Merv, Anthony and Chris Steinert run an agricultural contracting business from their 440 hectare property, Kavyn, Eden Valley overlooking the Barossa Valley.

Chris says that they look after most aspects of on-farm contracting: feeding, spraying, spreading and haymaking.

They produce mainly round bales, using a couple of New Holland balers.

"We look after about 100 customers around the Adelaide Hills and the Adelaide Plains - there are very few dairy farms left around here, so it is mainly broadacre farms and quite a few lifestyle properties," says Chris.

"The 'lifestyle' farmers tend to use contractors because they want the job done on time and properly, without needing to invest in their own gear."

The Steinerts are very particular about the equipment they use, particularly for haymaking, and the need for robust, easily maintained machinery with reliable parts support has influenced their choice of mower conditioners.

They use a Taarup 3532F mower-conditioner mounted on the front of their New Holland T7550, with a Taarup 4236CT mower-conditioner on the rear.

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, April 23 issue.