AgLife – February 26, 2020 Wimmera Machinery Field Days edition by The Weekly Advertiser

February 26, 2020

Regional strength

Natimuk footballers, from front, Garry Hallam, Greg Hamilton, Jeremy Schmidt and Hayden Fleay get in some practice for a new Wimmera Machinery Field Days event. – Story, page 3 Picture: PAUL CARRACHER 58th Annual

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Twilight feature back on agenda T

BY LOTTE REITER

he development potential of a newly introduced twilight evening concept will again fall under the spotlight at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days when it returns with an extension of key features.

The Twilight Ag Expo, a national first for agricultural field days when it was introduced last year, created a free-of-charge opportunity for people – who might otherwise be unable – to access the event from 3pm to 7pm on the Tuesday. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said following overwhelming support for the concept last year, the committee had decided to carry it through to this year’s Field Days. He said he hoped that in doing so, the committee could continue to give everyone in the region and beyond the best possible chance to be part of the event and experience what it has to offer, as well as continue to develop the concept. “We now have more people coming out, who have commented they had not been able to attend for many years because there was simply no opportunity to get out during the day when the Field Days are open,” he said. “The Twilight Ag Expo is offering more people an opportunity to visit the Field Days, relax, have a meal and catch up. “We want to provide everyone with the best opportunity to attend regardless of any changing social circumstances and work and family commitments.” To support the new format, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee will be bringing patrons special features and extra attractions during the twilight evening. Mr Wilson said this would include live music, an FMX Freestyle Motocross Stunt Show, gourmet food and outdoor dining, Prickly Moses Mobile Brewery, helicopter rides, exhibitor demonstrations and plenty of other attractions for children and families. Most notably, however, will be an inaugural Field Days Footy Club Tractor Pull. The event, from 5pm to 7pm on the Tuesday, will see teams of Wimmera football club members competing against each other to pull a 10 to 12 tonne tractor across a pre-determined

GRUNT AND GROAN: Horsham District Football Netball League’s Natimuk United footballers get in a bit of last-minute practice ahead of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days inaugural Footy Club Tractor Pull competition. distance in the fastest time. A cash prize pool of $5000 for successful clubs will up the stakes, with the winning team taking home $2500 cash and an inaugural tractor pull ‘Champion Club’ trophy. Mr Wilson said the event’s introduction was an opportunity for the Field Days to garner more community support, as well as provide clubs a chance to fit in a bit of pre-season training and activity. “The Wimmera Machinery Field Days has always supported local sporting clubs at the event, and we see this as a great way to broaden the support of regional football and netball,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity for clubs to possibly raise some extra money while getting involved in something fun and unique at the Field Days.” Natimuk United Football Netball Club is among those to have put its name down for the competition. Former president and current vice-president Adam Blake said when the club found out about the intro-

duction of the event, its members ‘jumped at the opportunity’. “We’ve had a little bit of involvement in the Wimmera Machinery Field Days before, helping out with clean up and so forth,” he said. “We are very happy to support this competition for many reasons. “First off, it’s early in the season, so it’s a good team-building exercise to help bring the guys together. “We also just enjoy a bit of competition against the other clubs in the area, and this is an opportunity for us to pit ourselves against them.” Mr Blake said the Rams were training hard to get back in shape after the Christmas break – a hallmark, he said, of most clubs in the first few months of the year before the new season starts. He admitted while he was unsure how his team would fare in the competition, it would be sure to give it a ‘red hot go’. “We always do our level best to get involved in these things, so we’re going to give it a red hot go no matter what,” he said.

FAMILY FUN: Riley Hateley gets up close with an alpaca at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Change is important From the manager

hange is important to events, especially significant events such as the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, which has been run annually for the past 57 years.

Change is important to create a sense of something new, something different and a feeling of excitement and expectation for patrons and exhibitors alike. Progress is impossible without change. With this concept of change in mind, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is presenting the firstever Field Days Dealers Machinery and Equipment Auction for 2020. We believe this is a first for agriculture field days in Australia. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the support from a number of exhibitors to contribute machinery and equipment to the auction has been well received.

We hope the auction will create another avenue for exhibitors to make new contacts, while at the same time possibly move on surplus stock. Everyone loves an auction and we expect it to be a popular drawcard for the event with some longterm potential. During the Twilight Ag Expo this year we are excited to host the first ever Footy Club Tractor Pull, which should bring in the crowds and provide some fun and friendly rivalry for all the competing teams. Along with this we will feature music and entertainment, thrilling freestyle quad bike stunt shows and plenty of choices for a gourmet dinner. Our new Ag Futures Pavilion, in partnership with Partners in Ag and Nutrien Ag Solutions, will see an impressive line-up of leading industry experts and we feel this new program will bring a sought after ‘learning outcome’ for patrons where they can make some real inroads in planning for the

future of their ag business. The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is a not-for-profit community based organisation led by a dedicated executive team and a volunteer committee who have been working throughout the year to plan for this large-scale event and present the site at its best. Having visited most major field days in Australia, there is no doubt that we consider this as Victoria’s premier broadacre farming-focused event and one of the more impressive displays of agriculture machinery in Australia. We are pleased to be able to showcase the region at its finest, at the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong. A lot has changed since last year and we hope the changes and new ideas will ensure you enjoy the 58th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Murray Wilson Manager, Wimmera Machinery Field Days

Innovation and technology from around the globe From the president

n behalf of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee and staff, I hope you have an enjoyable and productive time attending this year’s showcase.

Our Tuesday twilight event will return for a second year, and this year will include a tractor pull with Wimmera football teams testing their strength. We have developed an Ag Futures pavilion with seminars presenting modern technology and digital farming available to the agricultural industry. Our event will conclude this year with a machinery auction on the Thursday. Hosted by Elders, it will give exhibitors an opportunity to auction their stock. The 2019 season and recent harvest has been quite favourable for the agriculture sector in the Wim-

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this event but also other events on this site throughout the year under the banner of the Wimmera Events Centre. As well as the committee, there are many volunteers and community organisations that play a vital part in running this event. I sincerely thank them for their contribution. We appreciate all our exhibitors and sponsors for their support again this year – without them we would not have such a successful event. The Field Days also helps nurture our younger generation of agriculture and regional industry that contribute to our economy. Once again, on behalf of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee and staff, I welcome you to this year’s Field Days and hope that you enjoy your visit. Safe travelling home and a profitable season ahead. Chris Bartlett President, Wimmera Machinery Field Days

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mera-Mallee region, unlike our northern neighbours. A lot of grain and hay was produced in Victoria which is supplying New South Wales and Queensland. Considering the Wimmera-Mallee only received average rainfall, farmers were able to produce average to above average crops. This shows modern farming practices and technology is responding to a variable climate. Our three-day event presents a site for exhibitors to showcase latest farming innovations and technology, from not only Australia, but from around the globe. However, our event is not limited to this, as we also have other areas including finance, industries that support agriculture, lifestyle and merchandise just to name a few. This all adds up to a great day to socialise with family and friends. The committee, staff and their families are a dedicated, passionate team who work tirelessly throughout the year to improve facilities for not only

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Shining region on show T

BY DEAN LAWSON

rganisers behind the iconic Wimmera Machinery Field Days expect 2020 crowds to total more than 15,000 across the three days.

his year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days is likely to reflect a buoyant atmosphere in Wimmera and southern Mallee agriculture.

A sense of renewed confidence surrounds much of the broadacre cropping region, which bucked the national trend last harvest and experienced one of the best overall harvests in years. Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke provided insight in January what a combination of December rain, a ‘relatively gentle’ 2019 spring and farmer adaptability and planning had meant for cropping results. All came together for a favourable mid and south-western Victorian harvest representing an ‘island’ on an Australian dryland farming map devastated by drought. Mr Jochinke, in assessing circumstances after Christmas, said western Victoria was this year the primary provider of grain and fodder requirements for the east coast of Australia. In one of his comments, Mr Jochinke said results amid a lack of extensive rain reflected how modern farming practices in the region were at the cutting edge in understanding and responding to a variable and ever-changing climate. “It shows off techniques the modern farmer is using to make the most

Large crowds are predicted O

CATCH UP: Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke, left, and Merv Thomas catch up at a past Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER of every opportunity to use every drop of moisture available,” he said. “It’s a real credit to how we’ve adopted modern technology and gained an understanding and how we can adapt.” It is this type of approach that underpins the value of the annual Field Days at Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong. The latest in farming technology and knowhow is on display everywhere at the event, from the newest releases in machinery to the oppor-

tunities surrounding the digital age and planning. Some of the engineering behind the tools now available for farmers to make the most of broadacre-farming opportunities is mind-boggling. But equipment is only a part of a broad operation jigsaw, especially in a region where there can be little margin for error. Understanding the land, its potential, how to keep it healthy and sustainable as well as profitable are critical elements and why the

region’s farmers are considered among the best in the world. With so much discussion, debate and coverage of how drought across the country has crippled industry, business and regions, Wimmera Machinery Field Days is helping fly the flag for Australian agriculture. And as Mr Jochinke, himself a Wimmera farmer said: “We are an ag-based sector and when farmers have a good year our communities have a good year as well.”

The 58th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days is just around the corner, taking place across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week at Wimmera Events Centre in Longerenong. Arguably the largest broad-acre focused field days in the southern hemisphere and one of the biggest agricultural and agribusiness trade and industry shows in the country, the event is a modern showcase of the latest developments in machinery equipment technology and services. Each year, it attracts tens-of-thousands of patrons and exhibitors from across the country and overseas, and generates millions of dollars in trade across a broad cross-section of agricultural industry and rural business. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said this year would see the event gather more than 500 exhibitors occupying nearly 1000 sites. He said this was expected to bring more than 15,000 people to the event this year. “Large scale agriculture trade shows such as the Wimmera Machinery Field Days provide a unique forum for people and business to gather and discuss farm-technology and new developments, create networks, socialise, rekindle friendships and business relationships and stay in touch with industry advances,” he said. “Conservative estimates also suggest the three days generate more than $50 million in direct trade with more than $200 million of machinery and agricultural equipment on display.”

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Committee looks to future

AT A GLANCE

ttendees of the 2020 Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week will be the first to experience a new Ag Futures Pavilion.

Positioned in a recently revamped space, the Ag Futures Pavilion will provide people the chance to attend a series of short presentations from industry experts. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said the presentations aimed to be educational and engaging, providing Field Days patrons with information about relevant and cutting-edge agriculture topics that contribute to future farm viability, sustainability and also profitability. Mr Wilson said the pavilion was being co-ordinated in partnership with ‘Partners in Ag’ and sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions Horsham. He said Nutrien Ag Solutions would also be providing guest speakers and presenters each day. “The Ag Futures Pavilion will be an innovative approach to connecting and engaging with farmers who are looking for what’s next when they are planning their farming future,” he said.

Ag Futures program –

Tuesday, March 3 10am: Phil McFarlane, Australian Plant Proteins, ‘The Protein Plan and what it means for the Wimmera’. 11am: Bryan Matuschka, Longerenong College, ‘Longerenong’s DATA Farm’. Noon: Dale Boyd, Agriculture Victoria, ‘Soil moisture, tech and using the data’. 1pm: Bureau of Meteorology, ‘Rainbow Weather Radar Update’.

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GUEST PRESENTER: Agriculture Victoria’s Dale Boyd will speak about soil moisture, tech and using the data. 2.30pm: Nutrien Ag Solutions special guest presentation. Wednesday, March 4 10am: Wimmera Machinery Field Days guest presenter. 11am: Gallaghers, ‘Livestock Electronic Identification Tagging – using the data for decision making and profitability’.

Noon: Careers in Ag panel discussion. 1pm: Careers in Ag panel discussion group two. 2.30pm: Nutrien Ag Solutions. Thursday, March 5 10am: Judy Wilkinson, farm family facilitator, ‘Keep your business a business, and farm a farm’.

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11am: Dale Grey, ‘The Very Fast Break’. 12.30pm: Partners in Ag, ‘Local training opportunities for farmers’. 1pm: Wimmera Machinery Field Days guest presenter. 2pm: Nutrien Ag Solutions.

The 2020 Wimmera Machinery Field Days are on March 3, 4 and 5. Opening times – Tuesday, March 3, 9.30am7pm. Twilight Ag Expo, free entry between 3pm and 7pm. Wednesday, March 4, 8.30am5pm. Thursday, March 5, 8.30am4pm. Entry – Adults $18; students 12-18 years $5; free of charge for children under 12. Companion Card accepted. Eftpos is available for entry at gates two and three. Parents and babies retreat – A well-equipped family and children’s marquee is situated in Field Days Square, offering a place to go for little ones to get changed and have a play. There are also private feeding areas available. First Aid – Emergency Medical Response will have qualified first-aid trained staff and their fully equipped vehicles stationed near the Field Days office each day. Banking services – Banking services along with Eftpos for money withdrawal is located at the south end of the Field Days office. Banking services for deposits is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day, and until 7pm on Twilight Tuesday.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

FASHION FORWARD: From left, Chris Rethus, Barb McDonald, Julie Weidemann, Michelle Clark and Maree Milgate model outfits during a fashion showcase at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Fashion parades will again feature in the Country Lifestyle precinct.

Lifestyle precinct upgraded for 2020 W

immera Machinery Field Days has a long and proud history of being able to offer an alternative to visitors who might be looking for more than the latest machine or agricultural innovation.

For the most part, this has taken the shape of the Field Days’ Country Lifestyle precinct. In 1963 a partnership was formed with the regional Country Women’s Association, which offered ‘something for the farmers wives’. This led to development of the Field Days Ladies Committee. In 1978, the committee orchestrated the construction of one of Australia’s first purpose-built and – at the time – one of the largest ‘Ladies Pavilions’ at a field day. The Ladies Committee then transformed into a ‘general interest committee’, which saw the Wimmera Machinery Field Days launch its Farm Sculpture competition as well as Australia’s first ‘Farm Art’ design competition. Over the years, this area became known as the Country Lifestyle precinct, offering an opportunity for all visitors to embrace a field day event that has ‘something for everyone’. And this year, the precinct has taken another step forward. Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said patrons could expect a new set-up, redesigned stage and presentation area for the Country Lifestyle program, which will

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On stage program –

Tuesday, March 3 11am: Farmers Health Talk. 11.30am: Love Your Travels. Noon: Tupperware, cooking demonstration. 12.30pm: Fashion parade. 1.30pm: Brendan’s Australian Tours. 2pm: Student Showcase, Horsham College. 3pm: Des Lardner, Better Sleep for a Better Life. 3.30pm: On-stage demonstration. 4.30pm: Fashion parade, on-site exhibitors. Wednesday, March 4 10.30am: The Mik Maks. 11.30am: Kids Fashion Parade, on-site exhibitors. 12.30pm: The Mik Maks. 2pm: Student Showcase, Horsham College. 3pm: On-stage demonstration. Thursday, March 5 11am: Love Your Travels. 11.30am: Des Lardner – Better Sleep for a Better Life. Noon: Tupperware, cooking demonstration. 12.30pm: Fashion parade, on-site exhibitors. 1.30pm: Brendan’s Australian Tours. 2pm: Student Showcase, Horsham College. 3pm: Farmers Health Talk.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Recognition for site exhibitors W

immera Machinery Field Days prides itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image and the very latest in agriculture machinery and technology.

