‘We’re very happy’

Wimmera Machinery Field Days organisers are pleased with the results of the event’s long-awaited return last week.

Field days president Tim Rethus said about 8500 people came through the Wimmera Events Centre gates at Longerenong across the three days.

“All days were pretty well attended and especially Wednesday, which was our family and children’s day,” he said.

“Numbers were good and we beat our budget, so we’re very happy.

“Exhibitors we’ve been talking to have been happy with how the week went and we received good feedback from them and visitors.

“I think people got a lot out of the event.”

Mr Rethus said he was happy with how the weather complemented the showcase.

“The weather was almost spot on – it was cool but pleasant to walk around, so you didn’t have congregations of people around drink sheds or undercover, they were all dispersed across the site,” he said.

“It was good to see anybody who put on a good display was getting rewarded for it, because traffic was going everywhere.

“We got lucky that all three days were similar and we evaded the dust, because it rained Monday and Tuesday night and that kept dust suppressed.”

Mr Rethus said he was impressed with exhibitor attitudes. “Exhibitors are our centrepiece and it was pretty relaxed and chilled,” he said.

“We got feedback from an exhibitor that it was one of the more pleasant field days they had been to.

“We had wonderful office staff to facilitate that and what our manager Vanessa Lenehan did to set-up ahead of the event was fantastic – everything went smoothly.

“Our committee stepped up and our volunteer couriers and food and drink booths had a lot of customers, which was good to see.

“Stress can get quite high when everyone is rushing around, but everyone was relaxed and considerate, which made it easy.”

Exceeded expectations

Horsham Hydraulics director Eddy Nagorcka said it was ‘really good’ to return to the field days.

“We were very surprised by how much interest and how well it went for us,” he said.

“We weren’t sure how it would go this year, but were very surprised and happy with the results.

“Farmers seem pretty happy and we’ve received genuine inquiries and people are looking to buy, which is great.

“They are also pretty happy with how the past few years have gone on farms. There’s moisture in the ground and everyone is excited for the upcoming season.”

Agrimac opened in Horsham the week before the field days and had its first exhibit on the site this year.

Sales manager Justin Beugelaar said it was a great way to kick off the business’ first few weeks.

“It’s been a big few days. We’ve had a lot of people through our site, which has been good. The brand and dealership have been received well,” he said.

“There were a lot of people excited to see us coming along and are glad we’re here. It’s been great to connect and socialise with people, too, and chat with people who have Kubota machinery.”

Emmetts Horsham sales representative James Gardner said the field days had exceeded the team’s expectations.

“The first day was busy in the morning before the afternoon quietened off because I think the wind scared people away,” he said.

“Wednesday was busy all day right up until 5.30pm and Thursday was steady throughout the day, which was better than what we thought.

“It’s good to be back. The field days are something different to get us out of the shop and set everything up to show off all the new items we have on offer.”

Mr Rethus said the committee was preparing to evaluate the 2023 event and plan for 2024.

“We’re keen to review this year, which is our next job, and make adjustments for next year after a successful relaunch,” he said.

“Now we can get into the swing of it with our committee and we are keen to try our best to put on another great event and help exhibitors to do their best.”