Explore Our Range of Diesel Storage & Pumps

Diesel Prices hitting your hip pocket

Talk with Global about our wide range of Diesel tanks, and diesel station setup.

Our Diesel Tanks are;

  • Engineered approved material and design – Diesel Grey
  • Ultra UV stabilised material meets Australian Standard ASNZ4766
  • Diesel grade polyethylene that meets International Regulation ECE R34.01
    requirements
  • Heavy duty tank with load capabilities of 1.3 Specific Gravity (SG)
  • Stainless Steel Pipe, Press fittings
  • Engineered approved material and design – Diesel Grey
  • Ultra UV stabilised material meets Australian Standards    ASNZ4766
  • Secure protective cover.
  • Diesel grade polyethylene that meets International Regulation ECE R34.01 requirements

Large Onsite Diesel Stations options

1,000ltr to 15,000ltr options

Can be customized to suit your needs 

  • Engineered approved material and design – Diesel Grey
  • Ultra UV stabilised material meets Australian Standard ASNZ4766
  • Diesel grade polyethylene that meets International Regulation ECE R34.01
    requirements
  • Heavy duty tank with load capabilities of 1.3 Specific Gravity (SG)
  • Stainless Steel Pipe, Press fittings
  • Sight tube with control valve
  • 1” fuel pick up pipe with filter & foot valve installed
  • Backflow valve with 2” stainless steel ball valve &
    2” cam lock fill pipe
  • 2” breather installed on lid of tank
  • Smooth internal tank surface
  • Genuine pin mount system
  • Anti-spill containment lip around lid
  • 5 year warranty

Pump Options

M.870 Maestri Diesel Transfer
Pumps

  • 12v  45 lpm (free flow) vane pump with IP55 water ingress resistance rating 
  • Internal pressure bypass to prevent damage from running with nozzle shut
  • 3/4 BSPF inlet and outlet 
  • On/Off switch on pump body 
  • Max current draw of 22 amp at 12v

M.2000N Maestri Diesel Transfer
Pumps

  • 12/24v bimotor vane pump with safety pressure bypass and heinmann electrical breaker/switch 
  • Max capacity of 80 lpm 
  • Supplied with 4m electrical cable and alligator clips
  • This pump is used in the 12/24v mini bowser

Maestri Security Box
Pumps

  • 40 lpm vane pump kit
  • Supplied with water absorbing 30 micron filter, auto shutoff nozzle
  • 3 digit mechanical meter with resettable and non resettable counters 
  • security gate valve on suction side, 2.5m suction hose with foot valve and strainer
  • 4m of 25mm discharge hose with swaged fittings 
  • Mounted in high security steel cabinet with key lock. 640 x 440 x 310mm

Available as above but with 80 lpm 12/24 bi pump

Available as but with 70 lpm 240v pump

How To Design The Best Product For Roto-moulding

After decades of experience in custom rotational moulding, Global Rotomoulding has established a fine-tuned process for creating custom roto-moulded plastic products. We have well and truly established ourselves as an industry leader in custom roto-moulded plastic. From our trustworthy team to our reliance on the latest tech, there are a few key considerations that make the ultimate difference in creating a superior product that is engineered to last. Read on to uncover how Global Rotomoulding manages to design the best custom roto-moulded products, every time.

We follow a tried and tested rotomoulding process

Our innate desire to understand all aspects of our customer’s requirements drives our commitment to provide complete design and manufacturing solutions for plastic products.

We have established a fine-tuned process that ensures we create a quality product that meets (and exceeds) the expectations of our customers:

1. Concept design
Our technical R&D skills, coupled with our established connections with world-class product engineers, has allowed us to design complex products that minimise weight, maximise volume and cut down on product costs.

2. Full product design with product specifications
The Global Rotomoulding team will work with your engineers and designers. Our highly experienced rotomoulding team understands what can and can’t be done with plastic, and offers full product specifications.

3. Product prototyping, tooling prototyping, testing, and verifying
We strongly believe in a very strong design phase, CAD modeling, FEA engineering and 3d printing of scale products.

4. Tool making
Tool of a mould is one of the most important aspects of making a mould. Our staff and the world class product engineers can help ensure your new product can be manufactured efficiently and meets your requirements.

5. Full high capacity custom-moulding facilities
Ready for any job size, Global Rotomoulding operates eight ovens over two local sites to minimise risk. We also manufacture off-shore through our manufacturing partners for extra capacity.

6. Delivery
Our tried and tested rotomoulding process has allowed us to develop long-standing relationships with customers – built on our reliable performance.

We use the latest technology

To design the best custom rotomoulded products, you need to be keeping up with the latest technology, which is exactly what we do here at Global. Both our sites rely on only the latest technology in machinery and facilities. We are constantly re-evaluating and re-strategising how we can keep improving our processes.

Recently, we underwent substantial expansion with our adoption of the ERP system. This system, and its corresponding production and quality control web application, has streamlined our production, boosting efficiency.

Our high production capacity, paired with our reliance on robotic technologies, has maximised efficiency and long term viability.