To encourage exhibitors to strive for similar ideals, there are two major product awards and six site awards on offer during the event. A panel of regional primary producers and agribusiness professionals, who are also Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee members, judge the two main product awards. In many cases the award-winning Machine of the Year has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms throughout Australia. Judging criteria for the product awards include the machine’s purpose and suitability; scope of application; construction and durability, appearance and design; ease of maintenance and service; ease of operation, including operator comfort and safety; ease of adjustment; availability of parts; and overall value for money. To be eligible for the award, machinery and agribusiness products are required to be new to the market in the 12 months following last year’s field days, in March 2019. Exhibitor site awards are judged by a panel of Wimmera Machinery

Field Days committee members according to overall showcase and ease of recognition, effort put into the display, quality of the site and overall participation in the theme and spirit of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Judges also look for aesthetic appeal, presentation of equipment on display, dress and ease of recognition of staff on the site – uniform and name tags – and safety, for example tent pegs, leads, sharp objects and trip hazards. It is also important that exhibitor site holders are compliant with the Wimmera Machinery Field Days policy and procedure prior to and during the event. Presentations to all winners take place in Field Days Square on the Wednesday afternoon, March 4.

Exhibitor Awards 2020

Product awards – • Wimmera Machinery Field Days Machine of the Year. • Agribusiness Innovation of the Year. Site awards – • Best Ag Machinery Outdoor Site. • Best General Outdoor Site. • Best Alan Heard Pavilion Site. • Best Moore Exhibition Site. • Best Indoor Country Lifestyle Site. • Best Outdoor Country Lifestyle Site.

2019 Award Winners

Machine of the Year: Massey Fer-

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

SUCCESS: Left, Landmark Horsham picked up the Agribusiness Innovation of the Year award for its Quickdraw product. Wimmera Machinery Field Days president Chris Bartlett, centre, presents Oliver Smith, left and Jordan Lee with the 2019 award. Below, Jade Hawker, Craig Hopkins and Freddie Gittus from CLAAS Harvest Centre Lake Bolac collect a 2019 site award from Mr Bartlett. guson IDEAL Combine – Traction Ag Horsham. Agribusiness Innovation of the Year: Landmark Horsham – Quickdraw. Best Outdoor Agribusiness Exhibit: CLAAS Harvest Centre Lake Bolac. Best Indoor Agribusiness Exhibit: Landmark Crop Opti. Best General Outdoor Exhibit: Thomson BILT. Best Moore Exhibition Site: The Men’s Shed. Best Indoor Country Lifestyle Site: Kingsman Collection. Best Outdoor Country Lifestyle Site: The Gardenologist.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Keep mobile

he sheer size of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site is daunting for some, especially people with limited mobility.

Each year, patrons to the Field Days can access the free ‘Site Explorer Bus’, transport that gives them the option to simply ‘hop on and hop off’ at different locations across the site. Field Days manager Murray Wilson encouraged people to use the free service, which would run every day of the Field Days. Mr Wilson said scooter hire was also available, at gate two. He said people wanting to book a scooter should call 0428 694 335. Mr Wilson said the Field Days committee also operated a free courier service for purchased goods. “Use the free courier and parcel pick-up service to help with all your bigger purchases,” he said. “Your item can be picked up from a site and taken to the depot for you to collect later on when you are ready to head home.”

Community site

urplus revenue collected from operating the Wimmera Machinery Field Days each year is used to fund and cover costs of operating the annual event.

Operating surplus is also reinvested back into the Wimmera Events Centre site. It enables the site to continue to be improved for a wide variety of events throughout the year.

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: Ultimate Helicopters will be on site to take Wimmera Machinery Field Days patrons to new heights.

Providing the ultimate view W

immera Machinery Field Days has partnered with Horsham-based Ultimate Helicopters to offer field days patrons a chance to get above the crowd and see first-hand the multi-million-dollar display of Australia’s premier showcase of agricultural machinery.

Ultimate Helicopters will be operating each day of the Field Days from

8.30am to 4.30pm, and at the Twilight Ag Expo on Tuesday evening. Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said one of the key outcomes of the Field Days was the opportunity to provide something different and a helicopter flight to see the Field Days from the air would provide a unique experience for visitors as part of the event. “Ultimate Helicopters is looking

forward to providing five, 10 and 15-minute joy flights during the three days of the Field Days, starting from $60 a person which is a great Field Days rate,” he said. “This will be an amazing opportunity for patrons to see just how big and impressive the field days site is from the air, and it will certainly give people the chance for a unique view of the Field Days site in its entirety.

“We expect it to be an exciting and popular feature of the Field Days this year.” Mr Wilson said the helicopter joy flights would operate each day from the east side of the Field Days site, near Row X, with special Field Days rates available. People can find more information about Ultimate Helicopters online at www.ultimatehelicopters.com.au.

Come visit WorkSafe at the

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 3-5 March

Learn more about making your farm a safe and healthy workplace, check out our virtual quad bike experience and share the new developments on your farm. For further info, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/agriculture

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Mark your ‘MCO’ stands T

hinking about going to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and perhaps thinking farm machinery ain’t my thang?

Well think again. Prepare yourself for a magical mystery tour that will unveil all number of surprises. I broadcast from my first field day in 1986. It was a hot August day at Dowerin in Western Australia’s wheat belt. I was a young pup and it was my first live outside broadcast. I still have a cassette tape of it – Google if you don’t know what that is – labelled in red pen ‘DOWERIN DISASTER’ and I still haven’t been able to listen back to it all these years later. It was an unmitigated disaster. So it took me some time to warm up to the idea of going to another field day. Fast forward a decade or so and I found myself at a dairy field day at Poowong in South Gippsland. I know, you’re thinking the same as I was at the time: with a name like that things have to go wrong. But they didn’t and I’ve been a field day devotee ever since. What I’ve learned is, you have to have a plan. So get out that field day map and mark the MCOs; the Must Check Out stands. For me, they are fashion, gardening and animals. They tend to be roughly in the same area most years.

Country Today with Libby Price

Elmore Field Days were my go-to for buying tomato plants until my garden was invaded with fruit fly. Sheepvention is my ‘find a garden ornament’ field day. I’m the proud owner of the most stunning bird feeders from there and the very first day I put out the parrot seed, King parrots arrived in my garden. I’ll often have four pairs at a time gutsing themselves on sunflower seeds. The added bonus is the seeds that fall to the ground and germinate. I now have the sunniest sunflowers in my garden that are so wonderfully cheerful. The other ‘highly recommended’ is some of the natural health remedy stands. I’m a convert to using turmeric tablets for my arthritis, or ‘Arthur Writus’ as my nanna dubbed it. And so to the animals. Wimmera has a fantastic sheep-shearing display. I could sit all day and watch shearing. That wonderfully peaceful place of sitting doing bugger all while someone works their guts out. Just my kind of spectator sport. There’s usually the odd pen of strange sheep breeds and if you’ve

ALL FUN: Libby Price and her artificial cow moment during one of her many visits to a field day. planned well, a good working dog demonstration. If you’re up for it, there’s even a snake pit. Personally something I’d avoid, but all to their own. But my all-time field day favourite goes to Henrietta the artificial dairy cow at the recent Sungold Field Days. Well actually, only half a cow: the back half. Henrietta was made from fibreglass with a window in her belly

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revealing all her girly bits in rubbery splendour. Her purpose is to train potential artificial inseminators in the dubious art of bovine fallopian, feeling through, yes, her rubber rectum. There I was elbow deep in a fake cow’s bowel groping her fake ovaries. And that is where I’ll leave you with the image of how much fun a field day can be.

State ag stand F

armers at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be able to call in to Agriculture Victoria’s stand for the latest information on grains research, land management practices and animal health.

The Agriculture Victoria team will be in the Alan Heard Pavilion daily. Staff will have copies of one of Agriculture Victoria’s newest publications, A guide for farmers in using seasonal forecasts in South Eastern Australia, available to patrons. The booklet includes grower case studies, information about key climate drivers, an explanation of wetter versus dryer climate patterns and latest insights and tips. Information about animal health, crop diseases and innovative crop research in the Wimmera and Mallee will be on hand. Farmers interested in the forecast for the coming season are also invited to drop in to discuss what is ahead and the likely impacts in 2020. The Agriculture Victoria site will additionally include – • Animal health and meat and wool staff, available to help landholders update their Property Identification Codes, PICs, particularly their contact details. • Grains land management scientists to discuss farmer issues and upcoming events in the Wimmera. • Grains climate scientists with information on soil moisture levels and seasonal outlooks. • Grains pathology staff who can discuss the 2020 crop variety disease ratings and disease management for the upcoming season. • Biosecurity officers to identify and discuss problem weeds. • Grains Innovation Park researchers who will display their activities in the Australian Grains Gene Bank, crop phenomics research and ‘Smart Farms’.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

LEADER: Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020 senior vice-president Sam Eagle, with his wife Emily and children Penny and Henry.

Volunteers invaluable

immera Machinery Field Days is a not-for-profit community-based organisation led by a volunteer committee of district farmers and regional agribusiness representatives.

“I look forward to hearing from you at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in the Moore Pavilion.”

The Field Days has run annually in the first week of March since 1963. It is Victoria’s longest-running field days. The event has grown to become one of Australia’s largest broadacre and agricultural machinery focused events. 2020 executive committee – President: Chris Bartlett; senior vice-president: Sam Eagle; junior vice-president: Tim Rethus; chief steward: Glenn Jenkinson; site steward: Harry Young. Staff – Manager: Murray Wilson; office manager: Vanessa Lenehan; office and events assistants: Melissa Goldsmith and Jodie Kemp. Life members – A.A. Bodey, N.R. Curran, T.C. Davey, D.J. Garth, G.K. Guilline, A.T. Heard, P.J. Heard, M. Hobbs, R.F. Jess, W.L. Johns, I.D. Ladlow,

R.A. Levitzke, C.L. Moore, J.G. Moore, I.H. Nettlebeck, B.H. Perry, I.B. Reid, E.H. Ruwoldt, N.L. Ruwoldt, R.P. Ruwoldt, I.C. Schmidt, G.W. Schmidt, E.T. Tucker. General committee – John Aisbett, Andrew Bell, Tom Blair, Peter Brennan, Wendy Byrne, Alister Cameron, Patrick Fox, John Goldsmith, Robyn Gulline, Zach Holmes, David Jochinke, Beau Ladlow, Ian Ladlow, Jordan Lee, Pepe Luciani, Darryl McCrae, Sam McGennisken, Heath Martin, Bryan Matuschka, Daniel Mibus, Luke Milgate, Peter Moore, Jeff Moore, Wade Morrow, Paul Petering, Brian Petrass, Jamie Petrass, Derek Reid, Luke Rethus. Country Lifestyle co-ordinators – Wendy Byrne, Robyn Gulline, Ian Ladlow, Beau Ladlow, Luke Rethus, Glenn Jenkinson, Tim Rethus. Honorary members – T. Blair, V.H. Greer, M.E. Gribben, B.J. Johanson, B.J. Jones, R.G. Ladlow, R. Lingham, J.F. Lonsdale, G.F. Miller, G.T. Tippet, N. Varley, R.E. Wirth, L.W. Worthy.

MANY TALENTS: Luke Rethus, pictured judging the 2019 Horsham Meat Meet, is also one of the co-ordinators of Wimmera Machinery Field Days Country Lifestyle pavilion.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Open door at Field Days site E

very year I look forward to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, the premier agricultural event for our region.

This event attracts thousands of visitors from across Australia to learn about advances in agriculture, buy new machinery and equipment or to catch up with family and friends. My sincere thanks to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee, led by president Chris Bartlett, for the tireless efforts and hard work in organising such an important event for our region. It has been a year of mixed results for our farmers with dry conditions across some parts of our region. A positive has been good prices for most grains and stock prices remaining strong, with bumper harvests in some areas which is fantastic for growers and the economy. The Nationals have been standing up for country communities for more than 100 years. As a member of The Nationals team, I am committed to working hard to ensure local voices and the issues that matter most to our region and country Victoria are heard in Parliament. The ongoing deterioration of roads across western Victoria continues to be a major concern. I will continue my relentless advocacy to ensure we receive our fair share of roads

funding and see our local roads returned to a safe standard. The recent bushfires across our state have demonstrated yet again the critical importance of our fabulous emergency service volunteers. Country communities will never forget what Premier Daniel Andrews has done to the Country Fire Authority and The Nationals will keep fighting to make sure our volunteers get a fair go and our communities are protected in times of emergency. I look forward to seeing you at the Field Days and invite you to share any great ideas or concerns you might have with me at The Nationals stand inside the Moore Pavilion. Emma Kealy Nationals Member for Lowan

ENTERTAINMENT: The Mik Maks’ Joel, left, and Al, right, will join their loveable friends Drum the Panda and Bruce the Hairy Crocodile on stage at the 2020 Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Popular entertainers return

ward-winning independent children’s act The Mik Maks will form part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days Family Day fun this year.

The popular entertainment group was an inaugural supporter of the Field Days Family Day back in 2016 when the commit-

tee introduced live performance kids shows to the event. Consisting of brothers Joel and Al McInnes, who hail from a farming background in western Victoria, along with their ‘loveable friends’ Drum the Panda and Bruce the Hairy Crocodile, The Mik Maks have performed across the country, wowing audiences and engaging children

through colour, action and movement. The Mik Maks will perform their ‘Working on the Farm’ stage show, along with new songs at 10.30am and 12.30pm on the Wednesday. Children will also have the opportunity to meet The Mik Maks, including Drum and Bruce, straight after each show.

