A serendipitous auction purchase has not only helped assist rural producers in times of need but also ensured the grounds of the vast Elders FarmFest site will remain in tip-top shape.
John Deere and agriculture and construction equipment dealer, RDO Equipment, donated a John Deere Z325E ZTrak zero-turn mower to the agriculture support charity, Rural Aid, for its Long Lunch for Our Mates in the Bush fundraiser in March this year.
Despite some intense competition, it was the bid of Elders FarmFest coordinator and ACM Agri general manager - events Craig Chapman that secured the highly sought-after machine to help keep the lawns of 26-hectare looking good.
The purchase has sparked something of a three-way partnership between the organisations with the goal of assisting primary producers doing it tough.
RDO Equipment executive general manager - John Deere, Dean Gaedtke, said getting behind the charity made sense.
"The practical, timely and meaningful assistance that Rural Aid provides to support rural communities during tough times is the reason RDO are proud to have the partnership that we do,” Mr Gaedtke said.
"The ethos Rural Aid has in giving farmers a hand up resonates with the team at RDO, and there are many examples in recent times where their support has had a significant and positive impact to those in need".
Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said the Long Lunch for Our Mates in the Bush was one of Rural Aid’s highest profile fundraisers and attracted leaders from across the agribusiness sector.
“Funds raised from the event mean that Rural Aid can respond quickly when disaster strikes,” Mr Warlters said.
“In 2026 we have witnessed a series of rapid fire disasters and Rural Aid continues to support impacted producers - be it flood, bushfire or drought.
“We are very grateful for the support of RDO Equipment, John Deere and FarmFest along with the wider agribusiness community.”
The Z325E features a 17.9 kilowatt (24 horsepower) V-twin engine with a 122-centimetre (48-inch) Accel Deep mower deck forged from 10-gauge steel.
The flat top design provides superior cut quality at faster speeds while the spring-assisted mower deck can be quickly raised and lowered with the push of a foot pedal.
The 5.10cm x 7.62cm (2in x 3 in) welded steel frame ensures the machine is ready to take on uneven ground and tough tasks.
The 13.6 litre fuel tank allows it to mow up to 11.2km/h. Comfort is a priority with a 51cm seat back and standard spring suspension.
ACM Agri general manager - events, Craig Chapman, said the mower would be put to good use.
“As organisers of Qld's biggest field days, we seek to support the businesses who support FarmFest,” Mr Chapman said.
“RDO are among our largest exhibitors, who also provide us John Deere Gator utility vehicles to use during the event, and with our current mower needing replacing when I saw the mower in the auction catalogue the opportunity to support RDO, John Deere and Rural Aid was simply too good to miss.”
Over the past two years, RDO Equipment has expanded its footprint with the opening of the new Toowoomba branch located at 28 Witmack Road, Wellcamp.
The 72,000 square metre state-of-the-art facility has more than 11,000sq m under roof, including a 6462sq m workshop boasting four cranes, an oil and coolant distribution system and a reticulated air system.
The auxiliary building has a heated paint booth and self-cleaning wash bay system and a substantial parts warehouse.
Designed to support heavy-duty vehicles such as cotton pickers, dozers, and tractors, the workshops feature gantry cranes and specialised areas for servicing equipment.