Employ a passionate team that cares

We are proudly supported by a team of local employees who are experts in their field. Every member of the Global team strives to produce custom rotomoulded products of the highest quality. Our team loves to create exciting, high-quality custom rotomoulded products.

Global Rotomoulding designs custom rotomoulded products to last

Global Rotomoulding offers an extensive range of high-quality custom moulded products that are second to none. We work with a wide range of industries, including agriculture, domestic, automotive and more. Be sure to contact our helpful team to resolve your rotomoulding requirements.

Why Buy Plastic Rainwater Tanks for your Farm?

Thinking of purchasing a water tank for your farm? In recent years, polyethylene tanks have only continued to surge in popularity. Their unique material sets them apart from other types of rainwater tanks.

Plastic rainwater tanks are built to last. They’re engineered to endure the harsh Aussie sun and our often unpredictable weather conditions. They’re easy to install and incredibly functional. But with the broad range of plastic water tanks available, there are a few key considerations to make before you purchase one. Read on to learn everything you need to know before buying a plastic rainwater tank.

Know what size rainwater tank you need

One of the most important considerations to make before buying your water tank is, ‘what size do I need?’. If you choose a tank that’s too small, you miss out on the opportunity to collect more rain. On the flip side, if your tank is too large, you have wasted space and spent more on a tank that could have fulfilled your rainwater requirements at a smaller size. Ultimately, you need to ensure you select a tank that ensures you collect enough rainwater to fulfil your needs.

For a farm, you will likely end up with a large round rainwater tank. Outside of domestic water requirements, to determine how much water you will need to collect for your farm, first calculate how much water your livestock requires every day. Then, factor in how much water you need for crop spraying. Generally, water required for crop spraying will range between 40 to 200 litres/ha for each application. Check out this helpful guide for determining how much water your farm needs.

What colour rainwater tank do you want?

One of the benefits of choosing a polyethylene rainwater tank is the vast array of colours to choose from. At Global Rotomoulding, we have a range of 30 tank colours to choose from… the only downside is having to choose which colour you like best!

On a practical level, all tank colours can help prevent sunlight from penetrating the water tank, in turn, preventing algae growth. All Global Tanks come with light guards and leaf strainers to further prevent the growth of algae.

Aesthetic considerations also need to be made when choosing the right tank colour for your farm. You may choose subtle greens to blend in with surrounding plants of fencing, or red tones to compliment your roof.

Where will you install your rainwater tank?

Plastic rainwater tanks are lightweight and maneuverable. This saves on transportation and installation costs. Plus, you have a greater capacity to move the water tank in the future should you need to. That said, before purchasing your tank, you will need to determine where you will install it.

Fortunately, you can be quite flexible with where you install your polyethylene tank. These tanks need significantly less base preparation than other materials like steel or concrete. Still we do advise certain courses of action to achieve the best results. Check out this link for more information.

How long will my tank last?

By choosing a polyethylene tank, you can rest assured you have invested in a tank that’s built to last. Generally, you can trust your polyethylene tank will last for up to 20 years. We provide a full 10 year replacement warranty. But what about when it’s time for a replacement? Fortunately, Global Rotomoulding’s polyethylene water tanks are 100% recyclable, so you can rest assured you’re making a sustainable choice when you purchase our water tanks.

Choose a tank made built on quality workmanship

At the end of the day, you want to choose a tank that has been built by experts, with quality workmanship in mind every step of the way. At Global Rotomoulding, we have decades upon decades of experience in custom rotational moulding. We are supported by a dedicated team of local employees who strive to produce only the highest quality products. Our rainwater tanks are manufactured in polyethylene, complying with AS 2070 (plastics for food contact use) and AS/NZS 4020 (products for use in contact with drinking water). Our water tanks are equipped with proven self supporting roof designs for long term structural strength; with all tanks designed using the latest CAD & FEA software. Browse our range of water storage tanks here, and be sure to contact our team if you have any questions.  

Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones Have Been Updated

Australia has been swarmed with pest issues over the last 12 months. Feral pigs, the fall armyworm and the infamous mouse plague, have wreaked havoc across Australia in recent times. One pest that we’ve become very familiar with since the early 2000s is the Fire Ant.

The first two incursions of fire ants were discovered in 2001 in Queensland, in the Port of Brisbane and the southwestern suburbs of Brisbane. The third and fourth fire ant incursions were detected in Yarwun, Central Queensland, in 2006 and 2013. The most recent incursion was detected in Brisbane Airport in 2015. Fire ants detected in the Port of Brisbane, Yarwun and Brisbane Airport were successfully eradicated. The initial infestation in Brisbane has spread to other areas within the greater Brisbane area, including Ipswich, Logan and Redlands.

Fire ants can spread without human interference, to an extent. This is through mating flights and budding. A queen, or mated female, can fly up to 5km. When this newly mated female finds an appropriate nesting site, she will shed her wings and start her new colony.

When it comes to human interference, we can spread fire ants by shipping infested nursery stock, shipping containers and other materials located in fire ant biosecurity zones and with machinery that has had contact with soil.