Following on from a very successful field days circuit last year, Waringa are excited to announce the latest round of independent testing has seen the AgriSpread 2000 series range achieve some excellent results. Waringa Sales Manager Sam Abbott said the 2000 series really has taken spreading to the next level. Last month Waringa carried out some independent testing with John Forrest of Fertilizer Australia where we tested an AS2120 AgriSpread spreading Urea up to 41 meters below 15 percent CV. “These results, which can be accessed via fertilizer.org.au, add merit to the quickly growing number of 2000 series spreaders already in Australia,” Mr Abbott said. “This also assures our very loyal customer base that the AgriSpread range is an accurate and versatile spreader in the Australian market.”

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Whether you’re spreading fertiliser, lime, gypsum, manure or mouse bait, the 2000 series precision AgriSpread delivers the target rate at the highest level of accuracy, certified to spread urea to 41m and lime to 15m. The new series takes care of variable rates using mapping technology and can accurately apply product with variable bulk density using dynamic auto calibration. The help of four load cells and a variable speed floor belt guarantees the target rate regardless of forward speed. The new series also includes a few new design features to help better the performance. One feature is the Positive Drive Conveyor System, with AgriSpread being the first spreader manufacturer in the world to adopt this fantastic concept making it virtually impossible for the conveyor to slip.A slick new bin design

featuring more stainless components and a new adjustable rear deck spinner system to ensure the highest level of accuracy and distribution of all products are some other new features visible on the AS2000 series. These new features are complimented by a large list of standard features which are currently available across the AS range. These include a roll tarp, work lights, mudguards, sprung drawbar, lime and fertiliser discs, test tray kit and stainless-steel fittings making the AS2000 series stand out from the rest. AgriSpread are also excited to announce the release of optional true Section Control, which is available throughout the whole AS2000 series range, reducing input costs by minimising overlap. Spreading is easily managed from the AgriSpread VT controller meaning little to no

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overlap. The true Section Control takes care of the required spread width in 14 sections, working in conjunction with paddock shape and GPS map data alongside the already popular auto shut off for headlands and border control functions. Most importantly the precision means a reduction in fertiliser requirements from 5-15pc. With an ISOBUS/ VT compatible interface, the Agri-Spread provides control of the spreader as well as recording input application data for farm management documentation. One of the biggest developments of the AS2000 series is the introduction of two new models to the range. The AS2200 (20m3) and its big brother the AS2220 (22m3) providing even more capacity than ever before. For more information please contact Waringa on 08 9960 7164 or your local dealer.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Secondary students set for showcase T

da’s friend Lavender, Jordan Franks as Mr Wormwood, Emma Naylor as Mrs Wormwood, and Malachy O’Brien as Bruce. Lucia said she was ‘so excited’ to play Miss Trunchbull because of the fun interactions the character had with others, and Abbey said she was keen to channel her inner five-year-old and be ‘really annoying and have high energy on stage’.

BY LOTTE REITER

he characters at the centre of well-known children’s book Matilda will step onto the stage at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week when Horsham College offers a sneak preview of its 2020 production.

Horsham College displays in areas of textiles, dance, hospitality and performing arts have become a regular feature of the annual agriculture event. In doing so, the school has offered people an insight into its students’ talents, and provided the children opportunity to showcase their passions to a wider audience. This year, two students are preparing to perform songs from the college’s August 15 to 17 production Matilda, which is based on the Roald Dahl novel of the same name. Production director and college teacher Emily Friedrichsen said the showcase included Penny Lopez O’Donnell as Matilda performing the song ‘Quiet’, and Katianna Grosser as Miss Honey performing ‘My House’. She said the two lead female cast members found out about their roles about three weeks ago, as did the remaining 71 students who auditioned and were cast. She said deciding who to cast for each role was difficult because of the level of talent on show. “Of the 73 students who auditioned, 36 returned for call-backs – that’s the amount of talent that we have,” she said.

Getting garment-ready

SCHOOL SONG: Katianna Grosser, ‘Miss Honey’, and Penny Lopez O’Donnell, ‘Matilda’, will perform two songs from Horsham College’s upcoming musical Matilda at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. “We are so lucky with the talent we have here at the college, the kids are just incredible. “So, when it came down to making a decision, we had to look at how they interacted with other students. It was all about who worked best with each other and things like that. “We didn’t turn anybody away; every student has a spot somewhere in our show. “And out of all the students, 34 of them – from years seven to 12 – are brand new to productions. So, that’s another really exciting figure.” Katianna, who is in her final year at

the college, and Penny, just starting year seven, said they were excited to perform as part of the Field Days, particularly as it would be the first time that they would get to be their character in front of a public audience. Both girls have experience in performing arts. Katianna has participated in every college musical since starting at the school, but said this would be her first lead role. Penny, also assuming her first lead role, has previously been in primary school musicals and a few Horsham Arts Council shows.

She said she was keen to be part of the college’s 2020 musical because she liked Matilda’s character and the production’s ‘touch of fantasy’. “I saw Matilda the musical when I was about eight years old – twice. We went back after the first time because we loved it so much,” she said. “I hoped I would get the role. But there were a lot of people auditioning for it, so I thought, if I don’t, it will be okay.” Taking on other lead roles, although not performing at the Field Days, are Lucia Lopez O’Donnell as Miss Trunchbull, Abbey Morrow as Matil-

College textile students in years 10, 11 and 12 will also attend this year’s Field Days to display an eclectic mix of upcycled and newly designed and sewn garments to the public. Teacher Tina Fitzgerald said 15 students were busy preparing pieces such as dresses and skirts for the college’s annual fashion parade and showcase. She said this included upcycled denim items, garments made by students so far this year, as well as old borrowed clothing from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. She said having students regularly showcase their work helped to build their confidence. “They can be proud of what they have done and get the chance to show that to the community,” she said. “And I think the community is really interested in seeing what the students have made as well. “Some people think sewing is a bit of a dying art, but this is a chance to see that we have a lot of young students interested and creating amazing garments.”

AT THE FIELD DAYS

ts n e pres New Release Fendt 936 Gen 6 Profiplus

Rogator 1300 C 48-metre boom

Fendt 1000 Series

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1050 and 1042 on display

Massey Ferguson Tractors & Hay Equipment

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MF7615 and RK842 2-rotor hay rake on display

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Clinic: Don’t forget your hats D

on’t forget your hats! That’s the message from the Southern Skin Cancer Clinic team visiting Wimmera Machinery Field Days for the first time this year. Clinic manager Michelle Hoey said it was important for people preparing to do a lot of walking in the outdoors during the Field Days to make the effort to protect their skin from harmful ultra-violet rays. “In short, we’re encouraging everyone to be Sunsmart,” she said. “So grab your wide brimmed hat, wear a long-sleeve shirt, make sure you apply your sunscreen and put on a pair of shades before you head out to join in the fun at the event.” Ms Hoey said people could download a free Sunsmart app at www. sunsmart.com.au/tools/interactivetools/free-sunsmart-app to know what the weather holds for their skin on the day. “Our friendly, caring and knowledgeable team of doctors and nurses also looks forward to providing Wimmera locals and farming community with bulk-billed skin-cancer checks,” she said. “You will find us in the field days’ Indoor Country Lifestyle Marquee.” Ms Hoey said the clinic team, in seeing thousands of people at events in rural Victoria and NSW during the past four years, had identified hundreds of skin cancers, including more than 50 potentially deadly melanomas. “We continue to spread the word of the importance, especially for farmers

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Agriculture calendar

he Wimmera Machinery Field Days is among many farming highlights for the region in the coming months.

FRIENDLY WELCOME: Southern Skin Cancer Clinic team members will be providing bulk-billed skin-cancer checks at Wimmera Machinery Field Days. who spend most of their time outdoors, to have at least one skin check every year. It might just save your life,” she said. Statistically, two out of three people in Australia will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Ms Hoey said this highlighted the importance of being Sunsmart by protecting skin and eyes from excessive sunlight and getting regular skin checks. “Skin cancer does not discriminate and is not, as some people might think, an old person’s disease,” she said. “Sun damage just keeps adding up and eventually is likely to become a skin cancer. “The saying ‘prevention is better than

cure’ is particularly relevant to skin cancer and can be lifesaving with early detection, so make sure you visit the Indoor Country Lifestyle Marquee at the Field Days. “Don’t put it off any longer – we would love to meet you.”

Did you know…

• In 2019 there were 15,229 diagnoses of melanoma of the skin – almost one diagnosis every half hour. • Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian men, after prostate and colorectal cancer. • Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian women, after breast and colorectal cancer. • Melanoma is the most common can-

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cer affecting 15 to 39-year-old Australians. • In 2020, it is predicted there will be 1726 deaths from melanoma of the skin – one Australian every five hours.

What to look out for

If a mole or freckle changes over a period of months, particularly if it grows in size, shape, or if you notice a change in colour and irregular border, a persistent itch, or a non-healing sore that easily bleeds, these can all be a sign of skin cancer. Skin cancers are generally visible so are more detectable at an early stage. Early detection and prompt treatment leads to a greater chance of a cure – but it must be diagnosed early.

Agricultural shows across the Wimmera and Mallee are also set to delight communities and showcase the region’s best agricultural offerings, with an eclectic mix of farming machinery, shearing competitions, animal displays and home-made crafts. Despite a cancelled annual Balmoral show, the Balmoral Sheep and Wool Show will be the first to go ahead, on Saturday, with free entry and a barbecue at Balmoral Recreation Reserve. This will be followed by Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s one-day annual show planned for March 28, which is set to feature free children’s entertainment such as Mr Oopy’s Bubble Show, face-painting and performances from Natimuk Brass Band. The Mildura Field Days are in line for mid-May.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Visit coincides with milestone G

BY DEAN LAWSON

WMWater’s attendance at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days will correspond with the same month that construction ended on the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline 10 years ago.

The corporation, which will provide visitors at this year’s event at Longerenong with information about latest water-supply projects, is still considering the best way to celebrate the occasion. In 2010, the ground-breaking pipeline project was the largest water project underway in Australia. The project started in November, 2006, and workers installed the last pipe of the 9159-kilometre system on March 30, 2010. An official project opening was at Horsham Soundshell at Sawyer Park on April 15. The $688-million pipeline, which supplies water from Grampians headworks to 7000 rural customers and 36 towns across the Wimmera-Mallee, replaced 17,500 kilometres of inefficient open channels. The gravity-fed channel system, itself a remarkable engineering achievement, was wasteful, losing an enormous amount of water through seepage and evaporation. The pipeline saves on average 103-billion litres of water annually. Former Hindmarsh mayor Darryl Argall, a key project advocate alongside former Yarriambiack mayor the late Stewart Petering, said it was amazing the pipeline had now been in place for a decade. “It represents an enormous amount of work by a lot of people and probably reflects the only time a drought has ever helped country people,” he said. “Extreme dry conditions of the time helped

“At the time when we were looking for solutions to combat the drought we had between three or five percent sitting in storages and didn’t know if that was water or mud”

– Darryl Argall

hone in on how important water was in the minds of politicians. “At the time when we were looking for solutions to combat the drought we had between three or five percent sitting in storages and didn’t know if that was water or mud. “I still remember meeting the premier of the time Steve Bracks at Ebenezer Mission and we took his party to the bottom of the Wimmera River, which was bone dry. “I told him it was a heritage river and what that meant to him. He said it needs some water. “Nobody realised how bad circumstances were.” Mr Argall said the pipeline, with its role of guaranteeing regional supply and ensuring environmental water was available to the Wimmera River, rated as the most important project that had happened in the Wimmera-Mallee since construction of the former channel system. “The Wimmera River is probably in the best condition it has been since the ’60s as far as quality, although unfortunately we have not seen the terminal lakes at the end of the system fill, which I was hoping for,” he said. “And the economic potential in guaranteeing supply is there, much of which has still yet to be realised. “New business can come to our region and create jobs and that’s only something that can happen because of the pipeline. “Hopefully this opportunity is taken up by business more and more into the future.”

MINI MODELS: Children take centre stage at a previous Wimmera Machinery Field Days kids-only fashion parade.

Fashion focus at Field Days

hildren visiting the Wimmera Machinery Field Days with their families next week will have the chance to strike a pose in a returning kids-only fashion parade.

As part of a ‘popular’ family day on Wednesday, children ranging in ages from four to 10 years will be able to strut their stuff on the Lifestyle stage from 11.30am. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said the Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Schinckel Hayrakes new “Opener Series” has received excellent enquiries and sales according to proprietor, Simon Schinckel. The revolutionised front mounted rake won several awards at last year’s field days. At the Hamilton Sheepvention, Simon was awarded the “Farm Machinery & Technology” Award along with the “Robert F Stewart” – Best Innovation Award”, a highly sort after award. At Dowerin in Western Australia, the new “Opener Series” Rake won the “Best New Release Machinery Attachments” Award. Schinckel Hayrakes have had very positive enquiries from Western Australia through to Goondiwindi in Queensland. On farm demonstrations with the new “Opener Series” Rake have won lots of support from hay growers from the Henty area in New South Wales through to Wycheproof, Jeparit areas in the Victorian Mallee region to the south of Macarthur. After seeing the demonstrations of the “Opener Series” and the “Next F Series” Hayrakes an extremely impressed South African distributor has expressed interest in the machines for their market. Simon has just returned from a trip to America where he attended the “World Ag Expo” at Tulare in California which is the

kids-only fashion parade had proved a ‘huge success’ each year and the committee was proud to see it return in 2020. He said participating on-site exhibitors, including Out and About Clothing, would be supporting the event. People keen to know more can call fashion parade co-ordinator and Field Days committee member Wendy Byrne on 0427 340 779. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

largest annual outside agriculture exposition in the US with 1400 exhibitors. He also attended the “National Farm Machinery Show” in Louisville, Kentucky. The show is under 3 stadiums covering 27 acres of roof cover, most machinery sitting on carpeted floors with all machines highly polished. Numbers in excess of 300,000 attend the 4 day show, which has approximately 2000 exhibitors from around the world. It was a real “eye opener.” Sales of rakes this year have been very encouraging, with machines already sold to go to the Wimmera, Lucindale, Speed and Newdegate, WA Field Days. Schinckel Hayrakes will be releasing a new model V Rake on the market at Wimmera Field Days called “The Wide Rear” Series.

