The prestigious award announced on opening day of the 46th Henty Machinery Field Days was judged by a panel of regional primary producers as the most outstanding new piece of agricultural equipment.

The enterprising farmers and harvest contractors distribute the Silo Bags system that won the Henty Machine of the Year award in 2005.

South Australian farm machinery manufacturer Vennings is manufacturing the outloader which is being marketed by Silo Bags.

A result of many years of experience in grain handling, Mr Phillips believes his machine stands out from the rest because unlike other unloaders, it empties the bag completely.

“Other roll-up unloaders can leave up to one tonne in the bag and that has to be shovelled into the machine which is unsafe and tiring,” he said.

Available in both self propelled or tractor driven versions, Mr Phillips drew attention to the safety aspects of the unit.

“There is no spinning power take-off shaft so that makes it a lot safer to use.”

The machine can handle different size bags with less stress. It cuts the bag open on both sides making it easier to reseal if required.

Condoblin district farmer Chris Jones’ twin disc drill seeder was highly commended.

The 12m unit is now manufactured by US machinery manufacturer Amity Technology, based in Fargo, North Dakota.

Henty Machinery Field Days located in the centre of Australia’s engine-room for broadacre and specialist farming and stock grazing.

With optimism and support, the field days draw a crowd of 50,000, showcasing Australia’s technical expertise uniquely engineered for one of the driest continents on earth.