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First Class Field Work
Regari Contracting & Krone
Former racing champion Craig Hage knows excellence when he sees it. That’s why the motorbike-champ-turned-Ag-extraordinaire can’t go past Krone. Craig Hage has always been a man of speed, whether tearing through the winding tracks during a motorbike race or manoeuvring machinery across the Barossa Valley.
Originally from Tanunda, about 70 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, Craig now oversees his agricultural contracting business, Regari Contracting, within a stone’s throw of his hometown. His business caters to both broadacre and grazing properties in the area.
In the early ‘90s, Craig made a name for himself in the world of motorbike racing, competing on enduro tracks across Australia. After securing two consecutive championship wins, his talent took him overseas, representing the green and gold in the Netherlands.
“Representing Australia overseas was definitely a highlight for me,” laughs Craig. “The scene was much more professional over there, but it was still so fun.”
However, the thrill of racing took a toll on his body, leading to multiple knee surgeries and broken bones. “It was a hard decision to make, but after multiple broken bones, I thought, ‘I’d better keep my body together.’ It’s the only one I’ve got!”
To stay healthy, Craig transitioned to a new career path, back where it all began. Returning to his family farm – a joint hay, silage, and livestock operation – Craig began agricultural contracting, and Regari Contracting was born.
”I loved farming growing up, and it was a natural progression into contracting. I saw a gap in the market, so I ran with it,” says Craig.
Despite leaving the world of racing behind, Craig’s competitive spirit remains intact. Rather than speeding down dirt tracks, chasing champion times, Craig now channels his energy into pursuing efficiency and excellence in agriculture.
What began as a hay and silage service has grown to encompass broadacre and pasture services, including spraying, seeding and spreading. Today, Regari Contracting is managed by a team of three full-time staff members. An additional three staff members are hired for the busy summer months when most of the work is servicing in hay and silage.
The partnership between Regari and Krone began over two decades ago and has been transformative for the business. “The reliability and efficiency of Krone machinery is unmatched. Using their products gives Regari a leading edge in the industry.”
This partnership started through a local dealership, Tundarri Sales and Service, situated in Gawler. Recognising Craig’s expertise and ongoing loyalty, Krone valued his insights and approached him to help plan new models, including a new baler.
“It’s great to be able to give my two cents back into the industry,” says Craig, “It’s pretty special to give feedback and see the improvements implemented by Krone. It’s been great.”
This experience has helped Craig forge a relationship with the Krone team back in Germany. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, with skilled operators from Germany often making the trip Down Under to experience life on the land, South Australia style.
“As Krone is a German company, getting operators who know the machinery back to front is a great leg up. Many have stayed on for a few seasons which is great. The weather is sometimes a bit of a shock to the system for them, but they get used to it eventually.”
Craig acknowledges that Regari Contracting wouldn’t be where it is today without its bond with Krone.
"I WAS TOLD IT COULDN’T BE DONE... BUT IT CAN BE DONE"
Thanks to the innovative, German engineering from Krone, Regari Contracting has made a name for itself when it comes to efficiency.
“Everything changed, about a decade ago, when we started using the Ultima CF 155 XC baler-wrapper combo,” says Craig. “It’s the first and only machine of its kind in Australia and its helped us double our production rates. It’s also been a huge bonus for my team, it reduces their workload, which means less fatigue and a safer workplace all round!”
Regari’s fleet also includes the Krone Bigpack 1290HDP XC X-Treme for baling square hay.
Once again, Craig was the first person in Australia to own this machine. He added it to his arsenal three years ago, and over that time it’s made a world of difference increasing efficiency and keeping labour costs low.
“The fact that the baler never stops has made a huge difference for us. It makes us more productive which means we can get more jobs done throughout the season. Plus, it keeps overheads low, which is always a good thing!”
When working the land, there is one element, which even the smartest contractor can’t plan for; the weather. But the Krone range even helps manage the uncertainty of Mother Nature, thanks to unique features in both the Ultima and Bigpack models.
“Baling hay is tough, because of the brief window of time in which you can get the job done, before the weather turns bad,” explains Craig.
“But the continuous baling feature of the Ultima and the automated collection of the Bigpack means we can increase production within specific windows of suitable moisture. As well as the balers, Regari Contracting also has a Krone EasyCut 32CV & 9140CV for mowing and a Krone Swadro TC-880 Plus for raking.
Craig also uses VariPack V190 Plus for round bales of mostly hay and straw, and some silage. “In the contracting business, you need to have cutting-edge machinery to stay ahead of the game, and here at Regari, we firmly believe you can’t go past Krone.
“The quality is unmatched.”