Damon Mcknight
The Zells are a farming family based in New South Wales, Australia. They farm 47,000 acres of wheat, barley, and chickpeas near Collarenebri. In 2012, the family purchased Collymongle, an irrigated and dryland farming and cattle grazing property consisting of about 35,600 hectares, for a rumoured price of $40 million. The Zells are known for their innovative approach to farming, having developed a system to join a pair of Deere 9400T tractors to work as a single unit, as well as a 212-foot-wide air seeder to match the capacity of the tandem tractors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Collarenebri, New South Wales, Australia |
| Owners | Bill and Judy Zell, Gavin Zell, Wayne Zell |
| Farm Produce | Wheat, barley, and chickpeas |
| Farm Size | 47,000 acres |
| Area Irrigated | 35,600 hectares |
| Distance from Moree | 115km west |
| Distance from Collarenebri | 30km east |
| Highway | Gwydir Highway |
| Previous Owners | The Kahlbetzer Family’s Twynam Pastoral Co |
| Previous Owner's Wealth | $772 million |
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What You'll Learn
The Zell family farm in New South Wales, Australia
The Zells are innovative in their farming practices and have developed a system to maximise their efficiency. To overcome the challenge of a shortage of skilled operators in their remote location, Gavin Zell invented a way to join a pair of Deere 9400T tractors so they function as a single unit. This tandem tractor setup allows one driver to control both tractors simultaneously, with only the front tractor being steered, while the rear tractor follows its lead.
The Zell family's ingenuity doesn't stop there. They also constructed a 212-foot-wide air seeder to match the capacity of their tandem tractors. This air seeder is pulled by the two tractors and is guided by a GPS and auto-steering system, ensuring precise manoeuvring. The combined tractor and air seeder setup can cover 2.5 acres every minute, seeding approximately 2,500 acres in an 18-hour day. This technology enables the Zells to efficiently plant their crops, even in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
Australia's unique climate presents distinct challenges for farmers like the Zells. The country experiences severe droughts followed by excessive floods, impacting cropping lands and infrastructure. Insurance is available primarily for hail, wind, and fire damage, but not for drought or flood damage. This lack of comprehensive insurance coverage further underscores the risks faced by Australian farmers and their resilience in the face of environmental unpredictability.
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They farm 47,000 acres of wheat, barley and chickpeas
Zell Farm in Australia is a large-scale farming operation, with 47,000 acres of land dedicated to growing wheat, barley, and chickpeas. The farm's size is notable, even by Australian standards, where agriculture is conducted on a grand scale, particularly in the central wheat belt region.
Wheat and barley are staple crops in Australia, and the country is a significant producer and exporter of agricultural goods, despite its mostly arid climate. The farm's vast acreage allows for efficient production and contributes to Australia's agricultural output.
Wheat is a versatile crop with a range of uses. Traditionally, wheat was used for bread, but it is also a key ingredient in brewing beer. An acre of land can produce enough wheat to feed a family, with some left over for trade, depending on the variety and yield. Modern wheat provides a larger berry, so less land is required than in the past.
Barley is another versatile crop with a range of applications. It is also used in brewing, and an acre of barley can produce a substantial amount of beer, depending on the style and alcohol content.
Chickpeas are a legume that can be grown as a rotational crop with wheat and barley. They are a good source of protein and are used in a variety of dishes, including hummus and curries.
The farm's large acreage allows for economies of scale in production and contributes to Australia's agricultural economy. However, it is worth noting that Australian farmers lack access to comprehensive insurance programs that cover drought and floods, which are common occurrences in the country's variable climate.
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The Zells use innovative machinery to increase efficiency
The Zells, a farming family in Australia, have embraced innovative machinery to enhance the efficiency of their farming operations. Bill, Judy, Gavin, and Wayne Zell farm 47,000 acres of wheat, barley, and chickpeas in New South Wales, Australia. They are always on the lookout for ways to increase efficiency and get their crops planted as quickly as possible once the conditions are right.
One of their notable innovations is the tandem tractor hookup, where Gavin Zell designed a system to join a pair of Deere 9400T tractors, allowing them to function as a single unit. This setup addresses the challenge of finding skilled operators in their remote farming area. By linking the tractors, only one driver is needed, sitting in the front tractor, and they can control the operations of both tractors, except for turning the rear tractor's lights on or off. The front tractor is steered, while the rear tractor follows its lead. This tandem configuration enables the Zells to utilize larger machinery, such as their 212-foot-wide air seeder, which matches the capacity of the paired tractors.
The Deere tractors in the tandem setup operate at 1,900 rpm, consuming a total of 26 gallons of diesel per hour. Together with the air seeder, they can cover 2.5 acres per minute, seeding approximately 2,500 acres in an 18-hour day. This setup played a crucial role in the 2011 planting season, successfully seeding about half of the Zell's crops.
In addition to the Zell family's ingenuity, there have been numerous other innovations in farm machinery that boost efficiency. For instance, John Deere, a prominent manufacturer, introduced its largest tractor, the 9RX, in 2024. This high-horsepower, four-track tractor is designed to help farmers increase productivity by reducing soil compaction and eliminating passes in the field. Autonomous machinery, such as self-driving tractors, robotic harvesters, and IoT devices, is also gaining traction in agriculture. These machines, equipped with precision guidance systems, contribute to soil health and productivity by minimizing soil compaction and crop damage while optimizing fuel consumption and reducing labor requirements.
