Located in Bothwell, Tasmania, Will Bignell’s farm is steeped in history. A fixture in the region for nearly 200 years Will's family has certainly left their legacy at Thorpe Farm a property spanning 360 hectares of pivot irrigated country and 40 hectares of flood irrigation.
The farm runs a diversified rotation of poppies, cereals, sheep fodder, and prime lamb grazing, making it a bustling enterprise with varied terrain—ranging from 300 to 800 metres above sea level. And they're not staying in the past—investing in the latest gear to take things to the next level. With 2,000 hectares of Wi-Fi across the property, GPS mapping and zoning for easy operation of equipment, machine controlled cameras, weather stations and moisture probes, this farm is all about innovation.
The country here in the Central Highlands of Tasmania is rough and rugged "We’re champion rock growers," Will jokes, highlighting conditions.
In recent years, the adoption of the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme has transformed farming in the region, boosting productivity and opening up new opportunities. For Will, upgrading his equipment to match this progress became essential. His solution? The Delmade Offset Disc.
Talking about his decision to invest in a Delmade Will explains, "I’d been looking at a couple of other brands, comparing the finish and the job they do. Talking to other operators and contractors who are really punching out the hectares, there was a common theme—a lot of yellow and blue out there."
The reputation of Delmade equipment in the region was hard to ignore. “I did the age old adage,” he says, “copied the neighbour”. Known for its durability and adaptability, the Delmade 875 Series Offset Disc stood out for its ability to tackle tough terrain. “You see these machines around for decades—you’re investing in equipment that will last”.
But it wasn’t just the Disc, it was also the personalised service Delmade provided, helping him configure the equipment to suit the unique demands of his farm. “It’s great to work with people who understand the country and know what you’re trying to achieve,” he recalls. “Once I made up my mind to make the investment, the process was seamless. They kept me updated throughout—accurate timelines, delivery details—everything was on point.”
“They bite, they sink down, and they cut,” Will says. Unlike smaller Discs he’d used in the past, which often required constant adjustments and repairs, the Delmade Discs handled his challenging terrain with ease. “I was forever getting out with a sledgehammer to break out smaller discs stuck on rocks. With these, I can just keep going.”
“It’s changed the game,” he says. “Having the right width and weight lets me work the ground properly without having to go back and fix missed patches.”
Maintenance has also been a breeze compared to his old equipment. Will highlights the robust construction of the discs, from the hardened steel components to the solid axles, the oil bath bearings and the gang assemblies. “I’ve worked thousands of hectares and only had to tighten the gang once. The bearings? Absolutely brilliant. I used to carry spares in my car—now, I just check the oil annually, and that’s it.”
"It’s not just about the hectares covered," he explains. "It’s about knowing the equipment will do the job right the first time, every time."
"The tools on the back of the machine make adjustments easy, so you’re not putting off changes. You just get in, get it done," Will says. This efficiency has been especially valuable during tight planting windows, like the compacted season he faced after a wet spring.
For Will Bignell, upgrading to the Delmade 875 Series Offset Disc was more than just a purchase—it was a strategic investment in the future of his farm. From their exceptional performance in tough terrain to their low maintenance design, the discs have proven to be a reliable partner in his farming operations.
“They’ve made a massive difference,” Will says. “It’s about having gear you can trust—something that does the job right, lasts the distance, and doesn’t cause headaches.”
Whether you’re working rocky soils, breaking in new pastures, or racing against the clock in a short planting season, the Delmade Offset Discs are built to perform and built to last. As Will puts it, “They’ve changed the game for me, and I couldn’t be happier with them.”
Interested in a Delmade Offset Disc? - Check out the range online or call 1800 335 623 to speak to a Delmade Product Specialist. We'd love to hear from you!