Originally, fire ants came from South America. They are native to the floodplains of the Paraguay River in Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. They infested the southern United States during the 1930s, likely in soil used as ship ballast. Fire ant colonies have since continued their spread throughout the United States ever since.

When it comes to Queensland’s fire ant infestation, fire ants would have been unknowingly imported into Brisbane. While it is unknown how exactly they entered, it was possible via a shipping container from the US.

To prevent (and stop) the spread of fire ants, the Queensland government has put movement controls into place across certain parts of Queensland – these are referred to as fire ant biosecurity zones.

These fire ant biosecurity zones were recently updated in Queensland.

Fire ant biosecurity zone updates

The recent fire ant biosecurity zone updates came into effect on June 7, 2021. It now includes ten new suburbs which are in close proximity to affected areas to zone two. These suburbs include Fernvale, Fairney View, Josephville, Cryna, Kerry, Nindooinbah, Biddaddaba, Benobble, Canungra and Witheren.

It will also add 20 new or shifted suburbs which have been affected to zone one. These 20 new or shifted suburbs include Clarendon, Rifle Range, Lowood, Glamorgan Vale, Lark Hill, Marburg, Haigslea, Tallegalla, The Bluff, Ashwell, Lanefield, Rosewood, Thagoona, Ebenezer, Willowbank, Purga, Goolman, Lyons, South Ripley and Undullah.

How will these biosecurity zones limit the spread of fire ants?

Legal movement restrictions are in place in these biosecurity zones. These restrictions limit the spread of fire ants. Such movement can include movement of soil, straw or baled hay, mulch and animal manure. Any storage or movement of these materials needs to comply with the regulations outlined in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

To hinder the risk of fire ants spreading, any on-ground storage of these materials in fire ant zones must be on either bitumen or concrete (without any cracks) or a barrier that is impenetrable by fire ants on chemically treated compacted ground (not sand). When it comes to off-ground storage, straw and hay must be effectively covered with a barrier that ultimately deters all ants – including the flying queens.

What if you can’t comply with the procedures?

If you are unable to comply with the procedures, a biosecurity instrument permit (a type of movement permit) may be required.

If you need any more information regarding the recent movement restrictions and regulations, permits, guides and the chemical treatment of compacted ground or perimeters, refer to these websites:

If you see fire ants, you must notify the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program on 13 25 23. Alternatively, complete the online fire ant notification form. At Global Rotomoulding, we understand there are countless responsibilities farmers need to keep up with. We stock several high-quality agricultural products that maximise functionality and productivity. If you have any questions about our range, be sure to contact our helpful team today.

Battling the Mouse Plague In Winter – What You Need To Know

Australian farmers have been forced to burn their own crops because of swarms of nasty, invasive pests. Following floods and drought, our farmers and regional communities have been battling an entirely different yet equally devastating problem: the mouse plague.

The mouse plague, which started 10 months ago, has seen millions of mice terrorise farmers. They are destroying crops and farming machines. Countless people have woken up to a living nightmare of mice chewing and gnawing at their flesh. Some of these people have been sent to hospital in a critical condition. The severity of the mouse plague has seen this catastrophe gain widespread international attention. But breeding patterns are expected to change and slow down during winter, giving farmers hope that the mouse plague will subside. 

Why do we have a mouse plague?

The infamous mouse plague was brought on by the “perfect storm” of the end of the 2017-2019 drought, and perfect breeding conditions. Farmers first noticed mice during spring of 2020, when they were harvesting a bumper crop. Farms offered the mice plenty of grain to eat, in both the paddocks and in their storage. There were also fewer predators threatening mice, as they had died during the drought. On top of this, regional New South Wales had a mild, moist summer that fostered a breeding environment where mice could breed throughout summer and into autumn. 

Where are the mice located?

Concerningly, there are millions of mice plaguing areas from NSW to southern Queensland, Victoria, parts of South Australia and even Western Australia.

How are farmers battling the mouse plague?

The mice plague has wreaked havoc on farmers’ livelihoods, and their mental health. The damage mice have done to crop yields, machinery and cars has caused losses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Regional businesses, especially those in the food industry, such as cafes and grocery stores, have also been impacted.  

On top of the extreme damage mice cause, the cost of bait is only rising alongside demand increases. Aside from cost, many farmers are finding their mice eradication efforts are rendered useless, with the mice being too great a force to combat. Intense debate has taken place as to what bait is most effective to fight the mouse plague. 

Mouse bait options: a growing debate

One of Australia’s most notable grain growers, Grain Producers Australia, has strongly backed the use of double strength zinc phosphide bait, following CSIRO research that found it poses less risk of sub-lethal doses compared to previously registered zinc phosphide bait. The CSIRO research also found the use of double strength zinc phosphide bait was more effective at eradicating mice. 

Despite concerns regarding off-target toxicity, the NSW government has continued with its application for an emergency permit for the use of the rodenticide bromadiolone for broadacre situations. Typically, this bait is used for domestic applications.  

