Over the past 30 years, Argo Industrial (Pty) Ltd expanded its product base in South Africa to include various well-known tractor and implement brand names. As part of this expansion focus, a strategic partnership was formed with MASCHIO Gaspardo implements.

Founded 60 years ago as a family business, MASCHIO Gaspardo is now operating on the international market and became a leader in the production of agricultural equipment for tillage, seeding, crop care, green maintenance and haymaking. The Group has 10 production plants of which seven is in Italy and the other three in Romania, India and China.

An entry in a competition during Nampo earlier this year changed into a business trip sponsored by MASCHIO Gaspardo to their manufacturing facility in Italy for Marnus Bothma from Mareetsane in the North West province.

During Nampo Bothaville, Marnus participated in the “Win a trip to Italy”- competition. “It was a spur of the moment decision to take part and to put my name in the hat. Of course, I wished that I could win, but I was still quite surprised when I received the call with the good news!”

In 2011 Marnus Bothma bought his first Landini tractor and since then he remained a loyal Landini customer. “Thirteen years ago, I bought my first Landini tractor because it was cost effective. I have never regretted that decision. I only have positive experiences with Landini tractors. The running cost is low, they are easy to use and the after sales service is excellent.”

For the past 13 years Marnus, the owner of GAM Boerdery, has been farming on the farm Newry with his staff and worker team.

He and his wife Danielle and daughter Abbigale visited Italy from 30 September to 10 October this year, and had the opportunity to visit the MASCHIO Gaspardo manufacturing plant based in Campodasergo.

He says that the plant at MASCHIO Gaspardo is one of the few in the agricultural sector that boasts all the in-house production lines. ‘The Computerised Robots & motorised assembler was quite impressive, to see, and how it worked was mind boggling. The precision with which each implement is being manufactured is reassuring of the quality & reliability of Maschio Gaspardo product range was also a privilege to see.’

Botha says the way in which they organise the work-flow, as well as speed and accuracy was impressive. He mentions that the safety precautions and procedures they follow can be compared with the best in the world.

“The fine seed planters caught my eye, and this is definitely something that would work well in South Africa.”

Bothma says that he would definitely recommend a tour such as this to any farmer. “There are so many products and implements on offer at MASCHIO Gaspardo that we in South Africa has never seen. Now I would be able to advise our dealer on what we need in terms of implements locally.”

Regarding aspects from the agricultural industry in Italy that stood out, was the way in which neighbours cooperate.

“Perhaps it is because agriculture is practiced on smaller scale by farmers, but it is remarkable how they work together, and share implements. One farmer will, for instance, have a planter, the other a combine and another a sprayer and these they share these amongst one other, making the overall cost of farming much less.”

One regret he has, is that he would have loved to see some of the implements in the field in a practical demonstration. “I would have loved to spend more time at the factory, but I understand that this is not practically possible.”

The Bothmas also had the opportunity to visit Rome and Venice and say it was a privilege to see some of the attractions with their own eyes where previously they only knew these from pictures. “I wish to thank MASCHIO Gaspardo for this generous sponsorship – it was truly a trip we will never forget.”