F E A T U R E D

Pickles and McDonald’s are a long-standing partnership. But many of us may not have thought about how those perfect circles are grown, fermented, sliced, and finally, served up on our burgers. Incredibly, there is just one family responsible for all those Maccas pickles Australia-wide. The Parle Family has been producing pickles for the fast-food chain on their farm in Griffith, NSW, for over three decades. Operations Manager, Ben Parle, is here to share the story of the famous Parle Pickle.

The Parle journey with McDonald’s has become a vital partnership for this small Australian family business. There’s no doubt, the contract means they a bound to the highest standards. “They say the first day you miss a supply is the last day you supply, and we’ve never missed a supply,” Ben shares. Meeting those deadlines, though, has taken commitment and unrelenting quality. Ben recalls, “When the McDonald’s contract first came about, we were thrilled. It was a game-changer. Even in tough times, McDonald’s stuck with us – if we could supply.”

What makes a Parle Pickle?

A pickle is more than just a vegetable; it’s the result of an exacting process. “We’re monitoring everything. It’s a bit of an ancient science,” Ben explains. The cucumbers are grown and harvested in the summer months, but the real magic happens when they’re fermented in brine.

“A gherkin is a special variety of cucumber. It’s an immature cucumber designed for the fermentation process.”

Ben describes it like this: “A good pickle isn’t just about the cucumber itself – it’s about the brine and the fermentation. The brine pulls the flavours from the cucumber, and then it’s all about controlling the temperature and timing to get the perfect flavour and crunch. If you do it right, it takes about four to six weeks.”

Once the fermentation is complete, the cucumbers are pulled from the tanks, washed, sliced into those signature circles, and packaged. “Then we send them out in kilo packets and off they go to McDonald’s, ready to be placed on burgers around the country,” says Ben.

The farm grows enough cucumbers during summer to keep McDonald’s supplied year-round. “It’s around 1,800 tonnes annually, so it’s a consistent demand.” It’s a delicate balancing act, ensuring that the quality remains high and the supply is steady.

Overcoming setbacks

In the early 2000s, the Parles started a rapid expansion into frozen foods, but it created financial struggles. “We got into frozen corn, beans, and other products. It grew too fast, got out of hand. The business was nearly broke,” Ben shares.

Despite these challenges, their McDonald’s contract kept the family afloat. “We had a rough patch, but we never missed a delivery,” Ben explains. “McDonald’s could have easily walked away, but they didn’t. As long as we could supply, they stayed loyal.”

Ben, who joined the family business at 17, remembers his first job: “I wasn’t coming in to save anything. My first job was sorting pickles on the conveyor belt. We just slowly, slowly grinded away, and eventually, we got back on our feet.” It’s incredible to think he’s now Operations Manager. That certainly was never part of his plan as a child.

“For a long time, I wanted to do anything but be a pickle farmer!”

While the highest-quality cucumbers make it to McDonald’s, the rejects are put to good use. “The ones that don’t make it to McDonald’s go into cattle feed,” says Ben. “The cows absolutely love them. They’re full of water, and apparently, they chase the trucks down the road when we’re tipping off the pickles. It’s funny to see.”

Recognition: A humbling award

In 2023, the Parle family was awarded McDonald’s Australia Supplier of the Year. Ben remembers, “We’re a small business. There are 114 McDonald’s suppliers. Most of them are big multinationals, so winning that award felt wild.” It came as a complete surprise. “They emailed my dad and said, ‘We want you and Gaye and Ben to come down to Sydney,’” says Ben. “Dad said, ‘Oh, Ben will go.’ Then they told him, ‘Tony, you’re going to win.’ He didn’t believe it at first. It was nice recognition after all these years.”

“We’re a small business. 10 staff. We’re pretty much a mum and dad operation.”

Despite the scale of their operation, the Parle family has always kept the business light on employees. “We’re a small operation, and we like it that way,” says Ben. “People often think we’re much bigger because of the volume we produce, but we’ve always kept it personal and hands-on. That’s important to us.”

Ben enjoys the satisfaction of working on the farm. “I love the outdoors, working hard, and working with my hands. There’s something satisfying about being completely exhausted at the end of the day, knowing you’ve worked hard and made a difference,” he says. “Watching the land change through the seasons, from seedlings to lush green paddocks, is the most fulfilling part of the job for me.”

