Strengthening International Ties: Chinese Consulate-General in Adelaide Visit Highlights Balco’s Growth and Vision
On 25 March 2025, Balco had the honour of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Chinese Consulate-General in Adelaide, marking an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to global partnership and sustainable growth.
The delegation included:
- Mr Li Dong, Consul-General of The People’s Republic of China in Adelaide
- Mr He, Deputy Consul-General of The People’s Republic of China in Adelaide
- Ms Lu, Consul-General for Economic and Commercial Affairs of The People’s Republic of China in Adelaide
Their visit reflected strong support for Balco’s strategic direction and growing role as a key exporter of high-quality Australian oaten hay to China and other international markets.
A Day of Engagement and Insight
The day commenced with a meeting at Wakefield Regional Council in Balaklava, showcasing Balco’s strong ties with local government and our ongoing investment in regional South Australia.
This was followed by a guided tour of the Bowmans production site, where the delegation observed Balco’s world-class processing operations and commitment to quality.
A brief farm visit gave the visitors insight into Balco’s close collaboration with growers and our rigorous quality standards, which form the foundation of our premium product offering.
Following this, the delegation travelled to Balco’s newly established Head Office in North Adelaide, where they were hosted for a boardroom lunch meeting.
Presenting Balco’s Vision for the Future
During the lunch, CEO Rob Lawson presented Balco’s strategic growth agenda, which was also outlined in a company presentation titled “Redefining the Oaten Hay Industry.” Key points included:
- Strict Quality Control & Long-term Strategic Cooperation with Growers
Balco’s teams work closely with growers to maintain consistent standards, supported by our Independent Qualities Compliance (IQC) Lab, which performs rigorous mycotoxin and chemical residue testing. - Geographically Diversified Operations, Avoid the Risk of Weather Changes and Ensure a Stable Supply
With facilities in Bowmans (SA), Brookton (WA), Raywood (VIC), and the recently acquired Monarto site, Balco avoids risks of weather changes, ensures stable year-round supply and increased production resilience. - Investment in R&D, Industry-university-research Cooperation, Development of Green Agriculture, and Good Safety
In recent years, Balco has continued to increase its investment in research and development (R&D) and is committed to promoting the high-quality development of the oaten hay industry through technological innovation. Balco not only focuses on the enhancement of an internal R&D system, but also actively expands its cooperation with universities and research institutions to create a collaborative innovation platform with deep integration of industry, academia and research.
Balco adopts advanced technology, including state-of-the-art hay presses and strict HACCP-compliant processes, ensures traceability, safety, and nutrient integrity in every bale of hay.
In promoting the integration of scientific research and industry, Balco has established a long-term and strategic partnership with the University of Melbourne. The two parties rely on their respective resources and advantages to carry out in-depth cooperation in key areas such as forage nutrition research, animal health, greenhouse gas emission reduction and sustainable agricultural development.
Currently, Balco is conducting a number of collaborative research projects with the University of Melbourne, focusing on the impact of Australian oat hay on ruminants (especially dairy cows) in terms of nutrient absorption, digestibility, and rumen fermentation patterns. These studies provide strong support for Balco to provide scientifically-based feeding recommendations and product positioning to the international market.
- Expanding Global Reach
Balco continues to expand across China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.- In 2008, Balco became the first Australian company to export hay to China.
- By 2024, Balco held a 34% market share to China.
- At CIIE 2023 and 2024, Balco signed major contracts with Bright Farm and Modern Farm, highlighting the trust and long-term relationships we’ve built.
Hunter Hu, Chairman of Balco, then addressed the delegation to share his vision for further growth and the development at the Murray Bridge land. Hunter reiterated Balco’s dedication to innovation, quality, and international cooperation, expressing confidence that future growth will benefit from continued Chinese support and collaboration.
A Message of Support and Opportunity
In closing, Consul-General Mr Li Dong offered words of encouragement, stating:
“Joint efforts will create better future collaboration. Balco is very business-focused, and we are confident that there will be even greater opportunities ahead. We wish Balco continued development in South Australia.”
He also praised Balco’s:
- Long-standing cooperation with local government
- Wise business strategy
- Commitment to food safety and sustainability
- Diversified production locations that ensure stable supply to overseas customers
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, Balco remains committed to delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and strengthening our role as a reliable, high-quality supplier to China and the global market.
