About Us
Discover our journey and meet the exceptional team at Marks Spray Barn! Committed to delivering outstanding products and advice to our customers.
Our Mission
At Mark's Spray Barn, our mission is to empower farmers, professionals and the home gardener with the equipment and knowledge needed to effectively manage weeds and pests. We specialise in providing high-quality weed sprayers and expert advice, ensuring that every customer has access to the right solutions for their unique needs.
A Love for the Outdoors and a Legacy of Excellence in Spraying Services
A passion for the outdoors inspired Mark Lavery to begin contracting his services as a sprayer. Starting with just one spray unit in 1994, Mark quickly became a trusted name for weed control solutions.
Over the years, Mark's dedication to quality and customer service led to the establishment of multiple ventures, including Mark's Spray Barn, Mark's Agricultural Services, and Mark's Environmental Services. Together with his late wife, Sally, Mark built a reputation for expertise and reliability in the spraying industry.
In 2007, Mark and Sally opened Mark's Spray Barn, Lavington. The shop was born out of necessity, as timely access to parts was crucial for their time-sensitive work. "Spraying is time-sensitive, and delays can have significant impacts," Mark explained. "We specialise exclusively in sprayers because that's where our expertise lies."
Mark's Agricultural Services and Mark's Environmental Services have since been sold, but their legacy remains. The businesses were known for their advanced equipment and skilled team, capable of managing projects ranging from hobby farms to national parks.
The team’s environmentally conscious approach included using specialised chemicals to minimise harm, hand-removing invasive species, and re-vegetating areas with native plantings. For larger tasks, they relied on cutting-edge boom sprayers with air-injected nozzles to minimise chemical drift and maximise precision.
At its peak, the contracting businesses employed over 20 staff and covered extensive ground, including 30,000 kilometers annually for roadside weed control—a critical task for improving road safety. "One of the best parts of the job was the incredible places we visited and the people we met," Mark shared.
Mark's Spray Barn continues to serve the community, providing high-quality sprayers, parts, and expert advice to meet all weed control needs. Though the contracting side of the business has moved on, the shop remains a cornerstone for local farmers and land managers.
Mark’s dedication to excellence and Sally’s legacy of support are reflected in the enduring success of Mark's Spray Barn and the relationships built with their customers over the decades.
Remembering Sally-Ann Lavery
A Legacy of Generosity and Strength
The Albury-Wodonga community has paid tribute to Sally-Ann Lavery, a passionate advocate for farmers, families, and her local community.
Sally, who ran Mark’s Spray Barn in Lavington with her husband Mark since 2007, passed away on February 16, 2024 at the age of 55 after an 18-month battle with breast and brain cancer. Sally’s commitment to helping others was unwavering, extending far beyond her own challenges.
The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, a group dedicated to supporting drought-stricken farmers, described her as “the most loyal supporter of our Aussie farmers.” The group expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “She was the first to put her hand up to ensure every job got done. We love you, Sal. Thanks for everything.”
Her giving nature was also evident in her work with Country Hope, a charity supporting rural families navigating cancer treatment.
Sally’s colleague and friend, Phil Star, spoke of her tireless efforts, even in her final days. “She was a real mate,” he said. “Sally was always busy, always giving, and helping out at work right until the end. She put so much effort into everything she cared about.”
Sally’s journey with Mark began in 1994 when they founded Mark’s Agricultural Services, which later evolved into Mark’s Environmental Services. In 2007, they opened Mark’s Spray Barn, which grew into a business that brought both pride and cherished friendships to Sally.
Described as a fiercely loyal advocate for her two sons, Ryan and Alex, Sally was their biggest supporter. Her family’s 2022 holiday to Croatia, where they spent time island hopping together, became a treasured memory.
Shortly after, Sally received the diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, a challenge she faced with resilience and humor. She received good news in early 2023 as she went into remission, something that amazed her doctors. “Those closest to her would receive a text reading, ‘The bitch is back,’” recalled her brother-in-law, Barry Dent. “That was Sally—strong, humorous, and deeply caring.”
Sadly, her illness returned later in 2023, this time affecting her brain, and despite operations and ongoing treatment, continued to work and contribute to her community right until the end.
Sally leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unshakable strength. She will be remembered for her generosity, her dedication to family, work and community, and her ability to bring light to everyone around her.
Tribute to our Ken
Employed at Mark's Spray Barn for 17 years, Ken Lacey was described as a loyal and dedicated worker, treated like family by employers Mark and Sally Lavery. Despite his small stature, Ken's personality and wit left a lasting impression, and his legendary love for cake was widely known among colleagues.
Ken Lacey, a charismatic and larger-than-life personality, passed away at the age of 71 after a two-year battle with cancer. Known for his diverse career as a former jockey, truck driver, courier, and rural supplies manager, Ken was celebrated for his people skills and ease around animals. He served as the inaugural president of Victorian Hound Hunters and played a crucial role in establishing Auskick in Lavington.
Born on January 3, 1953, in Mansfield, Ken developed a lifelong passion for the High Country. Leaving school at 14 to become a jockey, he achieved notable wins, including Jockey of the Year and the Echuca Cup. His most significant victory, however, was meeting his future wife, Shirley Richardson, at the races. They celebrated their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary on November 27.
Ken, a second-generation hound hunter, passed on his love for the bush and dogs to his son, Duayne. Even during his battle with cancer, Ken remained active in the High Country, assisting with bushfire recovery efforts. His love for hunting and the outdoors persisted until the end. Lacey's Corner in the Buckland Valley stands as a testament to his passion.
Survived by his wife, Shirley, three children, and six grandchildren and sadly missed by all his mates at Mark's Spray Barn.
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