So call in and have a look at the Schinckel Hayrake stand at the WMFD,

Site B27-30

and view the “Opener Series” and the “Simpler, Smarter, Safer, Sexier” Hayrakes

Schinckel Hayrakes Naracoorte, South Australia Ph. (08) 8762 1935 or Simon on 0428 838 524

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

ACE support for Field Days

CE Radio Broadcasters, through radio stations 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser, is continuing its strong connection with Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

The stations and newspaper will again have a strong presence during all three days at Wimmera Events Centre and will set up headquarters near the event’s main administration building. Radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM will comprehen-

sively cover the iconic Wimmera event with a variety of interviews and crosses on both stations. The radio presence at the Field Days has become a long-standing tradition, providing patrons with day-to-day information and updates on all that is happening. ACE Horsham’s radio content director Emma Elsom said everyone at the station looked forward to being part of the Field Days. “We absolutely love being out there,” she said.

“I’m personally on site every year broadcasting. It’s one of the big annual events for us and most announcers make it out there at some point to engage with listeners. “It’s great to do the interviews, to meet exhibitors who come from far and wide and also the school kids and locals who come up to our broadcast site for a chat.” The Weekly Advertiser, as part of ACE, is also a strong supporter of the Field Days and representatives will join radio staff at the event.

Come and SEE OUR FRIENDLY TEAM in the Country Lifestyle Square at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days! EXTENSIVE range of wood heaters on show

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SLEEP EXPERTS: Horsham’s Des Lardner’s Organic Natural Health Clinic sleep therapist Julie Rees, left, and Fisher and Paykel company representative Helen Franes chat to a client about sleep health.

• 15-year firebox warranty • 3-speed fan • 3 sizes available

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• 10-year firebox warranty • 3-speed fan • Heating capacity 280m2

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Ask us about our special Ziggy prices

ZIEGLER & BROWN Exciting “Ziggy” bbqs 3 sizes on show

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NEW

isitors to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week will have the opportunity to check in with their sleep hygiene and health at a new Des Lardner’s Organic Natural Health Clinic site.

tury illness because of people being overweight, side effects of certain medications, or for many other reasons. “We will be able to meet with people to show them how sleep apnoea machines have developed. “A lot of people have questions about the noise or size of the machines, but they have really revolutionised the machines over the years to become small and quite silent. “There will also be a universally accepted questionnaire available that will help people determine if they might have sleep apnoea.” Mrs Lardner there would be two sleep-therapists on site, including Des Lardner and the clinic’s Julie Rees, as well as a representative from Fisher and Paykel. She said while Mr Lardner would not be operating as a pharmacist at the event, he would be able to provide people ‘helpful tips on improving people’s sleep and general health’. “Des will also be giving out handouts – 10 tips to live to 100 is one of his favourites,” she said.

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The Horsham wellness clinic is teaming up with manufacturing company Fisher and Paykel to showcase sleep apnoea machines and promote good sleep hygiene practises at the Field Days’ health hub. This is the first year the clinic will attend the annual Field Days event. Des Lardner’s wife Robyn said the team was excited to be involved and meet with people from across the Wimmera to discuss both sleep and general health. “The decision to join the Field Days was based on the fact that we are only taking one part of the business there, which will be supported by Fisher and Paykel who manufacture sleep apnoea machines,” she said. “Sleep apnoea has become more of a 21st cen-

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Development focus for organisation W

immera Development Association representatives will join the many people who visit Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

They expect to mingle with business operators, farmers and the general public to gain a fresh anecdotal gauge of the socio-economic influence of agriculture in the region. Wimmera Development Association is the peak advocacy body behind many major, emerging projects in the region. The association supports Wimmera businesses and promotes economic development opportunities to investors. It is a key link between industry and governments, lobbying for improved infrastructure and for regional priority issues. Executive director Chris Sounness said the association was working through its priorities for the year – which included expanding renewable-energy investment and opportunities, understanding housing demands of the region, and biennial business awards. “We are such a dynamic region and sometimes we get down on ourselves when we should be demanding as much opportunity as every other person in Victoria – including accessing the same services and standard of those services,” he said. “For that, we need leaders, investment and growth – and these are all part of delivering our story and our region.

TIME TO TALK: Wimmera Development Association team, from left, Vernetta Taylor, Jessica Grimble, Chris Sounness, Mark Fletcher and Sara Baron will attend Wimmera Machinery Field Days to gain a fresh anecdotal gauge of the socioeconomic influence of agriculture in the region. “We can see that in 2030, we can be a region with a $5-billion economy with an extra 15,000 people living here.” Mr Sounness said the association was a key proponent in developing a plant in Horsham that would produce pulse-based protein powder for human consumption. He said it had also been an outspoken advocate for a new weather radar near Rainbow that would provide the region’s farmers with real-time

access to critical information about approaching weather. Mr Sounness said working with stakeholders to deliver community funds from projects such as Murra Warra Wind Farm was among association priorities in coming months. It comes off the back of projects such as a social water study that highlighted the economic, social and health values water provides to the community. He said the association was investi-

gating opportunities for further renewable energy development, including hydrogen, and within mosaic farming. “There are great opportunities going forward around renewable energy – for example, hydrogen, which is at the same development stage pulse protein was 12 years ago,” he said. The association’s settlement and migration support network helps ensure migrants and their employers, neighbours and communities are supported during both their transition to

“We are such a dynamic region and sometimes we get down on ourselves when we should be demanding as much opportunity as every other person in Victoria – including accessing the same services and standard of those services”

– Chris Sounness

the region and ongoing. Leadership Wimmera, which operates under the association, has provided training and development to more than 500 business leaders and community volunteers throughout its 18-year history. One of the region’s marquee projects – the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline – was borne from the Wimmera Development Association working with GWMWater and other organisations and community leaders. “The Wimmera was at the forefront of piping a water supply and it has transformed our region and given us the water security we need,” Mr Sounness said. The Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, which allows the freight of grains via rail to the Port of Melbourne and Port of Portland, was also originally a project of the association. The Wimmera Development Association covers the municipality of Horsham Rural City and the shires of Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians and West Wimmera.

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Wimmera farmer on top of summer spraying

Scott Somers operates a 4,000 hectare family farm in Western Victoria’s Wimmera region, to the south of Warracknabeal. Between normal rotations he plants wheat, barley, canola, lentils, beans and peas. Less typically, a lot of the crops are cut for hay rather than the cereal. “We’re big hay growers,” Scott tells us. With hay demand and prices both at record highs, it’s a smart strategy, helped by the fact Western Victoria has just enjoyed a bumper cropping season. “The challenge for us is staying profitable in an ever-changing environment,” says Scott. “It’s dealing with climate changes and drought, but we also need to worry about weed control and resistance.” Keeping on top of those weeds is accomplished with a 9000 litre HARDI RUBICON self-propelled sprayer, mounting a 36.5 metre boom. RUBICON ready to go. Somers has had the big sprayer for two full seasons now, and it is rarely idle. “We use it pretty regularly,” he reports, “more than any other equipment like the headers and what-have-you… It doesn’t ever get tucked away for long.” With that, however, Scott does admit the RUBICON has just been in the shed for a six week stretch over the harvest period – and he has some valuable tips for making sure it is in top condition as soon as it’s needed. “We’ve learned to put it away wet,” he confides. “It gets properly cleaned after each use, of course, but then we make sure the boom lines are charged with water when

it goes back into the shed. Don’t leave them empty,” is his advice. “By charging the lines, you keep all the seals and O-rings moist so they can’t dry out and shrink or crack.” “Guys that don’t put their boom sprayers away wet; they’ll pull the machine out to start spraying and find there are leaks and problems. Then they spend the next three days running around ordering parts and fixing issues when they need to be out spraying.” Expert maintenance trumps D-I-Y. Beyond that, Scott is happy to leave sprayer maintenance to the

experts and has a close relationship with his HARDI dealer, Wimmera Mallee Ag in Horsham. “That’s not my job,” he says bluntly. “My time is better spent working on the farm and we can justify the cost of having Glen, who is a specialised sprayer technician, come out and service the machine.” The investment in servicing frees up his time to think about operating and optimising the farm. Somers has found dealer servicing has other benefits too. The specialised technician brings specialist tools and knowledge to the machine for one thing, and will fix

small issues that an owner might overlook ‘until next time’. “They can seem like small things but later become a big issue,” says Scott. “It’s much simpler to have them fixed while the guy is already there and the covers are off.” “I’m very happy that it’s a cost-efficient approach.” He takes a similar approach to nozzle management, simply replacing the entire set during each major annual service, or after spraying a set number of litres or hectares with some compounds. “My father never replaced a nozzle unless it was broken,” he recalls. “Since I took over, we’ve

known that’s not right. The solutions can be quite abrasive and when a nozzle gets worn your rates go out the window.” Working smarter to save time and money. Scott Somers’ carefully planned approach adds ready-to-go reliability to the RUBICON’s hectare-eating productivity. “When we start summer spraying,” he says, “I can just get the sprayer out and make sure all the auto greasers are full. I’ll put some water in the tank to check the system is running well, and I’m ready to go.” The same care goes into actual application, with careful monitoring of the day’s conditions, including temperature, humidity and wind. Often that means spraying from midnight till 10am or so. “The agronomist tells us what to spray and what rate to use,” Somers adds, “and I’ve learned not to take shortcuts.” He points out that his decision to invest in a self-propelled sprayer was always about cost efficiency, not speed. “Once you get to a certain spraying frequency,” he explains, “a trailed sprayer almost needs a dedicated tractor. For us, we worked out it was just cheaper to have one machine; to buy the SP.” “Besides, getting over the country faster isn’t always better,” he concludes. “The most expensive spray job is the one that didn’t work.” And for Scott Somers, the HARDI RUBICON is all about working smarter.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Monster auction new to program N

BY LOTTE REITER

ew additions to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days program this year are set to boost the event and its patrons’ experiences.

A ‘monster’ Ag Machinery and Equipment Auction on the Thursday is shaping up to be one of the more major changes to the event. The auction, predicted – if successful – to turn into an annual regional agricultural attraction, will have a variety of items and goods valued anywhere from $200 to $200,000 up for bidding, including sprayers, tractors and harvesters. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said the decision to introduce the new event followed in-depth discussions with exhibitors on ways to generate fresh enthusiasm while maintaining focus as an agribusiness and rural machinery trade event. He said the Thursday of the Field Days had traditionally been a comeand-grab-a-bargain day, and therefore the auction would fit this theme. “It’s a first for a big agricultural field days in Australia and our committee has been pleased with the feedback received from dealers and exhibitors,” he said. “The Field Days has always provided an opportunity for people involved in agriculture to pick up a bargain, and this might just take it to a new level. “It will certainly add some excitement and colour and a lot of good buys.” Mr Wilson said this year’s Field

STUNT SHOW: The All4FMX Motocross Stunt Show will again be part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Days would also offer patrons a new Ag Futures Pavilion for industry-led speeches and presentations, a redesigned stage and presentation area in the Country Lifestyle precinct, as well as an inaugural Ag Ed Quest program. He said the Ag Ed Quest program was targeted at secondary and primary school students as a way to provide them a fun and interactive opportunity to learn about agriculture, the industry and its potential careers. He said PinAg was co-ordinating the program. “There will be a dedicated program of activities and learning outcomes for schools to undertake when they visit, which will finish with a presentation

on careers in agriculture,” he said. Mr Wilson said in addition to such new features, attendees could continue to enjoy tried-and-true favourites of the Field Days. He said key entertainment such as a motocross stunt show would again be part of the event on the three days, featuring riders performing massive midair stunts and landing in large airbags. He said Wednesday’s Family Day would also provide people a range of enjoyable community and children’s activities. He said many farmers and families used the day to take a break from the business side of the event, and spend time catching up with mates.

NEW ERA: Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson, Elders representative Angela Dicker and O’Connors Horsham manager Zach Holmes with machinery to be auctioned at the 2020 Field Days. “For a lot of these people, the Field Days is really the only time they get to see some of their mates throughout the year,” he said. “So, the second day of the Field Days is really when a lot of this happens. “We know prep students do not

attend school on Wednesdays, so we are also encouraging people to think about instead of staying at home, take the opportunity with a day off to come out and explore with your family and children all that the Field Days has to offer.”

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

‘More than scones, jam and cream’ F

BY LOTTE REITER

BIG PICTURE: Country Women’s Association West Wimmera group president Judy Pymer is set to revamp the CWA stand in the Country Lifestyle precinct at Wimmera Machinery Field Days to better reflect what the CWA is about. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

or many people, the Country Women’s Association is synonymous, at its core, with a traditional favourite: scones, jam and cream.

For Country Women’s Association, CWA, West Wimmera group president Judy Pymer, it’s about time this changed. The CWA member, responsible for seven branches spread between Horsham, Drung, Dimboola, Nhill, Kaniva and Serviceton, is preparing to showcase the group at its annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days site in the Country Lifestyle precinct. Mrs Pymer said this had typically seen the group fill their space with merchandise such as cookbooks, with little room for examples of craft projects, demonstrations or information. She said this year, the CWA Wimmera Machinery Field Days site will be revamped to better display what its members make and do for charity, and help kick-start a conversation that the CWA is ‘more than recipe books’. “There are lots of things we do that I don’t think people are overly aware of,” she said. “Reading the annual reports this year I actually saw how much our members are doing for charity, whether it be here in Horsham district or further afield, that can go overlooked. “So, what we’re looking at this year is actually redesigning how we display things in our limited area at the

Field Days to allow us to have people demonstrate some of those home crafts that are a big part of CWA, but that we feel are being lost in some ways. “For example, the Horsham branch makes cuddly toys, pencil cases and all sorts of things for children in Ronald McDonald House – not necessarily the kiddies who are in hospital, because lots of organisations make things for them – but the children who are siblings of sick children or are in the house going in and out of hospital for treatment.

“We also do a lot of the mastectomy cushions here for the Wimmera Cancer Centre, as well as chemo bags and knee rugs, and I’m not sure that the general public realises those things that we do.” Mrs Pymer said the CWA’s major site theme for the year was ‘improve, grow and connect’. She said, in reference to the theme and by changing the site, she wanted to improve people’s awareness of what the Wimmera branches do, grow the group and connect with more of the community.

