John Richards: Goldacres Origins

“From a tank on wheels to transforming Australian farming – the Goldacres story started with one man who thought ‘I can do this as well as what they are.”

– Company Founder, John Richards

AUSSIE BUILT. PIONEERING AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
In the vast, sun-scorched landscapes of rural Australia, few names resonate as deeply with agricultural innovation as Goldacres. Founded in 1978, this company represents more than just a manufacturer of farming equipment it embodies the spirit of Australian rural ingenuity. Goldacres began as a small workshop in St Arnaud Victoria, addressing the critical needs of local farmers, at a time when Goldacres agricultural technology was rapidly evolving, In the 1970s, an investor conference entitled ‘Grain, the other gold’ included field demonstrations held at the Condobolin NSW property of Dr Allan Bond. It was opened by the Federal Minister for Primary Industry, Mr Ian Sinclair. The conference was innovative in Australian agriculture for its time and illustrated the long-term, low-risk investment and returns from large scale cereal production. The interest in Dr Bond’s conference spread far and wide, identifying the trend toward agricultural machinery design. large scale grain farming. Fuelled by this popular conference, John Richards of St Arnaud Victoria recognised the importance of helping farmers maximize crop developing robust, efficient treatment while minimising spraying equipment that could environmental impact. Their withstand Australia’s challenge commitment to research and in farming conditions. He want- development set them apart ed a name for his new venture, in an increasingly competitive identifying his machines as part market. of the progressive expansion of Throughout the decades, Gol- cereal farming in Australia. So Goldacres has navigated significant ‘Grain, the other gold’ inspired the name ‘Goldacres’ identifying the opportunities in grain farms. What started as a modest family enterprise quickly grew into a national powerhouse of agricultrual machinery design.

In 2025 Goldacres will release its latest model, the G8 Crop Cruiser Series 3, a self-propelled 8000 litre high clearance sprayer – The G8 Crop Cruiser Series 3 will deliver more capacity and refined efficiency, which Goldacres self-propelled sprayers have been renowned for. Today, Goldacres represents more than a business it’s a testament to Australian engineering prowess and agricultural innovation. From family farms in the Mallee to large-scale agricultural operations across the country, their equipment continues to play a crucial role in feeding the nation.