The Most Useful Equipment for Any Type of Australian Farm

We’ve talked to farmers large and small, running businesses that span a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural industries, and compiled a list of the most useful equipment for any farm. Whether you’re growing vegetables on 10 acres or farming wheat and sheep on 40,000, these are the tools and assets that consistently prove their worth.

Small Front End Loader Tractor with Forks

It’s no coincidence that the tractor is the universal symbol of farming, because tractors really are one of the most valuable assets a farmer can own. In particular, a small front end loader tractor with an interchangeable bucket and forks is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment for any farm.

A front end loader enables you to transport feed and equipment, clear firebreaks, stack silage after harvest, and complete an endless variety of lifting and transporting tasks. You can also hitch up a wide range of implements to the rear, including tillage equipment, fertiliser spreaders, post hole diggers, and field bins for grain or feed storage and transport.

Tools

A solid set of quality tools is essential for any farmer. A well-equipped farm toolkit should include:

• Quality Gallagher fencing pliers
• A wire strainer
• A post driver
• A sharp pocket knife
• An adjustable wrench
• A set of screwdrivers and spanners
• A quality rechargeable head torch
• A tape measure
• Locking pliers and groove joint pliers
• A socket set
• A lubricant such as Inox or WD40

Good quality fencing pliers are worth special mention, they’re one of the most all-round useful tools on a farm, not just for fencing work but for a wide variety of everyday jobs.

A Firefighting Unit

Skid or compact firefighting units mounted on the back of a ute are an extremely useful asset on any farm, from small hobby farms to large grazing operations. Incorporating a water tank, pump, and hose, these units ensure you’re prepared to fight a fire if the need arises. They’re also an invaluable mobile water supply that can quickly replenish farm water sources for livestock or pets in the event of a water supply failure.

A Ute

Regardless of the type of farming you’re doing, a ute is always a valuable farm vehicle. A ute can be fitted with a crate to transport livestock, a small boom spray for firebreak management, or used to cart feed, tools, and fencing hardware wherever they’re needed on the farm.

Livestock Feeders

Livestock feeders are a highly practical asset, particularly through the drier summer months when feed supply is reduced. Feeders reduce food wastage and are often designed to deliver controlled amounts of feed, which further improves efficiency. Whether you have a couple of horses or hundreds of head of cattle or sheep, a feeder of some kind will almost certainly prove its worth.

A Computer and Internet Connection

While a farm office might not look particularly tech-focused, having a computer and reliable internet connection is critical to running any modern farming business. An internet connection provides access to a vast range of resources and is also essential for the planning and financial management of a farm enterprise.