One of the major manufacturers of agricultural mouse bait in Australia has now chipped in on the discussion. Animal Control Technologies Australia (ACTA) managing director Dr Linton Staples claimed that while his company was set to make double strength Mouse Off (a zinc phosphide bait) the standard 25 grams a kilogram zinc phosphide was effective in most situations. 

“With these Mouse Off products, more than 90 per cent of mice are killed within one or two days of application in most rural situations,” claimed Dr Staples

“While some farmers do require second or third applications, as provided on the APVMA approved label, the vast majority of users achieve excellent results after one application with no non-target impact.”

Dr Staples’ views contradict the findings from the CSIRO, which suggested the current products had kill rates as low as 50%. Dr Staples suggested this data was flawed as it was based only on laboratory findings. 

“If this were the case, there would have been many fewer grain harvests over the last 24 years,” Dr Staples said.

Despite the debate, it seems farmers have embraced the stronger formulations of bait, noting their improved efficacy. 

Moving forward: will winter eradicate the mouse plague?

The change in seasons sees a change in breeding behaviours. Mice have stopped breeding with the onset of winter, as to be expedited in the cold months. In fact, they are speculated to have stopped breeding for roughly 6 weeks now, according to CSIRO researcher and notable mouse expert Steve Henry.

While this is promising news, farmers still need to remain cautious, as it is too soon to tell whether the mouse population will take off again in spring when breeding recommences. The return of the mouse plague depends on the number of mice that survive the winter. 

Will the cold bring mice to Sydney?

There has been some speculation that the cold weather could bring mice to Sydney. This is because the city has warmer temperatures and plenty of food sources for the mice. However, these fears contradict the research of CSIRO’s Steve Henry. Despite increased mouse sightings, Steve claims this is nothing out of the ordinary

“They only weigh 13 grams and they have tiny little legs. Moving is a really dangerous thing for a mouse to do because it puts itself at risk of predation. They’re only going to move if they run out of food, and they’re only going to have limited movements, until they encounter the next lot of food.”

Notably, Steve cited the notion of the mice moving to Sydney by August is merely rumour – not backed by evidence.  

The mouse plague has been an incredibly unsettling, disturbing and heartbreaking crisis to follow. We’ve been devastated to witness the monumental impact of the crisis on our Australian farmers. Since our inception, we’ve had strong connections with our local farming industry, supplying a range of agricultural equipment and water tanks. We are hopeful that winter will eradicate the mouse plague for our farmers and those affected in regional towns.  

How Much Farmers Spend On Pest Control Every Year

Pests can cause severe damage for farmers. They can damage our natural environment and destroy our food production and agriculture industries. They place significant stress on farmers, particularly from a financial perspective. 

In recent times, feral pigs and the fall armyworm have cost farmers thousands upon thousands of dollars, as well as ruining crop yields. The devastating mouse plague in NSW is taking a toll on the mental and physical wellbeing of those in regional communities. Farmers are having to burn thousands of dollars’ worth of hay and grain that has been rendered toxic due to mouse infestations. The NSW government has announced they will fund $50 million towards combating the mouse plague. However, farmers and those in regional NSW claim more compensation is required. 

With all this in mind, how much have Australia’s farmers been spending on pest control? Read on to find out.

How much do farmers spend on pest control?

Between 2016 and 2019, thousands of farmers were surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). This survey found that the typical farm now spends over $10,000 annually on pest and weed control. Interestingly, this is a decrease of almost 50 percent. The ABARES survey found that the average spend on pest and weed management nearly halved from $20,405 in 2016 to $11,576 in 2019.

Why are farmers spending less on pest control?

The executive director for the ABARES, Jared Greenville, outlined that the large drop in spending was mostly accounted for by the change in average weed expenditure. This dropped from $18,633 in 2016 to $10,551 in 2019. 

Greenville also mentioned that 2016 had significantly higher rainfall, while 2019 was subject to drought. This influences the impact pests and weeds have on farms. 

How have crops been affected?

If spending on pest control has decreased, does that mean the impact of pests has changed? Unfortunately, the report found that the impact of pest animals, invertebrates in particular, actually increased between surveys. This is somewhat surprising, considering the vastly different weather patterns between 2016 and 2019. 

The most significant change between surveys was a 41 percent increase between 2016 and 2019, “in farmers reporting crop loss, degradation or loss of value from pests, particularly insects,” according to Greenville. 

Populations of feral vertebrate pests also increased. These include deer, pigs, horses and donkeys. 

How do pests affect farms across Australia?

Not surprisingly, pest trends are localised to the region of that specific farm. For example, between 2016 and 2020, deer populations grew from 18 percent to 22 percent. This shows that farmers are spending significantly on pest control.

What are the most common methods of pest control on farms?

Pest control costs and methods depend on the location of the farm. According to the ABARES report, ground shooting was the most commonly used method of pest animal control. A significant 76 percent of land managers reported using it in 2019. However, only a small proportion of farmers report that ground shooting was a highly effective method of pest control. 

