensuring secure payments, and staying connected to repeat buyers.Family, work-life balance, and resilience: Why Wade chooses life on the farm over high-income work away from home.🎙️ Why ListenThis episode delivers a grounded look at what it takes to survive and thrive in Australia’s hay industry. Wade shares the reality behind producing premium lucerne - from irrigation and power costs to marketing and resilience - offering practical insights for farmers of any scale.
In this first of a two part series of Hay Matters, Steve Page speaks with Wade Alexander from Mundubbera, Queensland - the winner of the Queensland Visual Lucerne Hay Award and the National Dual Visual Award.Wade shares his journey from growing up on a poultry farm to becoming a lucerne hay producer. After floods devastated his family’s property in 2013, Wade rebuilt with a new focus on irrigation and hay production, leaning on his engineering background to master the machinery and systems needed to survive.Key Topics Covered:Wade’s shift from poultry and cattle to lucerne hayThe role of irrigation bores and Mundubbera’s unique conditionsMachinery choices: from round balers to big square balesBuilding a customer base and working with Feed CentralWeather challenges in Queensland and how Wade manages risk in hay productionUsing inoculants and moisture management to maintain hay qualityThe importance of off-farm income and contracting to spread financial riskForward planning, financial management, and why storage doesn’t always equal “money in the bank”Wade’s mindset on risk, resilience, and what keeps him motivated each morningWhy Listen?This episode is full of practical insights for farmers navigating hay production and trade - from managing machinery and weather challenges to making financial decisions that reduce risk. Wade’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the value of producing quality hay that customers can trust.Next Episode (Part 2): Wade will share how he manages disasters, his lucerne planting cycle, and future plans for his farming operation.
PODCAST HIGHLIGHTSIn this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by Local Ag and Feed Central, Steve Page continues celebrating this year's National Hay Quality Award winners with another outstanding partnership. In the Riverina, Michael Pfitzner has secured back-to-back vetch hay Visual Awards – the National winner last year and NSW State winner this year, working closely with contractor Wayne Williams to achieve consistently exceptional results. Their collaboration showcases the precision timing and equipment choices that separate award-winning hay from the rest of the field.● Michael and Drew Pfitzner operate 3,400 hectares (8,500 acres) of cropping in the Riverina with vetch comprising 10-12% of their rotation alongside other legumes including lupins, lentils and peas.● Their award-winning vetch hay achieved 3-4 tonne per hectare yields across multiple paddocks, with the state award-winning lot stored under hay caps in the paddock and successfully avoiding rain damage.● Wayne Williams uses a Claas 930 with triple 10-meter mowers cutting 50 acres per hour, followed by a 10-meter merger for windrow management and a New Holland 1290 HD baler with loop knot system producing 650kg bales.● Strategic use of silage inoculant proved crucial when September weather turned challenging, with only 20 out of 1,000 bales showing heat issues after rain events that required re-working the windrows.● Michael has used the Local Ag Marketplace platform and likes that it provided secure payment systems and is creating trusted buyer-seller relationships through built-in messaging and transparent transaction processes.● Machinery ownership challenges drive contractor relationships, with Wayne’s specialised equipment including merger technology capable of combining 2-5 windrows and shifting material up to 30 feet in single passes for optimal bale density.● Wayne had a devastating shed fire last year that destroyed 1,000 tonnes of lucerne-sorghum mix hay after seven weeks in storage, highlighting critical insurance lessons with shed values nearly doubling during the four-year period since construction.