“We also have a craft theme for this year which is ‘seashells on the shore’,” she said. “With that, I’m hoping to have decorations like fish netting and a big treasure chest with examples of all the things we make for charities – not for sale but to show people. “When I’ve been to the Field Days before I’ve never seen those things on display, and I don’t know if they ever have been, so I just thought if there are people coming through, they will be able to see what we do for people in need.

“I also have ladies who will be demonstrating crafts on each of the days, like ribbon embroidery, poppies, and teddy bears. “I’m hoping having people sitting there and doing craft might actually promote conversations and sharing of information.” Mrs Pymer encouraged Field Days attendees to visit the revamped site, bring their curiosity, and ask some questions about the CWA and its Wimmera branches.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Annual event maintains appeal W

immera Machinery Field Days is an iconic event that attracts thousands of people to Longerenong every year.

Any event that has lasted over 50 years needs to meet the challenge of attracting new visitors as well as welcoming back old friends. Wimmera Machinery Field Days has built and maintained its broad appeal across the Wimmera, across the state and even over the border. This year, again, new things are being tried and added, with the grand auction a key new initiative, along with the Twilight Ag Expo, which proved so successful last year. Whether you are a ‘tyre-kicker’ just having a look around, a serious investor keen to upgrade your farming equipment, you are interested in the array of stands in the pavilions or a family looking to be entertained and educated, I am confident the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is the place to be.

The Field Days is a significant economic driver for our region, bringing visitors from outside our municipality who book our accommodation facilities and enjoy eating at our hospitality venues. The event puts Horsham on the map and at the forefront of the broadacre farming industry. The exposure to and introduction of the latest technology and methodologies is a good thing to keep ahead of the game in a competitive environment. Our local farms are primarily local businesses and the Field Days provides an opportunity to both learn and share from each other’s experiences. The variety and quality of the exhibitors is an indication of the industry respect that the Field Days has earned. We should also mention the important social benefits of the Field Days – getting our local farmers off

the tractor and out talking to their neighbours and friends. The importance of these social connections in rural communities should never be under-estimated. Horsham Rural City Council will again be hosting a stand in the Moore Pavilion and we encourage our community to visit our friendly team. We will be providing information and encouraging discussion on a range of current issues including our Rural Road Network Plan; City to River Master Plan; Horsham South Structure Plan; Urban Transport Plan; Business Assistance Program, Corella Management Plan and 2020 Local Government Elections. There will be council staff available each day, supported by councillors at various times, to listen to your thoughts, suggestions, issues and concerns. Hope to see you at the Field Days. Mark Radford Horsham mayor

Traction Ag to bring the ‘best of Fendt’ A

ttendees at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days will have the opportunity to sit in the Fendt Generation 6 and talk to AGCO sales representatives to learn about its features and benefits, at the Traction Ag site.

Traction Ag, with dealerships in Horsham and Nhill, is preparing to showcase the ‘best of Fendt’ at the iconic three-day event. The Fendt 900 Generation 6 tractor series, launched for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere at the 2019 AgQuip field days in New South Wales, includes five models – 930 Vario, 933 Vario, 936 Vario, 939 Vario and 942 Vario. The series is ‘superior in every way’, with more grip, versatility, intelligence, safety, efficiency and impressive handling. Just some of the new technology and features include a 9.0L MAN engine, power range of 296 to 415hp, new safety locking system, two-circuit hydraulics, smart 4WD VarioDrive, independent torque distribution between the front and rear axles with VarioDrive transmission, and a maximum torque of 1970Nm from 1150rpm. The new MAN Engine range in the Fendt G6 allows for high horsepower at low RPM giving even better fuel economy. Traction Ag administration manager Selina Smith said the dealership would have a range of high horsepower Fendt tractors including the Fendt 936 G6 unit on display at the Field Days for patrons to view. She said clients were also invited to the dealership’s demo day tomorrow to test drive the units.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Mark Radford

Service on wheels

orsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s Student Representative Council, SRC, members will be pedalling their way around this year’s Field Days, providing for the first year a mobile refreshment service.

IN MOTION: Traction Ag Horsham will have the new Fendt 936 G6 PROFIPLUS 355 horsepower tractor on display for the first time at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

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The group’s members will be travelling around the 16-hectare Field Days site on a four wheel surrey bike, offering patrons and exhibitors alike cold drinks and refreshments. Grampians accommodation Halls Haven Resort in Halls Gap donated the bike for the students to use, which has been fitted out with cold-drink Eskies. The students will use the sale of the drinks to raise money for the school. They will also have their traditional, immobile colddrinks booth operating at the event.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

GENERATING SUPPLY: GWMWater pipeline team in action installing pipes across the region.

Water projects explained G

WMWater customers can find out more about a range of exciting projects underway across the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Corporation engagement, culture and assurance executive manager Andrew Rose said the Field Days provided a great opportunity to talk to customers about projects and services that delivered value to the region. Mr Rose said the team would

have information and be able to provide updates about the South West Loddon and East Grampians rural pipeline projects, along with Goroke Sewerage Scheme and planned drinking-water upgrades. “The South West Loddon Pipeline is nearing completion and most customers have been receiving an interim supply,” he said. “When commissioned this pipeline will provide a secure reticulated water supply to more than 600 rural properties in areas surrounding Inglewood, Newbridge,

St Arnaud and Wedderburn, where farmers have traditionally relied on catchment dams for their water supply needs.” GWMWater also recently announced the contractor responsible for planning and early works of East Grampians Rural Pipeline, which will be constructed in areas surrounding Ararat, Great Western, Buangor, east to the Eurambeen-Streatham Road and south to the Glenelg Highway. “Our current capital works program extends to urban towns and rural areas over a vast geographic

footprint and will contribute to the prosperity and liveability of our communities,” Mr Rose said. “We look forward to chatting with customers and answering any questions. We’ll also have some prizes for participating in our educational game.” To find out more about pipeline projects and other capital works projects, or to discuss any of GWMWater’s services, make sure you stop by GWMWater’s stall in the Alan Heard Pavilion at the Field Days or visit www. gwmwater.org.au.

New stunt show M

otocross stunt riders leaping high into the air and crash landing into a giant air bag might be a rare sight for most people, unless you attend each day of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

The 2020 Field Days is again playing host to a group of ‘exciting’ freestyle stunt riders who will help take patrons’ experiences at the annual event to new heights. This year, the team from ALL4FMX – one of the country’s most ‘insane’ ATV FMX teams – will provide entertainment each day at O’Connors’ site J1. Field Days manager Murray Wilson said patrons would be able to watch riders performing live ‘rare air’ tricks on BMX bikes that are sure to thrill anyone. He said they would be performing three shows daily, with the chance for photos and meet-and-greets after the shows. For more information about the ALL4FMX team, people can visit their website www.all4fmx.com.au.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Parents take on fundraiser P

BY LOTTE REITER

arents of students at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College will be on site next week to help raise money for new playground equipment at the school.

The college’s Parent, Teacher and Friends Association, PTFA, will have a barbecue kiosk at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, selling hot food, fresh sandwiches and slices. Adelle Lee, who leads the group alongside fellow parent Jodie Kemp, said the PTFA had been fundraising at the Field Days for many years, raising money for various school improvements or equipment. She said this year the group had decided to focus on funding new outdoor equipment, such as slides and monkey bars, following the school’s ongoing expansion. “The school is growing. It’s now offering triple streams in the younger classes and developing the area,” she said. “And while the equipment they have is not old – they do have new play spaces – we are hoping to help accommodate for the additional students the school is starting to receive. “We do not have a goal money-wise. We just thought we would try and have a good time and at least break-even. We just want to contribute.” Ms Lee said the PTFA was looking for more volunteers to join its group and encouraged people to get involved to help support the school. She said people could contact the school for more information.

Opportunity for groups, clubs W

immera Machinery Field Days provide opportunities to numerous community and service groups and sporting clubs to assist with the operation of key tasks, duties and services each year.

VOLUNTEERS: Jodie Kemp and Adelle Lee, members of Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College Parent, Teacher and Friends Association, will be volunteering at a food kiosk at the Field Days to raise money for the school.

More than 300 volunteers are involved in the Field Days, using it as an opportunity to raise significant funds for their respective clubs and organisations. Community groups involved with the Field Days this year include: Antwerp Tennis Club; Green Park Kindergarten, Horsham; Holy Trinity Lutheran College, Horsham; Horsham East Rotary Club; Horsham Miniature Railway Association; Horsham Primary School; Horsham Scouts Association; Natimuk United Football and Netball Club; Laharum Sports Inc; Longerenong Agricultural College; Minyip-Murtoa Football and Netball Club; Operation 19:14 Combined Churches of Horsham; Pimpinio Football and Netball Club; Taylors Lake Football and Netball Club; and Woodbine Warracknabeal. Community service – Wimmera Machinery Field Days also provides free passes to a large number of community health and aged-care facilities from throughout the region, enabling those patrons to visit each year free of charge. Community exhibitor sites – Each year the Field Days provides free exhibitor sites and free entry to members of a large number of community-based groups and essential-service organisations. Organisations exhibiting for this year include: CFA Dooen Brigade; Country Women’s Association; Dunmunkle Sump Oilers; Horsham Lapidary Club; Horsham Lions; Horsham Men’s Shed; Beyond Blue; Samaritans Purse; Wimmera Hearing Society; Ambulance Victoria; Relay for Life; and Prostate Support Group.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Topsoil Mapper to feature at site A

BY LOTTE REITER

Wimmera-based farming project incorporating some of Australia’s only examples of distinct digital agricultural equipment is on track to help drive industry research and development.

Longerenong College’s $2.5-million government-funded DATA Farm Project has just added another piece of equipment to its inventory – a Topsoil Mapper – one of four in the country. One of the other four also resides in the region as part of Emmett’s AGree Decision Ag. A Topsoil Mapper is mounted to a vehicle such as a tractor, and uses electromagnetic induction of soil to collect data and create a ‘soil map’. College DATA Farm Project manager Bryan Matuschka said this allowed farmers or businesses to improve productivity and sustainability on their farms, particularly when it came to aspects such as the timing of fertilisation. He said a Topsoil Mapper was the most recent addition to the college’s farm, a 1000-hectare piece of land that features nearly $1-million in equipment after it kicked-off about seven to eight months ago. The Topsoil Mapper and other equipment will be on show for visitors at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days, as part of the college’s Moore Pavilion exhibit. Mr Matuschka said while the DATA Farm was still in development with ‘very little to show yet’, he hoped that by mid-year equipment would start to produce useable data and a demonstration centre would be set up to help showcase the potential of these latest digital agricultural technologies to farming groups and farmers. “The DATA Farm is all about learning how we can use digital ag technology to improve productivity and sustainability in farming, and to incorporate that into our curriculum here,” he said. “We’ve nearly spent $1-million on equipment so far, so we have a new self-propelled broom spray, a sideby-side vehicle and a new air-seeder, which will be at O’Connors stand at the field days. “We’re still a little unsure exactly how the Topsoil Mapper is going to

“We’ll essentially be doing a demonstration about digital agriculture with the aim of improving uptake of digital agriculture in farming. We’ll be more than happy to have a chat with anyone about what’s happening out at the DATA Farm and how that will change our curriculum as well”

– Bryan Matuschka

fit in, but it is adding another layer to help us understand how these technologies can collect information and improve decision making. “What it means is an opportunity for local people to have an extra stream of data available.” Mr Matuschka said the college was also working on adding sensors to its farm project. “We’re working on having sensors set up all over the farm to collect information,” he said. “So that includes sensors in the soil to collect humidity levels, sensors on tanks for levels, or on silos for temperature, humidity and how full the silos are. “These things, alongside improving productivity, are also about improving quality of life. “If you have a tank out in the middle of nowhere, having this type of technology means you don’t have to constantly check it unneccesarily.” Mr Matuschka said the new Topsoil Mapper would be attached to one of the college’s side-by-side vehicles for display next week, and encouraged people to pop in to ask questions about the new addition and the DATA Farm Project as a whole. “We’ll essentially be doing a demonstration about digital agriculture with the aim of improving uptake of digital agriculture in farming,” he said. “We’ll be more than happy to have a chat with anyone about what’s happening out at the DATA Farm and how that will change our curriculum as well.”

Long history

Longerenong College has provided 130 years of practical agricultural

NEW ADDITION: Longerenong College DATA Farm Project manager Bryan Matuschka with the farm’s newest piece of digital agricultural technology, a Topsoil Mapper. education in the heart of the Wimmera’s broadacre farming region. Many in the community consider the institution ingrained in the social and economic fabric of the Wimmera-Mallee. The college has produced a vast range of graduates, from business and industry leaders to politicians and elite sports people to others who have implemented skills and knowledge on family farms – achieving a strong and successful legacy to leave for future generations. The college has more than 100 full-time students, many of whom are from metropolitan centres and more than half are female. The college also has more than 40 apprentices as well as part-time students who are studying either on-campus or online and more than 140 VET in School students who attend the college as part of weekly secondary studies.

PROUD: Longerenong College general manager John Goldsmith.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Farming and the next generation A

Federal Government project to ensure Australia has a farming future involves a $5-million investment plan to bring children and farms closer together.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster said children were increasingly removed from directly experiencing life on the land, which was a barrier for them choosing agriculture as a career. She added the circumstance often allowed myths about the industry to develop and perpetuate. “Australian agriculture has a bright and prosperous future, so we need to place a high value on educating young people about where and how their food and fibre is produced,” she said. “While many children across Mallee have the opportunity to grow up on farms and experience agriculture first hand, this is a great opportunity for organisations to join with state farming groups to show kids who don’t have this opportunity what agriculture is all about. “That’s why we are delivering on an election commitment and investing up to $5-million towards the Kids To Farms program, which is all about bringing farms and kids closer together. “We need to think now about the farmers of tomorrow and how important it is for kids to have a greater understanding of the mighty con-

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Dr Anne Webster tribution agriculture makes to Australia’s way of life, regional communities and the economy.” State Farming Organisations, SFOs, are eligible applicants for grants to deliver Kids To Farms, part of the Federal Government’s $10-million Educating Kids About Agriculture election commitment.

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UNVEILING: Wimmera Machinery Field Days will provide the site for Titan Loaders to unveil its Chinese-manufactured Titan TL30 wheel loader. Visitors at the Field Days at Longerenong will be able to inspect TL20 and TL30 models, with the latter nominated in a Field Days Machine of the Year award.