Pesticides and insecticides are reported to be used by more than 50 percent of land managers. Plus, this method was reported as the most effective type of pest control across Australia. 

Fortunately, pest control problems on farms with rabbits and hares had dropped by 6.9 percent. This was the largest pest decrease across the three year period. It is suspected this could be attributed somewhat to the RHDV1 K5 virus release.

Pest control works best in cooperation with others

According to the survey, 85 percent of people who actively participated in service provided pest controls later utilised the skills and knowledge they gained on their properties. According to Invasive Species Council chief executive Andrew Cox, pest control efforts are most effective when done in cooperation with neighbours, “what happens outside your fence is just as important as what happens inside your fence”. 

Despite the decrease in pest control spending on farms, the damaging effects pests have on farms today can’t be ignored. At Global Rotomoulding, we have been supporting farmers for decades with our wide range of agriculture equipment; from troughs and feeders, aquaculture tanks, fertiliser tanks, mixing tanks and more. Be sure to get in contact with our friendly team if you have any questions about our range. 

Australian Wool Industry & Why Queensland Is ‘Built on a Sheep’s Back’

Australia is one of the largest producers of wool in the world. We produce around 25 percent of greasy wool sold on the market. The value of our 2016-2017 wool exports was $3.615 billion. Considering Australia’s wool is recognised among the world’s best, these figures reflect the strong global demand for our wool. 

Wool production takes place in Australia across all states excluding the Northern Territory. New South Wales produces the largest volume of wool, followed by Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. While the state of Queensland is no longer among Australia’s highest wool producers, at one time, Longreach was known as the ‘Wool Capital of the World’ and ‘Centre of the Golden Fleece’. 

Queensland, and Australia as a nation, has frequently been said to be ‘Built on a Sheep’s Back’, due to the significant economic benefits brought about by our wool industry. In this blog, we look back on the rich history of Australia’s wool industry, and unpack how our nation was ‘Built on a Sheep’s Back’. 

Sheep in Australia

Sheep first arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. Governor Phillip brought a small flock of Merino sheep from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. These sheep were purchased en route to Australia as food supplies. Although, with the arrival of new settlers and the opening up of expansive tracts of land, sheep quickly became a valuable commodity. 

Beginnings of the Australian Wool Industry

When early European settlers brought sheep into Australia, they were reared primarily for meat. Australia’s wool industry started in 1796, when John Macarthur in New South Wales bought his first merino sheep from a flock of Spanish merino sheep reared in South Africa. Soon, Macarthur and the Reverend Samuel Marsden started selective breeding. With selective breeding of Merino sheep and other stock breeds, sheep were crossbred to suit Australian conditions. 

Governor George King was the first to identify the market potential of establishing a textile mill in Parramatta. The first auction of Australian wool took place in London at Garraway’s coffee house and brought in $2.27 per kilogram. 

In 1814, anticipating the potential wool had to build the Australian economy, Reverend Samuel Marsden notably stated,

“We must have an export or the settlement will never prosper and this (wool) promises to be the first.”

Half of the total national production (30 tonnes) of wool was used by the Parramatta mill, while the balance was exported to England. During the 1820s, the grazing industry was pushed over to the Blue Mountains, destroying Aboriginal hunting grounds. 

Managing the global wool production market

Eventually, deterioration of English wool quality and import duties on German wool saw a major increase in demand from the Yorkshire mills. To manage this, the English government started the development of fine wool in Australia. A duty of only 1 penny per pound was imposed – in comparison to 5 pennies per pound for foreign wools. 

Unfortunately for the Australian wool industry, this advantage was reversed in 1825. This saw Germany’s imports into England increase dramatically, from 7 per cent to 66 per cent of their total wool imports. This abrupt increase threatened to destroy the Australian wool industry. Consequently, the Australian wool industry responded by concentrating on very fine wool. 

1840s: wool auctions & the start of Queensland’s sheep industry

Wool auctions began during the 1840s. However, the bulk was sold on the London market throughout the 19th century.

Queensland’s sheep industry was started in 1840 when pioneer and grazier Patrick Leslie and his brothers drove a flock of 1,700 rams as well as 4,000 ewes and lambs to the Darling

Downs. With Queensland’s hot and frequently dry conditions, sheep breeders in the southern colonies doubted Queensland’s potential as a high-grade wool producer. Strangely, some even speculated sheep would produce hair instead of wool. However, these speculations were quickly dispelled as pastoralists prospered from the rich grazing land throughout the western regions and established one of the most successful industries for the state.

By the mid-1860s, 25,000 sheep were transported to Bowen Downs Station. Soon enough the station was equipped with its own shearing sheds, scouring sheds and a washpool. Scouring the wool, or washing the wool in hot water and detergent, enabled the wool to achieve a better price at market. 

1870: Australia is the world’s largest wool producer

By 1870, Australia became the world’s largest producer of wool. In 1872 wool trade between Australia and Europe was well established. In 1874, Australian wool was shipped to Japan. During the following year, a wool shipment was sent to Shanghai. 