In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Steve Page catches up with two of our 2025 National Hay Quality Award winners - Grant Alday and Ben Wright. At Sea Lake in Northwest Victoria, grain grower Grant turned a challenging frost-damaged season into profitability by pivoting to hay production, earning both National Cereal Hay Feed Test and Visual awards. Meanwhile, contractor Ben Wright from Central West Contracting shares insights into achieving the National Heaviest Cereal Straw Bale award and the equipment strategies behind consistent, high-density bale production.Grant Alday's mixed farming operation at Sea Lake typically dedicates 8-10% of area to oat hay and another 8-10% to vetch, but last season's widespread frost damage prompted an opportunistic shift to cut hay across multiple paddocks.The decision to cut frost-damaged crops for hay transformed what would have been a break-even season into a profitable one, with over 9,000 bales produced compared to their typical 4,000-6,000 bale annual output.Strategic hay cutting eliminated harvest headaches by removing problematic regrowth areas and avoiding the challenge of blending mature grain with frost-damaged sections, particularly in lower-lying paddocks with retained moisture.Chemical withholding periods became a critical timing consideration, with fungicide applications creating mandatory waiting periods before hay cutting could commence on treated paddocks.Ben Wright's national heaviest cereal bale award-winning wheat straw averaged 14.2% moisture and was produced using an eight-string Krone baler, achieving bale rates of up to one every 20 seconds in optimal conditions.Eight-string balers offer some advantages over six-string models through improved durability, fewer string breaks, heavier bale weights for better storage efficiency, and reduced transport costs per tonne.Ben's two eight-string Krone balers each process 15,000-20,000 bales annually, with comprehensive yearly maintenance programs focusing on VFS systems, knotters, and bushes to maintain peak performance.
Podcast Highlights In the latest episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Steve Page catches up with Harry Divall; hay contractor, grower and AFIA board member. Harry shares his path from livestock work in Goulburn to running a growing hay operation across West Wyalong, Stockinbingal, and Crookwell. He shares the ups and downs of learning how to make quality hay, how he manages seasonal risk, and what he hopes to contribute to the fodder industry.Harry left school early and started fencing and working cattle near Goulburn before setting up a mixer on the family farm to boost weight gains in steers and heifersCold conditions limited hay production at home, so his family expanded west and bought their first baler, a Massey 2270XD, in 2016He now operates two Krone balers and produces between 15,000 and 25,000 bales a year, depending on the seasonWith farms spread across Goulburn, Stockinbingal and West Wyalong, he uses geography to manage weather risk and extend the cutting window from September to JanuaryCrop rotations include oats, barley and vetch out west, with canola, oats, barley and lucerne on the Stockinbingal farmHarry adjusts his plan each year, converting crops to silage or grain when conditions aren’t right for hayShed storage now holds over 2,000 bales, but he’s also experimenting with tarping, aiming to protect quality from the bottom upAs a new AFIA board member, Harry wants to make learning resources more visual and hands-on, helping others see what good practice looks like in the paddock
In the latest episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, we welcome back a familiar voice. Graham (Thommo) Thomson joins Steve Page live from the 2025 AFIA Conference to reflect on one of the toughest seasons he’s seen in more than five decades. With his hard-earned perspective, Thommo shares how he kept going through record-low rainfall, what he saw on the road north, and why he’s still not ready to retire.Thommo shares that this past year brought the lowest rainfall he’s recorded in 52 years of daily measurements on his farm, and how a patch of leased river country helped him scrape throughHe talks about the daily challenge of feeding stock when there’s nothing in the paddock — and how sheep were chasing anything that looked like a baleA long drive to the Gold Coast revealed just how bare things are, with empty sheds and only small loads of hay moving southDespite the tough conditions, livestock prices stayed strong, giving some much-needed breathing roomThommo shares why he keeps showing up to the AFIA Conference, and what’s changed (and stayed the same) in the industryHe’s not retiring yet — with a capable apprentice at home, he’s keen to learn more about tech and continue mentoring the next generationAnd before we go… Jon Paul shares a quick update: he’ll be handing over the hosting reins to Steve and Alex, as he focuses on some exciting new projects with Feed Central. He’ll still pop in from time to time — and he’s looking forward to sharing what’s next.
