Lack of connection without field days

“Farming is a complex and demanding business that requires significant investment and knowledge” – David Matthews

ARupanyup farmer and agricultural entrepreneur has spoken of the strong community connection generated by the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

David Matthews, who also writes a monthly From Left Field column for Aglife, lamented the absence of the important annual social occasion this year, fearing it would diminish opportunities for farming communities to interact and socialise.

He said there was a level of intimacy at events that was hard to get through an online meeting.

“Farmers are missing that from not having the field days,” he said.

Field days traditionally showcase latest developments in farming practices, machinery, equipment, technology and services.

Mr Matthews said Wimmera Machinery Field Days provided a base where farmers could access critical information.

“This showcase is a huge week in western Victoria – it brings people to the region and all the hotels are full,” he said. “There is information on new crop varieties, new treatments for seed and pests, and there is new machinery for farmers to look at.”

Mr Matthews said he had experienced the field days from two perspectives – as a farmer and as an exhibitor.

“In some metro regions the agriculture industry isn’t shown for what it really is – a progressive industry,” he said.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days organisers announced in late January they would cancel this year’s event because of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Matthews is a third-generation Wimmera farmer, a key instigator in the development of community banking across regional Australia and remains a Bendigo and Adelaide Bank director.

He also founded farmer-owned agribusiness Farm Trade Australia in 2020 and was a former owner of Wimmera Grain Company

He said despite the COVID-19 pandemic he felt confident about the agricultural industry, with ‘bright and new’ talent deciding to work in the industry.

“I am feeling confident about the agricultural sector, everyone is having a good season,” he said.

“We have been lucky to run our businesses normally during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with hospitality and entertainment businesses.

“But every industry has been impacted by COVID-19.

“In the agricultural industry the pandemic has caused disruptions to shipping schedules and delays with the port disruptions.”

Mr Matthews said the perception of farming from people from nonfarming backgrounds was that it was an easy life.

“Some people I meet say farming is a nice lifestyle,” he said.

“But it is a complex and demanding business that requires significant investment and knowledge.”