NLIS management workshops A griculture Victoria will continue to present practical, hands-on workshops in March for sheep, goat and cattle producers on how to use a National Livestock Identification System database.

Workshops in Ararat on March 25 and Horsham on March 31 will walk producers through their NLIS requirements and navigation, completion of movement transactions and reporting functions on the NLIS database. Participants will also learn how to update their Property Identification Code, PIC, details. All sheep, goats and cattle tagged with an electronic NLIS tag must be transferred on the NLIS database when they are moved between two different Victorian Property Identification Codes. Agriculture Victoria technical specialist Kirstie Anderson said the aim was for producers to Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

understand their livestock traceability requirements and how to manage their NLIS database account. Recent bushfire events across Victoria has demonstrated just how important it is to keep PIC details up to date. Both sessions will run from 10am to 3pm, with lunch provided. Webinars will also be on March 16 and 23. People seeking further information on NLIS requirements and PICS can visit website agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/ national-livestock-identification-system. Organisers have urged people keen to attend to register early at agriculturevictoriaevents. eventbrite.com.au. More information on the workshops is available from Ms Anderson at Agriculture Victoria by calling 5761 1647.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Portable test for phylloxera

CSIRO researcher Steve Henry, left, during a mouse monitoring exercise in South Australia with National Mouse Group chair Ian Hastings. Picture: GRDC

griculture Victoria scientists have developed a world-leading test for rapid, in-field detection of the primary biosecurity threat to Australia’s grapevines – grape phylloxera.

Grape phylloxera is a tiny aphidlike insect pest that destroys vines by feeding on their roots and can wipe out entire vineyards within six years. It is considered the most serious insect pest threatening the profitability of Victoria’s $900-million table grape and wine industries. Managing a grape phylloxera-infected vineyard can increase on-farm costs by up to 20 percent and outbreaks can reduce vineyard profitability by up to 50 percent over 20 years. Rapid and accurate detection is critical to containing the spread of phylloxera and minimising the impact on industry. The new portable genetic test developed by Agriculture Victoria can help detect grape phylloxera in the field in less than an hour, compared with several days in a laboratory. Agriculture Victoria scientist Dr Mark Blacket said the test would enable easier and more effective surveillance of this serious pest. “This new test will help to stop the spread of grape phylloxera between properties by enabling growers and biosecurity officers to detect it much sooner,” he said. “The fact that biosecurity officers can now conduct rapid testing in the field means growers can better manage positive cases.” Grape phylloxera occurs in Victoria and New South Wales and there is no way to rid the vines of the pest after they are affected, making early detection and quarantine measures critical to its control. The new genetic test uses portable LAMP loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP, technology to analyse insect DNA. The test is being used by Agriculture Victoria through its Crop Health Services at the AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience in Victoria and is available for Agriculture Victoria’s biosecurity officers to use in the field. Together with Agriculture Victoria’s Tackling Phylloxera Program – a statewide project that aims to address the biosecurity challenges posed by phylloxera – it will improve the productivity of Victoria’s grape industries and allow for more efficient supply chains.

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Mouse numbers on the rise

gricultural researchers are warning grain growers across the region about a potential threat of rising mouse numbers during the approaching sowing season.

They raised the issue at the latest Grains Research Development Corporation National Mouse Group meeting, identifying Australia’s southern cropping region as vulnerable. Reports are that a combination of grain on the ground following strong wind before harvest last year and summer rain could promote a rapid increase in mouse populations in coming weeks. Recent monitoring and trapping efforts have detected high rates of pregnancy in females – adding to concerns about the risk of crop damage at sowing. National Mouse Group, which co-ordinates action to counter mouse plagues, includes researchers, advisers, growers and other industry stakeholders. GRDC-supported mouse researcher Steve Henry from CSIRO told the meeting the combination of grain remaining in paddocks and good rain was leading to ideal mouse-breeding. He added growers in some areas were already reporting increased mouse activity.

“Parts of the Wimmera and Mallee and South Australia’s Lower Eyre and Yorke peninsulas incurred significant head loss in November 2019 when severe winds struck,” he said. Mr Henry said large quantities of grain on the surface of paddocks could reduce the chance of mice finding toxic bait, while at the same time providing them with an ongoing food supply. “If strong winds have resulted in two tonnes per hectare of grain on the ground in some areas, that equates to up around 4000 grains per square metre,” he said. “The challenge for growers is to reduce the food load for mice in stubbles. “Putting sheep on stubbles and strategic cultivation – burying grain – will assist with food reduction, and growers should spray out any summer germinations. Seeding with knife points assists in burying residual seed – enhancing bait uptake.” Mr Henry emphasised the importance of timing bait applications. “It is critical that growers bait six weeks out from seeding if mouse numbers are reasonably high, and then follow up with another bait application off the back of the seeder if numbers are still high at sowing,”

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he said. “A six-week break between applications avoids the risk of bait aversion.” Zinc phosphide bait must be spread according to the label rate of one kilogram per hectare.

Report sightings

Mr Henry urged growers to get into their paddocks to get an accurate understanding of conditions in terms of the amount of grain on the ground and signs of mouse activity. High stubble loads hide signs of mouse activity. He said as summer spraying intensified, reports of mouse presence were expected to increase. “I also urge growers to report and map mouse activity – presence and absence – using MouseAlert, online at www.mousealert.org.au so other growers can see what activity is being observed in their neighbourhood and via Twitter using @MouseAlert.” The GRDC’s mouse-related research, development and extension program is continuing to reveal new insights about mice in Australian broadacre cropping systems. CSIRO researchers have been undertaking trials to determine if they can enhance the uptake of zinc phosphide bait by testing potential new bait substrates that might be more attractive to mice. Researchers are

testing the willingness of mice to transition from one food to another and then determining whether mice will continue to eat that alternative food source once zinc phosphide bait has been applied. GRDC research investments have shown that: mice prefer cereals over lentils; background food significantly affects consumption of bait; and strategic use of bait is more effective than frequent use of bait. The next phase of the research will examine the role of available alternative food on commercial zinc phosphide bait effectiveness. Research also includes a focus on mouse ecology. This work will involve a series of experiments aimed at understanding how mice function in zero and no-till cropping systems. Mouse ecology research will address five key topics – farming practices, managing refuge habitat, understanding mouse movements, mouse burrows and bait delivery. Data generated is providing evidence that under modern conservation farming systems, mice are remaining in paddocks year-round and establishing large burrow systems. In previous conventional tillage cropping systems, mice would move to fence lines for habitat after harvest.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Forum to focus on rabbit control

n event in Horsham next month is set to help Wimmera people learn more about best-practice rabbit management in their community, garden or small land holding.

Agriculture Victoria, supported by Laharum and Natimuk Urban Landcare groups, is hosting an urban and peri-urban rabbit control field day at Grains Innovation Park from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on March 11. Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager James Rowe said rabbits are

Australia’s most costly vertebrate pest animal, causing more than $200 million in agricultural production losses each year. “Research shows that less than a single rabbit a hectare can prevent the successful regeneration of native vegetation,” he said. “These pests out-compete and displace native animals by competing for food, shelter and water resources. “They cause detrimental effects to the landscape by spreading weeds and contributing to soil erosion, water degradation and loss of biodiversity.”

“Research shows that less than a single rabbit a hectare can prevent the successful regeneration of native vegetation” – James Rowe

Mr Rowe said everyone had a role to play in the protection of Victoria’s natural assets. “By working together, government, industry and the community can re-

PULSESEASON PRODUCT: BASF head of marketing Leta LaRush, left, and BASF Somersby site manager Kathleen Johns officially open the expanded site in New South Wales, where production has started for the company’s pulse inoculant Nodulator.

duce the impact of pest animals in Victoria,” he said. Mr Rowe said the field day would focus on control methods for bestpractice rabbit management; the identification of rabbit activity, burrows and preferred sites; demonstrations and techniques on rabbit baiting, fumigation, vegetation manipulation and harbour removal; and up-to-date information on rabbit biological control and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network. He said the event would also cover how communities could collaborate

and co-ordinate their efforts for integrated rabbit control, and the legislative requirements when controlling rabbit populations. People need to register for the field day for catering purposes on Agriculture Victoria’s website agriculture.vic. gov.au. People seeking more information or having problems registering can call Mr Rowe on 5336 6394 or Wendy McInnes on 0407 914 498.

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Support for plant, crop health W immera and Mallee farmers can access better support for plant health and crop rotation in time for the 2020 season.

International chemical giant BASF, who owns a facility at Longerenong, has invested $1.6-million to expand its BioTech Solutions site in Somersby, New South Wales, and start production of market-leading inoculant ‘Nodulator’. The granular inoculant promotes the growth of nodules on crop roots to increase growth and yield of host plants, as well as leave residual nitrogen in the soil to feed the following crop. Pulse Australia chief executive Nick Goddard, who was among guests to receive a tour of BASF’s wider production facility in Somersby, said the site’s expansion was an exciting development for the Australian Pulse Industry and the country’s farmers. “Pulses play a critical role in the crop rotation for Australian farmers and one of the main reasons for that is their ability to help reduce nitrogen requirements for subsequent crops,” he said. “Inoculants are critical in this process to ensure the pulses are given every opportunity to grow the nodule that will capture and lock nitrogen in the soil.

“The new facility is very impressive and to see this kind of investment in the pulse industry is very welcome. “I’ve learnt a lot more about inoculants from visiting the site and seeing the commitment, knowledge and passion displayed by the whole team. “The fact that we have global companies prepared to invest in Australia, in the agricultural sector, in the pulse sector, and within the inoculant sector, is very good for the future of the pulse industry in Australia.” The Australian Inoculants Research Group, AIRG, will soon test Nodulator under a National Code of Practice. Once approved, Nodulator will be the only granular product in the Australian market to receive an AIRG green tick. BASF Somersby site manager Kathleen Johns said BASF’s investment into providing customers with a ‘reliable local supply’ of the inoculant demonstrated the company’s dedication to production and biological growth in the Australian agriculture market. “We’re very proud to be able to deliver this capability right in time for the 2020 pulse season,” she said.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Leasing of agricultural land on rise

n industry report suggests leasing land is set to become increasingly common in the Australian agricultural sector, as farmers seek to expand in an environment of limited purchasing opportunities.

In its research report A New Lease on Land, agricultural banking specialist Rabobank said the incentives for leasing agricultural land were becoming more compelling for both ‘tenants’ and ‘landlords’ alike. Report author, Rabobank analyst Wes Lefroy, said leasing land provided the opportunity to ‘unlock scale’ for a growing number of farmers in an environment where there were limited properties available for purchase. “At the same time, it offers farm operators the option to adopt alternative business models and ownership structures,” he said. The report showed land owners were increasingly likely to lease out property as agricultural land became a more attractive investment class and leasing offering a flexible option for succession planning. Mr Lefroy said while leasing would continue to be more common among certain farm types and sizes – particularly larger farms and cropping enterprises – it was important that all farmers considered the value of leasing land as part of their expansion strategies. “The incentives for Australian farmers to lease a share of their operated area are already strong,” he said.

“Our recent research indicates 28 percent of farmers across the country lease some proportion of their operated area. And of those, 11 percent had increased the area of land they lease in 2019. “Over the next two years, we see the motivation for both current and prospective tenants and landlords to lease to become even stronger.”

Rabobank analyst Wes Lefroy

Leasing levels

Mr Lefroy said in his report that on a state-by-state basis, the percentage of farmers operating leased land varied considerably, with differences primarily driven by structural factors, including farm size and production type, but also by market dynamics, such as price growth and property availability. “For example, leasing is more common in South Australia and Western Australia, where there are many large grain producers,” he said. “In those states, our research showed 45 and 38 percent of farmers respectively lease some area of land they operate. “This is in contrast to New South Wales, where a greater proportion of livestock producers are located, and only 17 percent of farmers lease land.”

Growth opportunities

The report outlined how leasing was an option that enabled farmers to expand operations either as a permanent alternative to buying land or as a pathway to buying in the future. It could also overcome a lack of purchasing opportunities. Mr Lefroy said the number of agri-

cultural properties offered for sale in Australia had fallen between 40 and 50 percent in all states from 2014 to 2018. “While we expect the number of properties on the market to increase slightly in 2020, it will remain near historically low levels,” he said. “Farmers looking to expand might be forced to turn to leasing, unable to buy the right property at the right price.” In addition, the report showed that leasing instead of buying land provided an option for farmers to adopt non-traditional business models, such as sale and lease-back or equity partnerships. “This can assist farm businesses to direct capital towards other assets, such as infrastructure, instead of land,” Mr Lefroy said. He added that leasing also had a role to play in mitigating risk. “This is both by enabling farmers

to expand without taking on debt for land purchase, and also by acting to mitigate the impact of weather on profit variability by diversifying the locations in which they farm,” he said. “With the growing focus on managing climate volatility, we expect an increasing number of farmers will employ leasing of land as a means to mitigate prominent weather risks, such as frost and drought.”

Increasing availability

The report predicts an increase in the amount of Australian agricultural land that will be available for lease, driven by improved investment returns and an acceleration of farmers retiring from the industry. “Agricultural land will become even more attractive as an investment class,” Mr Lefroy said. “We expect capital appreciation of ag land to remain healthy across many regions in Australia over the next three years, while it is also not as vola-

tile as a number of other assets, which is valued by investors.” In addition, with 2020 expected to show an increase in the number of farmers choosing to leave the sector, for lifestyle reasons, especially in drought-impacted regions, more land might be offered for lease. “The option of leasing out land enables exiting farmers to achieve a lifestyle change while still waiting for the drought to break before selling, if at all,” Mr Lefroy said. The suitability of leasing rather than buying was not for all though, the report said, and varied depending on production types and individual circumstances.

Global experience

The report also showed that while the increase in the number of farmers leasing land in Australia had occurred against a backdrop of rising property prices and limited opportunities to buy, international experience revealed leasing could also increase in a depressed property market. “During the US farm crisis of the 1980s and subsequent drought, land prices in Iowa fell by more than 50 percent in real terms from 1982 to 1987. During that five-year period, the area of farmland under lease increased from 21 percent to 27 percent,” Mr Lefroy said. “Where farmers did not have to sell to meet debt obligations, leasing rather than selling enabled farmland owners to achieve lifestyle changes and avoid selling in a low market.”