Podcast Highlights In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Grower Services Manager Steve Page hits the road to uncover a unique regional story of buried haylage, long-term storage, and unexpected opportunity.When grain grower Pat Hull purchased a property near Warren in 2022, he wasn’t expecting to find over 1,000 tonnes of buried forage sorghum haylage stored in pits by the previous owner, following the drought-breaking rains of 2020. With no livestock of his own and limited on-farm use, Pat turned to LocalAg to connect with buyers further south, and the response was immediate.The haylage was originally cut, baled and buried in 2020 by contractor Ben Wright from Central West Contracting, after strong summer growthBales were stacked four high in excavated pits, wrapped in plastic and sealed with soil for long-term storage and pest protectionFeed tests returned excellent results for aged haylage: 12.4% CP, 9.25 MJ/kg ME, 51.4% NDF, 35.7% ADF, and 41.7% DMPat listed the product on LocalAg using original baling photos, generating national interest before opening any pitsWith feed shortages in Victoria, the first truckload has already moved to southern dairies, with more to followHay contractor Ben Wright shares practical insights on why buried haylage works, key moisture thresholds, and how proper handling influences long-term results
Podcast Highlights In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver is joined by National Sales Manager Dave Clothier to unpack current fodder market conditions. With drought in the south driving record demand and pushing prices up fast, Dave explains what’s moving across the country and what’s not — and what buyers and sellers need to know as an early northern season begins to take shape.April and May marked one of the busiest trading periods Feed Central has seen in over 20 years, as drought across southern NSW, Victoria and SA pushed up demandMany southern growers held onto hay, concerned the dry conditions would extend north, which further tightened supply during a period of rapidly increasing demandRain has restored some confidence but feed shortages are expected to continue for six to eight weeks while pasture growth catches upWhile Western Australia and Northern Territory have good supply, biosecurity restrictions and high freight costs are limiting movement eastPrices are sitting above $400 ex farm for cereal hay and $600 for lucerne, with freight adding up to $350 per tonne and some landed prices topping $700In some cases straw is being transported long distances to fill gaps in southern supply and buyers are feeding at any cost to retain core breeding herdsNorthern Australia is set for an early season with cereal hay cuts expected from mid July while southern crops remain four to six weeks behindWith the new financial year underway, more growers are releasing hay to the market but windows are narrow and buyers should act quicklyPrice pressure is expected to remain until southern yield prospects become clearer
Podcast Highlights In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver concludes his three-part series with South Australian farmer Matt Eckert. This final instalment shifts focus to the financial, mechanical, and personal pressures that often sit behind the paddock - and how Matt and his team are navigating them.From soaring machinery costs and safety scares to family life, team trust, and planning for the future, this conversation reveals the daily challenges that aren't always get discussed, but shape everything on the farm.Why machinery costs are blowing out and how that’s reshaping timelines for soil improvement and capital investmentWhat efficiency really looks like across an operation, and how mismatched upgrades can create new bottlenecksLessons from scaling up hay production, from baler selection to matching loaders, trucks and shed spaceHow past safety incidents have prompted changes in processes and a stronger focus on risk managementWhy trust and teamwork are central to how the farm operates today and how stepping back has helped others step upThe juggling act of parenting, marriage and leadership and how Matt is learning to keep farm pressures from following him homeWhat tough seasons have taught Matt and why backing your people makes all the difference
In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver continues the conversation with South Australian farmer Matt Eckert. In Part 2 of this three-part series, Matt opens up about the people, mindset, and decisions that help keep the wheels turning during hard seasons.From financial pressure and breakdowns to succession planning and emotional burnout, this episode digs into the less visible side of managing a large farming operation in a drought — and the personal resilience it takes to carry it through.How a tight-knit team, family loyalty, and off-farm connections have helped carry the business through some of its hardest seasonsWhy your relationship with the bank needs to be built before things go wrong — and how it pays off when flexibility is neededThe story behind three trucks, a 53-metre road train, and how hauling hay turned into a lifelineWhy adaptability beats prediction - and how building practical ability into the business opened unexpected doorsHow a shared focus on quality and ag systems has strengthened a long-standing working relationship with Feed Central and LocalAgWhy succession planning, clear communication, and staying close as brothers matters more than ever in generational farmingHow back-to-back breakdowns, fires, and a sudden dry season pushed mental resilience to the limitMatt’s advice for getting through the hard seasons - and why they sometimes bring the clarity needed to change direction