Looking ahead, Ben remains committed to sustainability. “As farmers, we’re at the mercy of the weather, government policies, and the market. But we can influence a lot of things,” Ben reflects. “We’ve always tried to do right by the land, and that’s what we’ll keep focusing on as we look ahead.”

And no surprises when Ben is asked what the best part of a burger is – extra pickles all round!

Thanks AA

Australia’s farming sector is in the midst of a generational shift. As climate pressures mount and global demands evolve, one thing is clear: farmers need the right financial support to thrive, not just survive. The great news? Lenders are finally catching up.

Agriculture continues to be a powerhouse of the Australian economy, employing over 420,000 people across land management and agri-services. And today’s lending landscape is more supportive than ever, with both banks and non-bank lenders stepping up to offer smarter, more flexible finance tailored to the unique rhythms of farm life.

From longer loan terms to risk-adjusted interest rates that reward sustainable farming, the goal is simple: make finance work for farmers. Whether it’s dealing with seasonal cash flow or managing a property that’s been in the family for generations, there’s growing recognition that the one-size-fits-all model doesn’t cut it anymore.

There’s also a major push to bring more people into the industry—especially women, First Nations communities, and young Aussies looking to get a start in agriculture. Government-backed guarantees and bank-led initiatives are making it easier to access funding, skills, and support.

Technology is another game changer. Smart farms using automation, remote land monitoring, and data-driven planning aren’t just boosting yields—they’re also giving farmers a leg up when it comes to finance. Lenders now see tech adoption as a sign of future-readiness and are rewarding it accordingly.

Perhaps most importantly, climate resilience is now baked into many loan decisions. Banks are factoring in climate modelling and ESG standards when assessing applications, making finance a real driver of long-term sustainability in the industry.

At Pay In Time – Finance, being all Farmers ourselves, we’re proud to be part of this shift. We specialise in tailored lending solutions for farmers and agri-businesses who want more than just a loan—they want a partner who understands what matters on the land.

Australia’s next generation of farmers is stepping up. And with the right finance behind them, the future looks strong.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.)9^th May 2025 2.) 30^th May 2025 3.) 20^th June 2025

Ag Machinery

CLAAS Harvest Centre technical specialist Daniel Pandolfo, Melbourne, CNH ag product and portfolio manager for Australia and New Zealand Ben Mitchell, Kempsey, NSW, John Deere Australia and New Zealand sales director Emma Ford, Brisbane, and O'Connor’s machinery sales representative Marnie Schiller, West Wyalong, NSW. Pictures supplied 

Australia's agricultural machinery sector is in desperate need of new workers, and the country's next generation of agri-enthusiasts could be a solution to that problem. 

Industry representatives are scrambling to fill hundreds of machinery jobs across the country, as young people look to other industries, including mining, because of the lucrative salary offers. 

However, four Australian agricultural machinery workers - ranging from technical specialists to sales representatives and Australasian product managers - say young people should consider the machinery sector as an ideal place for a rewarding career. 

Opportunities to work with the latest technology, domestic and international travel, job satisfaction and career development are just some of the reasons. 

ACM Agri has profiled four workers who grew up on small family farms and have transitioned their careers to focus on selling, servicing and overseeing the rollout of new machinery in Australia.

Marnie Schiller, O'Connor’s 

Marnie Schiller spent the first 10 years of her childhood growing up on a farm at Milvale, NSW, before she moved to Young, NSW, when he family sold the family farm. 

Once the 22-year-old finished year 12 at Hennesey Catholic College, she undertook some seasonal work with GrainCorp, but machinery had always been a strong interest. 

Ms Schiller is now employed by O'Connor's at West Wyalong, NSW, where she works as a machinery sales representative. 

"I was one of the first at O'Connor’s to sell a Case IH 715 quad track in February," she said. 

"It's the highest horsepower tractor Case IH has on the market in Australia, with 715 horsepower, so to be able to sell that was just exciting." 

The dealership specialises in high-horsepower machinery, primarily attracting clients from broadacre livestock and cropping operations. 

"You have to start somewhere, and I started in an administrative role because I was too young, but once you get your foot in the door, there are so many different career paths," Ms Schiller said. 

"When I came to O'Connor’s, I was pretty open-minded as a young woman that I might not be received that well, however, the experience has been incredible. 

"I don't deal with discrimination very often and can't say I've had many bad experiences, certainly nothing that would deter me from staying in the industry." 

