Current News |
First International Symposium on Pyrethrum |
BRA has been chosen as one of three National Finalists for the 2011 Biosecurity Farmer of the Year Award. |
BRA wins 2011 Engineers Australia (Tasmania Division) Engineering Excellence Award |
Pellet Line 2 receives 2010 National Communications and Electrical Association Award. |
BRA is successful in 2010 Work Cover Safety Award. |
Harvesting and Logistics
Each year, Tasmania’s pyrethrum crop is brought in by a massive harvest operation, which is arguably one of the biggest by a single contractor on a single crop anywhere in Australia. Pyrethrum is traditionally handpicked and BRA is the only producer in the world to have successfully developed mechanised harvesting for pyrethrum. BRA has a wealth of knowledge gained through the development of harvest methods and harvest logistics for pyrethrum, and can apply these methods to a range of other crops in Tasmania. We also have excellent crop storage facilities, which are available for lease, at our Ulverstone headquarters.
Harvesting Services
BRA can make available to customers, a fleet of 35 to 45 combine harvesters and professional contractors. We also have 11 windrowers and a contract fleet of some 60 trucks for crop transport. We have experience in testing different methods of harvest and constructing specialised headers to harvest new crops. BRA’s staff have more than 20 years experience in harvesting pyrethrum, first on an experimental, and then on a rapidly growing commercial basis. We have developed sophisticated harvest methods and a thorough logistical management system. All our systems can be adapted to the harvesting of other crops such as poppies, cereals and canola. We also have capabilities for seed harvesting.
Crop reception
At BRA’s Ulverstone base, a fully computerised dual weighbridge assists in the reception of crops and ensures the timely turnaround of the transport fleet. Crop statistics are also tracked on a computerised crop reception system, and crop samples can be laboratory tested at the reception stage, if required. Our Ulverstone personnel are highly experienced in the crop reception logistics of a large, time constrained harvest and can offer these skills to potential customers.
Crop storage
At Ulverstone, BRA can offer bulk crop storage of in excess of 75,000 cubic metres via a number of on site warehouse facilities. The warehouse walls are 7m high and 160 mm thick, and the solid concrete floor is 180mm thick. In addition, BRA also can provide storage in fully automated for loading and unloading warehouses, complete with in floor aeration. It is on a fully secured site and allows total freedom in hours of operation. The warehouses have a dust ignition proof electrical system for fire safety. On site services include moisture and temperature monitoring for stored crops by our on-site laboratory. Interest in the lease of this warehouse is welcomed.