Scott Samwell from Eastbrook Farms in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills has built one of the nation’s most significant Brussel sprout operations, growing over 2.5 million plants across 100 hectares. The Samwell family supplies major retailers including Costco, Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles, with produce reaching markets from Darwin to Tasmania and into Asia.
The operation spans multiple locations across Langhorne Creek, Mount Barker, and Hay Valley, providing seasonal spread for near year-round production. This continuous growing presents unique challenges – Brussel sprouts require 10 months from planting to harvest, demanding constant protection from pests and diseases.
“Coverage is key,” Scott emphasises. With standard application rates of 1000L/Ha and crop protection products applied weekly year-round, the Samwells needed productivity gains without sacrificing outcomes.
Scott discovered MagrowTec through an industry article, intrigued by its scientific backing. “MagrowTec was saying, ‘Right, if you do this and this, this is the results to be expected,'” he notes. European test results gave him confidence in the technology’s legitimacy.
The practical retrofit capability sealed the deal. “There were no moving parts and you could bolt it onto your pre-existing spray rig,” Scott explains. He strategically installed MagrowTec on their Langhorne Creek sprayer, which operates without air assistance in challenging windy conditions with tight spray windows.
Working with MagrowTec’s Crop Science team, Eastbrook Farms achieved:
25% water saving
25% productivity increase
Extended spray windows in windier conditions
Improved penetration through dense canopy
"Straight away we noticed that we could spray in higher wind conditions," Scott reports. "We were able to spray longer and get more coverage out of a tank."
The impact has been transformative. Where wind previously stopped operations, MagrowTec-equipped sprayers continue working effectively. This expanded window is crucial for crops requiring weekly applications throughout their growing season.
"We are able to make the most of our spray window using MagrowTec and that's a game changer for us,"
The system has fundamentally changed their scheduling approach and boosted confidence in achieving results even in deteriorating conditions.
While satisfied with current results, Scott maintains a measured approach.
Additional trials to further reduce application rates are planned, monitored by MagrowTec’s team to ensure quality isn’t compromised.
For an operation protecting 2.5 million plants through 10-month cycles, MagrowTec has proven its worth through measurable results:
25% productivity gains
extended spray windows
confidence in consistent crop protection
As Eastbrook Farms continues its expansion, MagrowTec ensures their spray operations keep pace with growing ambitions.
