BARKING BARGAIN:
Nurrabiel farmer Warren Russell sizes up a new farming acquisition, a kelpie puppy that he bought at Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong. The Field Days have provided something for everyone this week.
Arevamped Wimmera Machinery Field Days schedule went under the spotlight yesterday as event organisers threw open the gates for Twilight Tuesday attractions.
Twilight Ag Expo activities, free of charge from 3pm and designed to establish greater connectivity between everyday working people and the field days, followed a solid start to the three-day event.
By noon yesterday a crowd had steadily grown at Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong as patrons made the most of warm autumn conditions.
With farm machinery providing a traditional backbone to the field days, farmers explored a vast array of latest products and information available.
Others sought out other attractions ranging from animal shows to hobby-farm produce, recreation and trade-product offerings to motocross and student showcases. There were a variety of displays and goods capturing patron attention.
After providing a free evening of twilight events, field days volunteers were preparing for a bumper traditional ‘Wednesday Family Day’ today and big finale tomorrow.
Field days manager Murray Wilson said during the hubbub of activities late yesterday that he had been impressed by an opening-day crowd.
He said a general impression from many was there seemed to be much more on display than other years.
“In terms of value for exhibitors, we had reports some car dealers sold cars on the opening day and another big company had sold a truck trailer, which is all good news,” he said.
“Everyone we’ve spoken to has been impressed with the level of products on display.
“Major agribusinesses have made a huge effort in making a showcase of their displays, sometimes with products coming from all over the country. “We’re also having great weather. “After a week and a half of 40 degrees people have wanted to get out and experience the fresh air. The field days have plenty of that.”
Federal Member for New England and former National Party leader and Agriculture and Water Minister Barnaby Joyce travelled to the Wimmera to officially open the Field Days.
He said his visit meant a lot to him and provided him with an opportunity to mix with the region’s farming community.
“I find it very important. As soon as I get in the door I start having a yarn with people,” he said.
“I find out what’s going on, get some idea of how the season’s going, how their crop went, how they are going with sheep and wool and then more importantly say, ‘what can I do? What do I take away from here to try to help you?’
“I then try give them a bit of feedback on how other areas are going – from floods in the north to drought in the middle to the so-so season around here.
“Unless you get out and about and keep your ears open you’re not going to be able to help people much at all.
“It’s a great honour to be here.”