Director's Brief
By Byron Wolff
Welcome to the Autumn edition of our Newsletter. Here at Thompson Longhorn, 2020 got off to a flying start and we certainly hit the ground running after the Christmas/New Year break. The team were very busy working on a large export order for client’s based in Uzbekistan, as well as several projects from the most southerly tip of Victoria (see story below on "Seabreeze") to the North West coast of WA.
We were very pleased to receive some welcome rain throughout many parts of Queensland and across the top end of Australia, which certainly gave many producers some encouragement after the long period of below average rainfall. Although follow-up rain is required to really break this drought, the ability of the country to respond to initial falls was truly amazing. We only hope that those in Southern states will receive a much-needed break this Autumn, following the prolonged dry and horrific fires in many parts.
As if the recent climatic challenges were not enough, we are now all facing a new challenge in the form of COVID-19. While in the short-term this has meant that we have been unable to attend events such as the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association conference in Alice Springs or the Upper Hunter’s Producer Open Day at the Scone Saleyards, we are continuing to do business, albeit from a (social) distance. We are thankful that agriculture is seen as an essential service in Australia and Thompson Longhorn intends to keep supporting all of our clients in this challenging time.
Stay healthy and strong, this too, will pass
Instant Asset Write-Off for Eligible Businesses
Recently the Australian Taxation Office announced an increase is the threshold amount for instant asset write-off for individual assets of up to $150,000. This is a substantial increase from the previous threshold of $30,000 and will be available up until 30 June 2020.
This provides primary producers with a great incentive to undertake improvements or upgrade equipment such as livestock handling facilities and be able to claim a deduction this financial year. It is anticipated that from 1 July 2020 the instant asset write-off will be reduced.
In conjunction to the changes to Instant Asset Write-off thresholds, there are provisions to deduct the cost of depreciated assets at an accelerated rate in the current financial year. For each new asset, the accelerated depreciation deduction applies in the income year that the asset is first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose. This rule is important for purchase of assets in excess of $150,000.
Thompson Longhorn recommends that you speak with your accountant or tax adviser in relation to your eligibility and how these new rules would apply to your business.
Reference https://www.ato.gov.au/business/depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/
Project Completion - Seabreeze
By Shelly Barnet
Thompson Longhorn recently completed the installation of a new set of yards for the Heywood Family, located near Sandy Point, in South Eastern Victoria. As the property name suggests, you literally do get a sea breeze, as the southerly outlook is towards Bass Strait. Owing to the high rainfall, the whole yard area is on concrete and the working centre enclosed on 3 sides. The fully pneumatic yards include a Monarch MKII restrainer and a 5 way auto draft facility. According to the proud new owners the yards are “a breeze to work in”.
To view the full project profile click here
All equipment are installed on top of a concrete slab, this increases usage of yards during wet and cold weather as cattle are not standing in mud and water.
This client chose to install a Monarch with Gallagher weigh scale and data collector.
The core equipment is contained within the shed structure. including the crowding yard and curved lane which have catwalk wrapped around for ease of use.
Birdseye view of the yards.
Onsite Equipment Service
Like many businesses at the current time, Thompson Longhorn has had to review policy and procedures in relation to COVID-19. Onsite service visits by our field service team is still available, to ensure that vital equipment for livestock processing can be maintained and kept operational at all times. It is important for all parties involved that strict adherence to all health protocols is observed.
If your business experiences a breakdown or issue with equipment the first point of contact is the Sales team at Head Office, either by email sales@thompsonlonghorn.com or ph. (07) 4666 6174. As the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so a photo of the problem goes a long way to understanding the issue. Kelly, our technical trouble-shooter, is currently working from home so may not be in mobile range at all times should you be used to calling him directly. The Sales staff will forward details of any service calls immediately they are received and you can rest assured your request will be treated with priority.
While it is relatively easier to visit Qld clients from our base at Goomburra, interstate visits may still be possible and will be assessed on a case by case basis and will be subject to any travel restrictions imposed by the respective State Government.
Come and see us at our factory
288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba
We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.
An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174.
288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au
Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday