R&D update: Infrastructure upgrade delivers 92% labour savings at Engall’s Nursery
27 March 2026
27 March 2026
Automation and smarter spraying technology are rapidly reshaping nursery production. Engall’s Nursery, based in New South Wales, recently introduced a compact enclosed-cabin tractor fitted with a specialised sprayer that reduced labour required for chemical application by 92% – freeing staff to focus on higher-value production and growth activities.
This work forms part of the National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program (NY20001), funded by Hort Innovation using the nursery levy and matched by the Australian Government.
Why this matters for nursery businesses
Engall’s core crops – citrus and roses – are highly susceptible to pests and disease, making regular spraying essential. Back in 2015, manual spraying took a full day for two employees every fortnight, exposing staff to chemicals and limiting efficiency.
The specialist sprayer now allows one person to cover 13 acres in five hours, with more consistent chemical application, fewer pest and disease issues, and reduced chemical use.
Key outcomes for the industry
- Improved staff safety and efficiency, through enclosed-cabin spraying and reduced exposure to harsh chemicals
- Better plant health and production outcomes, supported by fewer pest and disease outbreaks
- Sustainable practices, with lower chemical use, reduced drift, and eco-friendly applications
- Time for strategic work, enabling employees to focus on improving production systems and planning for growth
Practical takeaways for growers
Even without the same infrastructure, nursery businesses can:
- Explore automation or mechanised spraying to reduce labour and improve application consistency
- Consider softer chemicals where improved coverage allows more effective control with lower risk
- Use freed-up time for staff training, production planning and adoption of data tools to inform decisions
Learn more
Access levy-funded Nursery Papers and resources, or contact your GrowConnex Officer for tailored advice:
- QLD/Northern NSW: Barry Naylor barry.naylor@greenlifeindustry.org.au
- NSW/Northern Vic: Colin Hunt colin.hunt@greenlifeindustry.org.au
- Vic: Stuart Burns stuart.burns@greenlifeindustry.org.au
- WA/NT: Bill Hollingworth bill.hollingworth@greenlifeindustry.org.au
- TAS/SA: Celeste Cook celeste.cook@greenlifeindustry.org.au
The ‘National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program’ (NY20001), funded by Hort Innovation using the nursery levy and matched by the Australian Government, is a horticulture initiative designed to support nurseries in strengthening biosecurity and sustainable production practices.
Most nurseries are trying to do more with less.
Engall’s tackled it two ways:
✔ A system upgrade that cut labour by 92%
✔ Better visibility over their numbers
👉 See how it’s working in practice in our Engall's Nursery case study.
🎧 Not sure where to start with your own data? This podcast episode covers levy-funded tools and real-world examples - including Engall's.
