QLD’er’s weed-it transforms operation

For Central Queensland farmer Jim Gifford, growth hasn’t just been about expanding acreage; it’s been about evolving how he farms. Based across Dysart and Capella, Jim runs a mixed operation that has shifted significantly over the past decade.

Originally focused almost entirely on cattle, Jim began incorporating grain in 2016 after purchasing farming country better suited to cropping.

Today, he crops around 1,500 hectares of grain annually, plus another 800 hectares dedicated to producing feed for his cattle. Across two blocks totalling more than 5,000 hectares (or 13,000 acres), Jim now grows mainly sorghum and chickpeas, phasing wheat and barley out of his rotation over the past three years.

But with expanded cropping came an unwelcome guest: weeds.

“With the move into farming came weed problems — and our research kept pointing to sensor sprayers as the solution,” he said.

Jim initially considered fitting sensors to his self‑propelled sprayer, but the need for consistent height control led him elsewhere.

Everywhere I looked, the cleanest farms were running Croplands.

— Jim Gifford

“Driving around the district, you could see who was on top of their weeds — and they all had the same machine,” he said.

In 2025, Jim purchased a WEED‑IT Quadro with a 7000L tank, 36.5m boom and dual‑line setup. The system has been in heavy use this summer, delivering immediate results.

“We’ve been out in the paddock several times and the chemical savings are substantial,” Jim said.

“I’m not using any more than I should be — and we’re getting the results.”

His sorghum crop this year was planted with zero weeds out of control, something he credits to the precision of the WEED‑IT system.

Support has been another highlight.

“[Queensland Territory Manager and WEED-IT Product Lead] Lachie Coom is fantastic — approachable, knowledgeable and always willing to help. Couldn’t be happier with the service.”

For Jim, the combination of reliability, chemical savings and strong backup makes the decision simple: he’s happy with the machine and happy with Croplands.