Podcast Highlights In this episode of Hay Matters, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver speaks with South Australian grower Matt Eckert in the first of a three-part series. Matt shares a candid look at the decisions, trade-offs, and resilience required to keep a mixed farming operation running during a prolonged dry spell.With the region facing one of its hardest seasons in recent years, Matt opens up about the real impact of drought — from feed shortages and pasture losses to the mental load of managing stock and cropping programs when nothing goes to plan.Drought pressure is forcing a rethink of pasture renovation and cropping programs across mixed farmsResowing lucerne has its limits - and knowing when to push on or start again is shaping long-term plansSoil amelioration, including deep ploughing and clay spreading, continues to improve outcomes but isn’t a fix-all in extreme seasonsSeeding strategies are being adjusted in real time, with lessons from previous dry years influencing crop timing, inputs, and variety choiceEarly fodder purchasing and stored inventory have been critical in keeping livestock fed and breeding programs afloatDecisions around feeding, destocking, and confinement lambing are being made fast, with economics and animal welfare front of mindWhile the short-term outlook is tight, a clear long-term view is helping guide every decision on the farm
In the latest episode of Hay Matters from Feed Central and LocalAg, our host Jon Paul Driver catches up with Director Tim Ford to discuss the current market and LocalAg's first quarter.As southern sheds sit nearly empty, Queensland hay has begun heading south in a reversal of traditional seasonal movement. With biosecurity concerns under control in most areas and demand climbing, the coming weeks could see more sheds open if rain arrives.Meanwhile, the LocalAg platform is handling high volumes well, and buyer demand has led to the introduction of LocalAg Plus, re-introducing delivered pricing and logistics for those who want a hands-off experience.Market Update:Australia is experiencing extreme weather contrasts, with parts of Western Queensland recovering from floods while South Australia and Victoria face severe drought.Queensland hay is now moving south in increasing volumes, a major shift from the usual supply direction. Local supply in Southern Australia is limited, but strong recent seasons mean there's still stock available.Key seasonal milestones, including Anzac Day and Mother's Day, have passed without rain in many southern regions, increasing concerns about the coming winter.If forecast rain fronts materialise, more sheds may open across southern states. Sellers are watching conditions closely, and timely rainfall could ease some market pressureLocalAg UpdateBuyer demand is strong, with listings moving quickly across the platform.We've listened to buyer feedback, and introduced LocalAg Plus to offer the delivered pricing model many of our users were familiar with on Feed Central.We're seeing a positive response to payments handled securely via escrow, as sellers appreciate the peace of mind, speed of payments and buyers and sellers can deal directly.Additional Biosecurity Resources:Importing commercial plants and plant products (PIRSA)Bringing Hay Into South AustraliaNational Fire Ant Eradication Program
In this episode of Hay Matters from Feed Central and LocalAg, host Jon Paul Driver chats with Marty Conroy, the Agronomy Services lead for Northern Australia at Barenbrug Seeds. From his base in Northern NSW, Marty offers a practical look at tropical pasture systems across Queensland, the NT, and northern NSW. He unpacks the science behind C3 and C4 grasses, explains how feed quality directly impacts profitability, and highlights the untapped potential of pasture management and modern breeding programs.Pasture breeding is shifting focus toward fibre quality, seasonal fit, and regional adaptability in tropical systems.C4 grasses like Rhodes and panicum are critical in the north, with planting tied to rainfall and temperature windows.Feed quality drives intake, weight gain, and returns, making it as much about profit as nutrition.Breeding is being accelerated through genomic tools, improving local performance and reducing development time.C4 pasture management - especially grazing and cutting intervals - remains underutilised despite the potential for a strong return on investment.Strategic input use, like nitrogen, can deliver returns that rival financial investments.Benchmarking paddock performance year-on-year is key to making smarter decisions in unpredictable seasons.
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver catches up with Stefan Hollmann, a German-born machinery operator and high-density baling expert based in South Australia. After arriving for one harvest, Stefan stayed on and has since produced over 100,000 bales across eight years with the Schusters. He reflected on his recent 7,500-kilometre trip across the east coast, sharing insights on seasonal variability, farming practices, and why understanding feed quality matters more than ever.Seasonal contrasts were striking, with some regions flooded, others in deep drought - highlighting the need for localised decision-making and adaptable farming strategies.Visiting operations from cotton to corn to rice in a single day highlighted the diversity and complexity of Australian agriculture.Farmers are experimenting with seeding tech, chemical timing, and soil improvement methods like delving and spading; Stefan noted there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, even among similar farms.A visit to Feed Central’s Toowoomba lab shifted Stefan's perspective on hay analysis, seeing first-hand the precision behind NIR testing and the variety of fodder types tested nationally.Coming from Germany’s dairy sector, Stefan values knowing the nutritional content of feed, and believes Australian producers could benefit more from NIR testing, not just visual inspection.The trip reinforced how much producers can learn by stepping outside their own patch. Conversations with other farmers sparked ideas he’s keen to explore back home.