O'Connor’s has 16 dealerships located across NSW, Victoria and South Australia. 

The company is a dealer for Case IH, among several other brands. 

"There are always opportunities to move around," Ms Schiller said. 

"There are lots of women who are now working as mechanics, we've had people come out of parts and go into the workshop or machinery sales too, so there's lots of room for finding a career pathway that suits you." 

Ben Mitchell, CNH 

Ben Mitchell's family have farmed in the Kempsey, NSW, district since the early-1880s, while his father worked as a stock and station agent and ran cattle on a local property. 

"I was always more interested in the machinery as opposed to the cattle," Mr Mitchell, 45, said. 

"As a consequence, I started a diesel apprenticeship at the local New Holland dealership when I was 18. 

"I went from swinging spanners to owning my own dealership, and then I transitioned into working for New Holland, essentially going from being an independent dealer to working for the company itself." 

Mr Mitchell now works for CNH as the company's ag product and portfolio manager for Australia and New Zealand. 

"Our dealerships themselves are screaming out for technicians through to sales people, and I'd certainly say that our industry is a great place to work," Mr Mitchell said. 

"What better industry could you work in than ag... we literally feed the world, it is a noble industry." 

One of Mr Mitchell's favourite aspects about the job is the fact that he still lives and works in the community where he grew up, something other higher-paying industries like mining often cannot offer. 

"I don't think many people, regardless of what sector they are in, can say they can continue to work in their own backyard," he said. 

"My job is an Australia and New Zealand-based position, yet I'm five hours north of Sydney and living in the same community that I grew up in." 

Regular opportunities to up-skill, through vocational or industry-led training, are other aspects that have helped Mr Mitchell develop in his career. 

"You also deal with good, honest people; a lot of people in the ag game are hard-working," he said. 

Emma Ford, John Deere 

Growing up in the small north-east Victorian community of Tangambalanga, Emma Ford's dream was always to move to Melbourne and undertake a bachelor's degree. 

Her parents were managing a beef property, while her grandparents were just down the road at Dederang, Vic, on a dairy farm.

"Mum and dad, and my grandparents all had John Deere gear," she said. 

After finishing high school, Ms Ford started a Bachelor of Business, but later transferred from Charles Sturt University to Deakin in Melbourne, finishing her qualification as a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in marketing.

Initially, she was interested in an internship with the City of Melbourne working on its Moomba Festival, when a green and yellow advertisement attracted her attention. 

"I saw a poster for the John Deere graduate program and I thought I would apply for it," Ms Ford, now 40, said. 

"My career advisor told me at the time that John Deere only takes a couple of graduates, you'd be lucky to get an interview." 

"However, I was successful with the graduate program and moved to Brisbane the following year, and next year will mark 20 years with the company." 

These days, Ms Ford is John Deere's sales director for Australia and New Zealand. 

Over the last two decades, she has held seven other roles in the company, including working as a territory manager, a manager of the dealer development team, as well as a senior executive in customer service.

"There are huge opportunities in our organisation," Ms Ford said. 

"Having a qualification does help, but it is not necessarily a prerequisite, but we do want to employ people who are passionate about agriculture or have a background in agriculture. 

"Most of our jobs do call for tertiary experience or relevant industry experience." 

Ms Ford said key attractions for new recruits to the industry included domestic and international training opportunities and tertiary education support. 

"The key areas we recruit for are in marketing, sales, after-market customer support, operations, people and culture, accounting and finance and wholesale and consumer financing," she said.

"There is a high turnover in dealer technicians, and there is not a dealer in the country who would turn down a technician who was keen to learn." 

Daniel Pandolfo, CLAAS Harvest Centre 

Daniel Pandolfo admits he was more of a "machinery man than a cattle man" growing up on his family's second-generation dairy farm in Victoria's east. 

The 32-year-old, who works for CLAAS Harvest Centre as a technical specialist, wasted no time when he left school, launching straight into a four-year apprenticeship with the company when he was 18. 

"We always used CLAAS Harvest gear on the farm, and that's where my interest started," Mr Pandolfo said. 

"It's not just about swinging spanners or hitting hammers, the role has become quite technical, so there are a lot of interesting challenges you encounter on a day-to-day basis. 

After his apprenticeship, Mr Pandolfo was given a work ute and worked as a field technician for several years until he moved into the technical support team with the company in 2020. 

