Michael Skipper — Mixed Farmer
Location: Billimari, NSW
Farm Size: 3,000 acres
Key Focus Areas: Fat lambs, winter cropping, and hay production
MAKING HAY WITH MICHAEL SKIPPER
MASSEY JGW HAY EQUIPMENT & TRACTOR RANGE DRIVES EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH FOR HIGH-VOLUME MIXED FARM OPERATION
The Challenge
Michael and Nicole Skipper run a mixed farming business in Billimari, with a strong focus on fat lambs and a growing hay enterprise. For years, Michael relied on a competitor brand until one of his team members, encouraged him to take another look at Massey Ferguson and Fendt.
The tipping point came when the pre-season servicing and maintenance costs on the competitor model far exceeded that of a second-hand Massey baler. It became clear that it was time to reconsider the AGCO range — for quality, value and performance.
Key challenges included:
- Reducing long-term maintenance and service costs
- Accessing high-performing hay gear for a growing hay business
- Investing in equipment with resale value and data-driven decision-making capabilities
The Solution → Full Hay Suite: Massey Ferguson & Fendt from JGW
Over the last few years, Michael has transitioned his fleet to include:
- MF 2234 XDTC Baler
- MF 2270 Baler
- WR9980 Windrower
- MF 802 Rake
- Two Fendt 716s
- Fendt 936 G6
- Latest purchase Fendt 728 Gen 7 and new MF 2234 XDTC Baler
This full-farm approach, all supported by JGW, has enabled Michael and Nicole to streamline hay production and improve machinery performance across the board. He values the one-stop-shop experience JGW provides for hay gear, with the best of both brands under one roof.
The Fendt transmission has proven to be a standout for baling work. Michael also appreciates the value in using MF Connect to access machinery data and insights, helping guide operational decisions in real time.
”“The pairing of the Fendt with VarioDrive and the Massey Ferguson baler is the ideal combination when it comes to hay baling and production. The efficiency, reliability, and performance make it hard to beat.”
– Michael Skipper
The Results / Measurable Impact
Reliability & Efficiency
- Major reduction in unplanned downtime or costly repairs
- Routine maintenance is now the primary cost — not breakdowns
Productivity & Resale
- High resale value allows continuous upgrades to the latest ag tech
- Significant operational confidence during peak hay seasons
Smart Farming
- MF Connect offers fingertip data on machine performance and activity
- Ongoing investment in technology and equipment is helping scale the hay business efficiently
Why It Worked
Massey Ferguson & Fendt Hay Equipment
- Fendt transmission delivers unbeatable baling efficiency
- Combined brand strength with one point of service at JGW
- Machines are durable, hold value, and are backed by service you can rely on
”“We make our money out of hay and fat lambs and the gear we use has to perform. JGW gives us both quality and support. The team knows their stuff and that’s why we keep coming back.”
— Michael Skipper
Looking Ahead
With land and water licences already optimised, Michael and Nicole’s next stage of growth is all about efficiency — and JGW is central to that strategy.
As his hay enterprise expands, he’s set to reinvest again through JGW to ensure his operation stays at the forefront of performance, service, and technology.
Local family owned and operated dealership
Dealer for Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Gleaner, Iseki, Lely, Simplicity, John Shearer, Goldacres, Midwest and Topcon AG.
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