Sales follow a strong harvest
The Wimmera-mallee’s role as a national provider of grain and fodder last harvest led to the best Wimmera Machinery Field Days since 2017.
That’s the summary from event organisers, who added that new features at last week’s event at Longerenong were also a key to success.
Field days manager Murray Wilson said the above-average summer harvest boosted machinery sales during the agricultural exhibition.
“It was one of the better field days we’ve had over the past three or four years. The site was at capacity,” he said.
“From an exhibitor point of view, there were extremely strong sales and inquiries. Some exhibitors sold everything on their site, from large machinery dealers down to smaller companies.”
Event-goers were fortunate enough to have a clear sky on day one, while overcast weather threatening the event on Wednesday and Thursday was not enough to stop people participating.
Mr Wilson said new additions including a footy club tractor pull, ag expo and Elders auction boosted the event’s portfolio of attractions and attendance.
He said the auction of ‘big-ticket’ agricultural machinery and equipment on the Thursday proved to be a success, following strong sales.
“The auction was an outstanding success as a first-time attraction for the field days. Nearly half of everything was sold, with only a few bigger items still under negotiation with the highest bidders,” he said.
Wimmera Football League premier Minyip-murtoa reminded crowds why it had top spot after winning the tractor pull, with Pimpinio club a close second.
Field days president Chris Bartlett said the competition was a great drawcard for twilight markets, running on the Tuesday.
“I was sitting in the tractor, I could see who won just by looking at the speedo of the tractor. It was a good fundraiser for the football clubs and good entertainment for crowds,” he said.
“The twilight market was quite positive again, attracting people from Horsham. It’s not only about agriculture but also general interest, there’s something for everyone.”
From a tourism economy perspective, Mr Bartlett said the field days had been a staple in Horsham’s event calendar, attracting visitors to the Wimmera.
“Our communities in rural areas are dwindling. There’s less farmers than there used to be, so I think to continue running events like this is important,” he said.
“People might not realise this is one of the biggest events in the Wimmera. Restaurants, motels and pubs are benefiting from our event out here too. It’s very important for our local economy.” Awards – Wimmera Machinery Field Days Machine of the Year, Agrifac – Condor Endurance 2; Ag Business Innovation of the Year, Alterra – Yass Optical Sprayer Technology. Site awards – Best Ag Machinery Outdoor Site, O’connors; Best Moore Exhibition Site, Wimmera Aquatrail; Best General Outdoor Site, Ahrens; Best Alan Heard Pavilion Site, Agriculture Vic; Best Country Lifestyle Indoor Site, Equestria; Best Country Lifestyle Outdoor Site, Steiny’s Traditional Mettwurst.