By the time of 1880, Queensland’s wool industry was booming and the Longreach district was building their reputation as being amongst the best wool growing districts in the colony of Queensland. 

Opening mills in China was considered, and a Use More Wool campaign was introduced in 1885 following intense competition from cotton. As a forerunner to the Australian Workers Union and the Australian Labor Party, a Shearers’ Union was formed in 1885. 

Shearers Unite

Naturally, shearers had grown to become an important part of the wool industry. However, they felt their wages did not fairly compensate them for the brutally hard work they put in. 

In Queensland, tensions ran high. By 1891, the unions formed by the shearers held one of the first May Day marches in the world, in Barcaldine. This had significant impacts on Australia’s political landscape – with the event setting the scene for the rise of the Australian Labour Party. 

1925: Australian wool continues to make its mark on a global scale

By 1925, Britain was the largest buyer of Australian wool, taking up 44% of our wool market. Japan and the United States each bought around 10%. Other major markets for Australian wool includes France, Germany, Italy and Belgium.  

In 1931, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa came together to fund an international promotion. It took a long five years for all countries to agree to the funding, based on a tax of 6 pennies a bale. 

1936 saw the formation of the International Wool Secretariat (IWS). This organisation was created to represent wool growers in the main exporting countries. Members included Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and later Uruguay. 

In 1974, a price floor was established for wool prices under a Reserve Price Scheme (RPS). However, this price floor collapsed in 1991. Since the collapse of the reserve price scheme, the wool industry has shrunk to a third of the size that it used to be.

Looking back

For a century, Australia’s prosperous wool industry afforded us one of the highest living standards in the world. Our economy was thriving off our primary exports of wool. By the time the 1950s rolled around, ‘wool’ was synonymous with the Australian way of life. However, by the 1990s, the gap between city and country folk was increasing. 

Australia’s Wool Industry Today

Today, wool remains one of Australia’s most important exports; our wool industry is worth $3 billion. On average, our wool farms are 3,100ha with 3000 sheep. Our sheep population is incredibly high – at 73 million sheep in Australia with 50,000 wool growers. Impressively, 90% of the world’s fine wool for clothing is from Australia. Looking at our exports today, a whopping 80% of Australia’s wool is exported to China.

It’s safe to say our sheep farmers work tirelessly, providing our country with competitive wool exports and boosting our economy. At Global Rotomoulding, we understand the tools and equipment needed to effectively manage an agricultural lifestyle and business. We stock a huge range of products servicing the agricultural industry, from troughs and feeders to fertiliser tanks. If you have any questions about our range and how it can benefit you, chat with our friendly team for more information. 

Megatrends Shaping Australian Agriculture

Research conducted by the ABARES and CSIRO has revealed five key ‘megatrends’ that are set to shape Australia’s food and fibre industries in the coming decades. These megatrends are predicted to pose influential opportunities and challenges for farmers, the government and the economy.  

The five megatrends have been identified as:

  1. Growth juggernaut: Three billion empowered consumers
  2. Fractal politics: Beware the dance of giants
  3. More from less: The permanent race for advantage
  4. Cascading planetary risks: Coming, ready or not
  5. Disruptive technologies: Opportunities for the brave.

Read on to understand the impact these megatrends are set to have on the Australian agricultural industry. 

1. Growth juggernaut: Three billion empowered consumers

Accelerated growth in emerging economies is expected to elevate incomes and economic capacity. With the rise in income, expectations are set to rise too. Now empowered and broadened middle class will demand high quality and a greater volume of food and fibre; emphasising more diverse diets and more protein. Greater emphasis is being placed on health, ethics and sustainability. 

This rising income is occurring primarily in emerging Asian economies: China, India and Indonesia are primary drivers of this accelerated growth. 

Empowered consumers will shape markets

The volume of people in high-income countries is expected to triple by early 2050. Average incomes across emerging Asia are projected to increase by about 150%, or 2.5 times 2015 levels by 2050. This will significantly contribute to global economic growth. However, shifts leaning towards greater protectionism appears likely in agriculture markets. This will risk slowing the rate of global growth. For Australian agriculture specifically, this megatrend risks reducing the extent of new trade opportunities for local exporters.  

Demand for high quality food will continue grow strongly

With rising incomes, comes rising expectations. Rising incomes in emerging economies will result in shifts in food demand. Instead of grains, rice and other starchy staples, emphasis will be placed on protein rich animal products, plant-based food products, fruits and vegetables. 

Consumer attitudes and expectations will continue to evolve

Emphasis will also be placed on foods that are perceived to be healthy, convenient, ethical and sustainable for the environment. While these shifts present opportunities for Australian agriculture, they also pose challenges. If Australian regulations and expectations do not align with those found in our key export markets, this may harm the Australian agricultural industry’s competitiveness and brand positioning.  

Key implications on Australian Agriculture

  • Rising incomes in Asia is expected to have a greater impact on export demand compared to increased global population. 
  • Potential environmental concerns concerning greenhouse gas emissions pose challenges for Australia’s livestock exports. These sustainability concerns have motivated Australia’s livestock industry to set a carbon neutral target for 2030.
  • Australia’s geography, institutions and natural endowments have us well-positioned to supply to international markets and capitalise on these changes. 