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Key Account Sales Manager Alex Smith shares insights from the ground as he travels across the south-eastern states. With southern regions facing dry conditions and Queensland still dealing with the impacts of flooding and beginning their recovery, Alex discusses the shifting dynamics in feed production, market demand, and the value of forward planning.Key takeaways from the episode:Widespread silage has already been made, with buyers now selectively sourcing high-quality cereal, vetch, and lucerne hay.The feed trade has flipped again this year, with hay moving from northern and central regions back down to the south.Flooded areas in Queensland are experiencing supply delays, while drought conditions in the south are increasing demand pressure.Quality hay is in high demand, with delivered costs climbing as buyers look further afield.Recent weather events across much of Queensland and Northern NSW have lifted cattle prices due to limited access and uncertainty around pasture recovery. It may take several months before the full impact is known, which is keeping fodder demand in the north relatively low for now.
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver is joined by cattle producer, advocate and agfluencer Gillian Fennell.Gillian has spent time serving on industry boards and committees at a local, state and national level, and has a special interest in on-farm succession planning and the impact that it has on farming families and communities.With over 20 years in the beef industry and a base in one of the most remote parts of Australia, Gillian brings insight and lived experience to this episode, covering everything from succession and farm management to social media, leadership and the realities of modern ag life.Gillian and her husband operate a family-run cattle station spanning a million acres, running around 5,000 breeders.They’ve recently expanded into fodder production on a newly acquired irrigation block in the Flinders Ranges.Producing their own hay has added flexibility, reduced reliance on freight and provided new opportunities for cattle marketing and logistics. A new hay shed at the home station marks one of their biggest infrastructure investments to date.Gillian discusses how social media—especially Twitter—has become an important space for connection, advocacy, and countering negative perceptions of agriculture.She highlights innovations like no-till cropping and improved chemical use as major steps towards sustainable production.Three core messages for agricultural advocacy are: producers are skilled, already sustainable, and deeply connected to the environment that supports them.Gillian sees succession as less of a legal or accounting challenge and as more of a people problem; it needs to start early, with open and long-term business conversations, not last-minute decisions.Gender dynamics also play a role; many women feel excluded from farm leadership, even when they bring training, ideas, and experience.There need to be more pathways into the Ag industry, beyond university or tech roles—especially for those with strong work ethic and practical skills.Gillian's upcoming podcast "Suck-session" explores succession breakdowns, featuring real stories to help others avoid common pitfalls.
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Megan Ford to discuss her journey in agriculture, the evolution of Feed Central, and the role of women in the industry.From the early days of building a business while raising a young family to the challenges of expansion and the launch of LocalAg, Megan shares her experiences and the lessons learned along the way.Tim and Megan started Feed Central with big ideas and a hands-on approach, balancing business growth with raising a young family.Strong family support was essential, with relatives stepping in to help, allowing the business to grow during the tough early years.Business discussions didn’t always happen in an office; late-night board meetings, car conversations, and stolen moments between school runs often shaped key decisions.A major hay shed fire in 2014 was a defining moment, testing resilience and reinforcing the importance of a strong team and community.Women’s networks, including the Queensland Rural Women’s Network and Australian Women in Agriculture, played a key role in providing mentorship, connections, and opportunities for leadership.LocalAg wasn’t an overnight decision; it was shaped by years of conversations with farmers and customers, identifying gaps in the market and building a platform that gives users more control.The introduction of LocalAg reflects a shift in how farmers want to do business, offering more flexibility while maintaining the trust built over decades.
Podcast HighlightsIn the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver and National Sales Manager Dave Clothier explore the early days of Feed Central's LocalAg and the wider impact it will have on Australian agriculture.They discuss how extreme weather, from drought and scorching heat in the south to heavy rains and flooding in the north, is reshaping feed supply and market dynamics. Real-time feedback and market adaptability are charting a new course for ag across the country with customers asking for more flexibility and transparency with their purchase decisions.The platform presents two distinct options: traditional full-service account management and a flexible, direct interaction model.Early feedback indicates that buyers and sellers value the choice to adopt a transaction style that best meets their individual needs.Sellers can now showcase their entire range of offerings with free listings, allowing potential customers to discover additional products and services.Customisable features let users tailor transactions to specific requirements, such as negotiating part truck loads or managing customised deals.Overall, the platform is fostering more direct and transparent communication in the agricultural market, enhancing both efficiency and customer engagement.On the market front, despite extreme weather including drought in some regions and heavy rains in others, buyers are proactively securing quality feed ahead of winter.
