Backing our industry

AWimmera changeover from summer to autumn has long been a significant time on the calendar for the region’s farming communities.

It represents a time to leave behind experiences from a summer harvest and productivity, good, bad or indifferent, and prepare for the next season and the sowing of new crops and building livestock assets.

The iconic Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong north of Horsham, one of the biggest events of its kind in Australia, has traditionally run parallel to the seasonal change.

It is an event that has represented much more than a simple showcase for the latest farming machinery and technology, albeit from around the world.

It has also provided a promotion and snapshot of regional and rural culture and an opportunity for farming communities, leaders, businesses, advocates and families to catch up and generate a sense of solidarity.

Unfortunately, uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic forced disappointed organisers to make an early call and abandon this year’s event.

But while the event that has held pride of place in March is notable by its absence this year, the region’s bustling farming activity continues in its preparations.

It is a circumstance far from lost on staff at The Weekly Advertiser and Wimmera radio stablemates 3WM, who are again delighting in partnering businesses in spreading the word about our region of growth and production.

Apart from The Weekly Advertiser expanding a usual monthly Aglife feature to an Aglife Week promotion, 3WM will be broadcasting live from several businesses.

This will provide businesses with the chance to highlight their suppliers, products and services.

Horsham radio content director Adam Roche said the summer-autumn change was an ideal time to celebrate the Wimmera-mallee’s farming backbone.

“We’re committed to agriculture and how it makes the region tick,” he said.

“We’re asking listeners as well as readers to support the agricultural industry, its ag firms, farming enterprises and allied businesses.

“We encourage people tuning into to 3WM and following social media to keep an ear and eye out for some of the promotions and special deals on offer.”

Picture: NICK RIDLEY COLLABORATION: From left, radio station 3WM account manager James Davidson, Emmetts Horsham sales manager Derek Reid and integrated sales manager Matt Burns and The Weekly Advertiser account manager Lee Meadows promote this week’s special Aglife edition.