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Reinforcing protein opportunity A

mid a Wimmera plant-protein-powder venture pushing full-steam ahead, research into the changing landscape of protein production in Australia estimates an additional opportunity of $19.9-billion for the sector.

Of this, $3.1-billion is attributed to alternative protein categories. The findings strongly support Australian Plant Proteins’ development of protein powder production from pulses grown in the Wimmera-Mallee. The Changing Landscape of Protein Production report, funded by AgriFutures’ Australia’s National Rural Issues Program and presented by the Australian Farm Institute, concludes

there is more than enough room for both animal-based and alternative proteins in the Australian market. Forecast global demand for protein is strong and will accommodate growth in both sectors. The report provides ground-breaking analysis which estimates there will be additional opportunities for the Australian protein sector by 2030. This includes $8.9-billion for Australian animal proteins, $7-billion for traditional plant-sourced proteins, while alternative protein products could deliver a $3.1-billion opportunity for Australian agriculture. Alternative proteins act as a substitute for traditional animal-sourced protein. This includes plant-sourced

and non-traditional proteins including plant-sourced meat, dairy and egg substitutes, cultured or cellular meat, insects and algae. AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the research provided important analysis on the size of the alternative protein trend and ‘critically’ on the implications for Australian producers and investors. “We now have the facts about the aggregate opportunities for Australian agriculture in response to an emerging market for alternative proteins up to 2030,” he said. “This means we can replace speculation with reliable forecasts to underpin policy, regulatory changes and advocacy positions.”

Mr Harvey added prioritising producing enough protein for the growing global population required a united front. “Segregation and competition between traditional and alternative protein producers are not as big a threat as expected,” he said. “Enabling traditional and alternative protein producers to work in collaboration – such as using the by-product of insect farming as feed for chickens, pigs or fish – will provide a mutual sustainability benefit.” Australian Farm Institute executive director Richard Heath said while there had been hype around the potential of so-called ‘fake meat’ as a disruptor to the livestock industry,

College wetlands project earns grant

share in a State Government agriculture grant is set to help kick-start an Ararat College School Farm Wetlands Rejuvenation Project and promote student learning in the management of invasive species.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced 12 recipients across Victoria who would receive a portion of grant program The Weeds and Rabbits Project, valued at more than $130,000. Ararat College received more than $6000. College Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning teacher and School Farm manager Anne Henry said she applied for the funding with the help of Ararat Landcare and fresh-water ecologist Ayasha Berdett. She said the money would be used as part of the college’s School Farm project – which also includes a vineyard and grassland – to foster students’ learning and help rejuvenate a wetland area. She said this would include removing weeds, refencing the boundary, monitoring water quality, replanting wetland plants, building nesting boxes and reducing fire risks. “The School Farm project is focused on teaching the students skills they can use in the future as part of the community,” she said. “The farmland is divided into three components.

INNOVATIVE: Ararat College School Farm project is divided into three areas – a vineyard, grassland and wetland. The farm includes an innovative learning space.

“There’s a vineyard, a grassland area and a wetland. The wetland area has been a very tricky bit of land to manage because it is quite overgrown. “But it has been in our sights for a while, and now with this government grant the opportunity has come up for us to put more of a focus on it. “Hopefully we will have about 50 children in total involved with the project. That includes VCE outdoor education students, biology students and VCAL students. “It’s going to be quite an encompassing project involving a variety of organisations to help promote youth engagement.” The grants program, funded by the

Commonwealth Government and delivered by Agriculture Victoria, has also provided money for projects such as a land management training program for indigenous youth in Dandenong, and outdoor activities to identify invasive species near Wangaratta and Avoca. Ms Symes said grants would help address an under-representation of young people in invasive species management, and support succession planning for the ‘inter-generational challenge of managing our landscapes’. “Invasive species are one of our most significant land management challenges – handling them is crucial to enhance our agricultural produc-

tion and natural landscapes,” she said. “We know that young people are under-represented across Victoria in these areas – we’re working to change that, which will in turn strengthen community led approaches. “We want to make sure young people are included in the conversation about how to address these issues to provide fresh ideas and ensure good land management continues into the future.” For more information about the grant recipients or invasive species management, people can visit weedsandrabbits.com/youth-engagement-projects/.

research showed the emerging market for alternative proteins should not be seen as a threat to existing production systems but as a means of diversifying choices for producers, processors and consumers. AgriFutures Australia’s National Rural Issues Program invested in the research as part of its mandate to lead cross-sectoral research into rural issues of national and global significance. The global desire for protein is at the backbone of why Australian Plant Proteins, which uses patented knowhow to turn raw pulses, especially faba beans, into a powder, has pushed strongly ahead with its Horsham project.

More money

he Federal Government has extended its Drought Community Support Initiative, DSCI, providing a further $82.75-million to continue support for farming households battling drought.

Further drought relief will also be available under a new Drought Community Outreach program. Drought Minister David Littleproud said the extension meant up to $3000 in cash payments for more farmers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppliers who were experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay for basic household expenses. “This step-up in support follows the government’s announcement last month that an additional 52 local government areas are eligible to apply for the drought communities program extension, supporting communities in the most drought-affected agricultural regions of Australia by investing in economy-stimulating local infrastructure initiatives,” he said.

Tariffs slashed Peru has slashed 99.4 percent of all tariffs on Australian produce as part of a Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the deal would open doors for Australian farmers in the Peruvian market. “Our producers will be more competitive against the United States of America, Europe and Canada – all who have deals with Peru,” he said.

NOW OPEN 99-101 DIMBOOLA ROAD,

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NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

Thomas McCluskey with the prototype of the new Gason T12000 planter bar with a twelve metre working width under construction at the Ararat plant of A.F. Gason. A road travel compliance friendly design, heavy steel construction and many operator features will certainly help this machine stand out from the competition. Gason aims for this machine to be ready in time to be featured as a new product release at the coming Wimmera Field Days. The prototype T12000 has been purchased off the drawings by Gason dealer Hicks Machinery on behalf of a local farmer. The new design and features will be available as the T12000 with a twelve metre working width and the T10000 as a ten metre working width.

GASON TO SHOW IMPORTANT NEW T12000 PLANTER BAR AT WIMMERA MACHINERY FIELD DAYS An important new cultivation equipment release designed and built by Ararat’s AF Gason will be a feature new product release at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days from March 3-5.

on either side of the central fame it closes to an overall transport width of 6.5 metres which is road travel compliant under the current rules for agricultural machinery.

The first prototype of the T12000 planter will be on display alongside significant other Gason tillage equipment air seeders and, mowers on the stand at Longerenong.

Gason’s design engineer Tom McCluskey says that “we set out to build a machine that is simple and robust in design but with new features added that give reliability for the broadacre operator.

The T12000 machine follows on from a six month long product development project undertaken at the significant Gason manufacturing complex in Ararat. The T12000 machine is an update and expansion of the company’s planter range. It has a twelve metre working width but with two hydraulically folding wings

Tom adds “we subjected the design to extensive computer stress analysis before we built the prototype machine that is currently being completed at our Ararat works ready for the Wimmera Field Days. “The first unit has been purchased off our computer drawings by our Gason dealer, Hicks Machinery on behalf of

their client a local district grain grower from north of Horsham”.

the paddock, while still getting the job done.”

A key feature of the GasonT12000 is the single row of 500/55-22.5 high floatation tubeless tyres and a rigid pull design which makes for a strong and manoeuvrable machine.

The Gason range of parallelogram or frame mounted press wheels can also be added to the machine.

The wheel spacings are three metres apart to accommodate controlled farming applications. “The T12000 has five toolbar rows with a nominal spacing of one metre. These frames are fitted with Gason’s well-proven Scaritill or Hydratill tine assemblies which provide a break out force of 140 to 310 kilograms Mr McCluskey adds that the hydraulic tines allow the operator to back-off the breakout force if there are rocks in

Identical features will also be included in the T10000 version of the machine which will have a ten metre working width. In having the prototype T12000 machine on show at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Gason will invite customer feedback to help shape their scheduled stock machine build programme for next season”. “Pairing the T12000 or T10000 with a Gason air seeder will provide a complete planting system for broadacre cropping operators”.

29-31 Blake St, Ararat, VIC 3377 Phone: (03) 5352 2151 Email: agsales@gason.com.au Page

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Just how worried should we be?

n agribusiness banking specialist fears the impact of the global coronavirus outbreak might be ‘more serious and longer-lasting’ on China food-service and trade channels if the virus remains uncontained in the next six weeks.

Rabobank officials believe the extent of the impact on Australia’s agricultural sector will be limited in the short-term. The bank’s China-based research team has reported the virus is disrupting trade, production and supply chains as well as having a significant impact on out-of-home food consumption with the closure of many food-service outlets. While the report explains that a quick and effective containment of the virus could lead to a rapid bounceback, the longer the virus is uncontained beyond March, the more extensive, sustained and structural the impact will be on the food and agriculture chain. Regardless of when the coronavirus is contained, Australian-based head of Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research Tim Hunt said it would ‘almost certainly’ have a larger impact on food and beverage industries than the global Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, SARS, epidemic in 2003 – including in Australia. Discussing the potential impacts of the virus on Australia and New Zealand’s food and agribusiness industries in a podcast, Coronavirus:

How worried should we be?, Mr Hunt said coronavirus had already spread more widely than SARS but it was Australia’s ‘much larger exposure to China’ that was the biggest difference between current events and SARS. “If we go back to 2002 just before the SARS crisis, Australia sent eight percent of its ag exports to China,” he said. “And this was largely in the form of fibre to be processed for export. “Fast forward to 2020 and Australia sends about 28 percent of its food and agricultural exports to China, much of which is consumed within China. “Add to that the stronger links that have been developed between Australia and China in terms of exports, tourism, education and investment, we have a very different environment in which we might see the potential impacts of coronavirus this time compared with SARS in 2003.” Mr Hunt said there were likely to be both first and second-round impacts of coronavirus on the Australian agricultural sector. He said the first round was already being felt by any food and ag businesses relying heavily on the food-service channel in China, particularly perishable goods. “For example, rock lobster shipments to China all but ceased in the last few weeks, while chilled meat shipments for food service are also a risk category given a lot of hot-pot restaurants are closed at the moment,” he said.

Australian-based head of Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research Tim Hunt

And while wine isn’t perishable, Mr Hunt said sales were also likely to be low for producers focused on the Chinese food-service industry. Mr Hunt said while Chinese consumption of meat, dairy and grains was unlikely to fall in the shortterm, if the virus continued for many months to come, second-round impacts – ‘likely to hit our F and A industries’ – would come into play. “Hopefully we won’t get to round two. But if we do, incomes might fall

in China and we might eventually see less growth in sales of premium food and beverages as that wealth effect starts to kick in,” he said. “And this might start to go beyond just food-service sales and logistical disruptions to potentially impacting consumption in general areas of meat, dairy, grains and seafood.” Mr Hunt added that in the event coronavirus had second-round effects, the currency exchange rate would act as an important stabiliser for Austra-

lian agricultural exporters, with the Australian dollar likely to depreciate significantly as the market responded to slowing economic growth and rising risk concerns. He said this would ‘somewhat’ offset any fall in global commodity prices when expressed in local currency terms. Mr Hunt said it would be important to closely monitor developments on how the Chinese government continued to manage the outbreak including restrictions on the food-service sector. “But the most important development will be when we see a slowdown in the rate of infection,” he said. “SARS took around three-and-a-half months for the infection to start slowing, but after that it didn’t take long for infections to cap a few weeks later. “While we have no idea how this virus will behave compared to SARS, there won’t be any easing of restrictions until it does.” Mr Hunt said it would also be critical to monitor the spread of the virus to other countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and other parts of South-East Asia, because if it spreads ‘we will start to see the same set of impacts in a second, very large set of export markets for Australia’. Rabobank’s podcasts can be found on the RaboResearch channel via any podcast app or at this link https://research. rabobank.com/far/en/sectors/regional-food-agri/PodcastCoronavirushow-worried-should-we-be.html.

MAY PARK, HORSHAM

8TH OF MARCH 2020

10AM TO 3PM FOOD & DRINKS AVAILABLE Public Entry – Gold Coin Donation Cars & Bikes $10 Ph 0429 941 241 Ph: 0418 145 225

PROCEEDS SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER WACK Donations exceed $150,000. WACK Donations are guided by a Trust Deed. www.horshamcarandbikeshow.com.au FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

PLENTY FOR EVERYONE: Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee prides itself on offering something for everyone. Pictured clockwise from above: Warren Russell bought a new kelpie puppy at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days; Mike Alexander from Black Snake Productions shows off Fluffy the freshwater crocodile at the 2019 event; Shearer Tom McGrath shows 2019 Haven students Lily Flett, Lexie Taylor, Lucy Hudson, Matilda Thornton and Aliyah Baker his shearing technique at the Field Days; and three generations of Bridgewater North farmers, from left, Steve Collins, Neil Collins and Ben Collins, scope out last year’s event. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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COME AND MEET JOSH AT THE 2020

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158 Golf Course Road, Horsham, VIC, 3400 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

0438 072 003 Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

2020 Exhibitor list Action Steel Pty Ltd.........................S1-3 Active Machinery....................... M19-23 Advantage Feeders Pty Ltd............. T6-7 Ag Gear........................................... C17 Agculture..................................... W1-11 Agrifac Australia Pty Ltd................... A23 Agrimac......................................A83-90 Agrison Australia.........................Q17-19 Ahrens............................................D1-5 Airpac Drone Solution...................... R15 Airtec Corporation....................... V25-26 AJ & SM Petrie....................................T5 Allied Grain Systems...................N30-31 Anu Tools.................................... P18-20 Ararat Auto & Ag Services............... P3-6 Armour Group................................. L4-5 Atlantic Oil..................................G11-13 Atlex Stockyards.............................C7-9 Australian Shearing Supplies........... K14 Ballarat Mahindra...........................O1-3 Ballarat Trailers & Towbars.............. P7-8 Bargain Boots.................................... R2 Batesford Quarry............................... Q3 Bearing Service Centre Swan Hill..............................................C10-11 Belle-Vue Trading Pty Ltd............A28-36 Bendigo Hat Shop...............................T4 Berrima Hay Rakes.....................C15-16 Best Ever Boots............................... D18 Bison Engineering............................ D33 Boort Tyre Centre............................. D42 Breuers United Tools......................C 1-6 Bromar Engineering........................U8-9 Bruder Australia................................. G2 BTE - Bulk Transport Equipment................................. W22-25 Bushmans Watertanks.................. P9-10 Bute Engineering Disc Chain.......... M6-9 Carine’s Merchandise.....................N3-9 Central Steel Build..........................Q4-5 CFMOTO.....................................U10-11 Challenge Implements................D34-36 Champion Stable Systems............... U12 Claas Harvest Centre – Lake Bolac..........................................A52-61 Clark Tanks...................................G9-10 Clipex Fencing & Stockyards.......Q13-14 Commander Ag-Quip..................C37-40 CompAir air compressors................. C12 Converte P/L.................................... R22 Crop Smart.....................................K4-6 Customvac Australia................... T10-11 DJ Hogan Builder/Independent Builders Network............................. C19 DJ Socks.................................... P15-17 DogMaster Trainers/Garmin............... R7 Duncan Stockcrates........................U6-7 Dunmunkle Sumpoilers...................... H1 Dunstan Farmers Engineering.... W12-19 Duraquip.....................................C35-36 Easy Field Bin.............................C33-34 Elders Rural Services......................K1-3 Emmetts.............................................E1 Endeavour Petroleum......................S4-5 Eriez Magnetics..................................T3 Extend Security................................ G19 Farm Name Signs............................ G15 Fox & Lillie Rural.............................. C23

