Fodder pact a caring partnership

New Holland has announced a unique partnership with the Australia Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) that will see the two organisations working together to promote and draw awareness of the fodder industry's leading quality control program, Fodder Care.

Fodder Care is a quality procedure program that recognises professionalism in the production of hay and silage.

The program provides growers with guidelines to follow for information collation pertaining to on-farm practices, including paddock inspections, chemical spray diaries and harvest details.

The information is recorded electronically on the web-based Fodder Care program and is permanently and securely stored providing a pathway of traceability from the bale back to the paddock.

New Holland's dedication to the hay and fodder industry, combined with a heritage built on hay products and machinery, makes this a well suited partnership.

New Holland said that as a leader in the market, it was proud to be at the forefront of the industry both nationally and internationally.

While being at the forefront in the design and supply of hay and fodder equipment, partnering AFIA to support the Fodder Care program was a natural fit, the company said.

"AFIA's Fodder Care program is internationally recognised as a leading program, ensuring quality and traceability of fodder sold to both domestic and international markets," New Holland sales and marketing director Simon Vigour said.

"New Holland, AFIA's founding sponsor, has been looking for a unique way to support the fodder industry.

"Rather than a standard sponsorship deal, New Holland sees the support of Fodder Care as a way to promote quality control in the industry while highlighting New Holland's support of such a worthwhile program."

AFIA executive officer Colin Peace is also excited by the partnership.

"Our commitment to the fodder industry through Fodder Care has allowed us to work with local growers to ensure they adhere to guidelines maintaining a level of quality and consistency in the marketplace," he said.

"Partnering New Holland to draw focus to the program and gain more momentum in the marketplace is positive for both AFIA and the industry."

The unique partnership is based on an initial three-year period that will involve New Holland and AIFA working closely together to not only draw attention to the Fodder Care program but also share information and industry insights that will bring greater value to growers utilising the system.