"You're not just a grease monkey; the jobs require a lot of brainpower, and if you put your mind to it, you're able to challenge yourself and do different things," he said. 

His role now requires him to be a subject matter expert, with technicians often calling him from around Australia for advice and support. 

He is also in regular contact with the CLAAS factory in Europe, and runs training for technicians throughout the year, specialising in hay, silage and material handling equipment. 

"I went to Germany in 2023, and that was a great experience getting over to the factory," he said. 

"Getting into the agriculture industry and particularly into machinery or being a diesel mechanic gives you different challenges every day, and there's always something new to learn. 

"There are also countless opportunities to travel, including abroad." Thanks Bryce

As the 2025 season kicks off, growers across the Mallee are weighing every input decision carefully. Following a dry 2024, there’s real pressure to cut costs, without cutting corners.

In this week’s MSF Farm Talk podcast (dropping Thursday), we hear from soil fertility specialist Dr Sean Mason, Agronomy Solutions, who recently presented at the Mallee Research Updates. Sean shares timely advice on how to improve fertiliser efficiency, make the most of existing nutrient bands, and adjust strategies to ensure you’re getting value for every dollar spent.

Here’s a snapshot of the key messages from the podcast to help set up your paddocks for success:

✅ 5 Smart Moves to Improve Fertiliser Efficiency in 2025

1. Know which soils are nutrient responsive and which aren’t.
After a tough year, cash flow is tight. Sean urges growers to identify zones where fertiliser inputs deliver a return and where they don’t. That includes both nitrogen and phosphorus decisions.

2. Use your data layers.
Free tools like Google Earth and NDVI, plus your own yield and protein maps, can reveal how your paddocks have performed over time. These layers are crucial for zoning and guiding smarter soil testing.

3. Understand phosphorus buffering index (PBI).
Mapping your PBI once can pay off for years. High PBI soils tie up phosphorus, so applying more—or placing it more strategically—may be necessary. Conversely, low PBI soils might already have enough in the bank.

4. Be strategic about sowing placement.
If last year’s P is still sitting in the row, sowing close to last year’s furrow—particularly in high PBI soils—can give this year’s crop a better shot at tapping into it. It’s a small shift that could deliver big gains, with some growers achieving this by sowing at a 5-degree angle. It is also important to note the potential for extra disease pressure with on or near row sowing, which needs to be considered.

5. Protect your roots, especially in pulses.
For lentils and other sensitive crops, excess fertiliser in dry soils can prune roots and limit nutrient access. Sean recommends keeping rates below 50kg/ha of MAP and considering splitting seed and fertiliser or broadcasting to avoid seed damage.

🎧 Want more details?
Don’t miss the full podcast episode with Sean Mason, dropping this Thursday. It’s a must-listen for growers looking to reduce the cost of production, make confident nutrient decisions, and get the most out of every rainfall event.

Proudly supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.

Representatives from the Australian-based REALM GROUP of COMPANIES, accompanied by their local counterparts, met with the Assistant Minister and the Director of iTaukei Language and Culture at the Ministry this morning. The purpose of the meeting was to brief the Ministry on the Group's proposed programs for Fiji.

REALM GROUP specialises in Real Estate, Equipment Auctions, and Livestock and Marketing. They have been exploring potential operational areas in Fiji for the past 12 months, engaging with local contacts.

Last week, the Group visited the Northern Division to gain firsthand understanding of the local situation and identify potential areas for initiating their operations. They have a particular interest in advancing the iTaukei people, initially focusing on civil works and agriculture. The Group has a history of successful engagement with rural Spanish communities.

The Group's vision aligns with the Ministry's mandate to increase iTaukei participation in resource development for future generations. They recognise the importance of empowering landowners to take responsibility and actively engage in developing their resources, moving beyond being merely labourers receiving minimal compensation.

Their focus areas will involve comprehensive training for Land Owning Units (LOUs) in all aspects of agriculture and civil works, particularly concerning the operation, repair, and maintenance of relevant equipment and machinery. The Group is committed to providing long-term support to iTaukei groups for the benefit of future generations.

While the Ministry supports these types of meetings and engagements, the Ministry will at the same time conduct its own due diligence to ensure there is a win-win situation and everyone benefits.

