"It Just Made Sense”: Why the Nichols Family Chose Delmade Again
Apr 16, 2025 Posted by Brittany Cunningham
Located in Circular Head, Tasmania, Paul Nichols family owned dairy farm Greenacres, is a testament to steady growth and smart farming practices. Originally starting with 300 cows, the farm has expanded into a 1500 head operation spanning 400 hectares, with two additional support blocks. Efficiency is key in running an operation of this scale, and Margaret (Paul’s mother) is always on the lookout for equipment that can streamline work and improve productivity.
With a strong focus on pasture management, Paul and his family reseed approximately 150 hectares annually. However, their existing 12 Foot Delmade Roller was slowing down the process, leading them to search for a more effective solution. “We found that it was just getting too slow to get around, and that's why we decided to buy this this machine,” Paul explains. “Just, to make it easier and more efficient for us to roll our grass.”
Paul’s family was no stranger to Delmade equipment, having already used several pieces on the farm including their existing Roller. When it came time to upgrade, they knew Delmade’s reputation for durability and performance. “I know Mum looked at another one, and I know she’s very impatient and doesn’t like to wait, and we’ve got a few other Delmade bits and pieces. So she eventually settled on this one, because of the extra width to allow her to roll the more ground quickly.” he says.
A side by side paddock trial confirmed their decision. They tested their old Roller on one paddock and the new Roller on another. The results spoke for themselves—crops established faster and more evenly in the paddock rolled with the new Delmade 7.6m Folding Roller. “We did a trial paddock just down the road on a piece of land that I lease, side by side. We did our old Roller in one paddock and then the next paddock this Roller came in and we found that the seed struck quicker under this Roller.”
Built to Last
Durability was another key factor. Paul highlights the quality materials used in Delmade equipment. “One thing I’ve noticed is that they are built out of very good quality steel and tough steel. We’ve got a set of Discs that we’ve had for years and we’ve never had anything break!”
The added weight and width of the Roller means they can cover more ground in less time, reducing labour while improving results. Since purchasing the Roller in late 2023, the farm has already reaped the benefits. “We did 30 hectares with it last Friday in probably 3 hours, 3.5 hours, which was pretty good.”
The Delmade Rut Filler
Beyond pasture management, Paul has also found the Delmade Rut Filler invaluable for maintaining their irrigation pivots. “So we’ve got a set of Discs, heavy duty Discs and a Rut Filler which is bloody handy to fill pivot ruts in the summertime. Sure as hell beats using a tractor and a bucket”
With the Delmade Rut Filler, the process is seamless. “I can get it loaded out, back, and loaded, within an hour and I'd hate to know how long that would take me with a shovel and a tractor bucket. I can spend all day on it and pretty much get all the bad ruts across all four pivots done in a day.”
For Paul, investing in the right equipment is about more than just saving time—it’s about ensuring the job is done right the first time. “I know when Mom and Dad first brought this (Delmade Rut Filler), it sort of sat in the shed for the first little while, and they thought, how are we going to justify having this sitting in the shed? And then a couple of wheel ruts appeared mid summer and we pulled it out and, and gave it a go and ran one load of sand through it and I remember Dad saying, “That is the best thing we've ever brought for those pivots”. So they quite soon justified buying it for the use we use we have for it. We can get it out in probably 10 minutes!”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Paul sees continued expansion for the farm, and he knows that having the right tools will be critical in keeping up with the demands of a growing operation. “Especially with our scale of things it’s all about being efficient.”
Whether it’s rolling pastures, improving crop establishment, or maintaining pivots, Delmade equipment has become essential in the Nichols family farming operation.
If you're facing similar challenges on your farm—whether it's getting better seed to soil contact, managing tough soils, or maintaining pivot tracks—Delmade has the gear to help you work smarter, not harder. The Delmade Cambridge Roller is built for improved ground contact and seedbed finish. The Delmade Offset Discs are tough enough to break through heavy soils, while the Delmade Rut Filler takes the backbreaking work out of irrigation maintenance. These tools are designed to save time and deliver results—because like the Nichols family, you deserve equipment that works as hard as you do.
👉 Explore the full range on our product page and see which solution is right for your operation.
