Offsider Ag in the thick of it at ASWS 2024

While the weather didn’t favour the Queenslanders, the 2024 Australian Sheep and Wool show was a resounding success for Offsider Agricultural Equipment. While no stranger to Victoria, Offsider Ag owner David Hicks was impressed by the crowds. “We were concerned that the temperatures might put people off, but they were here in droves.”

Taking the opportunity to showcase Offsider Ag’s Meat Sheep specific handling equipment at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show has proved itself. “This is our second year at Bendigo, and while we have been in the region at Elmore Field Days, the Sheep and Wool Show gives us the chance to meet people from across Australia.

We have customers all over the country, from King Island to the Atherton Tablelands, it is a real testament to the durability of our gear and the resilience of the Australian sheep industry.”

Launching the business in 2017 with the Meat Sheep Handler, Offsider Agricultural Equipment sheep handling pedigree is strong. “We worked with commercial and stud breeders of Dorpers and Aussie Whites to make sure that our meat sheep handling equipment does what it says it will.”

It is that commitment that saw the team win The Land Machine of the year at ANFD for the third time last year, with the Small Ruminant Bulk Handler.  “We could see there would be a need for a mechanical bulk handling option to meet NLIS eID requirements. Making regular husbandry tasks like drenching, tagging and foot maintenance easier and safer leads to better numbers in the sale ring.”

The tour of the Victorian regions has only just started for the team. “We are heading across to Hamilton SheepVention on the 4 and 5 of August, with the whole range, including some cattle handling.”