Grateful to be part of this important meeting between the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and our company, REALM GROUP AUSTRALIA, exploring opportunities to empower iTaukei communities through agriculture, civil works, and long-term development. Proud to contribute to initiatives that create sustainable futures.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/19WAnQfELs/

We Have Been to Your Town! We don’t just sit in an office; we are hands-on with our Farmers! 🙌

Driving change in rural communities: Meet the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipients

Key Points

• Seven visionary women from across Australia are set to drive transformation in rural communities as recipients of the prestigious 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.

• The Acceleration Grant complements the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award by supporting women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award but have compelling ideas to strengthen regional Australia.

• The recipients will receive up to $7,000 in professional development funding, empowering them to bring innovative projects to life and address critical challenges facing regional Australia.

AgriFutures Acting General Manager of Workforce, Communications and Adoption, Jennifer Galloway, emphasised the critical role that women play in ensuring the prosperity of Australia’s rural communities.

“Women in agriculture are not just shaping their own businesses; they’re driving innovation, resilience and sustainability across entire regions,” Ms Galloway said.

“From the paddock to the boardroom, women are at the forefront of transforming regional industries, creating opportunities and strengthening their communities for generations to come.

“This year’s recipients showcase the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that will help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of Australia’s rural industries.”

Now in its third year, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant has supported 21 women in realising their innovative visions for rural Australia. Previous recipients like Sarah Golding, founder of the Vet Mind Mentor, which provides mentoring for veterinary graduates, said being a part of the program had been an extraordinary experience.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved with the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant program. It helped me to develop my business, and more importantly, shine a spotlight on women who are driving growth in rural communities through innovation and hard work,” Mrs Golding said.

“I’m excited to see how the new recipients’ projects will help carry momentum in 2025 and beyond.”

Meet the 2025 recipients

• Sally Turner, NSW: Sally is tackling the critical issues of eating disorders and body image in regional Australia through community-based educational programs that raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide targeted education. Her initiative includes school-based programs, training for teachers, carers and parents, advocacy for local support services, and education on health and body acceptance via community-led initiatives, social media campaigns and resources.

• Megan Bowden, QLD: Megan’s “Dragon Eggs” project aims to bring the farm to life in schools, workplaces and childcare centres through hands-on egg hatching experiences. The program will deliver interactive learning packages, complete with live stream access to follow the eggs as they hatch and opportunities to purchase farm-fresh eggs and chicks.

• Tammy Schutz, SA: Tammy’s vision is to investigate the viability of black soldier fly larvae production on-farm, as a diversification strategy for primary producers and more specifically wine grape growers. Her passion for sustainability and a focus on creating a circular economy has led her to see the potential of black soldier fly larvae production in utilising food waste while future-proofing farms for the generations to come.

• Catherine Jewell, NSW: A new opportunity for Australia, Catherine aims to establish a small-scale orris root farm based on an Italian cooperative agriculture model. The production of this sought-after ingredient for luxury perfumes and artisanal gin would reduce reliance on imports and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

• Ceilidh Meo, VIC: Ceilidh’s project, the Long Road Olive Co-operative, is a not-for-profit, grower-led organisation to support small-scale olive growers. The Co-operative will support small-scale olive growers by investing in equipment, engaging the community, and creating markets for “unwanted olives” through a co-operative brand working to keep wild olive trees out of the state forest, bringing the community together for gastronomy and agritourism events.

• Tegan Johns, WA: This project will promote regional towns as ideal filming locations. Tegan aims to do this by working closely with producers to capture content from the moment the cameras start rolling, documenting behind-the-scenes activities and unique aspects of the regional location. Tegan is leveraging her 25 years of film expertise to drive local pride, tourism, and economic benefits while fostering community engagement.

• Stephanie March, SA: Stephanie’s MERCI Co. project creates a supportive online storytelling platform for families raising children with medical challenges, fostering connection and understanding within rural communities. The depiction of authentic stories through short videos will foster connections and cultivate a sense of community among families facing similar journeys.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant complements the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award by supporting women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award but have compelling ideas to strengthen regional Australia.

Women who are shaping our future. 

Thanks Agrifutures

“Samantha Watkins Photography”

Realm Group Australia

REALM Group Australia (RGA) - originally est. 1992. The most trusted online Ag Marketing System in Australia. Built by Farmers for Farmers! Education is the KEY. True Pioneers - We were the first, and we are still growing. Proud Supporters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) & Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)