Mallee grain grower Rob Allen achieves 70 years of harvesting

A lot has changed since 85-year-old Lalbert grain grower Rob Allen’s first harvest at just 15 years old. But he is still kicking goals 70 years on.

Reaping rewards: Rob Allen (left) is 85 years old and still harvesting with his family. He is pictured with Harry (grandson), Judy (wife), Claire (granddaughter) and Greg (son) Picture: ZOE PHILLIPS

MALLEE grain grower Rob Allen has no plans to slow down as he notches up his 70th year of harvest this season.

The 85-year-old Lalbert grower said his first harvest began when he was 15 years old, with machinery dramatically changing throughout his farming days.

He said the first harvester he worked on was just two metres (6.5 foot) wide. Now, Mr Allen operates a 12-metre (40 foot) wide harvester.

“When I first stared there were no cabins and we sat out in the open with no air conditioner,” he said.

Now Mr Allen enjoys the benefits of technology in the header and auto steering.

The grower’s crops started out being produced on about 200 hectares, he said, with the property now expanded to about 4046ha — producing lentils, peas, wheat and barley.

Throughout his years working on farm, Mr Allen has experienced some tough seasons and many droughts — the worst he can recall, was in 1982.

“But like every other year we still got the header out,” he said.

For the 2020-21 season, harvest kicked-off at the start of the month, with yields looking promising.

However work on the farm is not a solo affair for the grower. Mr Allen shares the workload with his son Greg, grandson Harry and granddaughter Claire who help out and operate the chaser bins.

“It is special to have them work alongside me,” Mr Allen said.

Mr Allen said crops were looking “really good” this season, but the year wasn’t as good as some. “We didn’t have quite 279mm this year, we usually get about 330mm.

“Last year was an average year with good prices.”

His daughter, Deirdre McKenzie said her father was very proud of achieving 70 years of harvesting.

“He has lived on the farm his whole working life,” she said “He is still kicking goals and it is in his blood.”

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