In this episode of the Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Dr Allan Rattey, National Oat Breeder at InterGrain, to explore the future of Australian hay and forage production.They discuss how cutting-edge technology is accelerating oat breeding, the importance of balancing yield with quality, and why fibre digestibility is a game changer for both sustainability and livestock performance.Dr Rattey also shares insights into how InterGrain is delivering practical solutions to Australian farmers, including varieties tailored to unpredictable weather and dual-purpose crops that maximise flexibility and profitability.Breeding times for new oat varieties are now as short as 9-10 years, thanks to innovations like speed breeding and advanced trait selection tools.Fibre digestibility is a key focus, improving both livestock nutrition and sustainability by reducing waste.The integration of new technologies, including drone imaging, has streamlined the process of selecting high-performing crops, helping farmers achieve better results faster.InterGrain bred for speciality Hay and Grain oat varieties. They also heavily select for dual-purpose oat varieties that improve growers in season flexibility to decide whether to harvest for hay or grain, depending on market conditions and seasonal challenges.Curing time is key for hay production, ensuring farmers can work within limited weather windows.Collaboration with farmers and feedback from processors are central to breeding programs, ensuring new varieties deliver real-world value across the industry.InterGrain leads Australia’s barley and oat breeding programs, developing high-yield, disease-resistant varieties that are adaptable to diverse conditions.
To start the new year on the Feed Central Hay Matters podcast, Jon Paul Driver sat down with Tim Ford, Director of Feed Central, to pull back the curtain on Local Ag - a bold new marketplace that’s been 22 years in the making. Born from decades of experience, countless conversations with farmers, and a relentless drive to innovate, Local Ag is set to revolutionise how Australian agriculture connects and trades. Local Ag launches 29th January 2025, offering a fresh and modern way for Australian farmers and agribusinesses to trade hay, grain, seed, fertiliser, livestock, machinery, and more.Built to simplify transactions while keeping them secure, Local Ag combines decades of Feed Central expertise with cutting-edge tech tailored for agriculture.Tim describes the platform as the handshake deal reinvented; buyers and sellers connect directly, chat through the platform, and close deals seamlessly with payment, contracts, and logistics all managed along the way.At the heart of it all is Kev, an AI chatbot who’s part junior trader, part contract genius, and always learning to keep transactions running smoothly. He’s friendly, practical, and distinctly local - just like the team that built him.Kev isn’t just a bot; he’s a tribute to Tim Ford’s late father, a man who brought wisdom, warmth, and a deep love for rural life. That legacy is built into the platform itself.Farmers can build their own profiles, showcase their products, and connect with buyers in a way that feels modern but rooted in trust.Unlike generic marketplaces, Local Ag is designed specifically for rural Australia; it's built to balance the no-nonsense practicality of farming with the convenience of online tools.Every detail has been shaped by 20+ years of Feed Central’s experience, from the AI chat to the quality assurance options and the human support team that’s always a phone call away.Built locally in Toowoomba, Local Ag stands apart from off-the-shelf solutions with tech designed and coded right here in Australia.Local Ag reflects how today’s farmers do business: building their brands, taking control of supply chains, and stepping into the digital world on their own terms.The platform is as much about relationships as it is about transactions. Farmers will be able to connect with buyers, get direct feedback, and build trust in ways that go far beyond selling a product.Whether it’s a small batch of seed, a truckload of hay, or a piece of second-hand machinery, Local Ag will make the process simpler, safer, and more personal.Feed Central isn’t going anywhere. The team you know and trust remains the backbone of this new venture, ensuring continuity for hay services while opening doors to new opportunities.Launching just after Australia Day, Local Ag celebrates the heart of rural Australia: family, community, and innovation wrapped up in one trusted platform.Don't get left behind; register now for early access.