Gason.........................................N10-14 GE Silos.............................................M5 Geronimo Farm Equipment.........U27-32 Gerry Smith Real Estate................... G20 Global Roto-Moulding................. V12-16 GNS Engineering............................. V6-7 Goldacres..................................... Y1-10 GrainRite Augers........................ M14-18 Graintec Scientific........................... T1-2 Grampians Central West WRRG.........F18 Greg McClelland NHVAS .................. R16 Grizzly........................................ V17-19 Hamilton Run Dohne Stud................ U18 Harberger Equipment..................U20-26 Hardmetals Wearmaster...................F11 Harvest & Haulmax Tyres............ T16-17 Hayspray / Bale Boost Hay Products.......................................... D50 Hecton Products Australia Ltd.......... U17 Heywood Ag Sales & Service......D31-32 Hillview Bore Pumps...................S12-13 Horsham 4x4 and Outdoor..........R23-25 Horsham Bearings & Industrial Supplies.....................................D13-17 Horsham City Isuzu Ute...............R23-25 Hose Factory.................................K9-10 Jayco Horsham...........................R26-28 Jetmaster Fireplaces......................Q1-2 Jetwave Industrial Equipment.........Q6-7 Jigg Ag Contracting.................... V30-31 John Berends Implements..............N3-9 KEENAN Australia........................ F14-15 Kingspan Rhino Water Tanks....... T14-15 Kirchner Trucks........................... V20-24 Knuckeys Winchelsea..................... X5-7 Koonik Dohne Stud ......................... U18 Kotzur Silos................................ T10-11 Landaco Equipment................... M10-11 LED Light Co...................................R8-9 Local Shed Solutions....................... K12 Lonsdale Livestock Merchants......... U14 Lowes Petroleum Service................. C22 Mac Jaguar Land Rover..................S6-8 Magnisun.......................................... Q8 Manutec Pty Ltd..............................O4-5 Marxgold Starting Solutions............. D51 Maxfab.............................................. G3 Maxi-Tankers Pty Ltd..................S10-11 McDonald Steel P/L.................... F12-13 Metalcorp Steel..........................N23-27 Michaels of Donald.....................O12-18 Midwest Fabrication...................C28-30 Mitre Rock Poll Merino Stud............. U18 Mobishear Australia......................... U16 Morrow Motor Group...................D23-27 Natimuk Solar.............................D48-49 Nelson Silos................................N28-29 Nhill Silos.................................. W26-27 Northern Grampians Shire Council..... R5 Norton Livestock Handling Solutions........................................U4-5 Nutrien Ag Solutions...........................F1 O’Connors Farm Machinery.................J1 Optimum Grain Silos & Augers......... C18 Outback Sam Campers...............R17-18 Ozatts.........................................Q10-12 Oztec Chaser Bins..................... M24-25 Ozvalue Ag Machinery................. W1-11 Paton Livestock Equipment............. X2-3 Peter McRobert Machinery......... M26-29 PJ Green......................................... X5-7 Plastic Fusion Service........................ G1 Points Direct P/L................................ S9 Polaris – Traction Ag.....................D9-10

Polymaster.................................K15-18 Power Hound Attachments................. U3 Prickly Moses Mobile Brewery............F1 Precise Farm Solutions.................... B19 Primary Sales Australia...............N16-18 Professional Nibbler......................... G18 Rabobank...................................D11-12 Red River Stockyards.................. X20-35 Redgum Products...........................Q6-7 Rex Stotten Machinery....................... Q9 RFM Ag...................................... M12-13 RFM NT Pty LTd..........................N19-22 Ringers Western – The Signature Bull.................................................... N1 Riordan Grain Services.................... K11 Riteway Farming Australia..........C31-32 Rivercity Trailers & Metal Fabrication..................................... V3-5 Rosenow Cladding............................. R4 Rotech Rural......................................M3 Scania Australia......................... W20-21 Schinckel Hayrakes....................B26-30 Seed Force........................................ G5 Serafin Machinery.......................B20-22 Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Vic............................................ R3 Silo Upgrades.................................... U2 SLTEC Fertilizer..................................M4 Smale Farm Equipment...............N16-18 Smallaire Pty Ltd............................... N2 Smarttek Smart Hot Water Systems.......................................... R12 South East Marine and Motorcycles................................Q15-16 Spitwater....................................... M1-2 Stephen Pasture Seeds................... T8-9 Stockpro....................................... V8-11 Stucchi Australia.........................G11-13 Super Tools Aust............................. X1-2 Superaxe – Whitlands Engineering... K13 Swan Hill Chemicals...................D44-45 Swanbuild Pty Ltd.............................. R6 Swayn & McCabe.........................O6-11 Taipan........................................ T12-13 Te Pari............................................. U13 Techgrow....................................B10-18 Titan Australia............................. P11-12 TKV.................................................G7-8 Top Dog Kennels.........................R10-11 Traction Ag – AgCo.....................A62-71 Tri State Weighing.......................D46-47 UTF Australia..................................D6-8 Vactrax.............................................. G4 Vagabond Tours & Swagman Stockcrates................................C20-21 Valton Feeding Solutions............... L6-12 Vennings..................................... L13-18 Victory Equipment.......................B23-25 Volvo Penta...................................... D43 Wahroonga Enterprises Pty Ltd...A38-47 Wallers Bushman’s Outfitters...... F19-20 Waratah Fencing.........................D28-30 Waringa Agriculture....................C25-27 Webbcon Marine.........................S14-15 West Wail-White Suffolk & Dohne Merino Stud..................................... U15 Western Star Trucks.................... V27-29 Western Victorian Wholesalers.... P13-14 Whites Rural...............................C13-14 Wilson Bolton.................................. L1-3 Wimmera Mallee Ag Pty Ltd........A77-82 Wimmera Precon............................. G14 Wimmera Outdoors.......................... G17 Wimmera Small Engines.............D21-22 Worm Hit..........................................F17

ADM Trading Australia Ag Leader Agpoint Australia Agricultural Energy Agriculture Victoria AGT Foods Australia Alpha Group Consulting Alterra Arag Australia AWB Baling Australia Best Environmental Technologies Bingham Agriculture BLM Bonney Energy Cancer Council DELWP drumMUSTER Farmers Edge Farmscan Pty Ltd Geo Commodities Grain Brokers Australia Graincorp Operations Great Western Tillage GWM Water Harwood Grains Integrated Packaging Liquid Systems (SA) Nufarm Pacific Global Sprouts PB Seeds Precise Farm Solutions Prime Super Quality Testing Ridley Agriproducts Superior Silos Ag Hub The Wimmera Grain Company Unigrain Pty Ltd Victorian Farmers Federation Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party Wattletree Consulting Western Ag Supplies Westpac Banking Corporation WFI Wimpak Pty Ltd

Achmea Farm Insurance ANZ Adjusta Mattress Ambulance Victoria Ballarat Clarendon College Ballarat Grammar School Bendigo Bank Brendan’s Australian Tours Bug R Off! Pest Busters Centacare CFA Clarks Removals and Storage Complete Gutter Solutions CPR Gutter Protection Des Lardner’s Organic Natural Health Clinic

Earth Resources Federation University Australia Grundfos Pumps Holy Trinity Lutheran College Horsham & District Lapidary Club Inc Horsham Rural City Council HR Products Iluka Resources JG King Homes JK Milling Pty Ltd Liberal Party of Australia Victorian Division Lincoln College Longerenong College LX Group Marcus Oldham College Monivae College NAB Agribusiness National Centre for Farmer Health National Hearing Care National Insurance Brokers Nationals Party – Victoria Onga Pumps Orange Pumps Pacific Labour Facility Pacific Labour Mobility Philmac Pty Ltd Promotional Products and Uniforms Regional Investment Corporation Relay For Life Rural Bank Rural Financial Counselling Service – Wimmera Sth West Inc. Safe Ag Systems Saines Lucas Solicitors SAS Consulting Skillinvest St John Mobile CPR Learning Lab St Patricks College Ballarat Telstra The Wimmera Mail Times Turmerix Victoria Ultramatic Vic SES VV Electrical & Solar WDEA Works Wim Resource Pty Ltd Wimmera Aquatrail Wimmera CMA Wimmera Health Care Group Wimmera Mail-Times Wimmera Primary Care Partnership Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group Worksafe Victoria Yes Optus Horsham

Ambulance Victoria CentaCare.............................................. Des Lardners Organic Natural Health Clinic Mens Shed Horsham National Centre for Farmer Health National Hearing Care Relay for Life Royal Flying Doctor Service St John Mobile CPR Learning Lab West Wimmera Health Service Wimmera Health Care Group Wimmera Primary Care Partnership Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group

Champion Stable Systems Hamilton Run Dohnes Hecton Products Aust Koonik Dohne Stud Lonsdale Livestock Merchants Mitre Rock Poll Merino Studs Mobishear Australia Norton Livestock Handling Solutions Paton Livestock Equipment Stockpro Te Pari West Wail White Suffolks

Kensal Estate Wines Kingsman Collection Love Your Travels Natural Distilling Co Network Mobility Horsham Norwex Original Spirit Co Out & About Clothing Salami Shack Samaritan’s Purse Australia Ltd Smartvac Containers SoHo Active Southern Skin Cancer Clinic Step Forward Orthotics The Fudge Factory Tracey Kruger’s Farm Books and Prints Tupperware Twins Pantry

Adele’s Shoe Gallery Aroma Joy Barbeques Galore Best Rest Beds Callipari Wine & Food – Ned Kelly Red Clothing & Mobile Phone Accessories Cloud 9 Hanging Chairs Crystal Clear Glasses Keegan Nurseries Kustom Kegs Letzgetwired M & M Bamboo & Hemp Prickly Moses and Otway Rainforest Distillery Riely’s Little Lolly Shop Steiny’s Traditional Mettwurst Victoria Police Mobile Van Wimmera Hearing Society Inc

Booked a site at the field days? Breuers Party & Event Hire taking bookings now

Call to find out about our marquees, pagodas and shade tents (small to large) ... and we can also deliver tables, chairs, air-conditioners and fans to keep you cool!

We have everything you will need! PH: 5382 2242

105 STAWELL ROAD, HORSHAM VIC 3400

www.breuershire.com.au Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020

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SECONDHAND MACHINERY SALES

$242,000 inc. GST 2012 S690 Class 9 STK Header

$264,000 inc. GST 2012 S680 Class 8 Header

D L O

Approx 1650 rotor hours. Stock #64.

$176,000 inc. GST Case 7120 Class 7 Header

With 40’ front. Approx 1900 rotor hours. Stock #109.

$88,000 inc. GST 2004 CR970 Claas 7

$16,500 inc. GST Massey Ferguson 5435 80hp

$33,000 inc. GST Fendt 411

$121,000 inc. GST Fendt 924

$275,000 inc. GST 2019 Fendt 822

from $55,000 inc. GST Macdon Fronts - Rigid or Flex JD 640D Fronts

$110,000 inc. GST 2009 Massey Ferguson 9895

$203,000 inc. GST JD 7210R

$16,500 inc. GST Case CX70 Tractor

$225,000 inc. GST 2016 Krone 1290

$88,000 inc. GST Rogator 1286C

$264,000 inc. GST 2012 Rogator 1300RE

$27,000 inc. GST 2012 Gold Acres 3018

Approx 2200 rotor hours. Stock #63.

FWA tractor with air conditioned cab. Stock #43.

Stock #99.

3x4, 8 string, 35,000 bales

110hp, 50K, full suspension, Vario. Stock #42.

240hp, 50K, Vario transmission, full suspension. Stock #10.

Class 8, with 40’ or 45’ front, approx 1700 rotor hours. Stock #C10

36m boom, 6000L tank, X25 spray controller, auto steer. Stock #C20

36m, 6300L, 1900 hours. Stock #68.

With 42’ front. Approx 3000 rotor hours. Stock # 61.

220hp, 65K, Vario, only 200 hours, suit new buyer. Stock #121.

70hp, FWA, air conditioned cab.

3000L, 18m. Stock #67

Prices inc. GST

Page

Jadan 6 Bale Stacker

Edith

RO AD

Pa l

Av e

3x4 bales.

Located at Lot 1 Palm Avenue, off Dooen Road, HORSHAM www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Krone 826 Rotary Rake

Pryors Rd

0428 338 998

$25,300

inc. GST

Lo t

KYM GROSSER

D L O

$30,800

inc. GST

Case 160 Header, all parts including front. AGCO 9250, flex front, most parts. Manitou MLT745, 2015 model, booms, transmission, drives, various parts. MF2190, Baler parts, complete pick up (suit 2170), various parts. JD7810 Tractor, various parts. JD7930 Tractor, various parts. MF7475, DynaVT Vario transmission, most parts.

Wrecking Parts JD946/956 MOCO, Wrecking for parts, good tri lobe roller etc. Krone 320 Disc Mower, Wrecking for parts. MF9152 Sickle MOCO, Wrecking for parts, good herringbone rollers, suit MF1375. Macdon D60, Various parts. Manitou MLT735, Manitou MLT telehandler, varieous parts, boom transmission final drives Gleaner N6, all parts new overhauled Alison engine, front.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2020