2. Fractal politics: Beware the dance of giants

The rise in multiple global powers will see changes in economic, military and cultural powers across the world. As nations place greater emphasis on their sovereignty, global trade and international relationships, as well as food and fibre markets and supply chains, will become more complex. 

Seven giants will pursue their individual interests

In the coming decades, geopolitics will continue to reflect the ‘dance of the giants’. 7 nations/regions account for between half to two-thirds of the world’s food production, energy, economic activity and extractions. 

This shift to a more multi-polar world may result in unstable geopolitics and economics. This will likely strain international cooperation.  

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity require improved cooperation, but make it more difficult

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity are anticipated to become more evident in future decades. Implications of this trend will occur across multiple domains. One particular implication is that cooperation between different groups across nations and the globe will likely become more difficult. 

Declining trust in evidence and institutions could amplify threats and weaken cooperation

Distrust in institutions, science and evidence are expected to worsen global cooperation efforts. The wide-ranging experiences that have taken place across the world as a result of COVID-19 illustrate the risk for political and cultural divides, but also the opportunity to foster bipartisan support for evidence-based approaches by government and business. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Efficient market access and a committed effort to discourage protectionist policies will help  Australian agricultural exporters to realise the benefits of increasing global trade volumes.   
  • Australian exporters are set to face greater risks concerning consumer attitudes and market access in importing nations. 
  • Our local reputation for supplying high-quality, ethical, sustainable and nutritious products is likely to become more important in the coming decades. 

3. More from less: The permanent race for advantage

A commitment to ongoing innovation is crucial to ensuring profitable, sustainable and competitive food and fibre enterprises for Australian agriculture. Ongoing innovation will be the vehicle for better productivity and smarter use of energy, water, land, labour and materials. 

Despite the importance of innovation, the benefits will not be shared evenly. Often, innovation can worsen existing pressures placed on rural industries and regional communities.

Outputs up, inputs down

The Australian agricultural industry is heavily dependent on exports – around 70% of our production is exported, with fairly low levels of government support.  While net farm income has increased faster than output value, on-farm employment (which includes labour completed by farm owners) has dropped by 25% over the last thirty years. Gross value of agricultural production has increased by 26% and value-added by 74%. 

This spike in productivity can be largely attributed to increases in farm scale, improved genetics, and continuous innovation in management practices.

Improved yields will increase output volumes, but consumers may benefit more than producers

Consumer access to food supply has dramatically improved over the last 70 years. This trend is set to continue with improved management practices and continuous technological innovations.  

Social concerns will shape competitiveness

Reflecting increasing household incomes, many markets and countries are set to limit potentially certain technologies. For example, GMO food corps or certain livestock management practices will eventually be considered prohibited. While this may initially constrain productivity growth it will likely bring about greater environmental outcomes and new producer opportunities. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Innovative farm management practices, technology and greater economic policy settings will play an important role in advancing agricultural productivity. 
  • The trend of fewer, larger farms is set to continue. This will facilitate greater productivity and support farm incomes. It will also contribute to a declining share of regional employment.  
  • Developing access to high value consumers will rely on industry and government efforts to ensure agricultural management practices stay aligned with consumer expectations. This can be illustrated from paddock to plate at relevant scales. 

4. Cascading planetary risks: Coming, ready or not

Advancements to earth systems at all scales are creating risks, challenges and opportunities. Already, agriculture has been impacted by this, and has started adapting. In future, client and commodity prices are expedited to become more volatile. On the other hand, emerging markets for carbon and ecosystem services may have the potential to transform business models.

Science suggests major challenges ahead

Evidence continues to show that current agricultural practices are causing multiple environmental problems. Despite large-scale shifts towards renewable energy sources, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. However, ABARES modelling has explored potential scenarios for irrigated agriculture in the Murray Darling Basin. Plus, the ABARES is working on developing capabilities to assess potential future climate scenarios across various broadacre farms in Australia.   

Interactions and feedbacks often amplify risks

Greenhouse gas emissions across the globe are bringing the world closer to climate thresholds, which contributes to accelerated climate change, including rising sea levels and temperatures. These rising temperatures also risk longer and more destructive bushfire seasons. 

Reducing net emissions and protecting natural assets could benefit landholders

Regional communities and consumers will increasingly demand producers protect natural assets. This includes a commitment to maintaining healthy ecosystems, water quality and protecting species’ habitats. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Profitable farming needs to merge with a sustainability-focused approach to maintain access to premium consumers. 
  • As a result of climate change, catastrophic events including fires, floods and droughts will become more severe. This will cause agricultural commodity prices and market access to become more volatile. 
  • Expected hotter and drier conditions will affect the profitability of agriculture. 

5. Disruptive technologies: Opportunities for the brave

Technological advancements are set to disrupt and influence how food and fibre products are manufactured, marketed and delivered. New skills and partnerships will be required as supply chains and customer engagements become more agile and interconnected.