The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is another key trend in sustainable farming. Solar panels and wind turbines provide clean energy for irrigation systems, machinery, and storage facilities, reducing farmers' reliance on fossil fuels and operating costs. Vertical farming, which maximizes space efficiency and incorporates IoT sensors and AI algorithms, is also revolutionizing the industry. These innovations not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to the sustainability and profitability of farming operations.
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They developed a system to join a pair of tractors
Zell Farm in Australia covers 47,000 acres of wheat, barley, and chickpeas near Collarenebri, New South Wales. The farm is run by Bill and Judy Zell, along with their sons Gavin and Wayne. The Zells face the challenge of farming in a remote area with a shortage of skilled operators. To overcome this, Gavin Zell developed a system to join a pair of Deere 9400T tractors, allowing them to function as a single unit.
The process of joining the tractors involved creating a heavy-duty hitch that mounts on the drawbar of the front tractor. This design enables the driver to control both tractors from the front tractor, performing all operations except switching the rear tractor's lights on or off. The steering of the rear tractor follows the front tractor's lead, and a GPS and auto-steering system ensure the accuracy of the air-seeder attached to the tractors.
The joined tractors burn 26 gallons of diesel per hour, with each tractor contributing 13 gallons per hour. The tandem tractors and air-seeder work at 5.6 mph, covering 2.5 acres per minute. During an 18-hour seeding day, the setup can seed approximately 2,500 acres.
The Zells tested the tandem tractor hookup during seeding in July 2010 and were satisfied with the results. They then built a 212-foot-wide air seeder to match the capacity of the tandem tractors. This innovation allowed the Zells to increase their efficiency and overcome the challenge of limited skilled labour in their remote location.
In summary, the Zells' innovation of joining a pair of tractors into a single unit was a successful strategy to enhance their farming operations. By overcoming labour shortages and increasing efficiency, they were able to seed a significant portion of their crops during the 2011 planting season.
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The Zells' farm covers 35,600 hectares and was sold for $40 million
The Zells farm, located in the Australian state of New South Wales, is an extensive property covering 35,600 hectares of land. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to approximately 88,000 acres or an area larger than some small countries. This massive farm recently made headlines when it was sold for a staggering $40 million. The sale attracted attention not only due to the hefty price tag but also because it marked a significant transaction in the Australian agricultural industry. The size of the Zells farm is quite remarkable, comparable to a small country or a large urban area. To illustrate, the farm is almost three times the size of Manhattan Island in New York, which covers approximately 33,500 hectares. It is also larger than some well-known cities; for example, the entire city of Paris, France, covers about 10,500 hectares, making the Zells farm more than three times its size.
The vast size of the farm can be attributed to its history and purpose. Zells farm has a rich history, with parts of it dating back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. Over time, various parcels of land were acquired, and the property expanded. The farm has been used for a range of agricultural purposes, including cattle grazing and crop production. The new owners, a large agricultural company, plan to continue utilizing the land for these purposes, taking advantage of its scale and potential for diverse agricultural enterprises. The $40 million price tag for the Zells farm sale is certainly a substantial amount and raises the question of why it commanded such a high value. A number of factors contribute to this valuation, including the size of the property, its location, and its potential for agricultural production.
The sheer size of the farm, covering 35,600 hectares, is a significant factor, as it offers a vast area for agricultural activities with scope for expansion and diversification. The location of the farm is also advantageous; situated in New South Wales, it benefits from a favorable climate for agriculture and is in close proximity to major urban centers, providing access to markets and infrastructure. Additionally, the farm has significant water resources, including water licenses and irrigation systems, which are valuable assets in the Australian context, where water can be scarce. The sale of the Zells farm to a major agricultural company indicates a trend towards consolidation and a growing interest in large-scale agricultural investments. This sale highlights the potential for profitable agricultural ventures in Australia, particularly with the right resources and scale of operation.
While the $40 million sale price may seem high, it is a testament to the value of agricultural land in Australia and the potential returns that can be achieved through efficient and well-managed farming operations. This sale sets a precedent and provides valuable insights into the Australian agricultural landscape, underscoring the importance of large-scale farms and their potential for significant returns on investment. As the new owners take over the reins of the Zells farm, there is anticipation regarding the future developments and the potential for this vast property to become an even more prominent player in the Australian agricultural sector. With its size, resources, and strategic location, the farm is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the country's agricultural output and play a role in shaping the future of the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The Zells farm 47,000 acres of wheat, barley, and chickpeas near Collarenebri, New South Wales, Australia.
Collymongle consists of about 35,600 hectares and is located in the Collarenebri district about 115km west of Moree and 30km east of Collarenebri on the Gwydir Highway. The property was bought by the Zell family for a rumoured price of $40 million.
Australia's production is conducted on a large scale, particularly in the west and in the central wheat belt. Australia's two largest privately-owned grain producers cropped more than 200,000 acres each in 2013.
The Zells built a 212-foot-wide air seeder to match the capacity of their tandem tractors.
