Agriculture support

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days has always been a feature on the region’s calendar. It is an iconic gathering that draws farmers, locals, investors and people from across Victoria and Australia.

Sadly, the field days are not going ahead this year. Traditionally it is a time when broadacre growers get together to see new technology, catch up with mates and hear the local news.

It is such a vibrant and exciting gathering, showcasing suppliers who are providing displays and offering discounts.

The event brings more than opportunities for growth and investment, it is also evidence of pride in the region.

The field days support the competitiveness of our agricultural industries by promoting new technologies and high-quality produce, growing the sector even further.

Throughout Australia our agricultural shows and field days generate more than $1-billion in income and are visited by six-million people. About 50,000 people volunteer their time to see them run.

The agriculture sector and our farming community are the lifeblood of Australia. As a proud food and fibre nation, we want to see our industries growing and thriving. This is why the Australian Government has adopted the Ag2030 target to grow agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

To stride toward this ambition, it is important we get behind our most vital asset – the men and women in agriculture.

Here in regional Australia, when ag is thriving, our towns are thriving and the local economy is healthy.

I was pleased to fight and secure support for our field days, and I’m pleased the Liberal-nationals government has provided $21-million for round two of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. This support builds on the $34.5-million awarded to 378 grantees under the first round.

These times are difficult, but it is support like this, like Aglife Week, and support of the community that backs our ag industry. Ag2030 is ensuring agricultural producers receive maximum returns for their hard work, which in turn ensures vibrant rural and regional communities.