Balco Australia Accepts Two Awards at the Premier’s Business & Export Awards
On Friday 11th of October, Balco was honoured two awards at the Premier’s Business and Export Awards 2024.
Regional Exporter Award
As a regionally based exporter, Balco Australia has implemented innovative strategies to overcome challenges and achieve significant export success. Maintaining a stable supply chain is crucial to our strategy. We have established long-term relationships with freight providers, offering comprehensive logistics solutions that manage the transportation of our products from Australia to China. This includes handling documentation, customs clearance, and coordinating timely delivery with shipping lines. Our use of advanced technology, such as the Bowmans hay press, allows us to produce high-density bales that optimise shipping space, reduce transportation costs, and streamline operations through automated precision control systems. These innovations lower our operational costs and enhance our competitiveness, despite our regional location.
A key differentiator for Balco is our commitment to product safety and traceability. We are the only company testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins, and aflatoxins in hay, ensuring our feed is 100% safe for dairy cows. Furthermore, our stringent product traceability measures track hay from the Australian paddock to overseas markets, meeting crucial market development requirements in Asia.
In line with our dedication to innovation, we invest heavily in research and development to improve the quality of our oaten hay. Rigorous quality, nutritional testing and stringent traceability ensure that our products consistently meet the highest industry standards, earning us trust, recognition and market development across Asia and the Middle East.
Sustainability and Green Economy Export Award
This award recognised the provision of green economy technology or capabilities such as environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building, smart cities or businesses committed to sustainable business practices.
Australia’s Oaten Hay exports are crucial for food security and economic growth, yet environmental concerns necessitate strong sustainability credentials. In January 2024, Balco Australia initiated a partnership with The University of Melbourne on a research project titled ‘Building the Evidence Base to Support Sustainability Credentials and ESG Revolution of Australian Oat Hay in a Global Context.’ This project utilises big data analytics, life cycle assessment (LCA), and multi-region input-output (MRIO) analysis to quantify our carbon footprint and enhance sustainability benchmarks. By developing a science-based sustainability index, we aim to set new standards in oat hay production, aligning with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices.
Balco has invested in solar panels across all three production sites to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimise our operational carbon footprint. Our advanced Bowmans hay press optimises efficiency by maximising bale density and minimising waste, further supporting our sustainability objectives.
Along with to these efforts, Balco Australia is pursuing leadership in organic Oaten Hay certification through ongoing research and development. This initiative aligns our product standards with customer expectations and sustainability goals.
These initiatives highlight Balco Australia’s commitment to sustainability and leadership in the green economy. By implementing comprehensive sustainability measures, we ensure our products meet stringent standards, secure international market access, and command premium pricing. Our approach not only conserves natural resources but also advances agricultural innovation for a sustainable future.