Information-rich production systems will provide new levels of control, and accountability

The emergence of new technologies will significantly influence Australian agriculture. Connectivity across billions of devices, often referred to as the ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’, will transform supply chains in the future.  

Revolutionary connectivity will enable new types and levels of customer engagement

Supply chain management in agriculture will see real-time tracking of quantity, quality and unique characteristics of food and fibre products. 

Unlocking these opportunities will require new data sharing and governance

To ensure the benefits of digitisation are realised,  Australian agriculture needs to establish a new operating model focused on collaboration and information sharing.  

Key implications for agriculture

  • Strategic decision making and informed approaches to risk management will be essential tools for Australian farmers. 
  • Managing volatility in the future will rely on integrated and interconnected systems. 
  • Efficient use of data will influence access to capital, including equity investments in family farms.
  • Taking advantage of disruptive technologies will rely on new approaches to managing data and information. This will see new roles emerge in the private sector and in government, to facilitate a shared ecosystem. 

Global Rotomoulding has a strong relationship with Australia’s agricultural industry. These key trends identified by the ABARES and CSIRO are set to offer both positive and challenging outcomes for Australian farmers. Global Rotomoulding has been supporting the Australian agricultural industry through our extensive supply of leading agricultural equipment. Contact our friendly team to learn more today.  

Why Plastic Parts Are Rapidly Overtaking Metal

Plastic vs metal – it’s a long-debated topic in agricultural, mechanical, automotive and several other industries. While metal parts and assets have been king since the first machines were created, new science has made a new (better suited) successor. Enter plastic. 

Traditionally plastics struggled to compete with the strength and durability of metals. However, current plastic technologies have allowed this substance to perform as well as, and, in some cases better than, metal. 

So when both substances can perform the same job at the same level, it boils down to cost, weight and efficiency – to which plastic is the clear victor. 

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start rethinking where you’re using metal parts and consider if you could benefit from a cheaper and better tool. 

Plastic – Stronger Than You’d Think

Plastics excel at having a high strength-to-weight ratio. It can withstand more stress before failure while weighing less than a metal part. Combine this with better tensile strength and a higher ability to resist being deformed under mass density and plastic makes a good argument against metal enthusiasts. 

The below diagram shows a broad performance range of several plastics (categorised in Polymer and Composite categories) and how they compare to metal options. While the strongest metals rank higher than plastics, the plastic options aren’t far behind and have a lower density. 

Better Chemical Resistances 

Plastics are generally less susceptible to damage from chemicals or chemical reactions. Metal water storage tanks can cause zinc to leak through your water supply, leaving an unpleasant metallic taste. 

Worse, a study by the Public and Environmental Health Service in Tasmania found harmful lead levels in some stainless steel tanks. Steel tanks are used commonly in the mining industry to store sulfuric acid. At a high concentration (98% or above) steel can handle the acidic qualities of the acid for years. However, once the solution is diluted (Lower than 93%) the formula becomes highly corrosive. Poly liquid storage tanks, which we specialise in, can dependably store this acid at most concentrations. 

Poly Plastics, The Lightweight Champion 

More weight means more power is needed to move it. One of the best reasons to replace your heavy steel products with lightweight plastic products is you significantly lower your load. 

Our poly agricultural equipment is easy to roll, lift and reposition. Very rarely do we rely on heavy machinery when it comes to installing even our largest products. If you’re looking to replace a vehicle-mounted item with a plastic one, you’ll have improved fuel efficiency and no problem lifting them on or off your ute.

Faster Fabrication Times To Meet Strict Deadlines

Time equals money! When you’re in a pinch and need a replacement part fast, utilising plastic manufacturing will have you back on your feet long before a metal replacement can be created. 

Plastic’s design flexibility allows for designs to be created in one part, whereas metal parts often require assembly or welding to create one piece. Because of a more simplistic design process, you save time, labour and cost compared to what metal manufacturing would take. 

Heat Resistance

The biggest argument against plastics is it’s lower melting point than popular metals like steel or iron. However new high-performance thermoplastics technology has a melting point of 3593.333°C where carbon steel melts between 1425 – 1540°C. Still, most common plastics will melt somewhere in the 200°C range.

Know When It’s Right To Use 

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority at Global. While we love the benefits plastics offer, sometimes metal is the right material for the job. Consider these cons when planning your replacements.

Limited Wear Resistance

Plastic’s low resistance threshold means it may be affected by high temperatures, acidity and other corrosive elements. However, there are higher-resistance plastic options better suited for handling chemicals. For example, our rotomoulded cartage tanks are suitable for transporting diesel and a range of other substances. 

Lower Structural Strength

Plastics are unsuited for supporting structures and replacing high-weight bearing parts of heavy machinery.  

If you feel that lightweight plastic will benefit you, the team at Global Rotomoulding can help out. We create a range of tanks, parts and other agricultural equipment. If you want a custom plastic piece to help you out, call us today to see how we can help.