Midwest Fabrication CEO Amy Schutt is passionate about Australian agriculture, describing the industry as soul deep as she reflects on her journey within the family-owned manufacturer
From assembling the company’s first products to now leading its national operations, there isn’t much Amy Schutt hasn’t seen in agriculture.
As CEO of Midwest Fabrication, a Queensland-based manufacturer of harvest platforms and global pioneer of 60-foot fronts, she continues to drive innovation in a sector vital to Australia’s farming future.
Growing up on a farm in rural Queensland, Amy’s early years were spent “sleeping on the floor of the combine while Dad was harvesting and running up to the grain boards in the trucks.”
It is no surprise that agriculture runs through her veins, and she would have a strong career in the industry.
Ground up
Amy grew up alongside three brothers, all of whom have played a role in shaping Midwest Fabrication. After finishing school, she went straight into manufacturing, moving with her family to Dalby in 2002 to lend a hand in the growing business.
“I started in an entry-level role and worked across accounts, finance, human resources, parts, sales, assembly and the parts store,” she says.
“If there was a position that needed filling, I’d put my hand up. Looking back, that gave me a deep understanding of every part of the business – and prepared me for where I am today.”
Along the way, Amy surrounded herself with trusted mentors and advisors, educating, training and upskilling herself in agriculture and manufacturing.
“My father and then Midwest CEO, Martin Schutt, and sales manager, Neville Goodmanson were incredible role models,” she says.
“In a male-dominated environment, they taught me to question the status quo, embrace my individuality, and lead with strength, compassion and collaboration.”
Family first
Those values continue to define Midwest’s culture.
Martin, who designed the original Midwest platform, remains hands-on in research and development, while Amy’s brothers have contributed their expertise across engineering, machining and farming.
Amy married a boilermaker who was working for the company, with their children already on the way to being the next generation of Midwest custodians.
“It’s really been a generational experience,” Amy says.
“Our kids have grown up on the factory floor, surrounded by their parents, grandparents and uncles.”
Innovation with heart
Under Amy’s leadership, Midwest has continued to pioneer new technologies while staying true to its roots.
The company’s Legacy platform – purpose-built for John Deere X9 combines – and the Durus range for multiple combine brands reflect Midwest’s dedication to strength, simplicity and reliability.
“We’ve been doing 60-foot platforms for a long time now and our competitors are only just catching up,” Amy says.
“We keep our products simple, but the strength, durability, ease of operation, service and maintenance are far ahead of the market.”
This superiority is evident in the fact many of the original machines produced in the late 1990s are still working seamlessly during harvest season around the country.
Her vision for the future is to empower Australian farmers through locally engineered equipment designed for local conditions.
“Australian growers are among the most resilient and innovative in the world,” she says.
“My goal is to keep developing technology that supports them to be more productive, more sustainable and more profitable for generations to come.”
Loyalty and legacy
Amy’s approach to leadership centres on loyalty, trust and opportunity.
Many of Midwest’s team members have been with the company for more than 15 years, a testament to its family-like culture.
“We’ve all grown with this business,” she says.
“There’s a genuine loyalty in the building – to each other and to our customers.
“It’s not just me as CEO – it’s my dad, my family and our incredible team on the floor. Everyone is deeply invested.”
She nurtures talent by creating pathways for growth, encouraging hands-on learning and celebrating innovation at every level.
“When people feel valued and know their work matters, they stay – and care deeply about what they build,” she says.
Trusted by farmers
That same loyalty extends to Midwest’s customers.
“Even now, I’m still working with customers I first met 20 years ago,” Amy says.
“I’ve watched their kids grow up. We’ve been part of these farming families and communities; it’s deeply personal.
“The farming, the grain and then the manufacturing part is definitely soul deep for me. Harvest is very high demand, very stressful for farmers too, but it’s a thrill and I love it.
“I love offering a product to my customers that I know they’re going to have a long life cycle with, they’re going to have very little drama with it, and it’s going to do everything they need.”
Long-term customers echo the same sentiment.
“We’ve been running Midwest platforms for over 17 years now,” Brad, a farmer from Clermont in Queensland says.
“My grandfather established our farm here in Clermont, and I’m the third generation working this land.
“Dad spent a long time researching before he bought our first Midwest front – he liked what he saw and he was right to back them.
“They’re tough, simple, and easy to maintain – no sensors, no complicated wiring, nothing to go wrong.
“But what really sets Midwest apart is the people behind the product. Amy and the team genuinely care about their customers.
“She’s been out to our farm over the years – we’ve watched the business grow from Martin’s vision to Amy taking the reins, and I reckon she’s the perfect fit to lead the company forward.
“The way these platforms cover the ground is exceptional. That’s why we keep running them and why I’d recommend Midwest fronts to anyone who’s harvesting.”
Recognition and excellence
Since stepping into the CEO role, Amy has guided Midwest through a remarkable period of growth and recognition.
The company has received multiple accolades, including the Henty Machinery Field Days Award, Gold Stevie International Business Award, Australian Small Business Trades Award, and Dalby Chamber of Commerce Business Award.
Midwest has also been showcased by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Amy is often invited to speak on industry panels across Australia.
For Amy, success isn’t measured solely by sales or awards; it’s about legacy.
“Success, to me, is seeing our people thrive and our customers proud to run Midwest gear,” she says.
“It’s watching the next generation – my kids and so many others – grow up knowing that Australian manufacturing and farming have a strong future.
“That’s what drives me every day.”
To speak with the Midwest team, visit www.midwest.net.au or call (07) 4662 2137.